Nebraska is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. We have seemingly endless lakes for boating, fishing, swimming, and all kinds of other watery fun. Need some inspiration for your next weekend getaway? These are some of the best lakes in Nebraska, perfect for an unplugged day where you can enjoy a more natural landscape. All of them offer a variety of activities for everyone in the family, so no matter your age, you’re sure to love your time at one of these picturesque Nebraska lakes.

1. Branched Oak Lake, Near Malcolm
Branched Oak Lake, West Oak, NE 68428, USA
flickr/Overduebook
Branched Oak is the largest of the Lincoln area's Salt Valley Lakes. In this beautiful January shot, the water is frozen and perfectly reflecting the blue sky.
2. Calamus Reservoir, Burwell
Calamus Reservoir, Nebraska 68823, USA
TripAdvisor/nebraskafisherman
The Calamus Reservoir is a favorite Nebraska recreation area. It's a large, picturesque lake in Nebraska where families can spend all day and never get bored.
3. Fremont Lakes, Fremont
Fremont Lakes Recreation Road, Fremont Lakes Recreation Rd, Platte, NE 68025, USA
flickr/Overduebook
The 20 sandpit lakes at Fremont State Recreation Area offer swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing - everything you could hope for on a summer day!
4. Harlan County Reservoir, Harlan County
Harlan County Lake, Nebraska, USA
Anna/Google Reviews
The Harlan County Reservoir is Nebraska's second largest lake, right behind Lake McConaughy. It's a favorite of anglers, and if you stop by in the winter you might just see the amazing yearly bald eagle migration.
5. Harry Strunk Lake, Cambridge
Medicine Creek State Recreation Area, 40611 Rd 728, Cambridge, NE 69022, USA
Nebrasaka Game and Parks
Harry Strunk Lake, also known as Medicine Creek State Recreation Area, is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Nebraska.
6. Lake Maloney, North Platte
Lake Maloney State Recreation Road, North Platte, NE, USA
Mark Johnson/Google Reviews
Not too far outside of North Platte, Lake Maloney is a lovely setting with great fishing, boating and swimming. As you can see, it's also one of the best lakes in Nebraska to sit back and watch the sunset!
7. Lake McConaughy, Near Ogallala
McConaughy Lake, Nebraska, USA
BirdsEyePix/Flickr
The largest lake in Nebraska also happens to be one of the state's favorite places to spend time in nature. In addition to fishing and swimming, you'll find windsurfing, a sailboat regatta, and a ton of other awesome activities.
8. Lake Minatare, Near Minatare and Scottsbluff
Lake Minatare State Recreation Area, 290770 Main Rd, Minatare, NE 69356, USA
SouthFlaGal69/TripAdvisor
Located in the Panhandle, Lake Minatare is one of the best lakes in Nebraska for fishing and boating. The Minitare Dam is considered an historic structure that's eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also, this Nebraska lake is home to the state's only lighthouse...well, technically it's a replica lighthouse.

9. Lake Wanahoo, Near Wahoo

This is a wonderful overview of Lake Wanahoo as seen from an ultra-light aircraft. Lake Wanahoo is a relatively new man-made lake in Nebraska that provides flood control for the Wahoo area as well as providing a fun place for boating and fishing.

10. Merritt Reservoir, Cherry County
Merritt Reservoir, Nebraska 69201, USA
flickr/Diana Robinson
Located in a lovely valley 26 miles from Valentine, the reservoir is fed from Snake River and Boardman Creek. It's a favorite spot for anglers from all over the state, but if you'd like to trade in your rod and reel for a telescope and wait until dark, you'll be treated to quite the starry sky! Its remote location and lack of light pollution makes this lake in Nebraska one of the best spots for stargazing.
11. Swanson Reservoir, Trenton
Visit Nebraska
Also known as Trenton Dam, this Nebraska lake offers year-round fishing and a seriously beautiful beach.
12. Two Rivers State Recreation Area, Waterloo
TripAdvisor/Jason M.
Two Rivers is home to several sandpit lakes, all adding up to 320 acres of water. Visitors say the fishing here is fantastic, so bring your rod and see if you can catch yourself dinner!

Next time you’re looking for “lakes near me” in the Cornhusker State, be sure to check out one of these awesome lakes in Nebraska.

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Jackie Ann | June 22, 2022

Which state parks should I visit in Nebraska?

There are eight state parks in Nebraska, and each one showcases a different side of the Cornhusker State. You can’t beat the mountain views at Chadron State Park, Nebraska’s first state park. If you’re looking for more of a prehistoric adventure, the petroglyphs at Indian Cave Park are believed to be thousands of years old and are truly one of Nebraska’s most historic attractions. For more modern fun, head over to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park where you can enjoy disc golf, paddle boating, and splashing around at the water park.

Are there any good swimming holes in Nebraska?

When those temperatures begin to rise, swimming holes all across Nebraska start filling up. Luckily for Cornhuskers, Nebraska lakes are known for their clarity and become quite popular swimming holes in the summer. One of the most popular swimming holes is Lake McConaughy, the biggest lake in Nebraska. Known to locals as “Lake Mac,” you’ll find pure bliss after sinking your toes into the sandy beach at this scenic lake in Nebraska.

What are the most beautiful beaches in Nebraska?

Because Nebraska is a landlocked state, many believe that we don’t have beautiful beaches to enjoy. As we previously mentioned, Lake McConaughy has a beautiful beach to sprawl out on, but there are many others, too! Calamus State Recreation Area is another popular summertime spot that’s one of the most beautiful lakes in Nebraska, with plenty of beaches along the shoreline so you can find your own little space to get away from the crowds.

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