There are a number of lakes within close proximity to Lincoln. Lakes are one more way to enjoy summer. We go for the day and swim, build sand castles, grill and swim some more. During the summer months, you can swim, boat, fish and camp at the various lakes. Here are three lakes and one waterfall that are close by that we enjoy.
Pawnee State Recreation Park: Only 25 minutes from central Lincoln, Pawnee is located Northwest of Lincoln. It is $5 to enter the park. We choose Area 1 and spend the day swimming and building sand castles on a small beach. By mid-summer the water is warm and during the weekdays and weekend mornings the lake is not crowded. There are picnic tables, swings and bathrooms within walking distance of the beach. I like this beach a lot because the parking lot is close and if you are hauling a lot of stuff, you won't spend a half an hour going back and forth to your car.
Branched Oak Lake: Branched Oak Lake is Northwest of Lincoln off of US 34, about 30 minutes from central Lincoln. The drive is one of my favorite parts; there are beautiful farms dotted along the way to the lake. You can buy a yearly pass for $26 or a day pass for $5. We like Area 10 which has plenty of shade, picnic tables, restrooms and a marked off swim area. By mid-summer, the water is warmer than most of the pools in Lincoln. Similarly to Pawnee, this lake is not crowded during the weekdays and the weekend mornings. The beaches at Branched Oak Lake are larger than at Pawnee and there are other amenities such as a restaurant.
Stagecoach State Park: We normally have gone to lakes during the hot summer months. We visited Stagecoach in mid-May on a chillly, rainy day and went kayaking with good friends. This lake is used mostly for fishing and boating, but not much for swimming. While out kayaking, we saw a blue heron, a goose's nest complete with seven large eggs and more birds than I could count. It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Stagecoach is south of Lincoln, near Hickman. Like the other parks, this has a $5 entry fee as well.
Remember to bring along Coast Guard approved life jackets for children (and adults when necessary) if you are swimming or boating at a lake. The water can be muddy and currents can quickly sweep away people, especially children. Stay safe in the water and enjoy your summer!
The only big drawback to lakes in Nebraska is the algae. There was a time that we loaded up the car, drove out to the lake and found a green layer of plant life covering the entire section of the lake that we had planned to enjoy. To quickly check and see if there is a harmful algal bloom at a lake just check out Nebraska's DEQ site here. They update it daily.
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Platte River State Park Waterfall-If I had known that 30 minutes away from Lincoln there was a river you could walk through with a beautiful waterfall to play in (a small waterfall but still counts!), I would have gone sooner. Platte River State Park is Northeast on 1-80E. Instead of turning left to go to Mahoney State Park, you turn right and go to less visited but not less beautiful Platte River State Park. It is $6 for a day pass. We followed the road to the waterfall trail and it so lovely. The trails are well worn and you could easily bring a stroller, the trees are mature and provide shade and cooler temps and it is serene (even with screaming kids). It is a 5-10 minute walk from your car to the waterfall. Yes, it is a small waterfall but in my book a waterfall is a waterfall. You can walk on trails next to the river or through the river. I would recommend water shoes if you walk in the river, there are lots of rocks and plenty of mud. We caught frogs, squished the mud with our toes and just took it all in.
