An Overview of Nebraska's Rivers and Lakes
Largest and Most Famous Water Features
Nebraska is home to some notable water features. The Missouri River, which forms part of the state's eastern border, is one of the largest and most significant rivers. Lake McConaughy, located in western Nebraska, is the largest reservoir in the state and a key recreational area. Additionally, the Platte River, running through central Nebraska, is also a prominent feature of the state’s landscape.
Sources of Water for Rivers and Lakes
Most of Nebraska's rivers and lakes are fed by local precipitation and groundwater rather than distant mountain snowmelt. The Platte River, for example, primarily receives its water from local rainfall and snowmelt in the Rockies. Similarly, the reservoirs like Lake McConaughy are primarily replenished by runoff from nearby regions rather than from distant sources.
Types of Rivers in Nebraska
Nebraska features a range of river types. The Missouri River is a major perennial river that flows continuously. The Platte River can be considered a distributary river in its role as a major tributary. Man-made canals such as the Central Nebraska Irrigation Canal are also present, used for irrigation. The Loup River demonstrates winding characteristics with its meandering course.
Types of Lakes in Nebraska
Nebraska's lakes include various types, though volcanic and tectonic lakes are not present. Glacial lakes like Lake McConaughy, formed by glacial activity, are prominent. Anthropogenic lakes, such as those created by dams and reservoirs, are common, with many being built by federal and state agencies for purposes like irrigation and recreation.
River Flow Directions in Nebraska
In Nebraska, rivers predominantly flow east to west. For example, the Platte River flows across the state from west to east. The Missouri River, forming the eastern boundary, also runs in this direction. This directional flow pattern is influenced by the region's topography and drainage systems.
Natural vs. Man-Made Lakes
Most lakes in Nebraska are man-made, created by damming rivers or other engineering projects. Lake McConaughy, for instance, was constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation for flood control and irrigation purposes. State agencies have also been involved in creating recreational lakes. Many of these lakes were established in the 20th century to meet various needs.
Rivers and Transportation
Nebraska's rivers are not major transportation routes for heavy cargo, as they do not have significant shipping traffic. The Missouri River, however, is used for some barge traffic, particularly in the eastern part of the state. The amount of cargo transported is relatively small compared to major commercial waterways.
Dams and Their Uses
Nebraska has numerous dams on its rivers and lakes. These dams serve various purposes, including irrigation, power generation, and flood control. For instance, the Kingsley Dam on Lake McConaughy is crucial for water storage and flood management. Recreation is also a key use, with many lakes and reservoirs offering opportunities for fishing and boating.
Recreational Water Activities
Many of Nebraska's rivers and lakes are popular for recreational activities. Lake McConaughy is renowned for boating, fishing, and water sports. The Platte River and the Missouri River also attract kayakers and fishermen. These water bodies offer diverse opportunities for outdoor enjoyment throughout the year.
Agriculture and Water Support
Several of Nebraska’s lakes and reservoirs support the state's agriculture industry. Lake McConaughy, for example, plays a vital role in providing irrigation water for crops in western Nebraska. The Central Nebraska Irrigation Canal system also contributes to agricultural productivity by distributing water from reservoirs to farmlands.
Historical Impact on Rivers and Lakes
Some of Nebraska’s rivers and lakes have played significant roles in local history. The Missouri River has historically been a critical route for exploration and trade. Additionally, the creation of reservoirs like Lake McConaughy transformed agricultural practices and water management in the state. These water features have had lasting impacts on Nebraska’s development and economy.
Nebraska Rivers, Lakes, Streams and Water Features
Beaver Creek, Furnas Co, Nebraska
Beaver Creek, Hall Co, Nebraska
Beaver Creek, Hamilton Co, Nebraska
Beaver Creek, Nance Co, Nebraska
Beaver Creek, Platte Co, Nebraska
Beaver Creek, Red Willow Co, Nebraska
Beaver Creek, York Co, Nebraska
Bell Creek, Burt Co, Nebraska
Bell Creek, Dodge Co, Nebraska
Bell Creek, Washington Co, Nebraska
Big Blue River, Butler Co, Nebraska
Big Blue River, Gage Co, Nebraska
Big Blue River, Hamilton Co, Nebraska
Big Blue River, Polk Co, Nebraska
Big Blue River, Saline Co, Nebraska
Big Blue River, Seward Co, Nebraska
Big Blue River, York Co, Nebraska
Big Papillion Creek, Douglas Co, Nebraska
Big Papillion Creek, Sarpy Co, Nebraska
Big Papillion Creek, Washington Co, NE
Big Sandy Creek, Adams Co, Nebraska
Big Sandy Creek, Clay Co, Nebraska
Big Sandy Creek, Jefferson Co, Nebraska
Big Sandy Creek, Nuckolls Co, Nebraska
Big Sandy Creek, Thayer Co, Nebraska
Blackwood Creek, Hayes Co, Nebraska
Blackwood Creek, Hitchcock Co, Nebraska
Blackwood Creek, Lincoln Co, Nebraska
Blue Creek, Garden Co, Nebraska
Box Butte Reservoir, Dawes Co, Nebraska
Boyer River, Washington Co, Nebraska
Branched Oak Lake, Lancaster Co, Nebraska
Buffalo Creek, Dawson Co, Nebraska
Calamus Reservoir, Garfield Co, Nebraska
Calamus Reservoir, Loup Co, Nebraska
Calamus River, Brown Co, Nebraska
Calamus River, Loup Co, Nebraska
Calamus River, Rock Co, Nebraska
Cedar River, Boone Co, Nebraska
Cedar River, Greeley Co, Nebraska
Cedar River, Nance Co, Nebraska
Cedar River, Wheeler Co, Nebraska
Clear Creek, Custer Co, Nebraska
Clear Creek, Sherman Co, Nebraska
Coon Branch,Seward Co, Nebraska
Coon Branch,York Co, Nebraska
Cottonwood Creek, Adams Co, Nebraska
Cottonwood Creek, Kearney Co, Nebraska
Cuming Creek, Cuming Co, Nebraska
Cuming Creek, Dodge Co, Nebraska
Dismal River, Blaine Co, Nebraska
Dismal River, Hooker Co, Nebraska
Dismal River, Thomas Co, Nebraska
Driftwood Creek, Hitchcock Co, Nebraska
Dry Creek, Adams Co, Nebraska
Dry Creek, Kearney Co, Nebraska
Dry Creek, Phelps Co, Nebraska
Elkhorn River, Antelope Co, Nebraska
Elkhorn River, Cuming Co, Nebraska
Elkhorn River, Dodge Co, Nebraska
Elkhorn River, Douglas Co, Nebraska
Elkhorn River, Holt Co, Nebraska
Elkhorn River, Madison Co, Nebraska
Elkhorn River, Rock Co, Nebraska
Elkhorn River, Sarpy Co, Nebraska
Elkhorn River, Stanton Co, Nebraska
Elkhorn River, Washington Co, Nebraska
Enders Reservoir, Chase Co, Nebraska
Floyd River, Dakota Co, Nebraska
Goose Creek, Blaine Co, Nebraska
Goose Creek, Brown Co, Nebraska
Goose Creek, Cherry Co, Nebraska
Gordon Creek, Cherry Co, Nebraska
Harlan County Lake, Harlan Co, Nebraska
Harry Strunk Lake, Frontier Co, Nebraska
Hemingford Creek, Box Butte Co, Nebraska
High Butler Lake, Frontier Co, Nebraska
Johnson Lake, Dawson Co, Nebraska
Johnson Lake, Gosper Co, Nebraska
Keya Paha River, Boyd Co, Nebraska
Keya Paha River, Keya Paha Co, Nebraska
Lake Maloney,Lincoln Co, Nebraska
Lake McConaughy,Keith Co, Nebraska
Lake Minatare,Scotts Bluff Co, Nebraska
Lewis and Clark Lake, Cedar Co, Nebraska
Lewis and Clark Lake, Knox Co, Nebraska
Lincoln Creek, Hall Co, Nebraska
Lincoln Creek, Hamilton Co, Nebraska
Lincoln Creek, York Co, Nebraska
Little Blue River, Adams Co, Nebraska
Little Blue River, Clay Co, Nebraska
Little Blue River, Franklin Co, Nebraska
Little Blue River, Jefferson Co, Nebraska
Little Blue River, Kearney Co, Nebraska
Little Blue River, Nuckolls Co, Nebraska
Little Blue River, Thayer Co, Nebraska
Little Blue River, Webster Co, Nebraska
Little Nemaha River, Lancaster Co, Nebraska
Little Nemaha River, Nemaha Co, Nebraska
Little Nemaha River, Otoe Co, Nebraska
Lodgepole Creek, Cheyenne Co, Nebraska
Lodgepole Creek, Deuel Co, Nebraska
Logan Creek Dredge,Burt Co, Nebraska
Logan Creek Dredge,Cuming Co, Nebraska
Logan Creek Dredge,Dixon Co, Nebraska
Logan Creek Dredge,Dodge Co, Nebraska
Logan Creek Dredge,Thurston Co, Nebraska
Logan Creek Dredge,Wayne Co, Nebraska
Loup River, Nance Co, Nebraska
Loup River, Platte Co, Nebraska
Medicine Creek, Frontier Co, Nebraska
Medicine Creek, Lincoln Co, Nebraska
Merritt Reservoir, Cherry Co, Nebraska
Middle Loup River, Blaine Co, Nebraska
Middle Loup River, Cherry Co, Nebraska
Middle Loup River, Custer Co, Nebraska
Middle Loup River, Hooker Co, Nebraska
Middle Loup River, Howard Co, Nebraska
Middle Loup River, Sherman Co, Nebraska
Middle Loup River, Thomas Co, Nebraska
Middle Loup River, Valley Co, Nebraska
Missouri River, Boyd Co, Nebraska
Missouri River, Burt Co, Nebraska
Missouri River, Cass Co, Nebraska
Missouri River, Cedar Co, Nebraska
Missouri River, Dakota Co, Nebraska
Missouri River, Dixon Co, Nebraska
Missouri River, Douglas Co, Nebraska
Missouri River, Knox Co, Nebraska
Missouri River, Nemaha Co, Nebraska
Missouri River, Otoe Co, Nebraska
Missouri River, Richardson Co, Nebraska
Missouri River, Thurston Co, Nebraska
Missouri River, Washington Co, Nebraska
Mud Creek, Buffalo Co, Nebraska
Mud Creek, Custer Co, Nebraska
Mud Creek, Sherman Co, Nebraska
Muddy Creek, Johnson Co, Nebraska
Muddy Creek, Nemaha Co, Nebraska
Muddy Creek, Richardson Co, Nebraska
Niobrara River, Box Butte Co, Nebraska
Niobrara River, Boyd Co, Nebraska
Niobrara River, Brown Co, Nebraska
Niobrara River, Cherry Co, Nebraska
Niobrara River, Dawes Co, Nebraska
Niobrara River, Holt Co, Nebraska
Niobrara River, Keya Paha Co, Nebraska
Niobrara River, Knox Co, Nebraska
Niobrara River, Rock Co, Nebraska
Niobrara River, Sheridan Co, Nebraska
Niobrara River, Sioux Co, Nebraska
North Fork Big Nemaha River, Johnson Co, NE
North Fork Big Nemaha River, Pawnee Co, NE
North Fork Big Nemaha River, Richardson Co, NE
North Loup River, Blaine Co, Nebraska
North Loup River, Cherry Co, Nebraska
North Loup River, Garfield Co, Nebraska
North Loup River, Greeley Co, Nebraska
North Loup River, Howard Co, Nebraska
North Loup River, Loup Co, Nebraska
North Loup River, Thomas Co, Nebraska
North Loup River, Valley Co, Nebraska
North Platte River, Garden Co, Nebraska
North Platte River, Keith Co, Nebraska
North Platte River, Lincoln Co, Nebraska
North Platte River, Morrill Co, Nebraska
North Platte River, Scotts Bluff Co, NE
Olive Branch,Cass Co, Nebraska
Olive Branch,Lancaster Co, Nebraska
Olive Branch,Saunders Co, Nebraska
Pawnee Creek, Adams Co, Nebraska
Pawnee Creek, Clay Co, Nebraska
Platte River, Buffalo Co, Nebraska
Platte River, Butler Co, Nebraska
Platte River, Cass Co, Nebraska
Platte River, Colfax Co, Nebraska
Platte River, Dodge Co, Nebraska
Platte River, Douglas Co, Nebraska
Platte River, Hall Co, Nebraska
Platte River, Hamilton Co, Nebraska
Platte River, Kearney Co, Nebraska
Platte River, Merrick Co, Nebraska
Platte River, Platte Co, Nebraska
Platte River, Polk Co, Nebraska
Platte River, Sarpy Co, Nebraska
Platte River, Saunders Co, Nebraska
Plum Creek, Brown Co, Nebraska
Plum Creek, Cuming Co, Nebraska
Plum Creek, Dawson Co, Nebraska
Plum Creek, Frontier Co, Nebraska
Plum Creek, Gosper Co, Nebraska
Plum Creek, Keya Paha Co, Nebraska
Plum Creek, Lincoln Co, Nebraska
Plum Creek, Wayne Co, Nebraska
Ponca Creek, Boyd Co, Nebraska
Ponca Creek, Knox Co, Nebraska
Prairie Creek, Buffalo Co, Nebraska
Prairie Creek, Hall Co, Nebraska
Pumpkin Creek, Banner Co, Nebraska
Pumpkin Creek, Morrill Co, Nebraska
Red Willow Creek, Frontier Co, Nebraska
Red Willow Creek, Hayes Co, Nebraska
Red Willow Creek, Lincoln Co, Nebraska
Republican River, Dundy Co, Nebraska
Republican River, Furnas Co, Nebraska
Republican River, Harlan Co, Nebraska
Republican River, Hitchcock Co, Nebraska
Republican River, Red Willow Co, Nebraska
Rose Creek, Jefferson Co, Nebraska
Rose Creek, Thayer Co, Nebraska
Rush Creek, Cheyenne Co, Nebraska
Rush Creek, Garden Co, Nebraska
Sand Canyon Creek, Box Butte Co, Nebraska
Sand Canyon Creek, Dawes Co, Nebraska
Sand Creek, Adams Co, Nebraska
Sand Creek, Kearney Co, Nebraska
Sappa Creek, Furnas Co, Nebraska
Sappa Creek, Harlan Co, Nebraska
Shell Creek, Colfax Co, Nebraska
Shell Creek, Platte Co, Nebraska
Sherman Reservoir, Sherman Co, Nebraska
Silver Creek, Merrick Co, Nebraska
Snake Creek, Box Butte Co, Nebraska
Snake Creek, Sioux Co, Nebraska
Snake River, Cherry Co, Nebraska
South Fork Big Sandy Creek, Clay Co, NE
South Fork Big Sandy Creek, Nuckolls Co, NE
South Fork Big Sandy Creek, Thayer Co, NE
South Loup River, Buffalo Co, Nebraska
South Loup River, Custer Co, Nebraska
South Loup River, Hall Co, Nebraska
South Loup River, Howard Co, Nebraska
South Loup River, Logan Co, Nebraska
South Platte River, Deuel Co, Nebraska
South Platte River, Keith Co, Nebraska
Stinking Water Creek, Chase Co, Nebraska
Stinking Water Creek, Hayes Co, Nebraska
Stinking Water Creek, Perkins Co, Nebraska
Sutherland Reservoir, Lincoln Co, Nebraska
Swanson Lake, Hitchcock Co, Nebraska
Turkey Creek, Fillmore Co, Nebraska
Turkey Creek, Gage Co, Nebraska
Turkey Creek, Saline Co, Nebraska
Wahoo Creek, Cass Co, Nebraska
Wahoo Creek, Saunders Co, Nebraska
Warm Slough,Hall Co, Nebraska
Warm Slough,Merrick Co, Nebraska
Weeping Water Creek, Cass Co, Nebraska
Weeping Water Creek, Otoe Co, Nebraska
West Branch Thompson Creek, Franklin Co, NE
West Branch Thompson Creek, Kearney Co, NE
West Fork Big Blue River, Adams Co, NE
West Fork Big Blue River, Clay Co, NE
West Fork Big Blue River, Fillmore Co, NE
West Fork Big Blue River, Hamilton Co, NE
West Fork Big Blue River, Saline Co, NE
West Fork Big Blue River, Seward Co, NE
West Fork Big Blue River, York Co, NE
White River, Dawes Co, Nebraska
White River, Sioux Co, Nebraska
Wood River, Buffalo Co, Nebraska
Wood River, Custer Co, Nebraska
Wood River, Dawson Co, Nebraska
Wood River, Hall Co, Nebraska