A
ll-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
have never been legal on the
beaches of Nebraska's state
parks. That is, until two years ago
when an exception was made at
Lake McConaughy after Travis
Haggard, executive director of Keith
County Area Development, and several
ATV enthusiasts had the idea to hold a
weekend-long open ride. Approved
by the Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission and the Central Nebraska
Public Power and Irrigation District,
the event is now known as the ATV
Jamboree, and its motto is "Get sand
in your tracks at Lake Mac!"
The event attracts riders of all
ages to the beach, including those
from across Nebraska and other states.
Due to its popularity, the Jamboree
has expanded from one event in 2013
to two events this year – the first was
April 4-6. Riders can still register for
the upcoming October 3-5 Jamboree.
Open riding of ATVs and UTVs
(utility terrain vehicles) is allowed
during the Jamboree from the event
headquarters at Little Thunder
GETTING SAND IN
YOUR
TRACKS AT
BIG
MAC
Story and photos by Julie Geiser
56 NEBRASKAland • OCTOBER 2014
Lake McConaughy
Located 8 miles northeast of
Ogallala, Lake McConaughy is
Nebraska's largest reservoir
providing some of the finest water
sports recreation in the state.
The area offers camping, several
boat ramps, modern restrooms,
dump stations, camp pads with
electricity, water, vault toilets, picnic
tables, fish cleaning stations and
concessions with rental boats. The
lake also has a spectacular visitor
and water interpretive center one-
half mile south of Kingsley Dam on
Nebraska Highway 61.
Brady White of Kearney rides frequently near Genoa but took advantage
of Lake McConaughy's sand dunes when he had the chance.
