NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: https://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/377644
Campground to Sandy Beach, offering attendees more than 1,000 acres of white sand to ride. Food vendors, dealer displays, a poker run, live entertainment, sand drag races, kids barrel races and a climbing wall provided by New Life Outdoor Adventures will also be part of the weekend. The Jamboree was made possible by a two-year planning effort from many organizations, including the Ogallala/ Keith County Chamber of Commerce and the Nebraska Off-Highway Vehicle Association, which has similar events in Genoa. Now in the event's second year, Jamboree organizers continually look to expand. "We always need to be looking at ways to improve the experience, which includes new terrain, new events and new participants," said Haggard, who would like to see more organized events and possibly a larger riding area in the future. "I believe that we will see 500 registered machines attending the Big Mac ATV Jamboree if we continue to grow the event." The Jamboree also fills up campsites at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area during quieter times of the year, said Colby Johnson, the area's superintendent. Both events provide a great opportunity to enjoy the area during the off-season, when the large crowds and bugs are gone, and the weather is still enjoyable. "We are really optimistic about the future of this event," said Brenda Ketchum, president of the Ogallala/ Keith County Chamber of Commerce. "So many of the ATV participants stay at the lake and create a village of friends – the atmosphere is infectious." Only event-registered ATVs are allowed at the Jamboree; ATVs are not allowed at Lake McConaughy during any other time of the year. For details and registration, visit Explorekeithcounty.com. ● Nebraska National Forest, Bessey Ranger District near Halsey Open to ATVs, dirt bikes, dune buggies, jeeps, sand rails, snowmobiles and trucks on designated trails. ● Nebraska National Forest, Pine Ridge Ranger District, Oglala National Grassland near Chadron Open to ATVs, dirt bikes, dune buggies, jeeps, sand rails, snowmobiles and trucks on designated trails. ● McKelvie National Forest near Valentine Open to ATVs, dirt bikes, dune buggies, jeeps, sand rails, snowmobiles and trucks. ● Flat Rock Riders OHV Park near Sutherland Open to ATVs and dirt bikes. ● Harlan County Reservoir in Alma Open to ATVs, dirt bikes, jeeps, sand rails and trucks. ● Headworks OHV Park near Genoa Open to ATVs, dirt bikes and snowmobiles. ● Arcadia Riverview Recreation Open by private landowners to ATVs to use the 13-mile scenic trail between Arcadia and Loup City. OCTOBER 2014 • NEBRASKAland 57 UTV riders Zach Douglas, Gabbie Bergan, Lee North and Sidney Kelker from Colorado normally ride in the mountains, but come to Lake McConaughy for new terrain. "This is a different world to be on when riding," said North. "The things we ride on are close to trees and are tight areas. It's nice to come ride on the sand for a change." The sandy beaches and areas with dips, ravines and water make for a unique riding experience for those attending the ATV Jamboree. OTHER PLACES TO RIDE View the Nebraska Off-Highway Vehicle Trails Guide. V V