Carter Lake

A suburb of Omaha, Nebraska, Carter Lake is located on the south and west sides of Eppley Airfield, the main airport serving the area. This gorgeous 1,100-acre reservoir is surrounded by 1,000 acres of public lands and is about three miles long and about one mile broad. It is practically an exclave because the Missouri River divides it from the rest of Iowa.

Being the sole Iowan community west of the Missouri River, Carter Lake is a prime example of the country's boundary anomalies. A flood in March 1877 caused the river to change its course by 2 kilometers to the southeast. Saratoga Bend, an oxbow lake with the name Carter Lake, was created from the remains of the former river route. After the lake was created, the area quickly developed into a thriving recreation area. The lake was the setting for countless enjoyable rowing and fishing parties, and there was a boathouse at the base of Locust Street.

The park has walks, a gazebo, picnic spots, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and football grounds. Boating, water skiing, and fishing are available on the lake itself.

Surface area: 1,100 acres

Location: Omaha, Nebraska