Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area

Nebraska’s second largest reservoir, Lewis and Clark straddles the state’s northeast border with South Dakota. The lake draws its name from the Lewis and Clark expedition, which camped nearby during the famous journey to explore the Louisiana Purchase. Lewis and Clark offers modern cabins, boating, fishing, hunting, bird watching and scenic vistas.

Attractions

Fishing
Anglers at Lewis and Clark will find a variety of species, including walleye, sauger, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Anglers should look for all of these species around the jetties at the Weigand-Burbach area, which were installed to improve habitat and fishing opportunities. One fish cleaning station is available for anglers.

Boating
Boating is very popular at Lewis and Clark SRA. Sailboats, speed boats and personal watercraft are all permitted. Fuel is available at the Weigand Marina. The area offers 116 leased seasonal docks and six daily rental docks that may be reserved in advance. Four ramps are available in the Weigand area. A portion of the spillway and the tailrace of Gavins Point are no-wake zones.

Swimming
There is one swimming beach located just west of the Weigand Marina. No lifeguard is on duty.

Marina
The Weigand Marina is open Memorial Day through Labor Day and offers a variety of groceries, candy, snacks, soft serve ice cream, bait, tackle, firewood, fuel and other sundries.

Hunting
Hunting is allowed on the area beginning the Tuesday after Labor Day. Substantial hunting opportunities are available at Lewis and Clark SRA, which include upland game, big game and waterfowl. Lewis and Clark’s upland game habitat offers hunting opportunities for pheasant, quail and dove. Big game hunting can also be found on the area with good numbers of deer and turkey. Special regulations do apply to the Weigand/Burbach Area. Check with the park office for details.

Wildlife viewing
Lewis and Clark is a prime area for bird watchers, especially for bald eagles. Alert visitors can also spot wild turkeys, deer, coyotes and a variety of other small mammals.

Picnicking
Lewis and Clark offers day use areas for picnicking. These areas include tables and fire rings. Picnic shelters are also available.

Other activities
A playground is located in the Weigand and Burbach Area. Horseshoe pits and a sand volleyball court are available, as well. Lewis and Clark SRA offers 4.5 miles of hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and horseback trails, which may be accessed in the South Shore Area. During the winter months when the ice is sufficient, the lake is open to ice fishing, skating and snowmobiling. In the summer, the park hosts free movie nights near the Weigand Shelter around 9pm.

Camping

Lewis and Clark has over 150 electrical sites with 30- and 50-amp electrical hook-ups and more than 100 primitive campsites. Campgrounds include showers, picnic tables, fire pits, nearby water spigots (not hookups), dump stations and playground. Camping is available year-round; however modern facilities operate from April-October, weather permitting.

An equestrian camping area with corrals is also located in the south shore area. Water is available but no electricity.