38 Nebraskaland • July 2020
early everything about Lake
McConaughy is big. At 30,000
surface acres, it is Nebraska's
largest reservoir, its dam is among
the largest of its kind in the world, and
its fi sh grow to trophy proportions,
accounting for several state records.
Even its nickname, "Big Mac," refl ects
its size.
Located 8 miles northeast of
Ogallala, Lake McConaughy State
Recreation Area is known to most
Nebraskans and residents of
neighboring states as a great place for
outdoor recreation. Lake Mac's white
sand beaches and clear waters are
highly valued by those seeking outdoor
fun. The lake draws campers, boaters,
wind surfers, swimmers, picnickers,
scuba divers, hunters and anglers.
Located on the east side of Kingsley
Dam, Lake Ogallala is known locally
as "the little lake" and is small, gentle
and sedate at 320 acres. This state
recreation area is a well-known family
destination, renowned for its fi shing,
birdwatching, camping and kayaking
opportunities. Though it lacks the
sandy beaches of its neighbor to the
west, its protected shoreline wards off
winds, providing visitors peace.
In 2016, the Nebraska Game and
Parks Commission approved the Lake
McConaughy/Lake Ogallala Master
Plan, a collaborative eff ort between
the Commission and state and local
stakeholders, to develop the parks for
the future and protect critical natural
resources.
Since its implementation in
2017, Game and Parks has invested
more than $4 million in repairs and
improvements to the parks, upgrading
campground utilities, restrooms, boat
docks, angler access areas, and park
entrance stations, and improving
accessibility.
The Commission and local
stakeholders will continue to
make signifi cant investments in
infrastructure and services. By
expanding recreational opportunities
and providing safe, family-friendly
outdoor experiences, our hope is to
bring this area into the future for the
next generation of park users.
N
L a ke
M c C o n a u g h y
S t a t e
R e c r e a t i o n
A r e a
Big Changes at the Big Lake
By Julie Geiser
N
PHOTO
BY
ERIC
FOWLER
