With 30,000 acres of water, Lake McConaughy is Nebraska’s largest reservoir. Keith County’s landscape can also be experienced on a smaller scale: Lake Ogallala covers 320 acres and has a sheltered shoreline that protects it from the wind. Two lakes of distinctly different sizes take center stage—one with a vast expanse of water, the other with a sheltered shoreline.
Lakes, fishing, and trails by the water
At Lake McConaughy, you can fish for walleye, channel catfish, northern pike, wiper, smallmouth bass, and white bass. Lake Ogallala is a destination for trout fishing and is known for its fast-growing rainbow trout. Its facilities include two boat ramps and two docks; the northern boat ramp also has a dock for launching kayaks. Access to the water may depend on operating conditions and water levels.
The two-mile Lake Ogallala Hike-Bike Trail runs along the north dam and ends at the Nebraska Public Power District’s Diversion Dam. This means that getting to know the lake involves not only its water access points but also a clearly identified route. Keith County is also on the Central Flyway; its proximity to large bodies of water creates good conditions for birds.
The Lake McConaughy Visitor and Water Interpretive Center has two aquariums, each with a capacity of 1,000 gallons. Interactive exhibits explore Nebraska’s water, the North Platte River Valley, and Lake McConaughy. Facilities and services also include a park office, public restrooms, permits, and visitor information. Check current opening hours before you go.
History in Ogallala and the surrounding area
Keith County’s history comes to life in a wide variety of places. The three-story Victorian Mansion on the Hill dates back to 1887. It has nine rooms, two bathrooms, 10-foot ceilings, and 16-inch-thick walls. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 3, 1973. Visits are seasonal: it is open from the Friday before Memorial Day through the Sunday before Labor Day, Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; it is closed on Mondays. Admission is free for small groups, and donations are welcome. Check dates before your visit.
A recreated Old West town on Front Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There, the Cowboy Museum at Front Street displays memorabilia from Ogallala’s original jail as well as an authentic, horse-drawn hearse. The Crystal Palace Revue returns to Front Street every summer and has been part of the Cowboy Capital tradition since 1964. Contact the venue for the current performance schedule. The Ogallala Round-Up Rodeo is also held annually; check its dates for the year in question.
More traces of history lead to Boot Hill, the first burial ground of the original Ogallala settlement. The site became known by this name during the Texas Trail era of the 1880s. The self-guided Historic Walk of Fame runs through downtown Ogallala, with outdoor markers highlighting Keith County’s history. A mural in the Ogallala post office depicts the city’s heritage as a railroad terminus at the end of the Texas Trail.
Tri-Trails Park marks the geographic intersection of the Oregon Trail, the Pony Express Trail, and the Great Western Cattle Trail, also known as the Texas Trail. All three historic trails passed through Keith County in the 19th century. The Little Church in Keystone offers a different perspective: completed in 1908, it was built as a Catholic-Protestant church. A Catholic altar and a Protestant altar stand at opposite ends. Reversible pew backs allowed 75 worshippers to sit facing the appropriate altar, depending on the service. The church is considered a symbol of religious harmony and cooperation; regular services ended in 1949. If you plan to visit, arrange an appointment in advance.
More things to discover
The Petrified Wood Gallery focuses on natural history. It displays petrified wood and fossils from around the world, as well as arrowheads and Native American artifacts; many of the exhibits come from within 25 miles of Ogallala. Spruce Street Station tells the story of another era: built in 1922, it is one of the best-preserved of fewer than 20 former Standard Oil gas stations still standing. Together with the adjoining 1937 service building, it serves as the Spruce Street Visitor Center. Opening is seasonal; check current visiting hours before your visit.
Interstate 80 provides a clear route to Ogallala: the city is right off Exit 126.
Discover more destinations: Ogallala, Dawson County, Washington County, Kearney County, Colfax County, Adams County, Cherry County, Buffalo County.
For the main travel overview: Nebraska.
