30 Nebraskaland • July 2023
et down camp on lush, green lawns and
manicured campsites. Drop a line from
a picture-worthy fi shing pier, or slowly
work your way across a no-wake lake
inside a boat. Then at the end of the day, sit
back with a drink to watch the golden light sink
below the glistening lake at your feet — it's
like you've arrived in paradise without having
to hop onto a plane. Find these comforts and
more at Summit Lake State Recreation Area
near Tekamah, where metro-area Nebraskans
can have their summer family getaway just a
relatively short drive from home.
Summit Lake SRA is a great place to land,
whether you're a yearlong planner, weekend
warrior or a pick-up-and-go adventurer.
Campers can snag one of the park's 33 fi rst-
come, fi rst-served basic campsites or 43
electric campsites, half of which can be
reserved in advance. Those wishing to stay
longer will appreciate the modern, centrally-
located shower house. And families with
young children will love the newly-built
playground.
The 190-acre lake off ers bountiful fi shing,
with crappie, bluegill, bass, catfi sh and
walleye in its waters. And hopefully with
spring and summer rains, the park's swimming
beach will return to its former glory; to remove
sediment, a lake renovation in 2022 required
part of Summit Lake to be drained, said
park superintendent Jordan Swenson. Two
serviceable boat ramps allow for no-wake
boating.
Hikers, cyclists and horseback riders will
enjoy the surrounding 345 acres of gently
rolling land. New this year, the park's former
two miles of multi-use trail has been extended
to nearly 10 miles, thanks to the Nebraska
Trailriders Association who spearheaded the
project. Another amenity: Bowhunters can
keep up with practice at the archery range.
Finally, after a full day outdoors, head back
to camp to enjoy a meal by the fi re or take
advantage of the park's 73 picnic tables, 64
grills and two picnic shelters. Or, if you don't
feel like cooking, visit Way North Restaurant
and Lounge, which you can't miss, as the
restaurant picturesquely overlooks the lake on
County Road G.
Summit Lake SRA is the staycation you
wish you knew about sooner.
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