6 Lakes In Nebraska That Completely Freeze Over in the Winter

As the U.S. braces for winter, residents of Nebraska can expect frozen lake conditions very soon. From late November through late February, the state experiences a harsh climate with average high temperatures near freezing and lows hitting the frigid category. It’s not unheard of for temperatures to drop below zero, even stooping to -20 degrees under the right conditions.

While many of Nebraska’s lakes and reservoirs freeze during the winter, you should still take precautions when venturing on the ice. Many bodies of water have thicker ice near the shore and thin ice in the lake’s center. Ensure accurate measurements before walking, skating, driving, or drilling into the ice.

Whether you enjoy ice fishing or skating, you will find outdoor fun at these six lakes in Nebraska that completely freeze over in the winter. Let’s dive in!

Crescent Lake Area

Most of the lakes in the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge freeze over during the winter. They include Island Lake, Blue Lake, Crescent Lake, Crane Lake, and Smith Lake. The refuge is in Garden County in West-Central Nebraska and is a day trip for most state residents. Anglers flock to the area during the winter for multi-day ice fishing trips, where they can pitch primitive campsites or stay at the onsite lodge. Crane Lake, specifically, is great for ice anglers due to its shallow water that quickly freezes. However, it’s known to experience occasional winterkill. The lakes and access roads may be closed at various times due to adverse weather.  

Lewis and Clark Lake

The Lewis and Clark Lake is the second largest reservoir in Nebraska, covering more than 31,000 acres. Due to its immense size, it takes several cold fronts to freeze the surface. With 90 miles of shoreline and a max depth of 45 feet, Lewis and Clark Lake and the surrounding wilderness are popular during winter for ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and skating. It can be challenging to determine the extent and thickness of the ice, so proceed with caution before walking onto the lake. It’s best to wait until later in the season when the water has adequately frozen.  

Lake Minatare

Spreading over 2,159 acres, Lake Minatare is the largest body of water in Nebraska’s Panhandle. It’s a popular recreational area in the state, attracting swimmers, campers, and anglers yearly. Historic sites, monuments, and a national wildlife refuge surround the lake, offering even more places and things to see. Most of Lake Minatare is frozen by December except for the very center. Unfortunately, Lake Minatare State Recreation Area is closed to the public between mid-October and mid-January to protect the wildlife. 

Lake Wanahoo

Just north of Wahoo, Lake Wanahoo is 662 acres and features a 1,700-acre recreational area. The lake and surrounding area are famous for fishing, camping, and boating, especially for those in the Southeast Nebraska region. Ice fishing is a big pastime on Lake Wanahoo during the winter, with free ice fishing clinics on the water. Like most of the lakes in Nebraska, Lake Wanahoo needs a few good cold snaps to freeze over completely. You should avoid going out onto the ice too early in the season and always use discretion, even in the middle of winter.

Elwood Reservoir

Located off Highway 283 in Gosper County, Elwood Reservoir is a recreational lake in Southern Nebraska. The reservoir features more than 1,300 surface acres and can freeze over during the winter. However, the ice levels vary greatly, and visitors should take precautions before walking onto the lake. As a rule, anglers should avoid walking on ice less than four inches thick. Because the Nebraska Games and Park Commission regularly stocks the reservoir with walleye, bass, northern pike, catfish, and more, Elwood is an excellent spot for ice fishing when conditions are appropriate.   

Lake Maloney

This 1,000-acre lake in west-central Nebraska is a family-friendly recreational area perfect for camping, water sports, boating, and fishing. During the winter, visitors flock to its frozen surface for cold-weather activities like skating, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. Even though the lake consistently freezes over by January, those who venture on the surface should still be cautious. Water levels and ice thickness can vary throughout the year, occasionally creating unsafe conditions.

Summary of the 6 Lakes in Nebraska That Completely Freeze Over in the Winter