The breathtaking Lake McConaughy, located eight miles outside the sleepy hamlet of Ogallala and close to U.S. Highway 26, tops most rankings. Charles McConaughy, the Holdrege city mayor, is honored by having this artificial lake bear his name.

With the North Plate River, Lake McConaughy is a 22-mile-long body of water. The largest lake in the state, it is 4 miles long at its widest point. In the vicinity of three states, it is also the largest reservoir. If that weren't enough, Lake McConaughy is situated on the edge of the Nebraska Sandhills and provides both visitors and locals with access to undeveloped white sand beaches. Sandhills provide access to undeveloped, white sand beaches for both inhabitants and visitors.

Excellent boating, camping, and fishing are available at this lake. It is also a well-known diving site and offers fantastic windsurfing, water-skiing, and swimming. Camping is an option for those who want to spend the night, or they can spend more money and stay at a lakeside lodge. Without a doubt, this is one of the best lakes to visit in Nebraska.

Location: Keith County, Nebraska

Try Medicine Creek Reservoir if you're looking for something closer to the Kansas border than the Colorado one. This artificial lake, also known as Harry Strunk Lake, is one of the 8,500 miles that make up the Medicine Creek State Recreation Area. If you prefer tranquility to activity, this is the spot to call your home away from home. Long bays and little islands dot the lake, making them ideal for some peaceful time.

You are only a few miles from Cambridge, Nebraska if you spend your free time at Medicine Creek. With just over 1,000 residents, Cambridge is a tiny, charming little town. The professional population enjoys this small community. A whopping 44% of people have attended college.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of recreational opportunities along with tranquility and several secluded places to get away from it all at Medicine Creek. Fishermen can find hotspots for king-sized crappie and other panfish in the long bays that pocket the curving shore and the little islands. Early in the spring, walleye begin to retaliate in the shallows, but the main body of the lake's walleye fishing really gets going in June. The camping and picnicking amenities at Medicine Creek range from the most cutting-edge to the most basic.

Location: Cambridge, Nebraska

This 13,000-hectare lake is located in the northeastern part of the state, close to the South Dakota-Nebraska border. Over a million people visit Lewis and Clark Lake annually, making it a well-liked vacation spot.

One of the most popular activities in this area, especially for horse owners, is camping. There are lots of horse routes and places to camp with your horse. On the Nebraskan side of the lake, the Miller Creek Recreation Area is close to the very west end, while the Lakeview Golf Course is at the very east end. Along the Nebraskan side of the lake, there are a few more recreational areas.

More than 4 miles of hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and, in the winter, cross-country skiing trails are available in the South Shore region. The trails meander through hardwood and cedar forests, remnants of native prairie, and bluffs that tower above the lake. In a few places, they lead right up to the cliff edge where you can get a panoramic view of the lake. The Miller Creek area also has a brief trail.

Location: Cedar County, Nebraska

In south-central Nebraska, the Republican River flows alongside the Harlan County Reservoir. The 5,360-hectare lake is a well-liked vacation spot for both locals and tourists. Whether you want to participate in a variety of water sports or simply relax and take in the picturesque surroundings, this lake won't let you down. With a lot of walleye, catfish, wipers, crappie, white bass, and pike, it is also a good place to go fishing.

Beaver, mule, white-tailed deer, blue herons, and bald eagles might be seen thriving along the beach by avid wildlife watchers. There are numerous nature trails in the area for hikers. Additionally, the areas around the lake provide fantastic opportunities for hunting. There are more than 500 campsites spread out along its 120 kilometers of shoreline. The lake's shoreline is a photographer's paradise and a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Location: Harlan & Phillips Counties, Nebraska

In the 1990s, Lake Wanahoo was constructed as a reservoir to manage flooding. The lake is now used for recreation as well as flood management, and it offers a wide range of activities. With many activities, this lake is one of the best lakes to visit in Nebraska.

On the north side of the 260-hectare lake is the Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area. Despite being a small lake, it provides fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. In the summer, a group of friends can visit this lake and engage in the fun activities there.

The recreation area also has picnic areas and camping areas. Bring your picnic baskets so you may have a fun-filled summer afternoon while eating and seeing the lake. The perfect way to spend the evening would be to bike or hike the trail that circles the lake with your dog.

Location: Saunders County, Nebraska

Glenn Cunningham Lake, which is situated in Omaha's far north end, bears the name of the late mayor and congressman from Nebraska. The 160-hectare lake has been designated a wildlife habitat and is bordered by parkland.

Since its opening in 1977, sailing and kayaking have become very popular activities on Glenn Cunningham Lake. Only no-wake boating is permitted on the lake, making it a peaceful spot to spend the day. Therefore, when you are taking in the beauty of nature, the sound of vessels won't distract you.

The lake is surrounded by the Glenn Cunningham Lake Park, which has trails for cycling, hiking, and horseback riding. At the lake's southern end, there are also camping areas and a boat launch.

A hidden sanctuary nestled in a little valley on the border of the Sandhills is this 29-hectare lake named Pibel. There are a lot of animals nearby, with cottonwood trees all around it.

The Pibel Lake State Recreation Area, which includes Pibel Lake, provides basic camping, picnics, and no-wake boating. Because of its abundance of largemouth bass, bluegills, and channel catfish, it is also a well-liked lake for fishing.

This is a fantastic location to come if you want to unwind and breathe in some fresh air. Due to its seclusion, the lake is rarely extremely crowded, which only serves to increase its allure. Spending the night in one of the rustic campsites in the neighboring Pibel Lake State Recreation Area would be a great choice if you wanted to prolong your visit.

Location: Wheeler County, Nebraska

Morning Star Lake is situated in the Clarks town, in the heart of Nebraska, just east of the Platte River. Although it is available to the public, the lake is a part of the guard-gated "Summerwood" neighborhood. For many years, this lakes still one of the best lakes to visit in Nebraska.

The water in Morning Star Lake is crystal clear and spring-fed. About 40 private homes, some of which are rented, are located along its shoreline. You can enjoy water-skiing or jet skiing if you love water sports.

The Fourth of July celebration, which includes a grand boat parade, a sandcastle contest, and other exciting events, is one of the attractions in this area. The spectacular fiesta comes to a close with a breathtaking firework show. Although anyone can visit the lake, in order to boat, water ski, or use a jet ski, you must be staying at one of the properties.

Location: Merrick County, Nebaska

This 700-acre lake, which is one of the 20 Salt Valley Lakes, is a part of the Branched Oak State Recreational Area. It is a well-liked recreation area where guests can take part in a wide range of activities.

Although hiking and horseback riding are also options, fishing, boating, and camping are the activities that are most popular here. Two swimming beaches may be found at the lake. You may cool down in its waters from any of the two swimming beaches on a hot summer day. Additionally, you can have a nice day boating in the waters by renting a boat from the marina located inside the state park. If you get hungry, you can eat at the close-by Boat House Bar and Grill and take in views of Branched Oak Lake.

Within the recreation area, there are 49 docks, nine ramps, and a marina. Equestrian camping is available, as well as primitive and contemporary camping.

Location: Lancaster County, Nebraska

The Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area encircles this lovely reservoir, which is situated in a valley. It is a deep lake with excellent boating and fishing opportunities. There are five public boat ramps where you can launch a boat and participate in a variety of water sports. Visit the adjacent Valentine National Wildlife Refuge if you enjoy wildlife watching.

Five boat ramps provide access to Merritt Reservoir, which is open to all sorts of boats. Additionally, the entertainment area nearby has 190 grills and more than 200 picnic tables.

Visitors who want to spend a longer time at the serene lake might get a room at the lakeside resort or a campsite there. Around the lake, there are 38 free campsites, some of which have electric hookups.

Even closer to an hour away from the reservoir lies Smith Falls State Park, home to the state's largest waterfall. Along with basic campsites with vault toilets and water, the Cedar Bay Campground also offers electric campsites.

Location: Cherry County, Nebraska