The "Tri-County" Project
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Recreation


Water-related recreation was limited in Nebraska prior to construction of Central's chain of lakes and reservoirs. Soon after the lakes filled with water, boats like this wooden craft (shown on Lake McConaughy in 1949) began to appear. Fishing, waterfowl hunting, water-skiing and many other water-based recreational activities also began to grow in popularity.
Source — Central Nebraska Public Power
and Irrigation District.
Speedboat racing at Lake McConaughy
was also a very popular and exciting event
during the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Source — Central Nebraska Public Power
and Irrigation District.

Central’s project provides the public with opportunities to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities. Central’s lakes cover a total of more than 36,000 surface acres which are available to the public for boating, fishing, water-skiing, sailing, jet skiing, swimming, hunting and other recreational pursuits. Sandy beaches and a wide variety of game fish make the Lake McConaughy/Lake Ogallala area one of the most popular recreation sites in Nebraska.		 Norris Campaign Card
Lake McConaughy is Nebraska’s largest lake and one of the most popular places for water-based recreation on the Plains.
Source — Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District.

Norris Campaign Card
Johnson Lake, one of Central’s lakes along the Supply Canal,
is one of the most popular recreation spots in central Nebraska. Water skiers share the lake with boaters,
swimmers, jet skiers and fishermen.
Source — Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District.
Johnson Lake is another popular recreation area. Located between Lexington and Elwood, the lake’s shoreline is occupied by more than 800 cabins and homes. Two State Recreation Areas operated by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission attract thousands of campers and day-use visitors each year. Jeffrey Lake near Brady also has an extensive cabin development and a public boat ramp provides access to the lake.

A total of almost 6,000 acres adjacent to Central’s lakes are designated as State Recreation Areas and another 6,800 acres are set aside as Wildlife Management Areas open to public use. Central’s Supply Canal and small lakes also provide abundant opportunity for hunting and fishing.