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If being indoors during the winter has got you itching for a chance to play in the water, Lake Minatare State Recreation Area won’t let you down. With more than 2,000 acres of water, there’s plenty of room for exhilarating water sport fun. Jump in your speedboat and pull skiers around in the refreshing water, or settle onto the beach for an afternoon of sun tanning and swimming. Or, bring the fishing boat and drop a line into one of the area’s most popular fishing spots. You could catch any variety of fish, from walleye to wipers to yellow perch to white bass. Modern fish-cleaning stations are available, and you’ll find four boat ramps located around the lake for your convenience. When you’re ready for a break, visit one of the lake’s picnic table and shelter areas for lunch or dinner. Or, stop in at The Platte Canyon Bar and Grill. for snacks, groceries and other supplies. Supplies are also available at the Dry Dock Bait Shop. (1/4 mile east of main entrance on Stonegate Rd.) Also, don’t miss the lake’s lighthouse, one of only seven inland lighthouses in the nation, and the only one in Nebraska. The 55-foot stone structure is open to the public, and you can climb the stairs to the top for a unique view of the lake and valley. When night falls, set up camp at one of the 52 electrical camping sites or one of 100 primitive sites. You’ll find fire grates, drinking water, modern restrooms and shower facilities and a dump station. And, you’ll be sheltered by pine, cottonwood and ash trees all around the lake. Lake Minatare is open from Jan. 15 to Oct. 15. Because it is a state recreation area, you’ll need a permit to enter, which you can buy at the lake. Day permits are $4, while annual permits are $20 and can be used at any other state park in Nebraska. Phone: (308) 783-2911
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