Lake Minatare State Recreation Area | Scottsbluff

Lake Minatare State Recreation Area, located about twelve miles northeast of Scottsbluff and Gering, Nebraska, is a beloved outdoor destination and one of the Panhandle’s most picturesque getaways. Known locally as “the inland sea of western Nebraska,” the lake spans nearly 2,000 surface acres and provides a vibrant mix of recreation, relaxation, and scenic prairie beauty. It’s part of the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge, combining outdoor fun with important habitat conservation.

Landscape and Setting
The lake lies in a broad valley surrounded by gently rolling hills and open grasslands, giving it a sense of vastness that feels almost oceanic in the Great Plains. Early mornings bring a mirrorlike calm across the water, while evenings glow with orange light over the distant bluffs. Cottonwood trees line parts of the shoreline, creating shaded picnic areas and quiet spots to enjoy the soft sound of waves meeting sand.

Recreation and Activities
Lake Minatare offers one of the most diverse ranges of outdoor activities in western Nebraska:

Boating and Sailing – The lake is large enough to accommodate motorboats, sailboats, and jet skis. Several boat ramps and docks provide easy access, and the wide waters make it ideal for both high-speed recreation and leisurely cruising.

Fishing – Anglers prize the lake for walleye, crappie, smallmouth bass, catfish, and yellow perch. The combination of deep and shallow zones creates a rich fishing environment, and ice fishing is popular in winter.

Swimming and Beaches – Sandy beaches on the south and east shores offer designated swimming areas. The water warms comfortably in summer, making it a favorite for families.

Camping – More than 150 campsites, including both modern and primitive options, are spread throughout the park. Many sites are shaded and close to the shoreline, with modern restrooms and showers available.

Wildlife Watching – Because it borders the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Minatare supports an impressive range of birdlife. Visitors often see pelicans, herons, Canada geese, and bald eagles, particularly during migration seasons.

The Historic Lake Minatare Lighthouse
One of the most distinctive features of the park is the Lake Minatare Lighthouse, a stone tower built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Though not used for navigation, it was constructed as a scenic lookout and remains a unique local landmark. Visitors can climb to its upper level for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding prairies - a perfect photo stop and a beloved symbol of the area.

Facilities and Amenities

Modern restrooms and shower facilities

Picnic shelters and playgrounds

Designated camping and RV areas with electrical hookups

Fish cleaning stations and multiple boat ramps

Beach areas with nearby concessions (seasonal)

Visitor Experience
Lake Minatare has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere - lively in summer with families, anglers, and campers, yet quiet and serene in early mornings or off-season months. The air carries a faint scent of prairie grass and freshwater, and at night the stars spread wide across an unbroken sky. Locals often describe it as “a little piece of the coast in Nebraska.”

Location and Access

Address: 9 miles northeast of Minatare, or 12 miles from Scottsbluff

Access: Via Nebraska Highway 71 and County Road E

Open Season: Typically spring through fall (the area is closed during winter for wildlife refuge protection)

Permits: Nebraska State Park entry permit required

Impression
The Lake Minatare State Recreation Area combines classic Midwestern tranquility with the thrill of open-water adventure. Between its shimmering lake views, historic lighthouse, and abundant recreation, it captures the essence of Nebraska’s outdoors - vast, peaceful, and quietly full of life.