Omaha Lakes

Lakes Around Omaha

It’s summertime so it’s time to start planning your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Omaha. A lake getaway is amazing for people that enjoy wildlife too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re itching to go kayaking, partake in some watersports, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Omaha offer you numerous beautiful locations for outdoor fun. Scan the table below to see the nearby locations including small lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you to visit.

Nearby Lakes for Omaha

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Omaha there are many activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you visit a Omaha lake:

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Omaha provide tons of fun and excitement for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a magnificent public beach on a lake near Omaha!

Go fishing. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or fishing from shore.

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake near Omaha with a public launch and get out and enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be drastically different when you take into consideration which lake you choose, when you decide to go, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common go-to items that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to take along many of these things to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and having fun.

  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen
  • Radio or speaker
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Dry shirt
  • Something to dry off with
  • Bathing suits
  • Portable phone charger

More lake gear

Depending on the itinerary at the lake and who will be joining you, the following items will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check before you get on the road.

  • Tackle box and lures
  • Swimming goggles
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Corkscrew
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Toys for the beach
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Bait
  • Safety gear like life jackets

Lake Safety

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. Here are some general tips that will make sure that everyone stays safe while around the lake.

  • Don’t swim alone
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside

Some More Tips

Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the amazing lakes around Omaha and might have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Obviously, every lake is going to possess unique qualities and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a couple key points to look into while making plans that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search can typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Omaha can get extremely crowded. If you want some more peace and quiet, research multiple lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!