Fun on the water surely awaits those who are within sight of Nebraska’s only full-size lighthouse at Lake Minatare State Recreation Area. At 2,158 acres, Lake Minatare is the Panhandle’s largest body of water, attracting thousands of anglers, campers, water skiers and swimmers each year. As part of the North Platte Wildlife Refuge, the lake also is a haven for waterfowl and other fauna. Yielding to migratory birds and other wildlife, the lake is closed to public use from Oct. 15 through Jan. 15 each year. Easily accessible by paved road from U.S. Highway 26 or Nebraska Highway 71, Lake Minatare is six miles east and eight miles north of Scottsbluff in the North Platte River Valley.

Attractions

Fishing
Lake Minatare is a destination from early spring when anglers fish among its flooded cottonwoods to late summer when lower water brings access to sandy beaches. The lake is known for its population of walleyes and big channel catfish, and is one of the only places in the Panhandle to catch a smallmouth bass. Other popular game fish are crappie, blue catfish, white bass, wipers, northern pike and yellow perch. Many anglers find success on the ice after the lake reopens in January. Fish cleaning stations are located at the Lake View Point, West Wind, and Butte View areas.

Picnicking
With seven shelters and dozens of picnic tables and fire grates, Lake Minatare is a popular place for families and groups to dine outdoors.

Boating
Boaters will find three ramps conveniently located at points around the lake, which has plenty of room for power boating, water skiing and sailing. To accommodate the various activities, however, special boating regulations apply at the public dock sites.

Swimming
Swimming and other fun in the water is permitted in designated areas, including the excellent beach east of the dam. The waters are unsupervised and swimmers are encouraged to use caution and observe signs. Personal flotation devices, such as vests and belts that are worn, are allowed and encouraged. Items such as floating loungers are prohibited.

Camping

Modern and primitive camping
The modern Lakeview Point Campground, located near the iconic lighthouse, has 52 asphalt pads with 20- and 30-amp electrical hookups, modern restrooms and showers. Half of those sites may be reserved up to one year in advance. In addition, Butte View Campground has 49 sites with 50-amp electricity available on a first-come, first-served basis. The area also offers more than 150 undesignated primitive sites spread among those locations and other points around the lake, including the West Wind, Scout’s Rest, Butte View and South Gate areas.