Sports at this Exit

There are few folks who realize that one of the great lakes to windsurf is Lake McConaughy, nine miles north of Ogallala on Nebraska Highway 61.

This is Nebraska's largest reservoir with nearly 36,000 acres of water and 5,500 acres of land in the recreation area that surrounds it. So folks travel from all around the west to camp and surf to their hearts' content.

Here are some of the other recreational opportunities for the sports afficianado.

Lake Maloney State Recreation Area - North Platte

6 miles south on U.S. 83. Conveniently located reservoir offers camping, fishing, boating, picnicking and other outdoor fun. Open year round. Park entry permit required. $3 camping fee. Handicapped Accessible. Modern shower/latrine at outlet area. Electrical hookups at Kansas point. $8 per night. (308) 535-8025.

Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area - Ogallala

9 miles north on Nebr. 61. Nebraska's largest reservoir with nearly 36,000 acres of water and 5,500 acres of land, 12 state recreation sites varying from modern or primitive camping, boating, and fishing. Hunting in the winter. Primitive campgrounds are open year round. Modern campgrounds closed Nov.-Mar. Office hours: Sept - April: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon. - Fri., April & May: 8 a.m.-7 p.m., 7 days a week. Memorial Day - Labor Day 7 days a week 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Park entry permit required. Camping fees: Modern camping-non electric $8/electric $11, primitive camping-non designated sites: $3, designated sites $5. (308) 284-8800. Handicapped Accessible.

Lake Minatare State Recreation Area - Minatare

7 miles north. Over 2,000 acres of water with facilities for boaters, campers, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts. Stone lighthouse open April 1- Sept. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri., Sat., Sun. Swimming beach open 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m., 7 days/week. All other areas open 24 hrs. day, 7 days/week, Jan. 15 - Sept. 30. Closed Oct. 1 - Jan. 15. Park entry permit required. Camping fee charged.

Lake North - Columbus

4 miles north on 18th Avenue. 200-acre power-storage lake provides fishing, swimming and boating. FREE.

Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area - Ogallala

9 miles north on Nebr. 61. Nestled behind Kingsley Dam, this area offers excellent camping and fishing on small lake close to Lake McConaughy. Wildlife/Eagle viewing during the winter months. Park entry permit required. Camping fee. (308) 284-8800.

Lewis & Clark Visitor Center - [No location]

Hiking trail nearby, bookstore & theater programs available. Center is open Jan.-Mar.: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri. April- Sept.: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. & 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends. Campgrounds with facilities open May 11. Cottonwood campground open year round. Camping fees:from $12-$16. Handicapped accessible, closed captioning on shows.

Lewis and Clark Lake - Crofton

7 miles north on Nebr. 121. This Missouri River reservoir (Nebraska's second largest) offers six recreation areas on the Nebraska side, and the newly renovated Weigand Burbach area with asphalt camping pads, electrical services, cabins, a convenience store & marina with boat docks available. Park areas are open year round. Shower facilities May 1-Sept. 30. Marina May 15-Sept. 15: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. 7 days a week. Office open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.: Sept. 15-May 15. Cabins available April 1-Dec. Park entry permit required. Camping fees: $3/day primitive, $8/day modern area +$3 for electrical hookup, cabins $70/night. (402) 388-4169. Handicapped Accessible.