About Lake Minatare State Recreation Area
Lake Minatare is a feature of the North Platte Project. Managed as a State recreation area by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Lake Minatare, with a surface area of 2,158 acres and about 12 miles of shoreline is a part of the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge. Available species include channel catfish, crappie, small mouth bass, white bass, walleye (15 inch minimum), wipers, and yellow perch. Walleye, channel catfish, and gizzard shad are stocked in the reservoir annually. Motorized boats are permitted. The area is open to the public from Jan. 15 to Sept. 30. A number of Civilian Conservation Corps structures dating to the 1930's exist at Lake Minatare. Included among them is a stone picnic shelter designed to look like a lighthouse. Minatare Dam, constructed between 1912-1915, is a historic structure determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
How to Get There
North from Scottsbluff, Nebraska off State Hwy. 71.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Lake Minatare State Recreation Area
Heading to Lake Minatare State Recreation Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Lake Minatare State Recreation Area?
No central reservation system listed for Lake Minatare State Recreation Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/78) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Lake Minatare State Recreation Area?
North from Scottsbluff, Nebraska off State Hwy. 71.
How do I contact Lake Minatare State Recreation Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 308-783-2911 or email: GPWebmaster@gp.usbr.gov.
References & Official Resources
