10 of the Loveliest Lakeside Towns in Nebraska

Here are 10 of the loveliest lakeside towns in Nebraska, each offering unique charm and beautiful water views:

1. Ogallala (Lake McConaughy)
   Home to Nebraska’s largest reservoir, Lake McConaughy (or “Big Mac”), Ogallala offers white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant recreational activities like fishing, swimming, water-skiing, and jet skiing.
2. Elwood (Johnson Lake)
   A quaint town near the scenic Johnson Lake, Elwood is ideal for sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. It boasts a tight-knit community and events like the Gosper County Fair and Elwood Rodeo.
3. Alma (Harlan County Lake)
   Alma sits close to Harlan County Lake, one of Nebraska’s largest lakes with camping, hunting, and fishing opportunities. Alma itself offers small-town charm with outdoor trails and a local ice skating rink.
4. Santee (Lewis and Clark Lake)
   Near the Nebraska-South Dakota border, Santee and Lewis and Clark Lake provide superb hiking, camping, boating, and fishing. The area blends outdoor adventure with deep historical significance.
5. Wahoo (Lake Wanahoo)
   Lake Wanahoo is a favorite spot for fishing, boating, hiking, and bird-watching near the welcoming town of Wahoo. This lake offers a great balance of natural beauty and small-town amenities.
6. Lincoln (Holmes Lake)
   Holmes Lake Park in Nebraska’s capital city offers an urban lakeside retreat with fishing, jogging trails, golf, playgrounds, and picnic spaces. This is ideal for residents wanting both city life and nature.
7. Grand Island (Rowe Sanctuary and Lake Gage)
   Grand Island provides access to family-friendly lakes like Lake Gage and wildlife preserves perfect for birdwatching and hiking, such as Rowe Sanctuary.
8. Ashland (Salt Valley Lakes)
   The Salt Valley Lakes near Ashland offer peaceful lakeside living with plenty of fishing and outdoor activities in a serene setting.
9. Milford (Milford Lake)
   A smaller lakeside community with opportunities for boating and fishing, Milford attracts those who appreciate tranquility and natural surroundings.
10. Tekamah (Tekamah Lake)
    Tekamah features lakefront parks, fishing, and camping spots that provide scenic views and outdoor fun for visitors and residents.

These lakeside towns in Nebraska combine natural beauty with a variety of recreational and cultural experiences, making them some of the best places to enjoy lakefront living or a relaxing getaway.

SOURCES

[1](https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/7-best-lakeside-towns-in-nebraska.html)
[2](http://designegov.nebraska.gov/attractions/city-county/)
[3](https://www.redfin.com/blog/lakes-in-nebraska-to-live-on/)
[4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_lakes_of_Nebraska)
[5](https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g28948-Activities-c57-t162-Nebraska.html)