Take a break from big city life with a lake trip in Nebraska. Spend your weekend getaway or week-long vacation sailing or water skiing on a lake, or exploring the hiking trails that surround the shorelines. By booking a stay at one of numerous lakefront Nebraska vacation rentals, your getaway will be unforgettable. That said, check out the most notable lakes in Nebraska.
1. Harry Strunk Lake
Nestled in the Medicine Creek State Recreation Area, Harry Strunk Lake is a popular summer hotspot for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Bring your fishing poles from your vacation rental to try your hand in this 1,768-acre lake, and then plan to get to know the area when treating the family to attractions in nearby Cambridge, such as the Cross Creek Golf Links Course.
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2. Lake McConaughy
As the largest lake in Nebraska, Lake McConaughy is a popular tourist spot year-round. Spend the warmer months windsurfing and sailing on the waters, and the colder months ice fishing and hiking the trails along the lake. Make your lake getaway an educational experience with a tour of the Boot Hill Cemetery and the Mansion on the Hill. If you want to get in some retail therapy, Front Street is the best place to find antiques and specialty shops.
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3. Holmes Lake
Enjoy the big city attractions and the lakefront views when booking a vacation rental in Lincoln. Holmes Lake is nestled in the heart of the city and gives you and the family a chance to jet ski, canoe, or kayak with rentals from North Conway Boat Rentals. Get wet and wild in the lake, and then spend a few days exploring the city’s attractions, such as the Museum of American Speed, the Sunken Gardens, and the Lincoln Children’s Museum. A stop in at the Nebraska State Capitol Building is also a prime choice for the history buffs.
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4. Branched Oak Lake
Make your vacation destination near the largest Nebraska lake in the eastern region and spend your days swimming, canoeing, and fishing in the cool waters during the warmer months. This Nebraska lake offers 1,800 acres of water and sits adjacent to a large recreation area that is home to hiking trails, an equestrian center, two swimming beaches, and multiple marinas. Also known as a popular wine country area, the lake is in close proximity to WineCrest Winery and the James Arthur Vineyard.
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5. Lake Maloney
Make North Platte your vacation destination and enjoy scenic views of Lake Maloney, a 1,000-acre lake that hosts wildlife along the shorelines. Treat the kids to an afternoon at Cody Park to see the vintage railroad cars, or take a hike on the trails of the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park. When you want to make a splash in the lake, rent canoes, kayaks, and tubes from the Lake Maloney State Recreation Area.
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6. Calamus Reservoir
Located in Burwell, the Calamus Reservoir features views of lush trees and wooded areas that are ideal for the outdoor enthusiasts. After fishing, canoeing, and swimming in the reservoir with gear from Calamus Outfitters, head out to explore the wild west at the nearby Rowse’s 1+1 Ranch.
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7. Lewis and Clark Lake
Located on the border of South Dakota and Nebraska, Lewis and Clark Lake is a mecca for windsurfing and water skiing. Enjoy the warm summer temperatures when renting watercrafts from the Lewis and Clark Marina. Learn how to perfect your fishing techniques with a guided tour by the Gavin’s Point National Fish Hatchery, or head to Gavin‘s Point Dam for breathtaking views of the water and the lush shoreline.
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8. Lake Wanahoo
Visit the Nebraska city of Wahoo and spend your days fishing in Lake Wanahoo that is fully stocked with blue catfish, walleye, northern pike, and crappie. This small man-made lake was crafted in the early 1990s and has quickly become a popular hotspot for spring, summer, and fall activities. Continue your family adventures when exploring the city of Wahoo, located one mile from the lake, with tours of the Saunders County Museum Complex and the historic Howard Hanson House.
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9. Fremont Lakes
Spend your summer days boating and water skiing on Fremont Lakes, located in the heart of the Fremont State Recreation Area. This eastern Nebraska recreational area is home to 40 acres of land and 300 acres of water in 20 sandpit lakes. Before retreating back to your cozy vacation rental, explore the Fremont area with trips to the Fremont Splash Station, the Louis E May Museum, and the Fremont and Elkhorn Valley Railroad.
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10. Lake Minatare
Admire the view from the Minitare Dam before swimming and fishing in Lake Minatare. After water-filled adventures, take a family photo at the Lake Minatare Lighthouse, or the Scotts Bluff National Monument in nearby Gering. Pick up some fresh fruits and veggies year-round at the Winter Farmers Market to take back to your vacation rental. This lake is also within close proximity to the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Nature Center that features opportunities to see wildlife up close while hiking the trails.
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