Harlan County Lake Recreation Area
Located in southern Nebraska, approximately 7 miles south of Alma in Harlan County, Harlan County Lake Recreation Area is the second-largest lake in the state, boasting a surface area of approximately 13,000 acres and 75 miles of shoreline. The lake was created by the construction of the Harlan County Dam, a 40-foot high and 1.2-mile long earthen dam across the Republican River, completed in 1952. The primary purpose of the dam and lake was to provide flood control for the lower Republican River basin.
While its primary function is flood control, Harlan County Lake has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly in the context of Trails and Byways in Nebraska. The lake is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who oversees the lake's recreational and conservation activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hunting, and other recreational activities. One notable trail in the area is the Alma Trail System, a network of multi-use trails that provide scenic routes through the surrounding hills and valleys.
Harlan County Lake offers several recreation areas, including the Alma Creek Recreation Area and the Cornhusker Heights Recreation Area. These areas provide access to boat ramps, picnic sites, and campgrounds. For those interested in hiking and biking, the Harlan County Lake trail system provides over 25 miles of trails that range from easy to challenging. One notable trail section is the South Limestone Trail, a 4.2-mile out-and-back trail that takes hikers through scenic valleys and hills.
From a wildlife perspective, Harlan County Lake is a prime spot for birdwatching, particularly waterfowl. During the spring and fall migrations, visitors can observe a wide variety of bird species, including pelicans, herons, and egrets. Fishing is also a popular activity, with anglers targeting species such as white bass, striped bass, and catfish. In recent years, efforts have been made to improve the lake's aquatic ecosystem through the planting of native vegetation and the removal of invasive species.
For history buffs, Harlan County Lake is notable for its significance in the development of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' river basin planning process. The Harlan County Dam was one of the first major dams built in the nation's post-World War II water resources development program, which aimed to control flooding and provide water resources for agricultural, industrial, and urban development. Visitors interested in history and engineering can explore the Harlan County Dam and its surrounding areas to learn more about this major infrastructure project.
In terms of accessibility, the Harlan County Lake Recreation Area is easily accessible by car, with several major highways nearby, including Highways 71 and 89. The closest nearby town is Alma, Nebraska, which offers amenities such as restaurants, gas stations, and other services. The recreation area also offers accessibility features such as RV dump stations, public restrooms, and drinking water.
Overall, Harlan County Lake Recreation Area offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation, wildlife observation, and historical significance, making it an attractive destination for visitors traveling through Nebraska, particularly those interested in exploring the state's Trails and Byways.
While its primary function is flood control, Harlan County Lake has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly in the context of Trails and Byways in Nebraska. The lake is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who oversees the lake's recreational and conservation activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hunting, and other recreational activities. One notable trail in the area is the Alma Trail System, a network of multi-use trails that provide scenic routes through the surrounding hills and valleys.
Harlan County Lake offers several recreation areas, including the Alma Creek Recreation Area and the Cornhusker Heights Recreation Area. These areas provide access to boat ramps, picnic sites, and campgrounds. For those interested in hiking and biking, the Harlan County Lake trail system provides over 25 miles of trails that range from easy to challenging. One notable trail section is the South Limestone Trail, a 4.2-mile out-and-back trail that takes hikers through scenic valleys and hills.
From a wildlife perspective, Harlan County Lake is a prime spot for birdwatching, particularly waterfowl. During the spring and fall migrations, visitors can observe a wide variety of bird species, including pelicans, herons, and egrets. Fishing is also a popular activity, with anglers targeting species such as white bass, striped bass, and catfish. In recent years, efforts have been made to improve the lake's aquatic ecosystem through the planting of native vegetation and the removal of invasive species.
For history buffs, Harlan County Lake is notable for its significance in the development of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' river basin planning process. The Harlan County Dam was one of the first major dams built in the nation's post-World War II water resources development program, which aimed to control flooding and provide water resources for agricultural, industrial, and urban development. Visitors interested in history and engineering can explore the Harlan County Dam and its surrounding areas to learn more about this major infrastructure project.
In terms of accessibility, the Harlan County Lake Recreation Area is easily accessible by car, with several major highways nearby, including Highways 71 and 89. The closest nearby town is Alma, Nebraska, which offers amenities such as restaurants, gas stations, and other services. The recreation area also offers accessibility features such as RV dump stations, public restrooms, and drinking water.
Overall, Harlan County Lake Recreation Area offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation, wildlife observation, and historical significance, making it an attractive destination for visitors traveling through Nebraska, particularly those interested in exploring the state's Trails and Byways.
