Experiencing Nebraska's Largest Lake - Lake McConaughy

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of the state of Nebraska usually isn't lakes or boating or even water.  Considering that it's a triple landlocked state, water just isn't what springs to mind. Maybe beef or Cornhuskers. But there are lakes and rivers to be found and we found it's largest lake, Lake McConaughy, last summer. 

We've gone boating on visits to Colorado in the past but often times those lakes have no swimming or boating rules or they are just too darned cold to enjoy. Researching some summer boating options we found Lake McConaughy or Lake Mac, as it's sometimes called, located in the Southwestern corner of Nebraska. It's the largest reservoir in Nebraska and it offers boating, fishing, swimming, camping and even parasailing. Beach camping is one of the most unique features of Lake Mac. You can pull your camper on the beach or pitch a tent in designated areas.( Just be aware that there is the possibility of getting stuck and having to be towed. There are several private towing services to help if that happens) Curiosity got the better of me and I just had to experience it. So off we went to Ogallala, Nebraska over the July 4th holiday weekend.

Notice the tractors available to pull campers out of the sand

It's about a 3 hour easy drive up I-76 East from Denver to Lake Mac.( In fact, there were many Coloradans here boating and enjoying the lake as we were) We arrived on Friday night, stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, went out for dinner - I highly recommend The Urban Farmer (though to be honest there aren't many choices) and got ready for an all day boating extravaganza on Saturday.

The view from our hotel - I like the one little sunflower in the bottom right corner

We reserved our boat in advance from Big Mac Marina. They have boat rentals, jet ski rentals, ice, gas and other sundry items you might need for a day on the lake. We woke up to an incredibly windy day, with white caps on the lake, and weren't sure if we would still be able to rent the boat. The good people at Big Mac Marina told us that our ride across the lake would be really rough but once we arrived on the eastern shore, all would be well. And they were correct. 

I've been boating in four foot waves on Lake Erie - we once even rescued a father and son off of their capsized boat in a storm - but these were some of the roughest waves I've been in. Luckily, Mr. UR is a very experienced boat captain and knew what he was doing (the marina hand asked him if he wanted a job after docking the boat with ease in the waves) We were all completely soaked with the water splashing the entire pontoon boat - I have never been on a boat where waves splashed in my ear before but I guess there's a first time for everything. On a bright note, it was a great day for sailing or windsurfing.

And then upon arrival at the beach some twenty minutes later, there was perfect calm. Peaceful clear water that you could float or sit in, a white sandy beach and no one around. Maybe 2 or 3 other boats went by or pulled up for awhile. 

So if you are ever in Denver or Nebraska and feel the need to get yourself in some cool, clear water, then give Lake McConaughy a try. It's a bit off the beaten path but well worth it for water lovers.

How about you? Have you heard of Lake Mac? Or do you have any recommendations for boating in Colorado or Nebraska?

Linking up with: My Corner of the World at Photographing New Zealand and The Weekend Wanderlust Weekend Travel Blog Party!