If you’re looking for something to do in the town of Ogallala, Nebraska, there are many things to consider. The city has a history dating back to the days of the Pony Express, and is a stop on the transcontinental railroad. It’s also the site of the Ogallala Aquifer.
Lake Ogallala
There are a number of activities to enjoy in and around Lake Ogallala, Nebraska, and the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, which is located in the Goodall Recreation Center. The center also has a new accessible splash pad recreation area that will open in 2021.
If you’re looking for something more educational, you can visit the Water Interpretive Center, which includes a 50-seat theater and a Cabela’s Aquarium. The center is an excellent way to learn about the lake’s history and the river system that feeds it. There’s also an Eagle Viewing facility, which is open in early January and is a great place to see bald eagles congregate below the Kingsley Dam. You can also take in local festivals and rodeos.
During the fall, the lake is a waterfowl hunting area. The Clear Creek Waterfowl Management Area attracts substantial numbers of Canada geese during this time. If you’re not into hunting, the nearby Lake McConaughy is a perfect destination for ice boating and skateboarding. The area is also great for backpackers.
Lake McConaughy is a reservoir on the North Platte River, nine miles north of Ogallala. It’s located near the Nebraska Highway 61 and U.S. Highway 26. It is named for grain merchant Charles W. McConaughy, a former mayor of Holdrege, Nebraska, who helped plan the project. He died before the project was completed, but the reservoir helped make Nebraska a leading agricultural state.
Lake McConaughy
Ogallala is a town in Keith County, Nebraska, with a population of 4,737 in 2010. The city’s origins date back to the days of the Pony Express, and it was also an important stop along the transcontinental railroad. It is also known as the location of the Ogallala Aquifer.
Lake McConaughy is home to a variety of wildlife. There are 16 species of reptiles around the lake, including turtles, lizards, and snakes. Most of them are rare, but some are very large. In addition to the fish, you may also encounter piping plovers and least terns that nest nearby.
One of the most popular attractions at the Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area is a visit to the lake itself. This reservoir, which is approximately 35 square miles in size, is a popular spot for fishing and boating. There are also opportunities to build a sandcastle or try stand-up paddleboards. Wind sports are also popular on the lake.
Walleyes are the most common species caught at Lake McConaughy, and this lake has the state record for catching the largest walleye in Nebraska. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission also stocks the lake with young walleyes each year. The fish are very popular as sport fish, and despite the fact that they are predatory, they do not shy away from other fish. They also like to feed on small mammals and insects.
Mansion on the Hill
Built in 1887, the Mansion on the Hill was the town’s finest residence when it was completed. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is built of red bricks kilned in the area. It was originally the home of the McWilliams family, who were bankers in the town. They often entertained guests in the home.
This mansion is a great place to visit during warm weather. It is located on the hilltop in Ogallala and is open Tuesday through Saturday. On Sunday, the hours are a bit longer. You can enjoy the museum from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Mansion on the Hill in Ogallaland, Iowa, is a nationally recognized historic site. The building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. Located at 10th and Spruce, the Mansion is open to the public.
Walking tours
If you have a love for the outdoors, walking tours in Ogallala can be just the thing for you. You can see the town’s iconic Carhenge, a stone replica of the famous Stonehenge, and explore the town’s historical markers. The area is also home to many artifacts, including Native American artifacts, fossils, and ancient woods.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the things to do for all ages in Ogallala, and there are several places where you can do it. One of the best places to go fishing is Lake Ogallala, which is well known for its rainbow trout, catfish, and yellow perch. The lake has public boat ramps and a wheelchair-accessible fishing dock. Other fish that you can catch in Ogallala include bluegill and channel catfish, which are the two most popular panfish species in North America. Fly fishing is increasingly popular in this region as well.
Ogallala is also home to Lake McConaughy, which is a treasure for anglers. This lake is home to trophy-size bass and is a prime destination for fishing in Nebraska. Those visiting the area should also check out the nearby Sutherland Supply Canal, which offers a great opportunity to enjoy some great walleye fishing.
Another place to go fishing in Ogallala is Lake Ogallala, which is located below the Kingsley Dam. This lake was created when fill material was excavated to build the Kingsley Dam. The lake is home to excellent fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, and yellow perch, and it offers 5 miles of shoreline for anglers to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a calm place to fish or a challenging challenge, the town of Ogallala is sure to offer something for everyone. A trip to the lake is a must, and you’ll be glad you did.
Bird watching
The northern and western shores of Lake Ogallala are popular spots for bird watching. Birders may be able to spot up to 200 eagles during the peak nesting periods in late December and early March. A modern interpretive center features an emphasis on water ecology. Camping is available along the northern and western shores of the lake.
The town was a booming community in the 1870s, and has been proclaimed the Cowboy Capital of Nebraska. You can still see remnants of this period by walking along the town’s Front Street. A free western show performed by high school and college students is presented here every evening. Several hotels and restaurants are located nearby. The town also has a museum with historical facts.
Birdwatchers may also wish to head to the nearby Kingsley Dam. The dam is a good vantage point to view the many birds that inhabit the area. At the base of the dam is Lake Ogallala, which receives spillway water from Lake McConaughy. The lake is popular with migrant ducks, cliff swallows, and American white pelicans. In winter, bald eagles and Canada geese also make their home on the lake.
Birdwatchers can also visit nearby Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area, which is located just two miles from Lewellen. It is home to a few thousand snow geese during the spring, and more than 80 species of birds nest here.
