Lake Minatare Sra

Closed — Closed for the season from October 15 through January 15 for the protection and sanctuary of wildlife and migratory birds. Reopens January 16.

About

Lake Minatare State Recreation Area encompasses 2,158 acres of water in the Nebraska Panhandle, making it the region's largest lake and a premier destination for outdoor recreation. The park offers diverse camping options including Lake View Campground with 52 electric plus sites, Butte View Campground with 49 electric plus sites, West Wind Campground with 20 basic sites, and numerous primitive sites throughout the area. Modern amenities include shower facilities, laundry, and RV dump stations. The lake attracts thousands of visitors annually for fishing, water skiing, sailing, and swimming at the designated beach at Sunrise Beach day-use area. Three boat ramps with courtesy docks provide access for power boating and water sports, while Winter's Creek Reservoir offers excellent non-motorized boating. Anglers pursue panfish, bass, pike, walleyes, channel catfish, white bass, and yellow perch depending on the season. The park's landmark is a historic 55-foot stone lighthouse built between 1937 and 1939 by the Veterans Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Open to the public, it offers spectacular views of the lake and North Platte Valley. Lake Minatare serves as a gateway to regional attractions including Scotts Bluff National Monument, Chimney Rock National Historic Site, and Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area. As part of the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge, the park is closed annually from October 15 to January 15 for wildlife protection.

Directions

From Scottsbluff: At the intersection of Hwy 71 and Hwy 26, drive 3 miles north on Hwy 71 to Lake Minatare Road. Turn east and continue for 8 miles to the T-intersection with Stonegate Road. Turn left (north) on Stonegate Road for 1 mile. After crossing the canal bridge, turn right into the Lake View entrance. The park office is half a mile ahead on the right.

Nearby Campgrounds