Living by Lake McConaughy (Scottsbluff, Minatare: camping, shop, stats)

[Gretchen B]

Originally Posted by lisalynn

I am also looking at moving back to the Johnsons Lake area within the next 4 years. Lexington is my hometown, but I would never move back into it.
The only thing that bothers me is the dues from the NRD and the taxes being so high.
We are also looking at finding a few acres between Johnsons Lake and Elwood.
Does anyone know about the Gallaghers Canyon area by Johnsons Lake, I was told they are starting to build in that area, beautiful area.

The farm I grew up on was situated at the edge of Gallaher's Canyon. I agree it is one of the prettiest areas (but I might be a little prejudiced ). There have been some very nice homes built in the area in the past few years. About the time we moved away (2001), there was some land next to our old farmstead near the water that was being subdivided. Perhaps that subdivision is moving along. I do know that quite a few people were looking to move out of Lexington city limits and out of town a ways.

[Sandhills Guru]

Originally Posted by CA central coast

Thank you all for all the great information. Is it true that Nebraska is second only to Minnesota in the amount of lakes within a state? I think I read that. I would have never thought that.

Really? Now that is something I have never heard before. I know that are many lakes through out the sandhill area of the state as well as in the panhandle. And I would not even want to guess the number of man made lakes in this state.

[camping!]

Having been to both Lake Mac. and Yankton, I would vote for Yankton. South Dakota taxes are better then Nebraskas, and Lewis and Clark Lake is really very huge -- but then I have never been to either ocean, so bear that in mind
The last time I was at Lake Mac. the water levels were very low, in order to get to the water we had to drive out about 50 ft beyond the piers. Plus there isn't a lot of shops around there. Yankton is much better about that.
Good Luck in whatever you decide --- you will do well to spend time in all the places mentioned prior to deciding where to move.

[itsMeFred]

Nebraska is indeed second only to MN so far as lakes. In fact, some will say that if every little farm pond were included (which some of MN's lakes are of similar size) we actually surpass MN.

[CA central coast]

Originally Posted by itsMeFred

Nebraska is indeed second only to MN so far as lakes. In fact, some will say that if every little farm pond were included (which some of MN's lakes are of similar size) we actually surpass MN.

I was really surprised when I read that. That's an interesting fact that I don't think anyone really knows.

[CA central coast]

Lewis and Clark Lake looks beautiful. I checked some real estate listings and it seems the SD side is more expensive than the NE side? I was interested in westrern NE because I understand the humidity is tolerable. I'm assuming the Yankton area is humid? But regardless, that area may be out of my price range Checking some listings, the price of a building lot near Lewis and Clark was more expensive than a house right on the water at Midway Lake. Must be a reason?

[Sandhills Guru]

Originally Posted by CA central coast

Lewis and Clark Lake looks beautiful. I checked some real estate listings and it seems the SD side is more expensive than the NE side? I was interested in westrern NE because I understand the humidity is tolerable. I'm assuming the Yankton area is humid? But regardless, that area may be out of my price range Checking some listings, the price of a building lot near Lewis and Clark was more expensive than a house right on the water at Midway Lake. Must be a reason?

I can understand the SD side being more expensive, probably due to a couple reasons. A bit more convienent for travel into Yankton and shore line on that side of lake is more likely to have better access to lake itself due to terrain.

Humidity wise, you are correct, it will get humid in this area compared to western NE.

Such a price difference is probably due the money in the area. Not saying Ogallala area is poor, but you would find more higher paying jobs in the Yankton area than there. Two pretty much different towns for sure.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by itsMeFred

Nebraska is indeed second only to MN so far as lakes. In fact, some will say that if every little farm pond were included (which some of MN's lakes are of similar size) we actually surpass MN.

I think Wisconsin may have more. Vilas County in Wisconsin has about 1500-2000 lakes! This is just in one county alone.

[itsMeFred]

Take it up with Nebraska Game and Parks.

[IsThisOneTaken?]

Lake McConaughy and Lewis and Clark are two different lakes--topography wise. L&C has more high bluffs and some may say more scenic. Mac has the sandy beaches. Mac is suffering from low water levels, but snow pack in the Wyoming Rockies improved last winter, bring the water up a little bit. But, there is still a lot to go, and until the politics of water get under control, don't expect McConaughy to return to pre-drought levels for quite some time.

Yankton is a larger town than Ogallala, but you are further away from bigger cities. Ogallala is a 3 hour drive from Denver and 4 hours from Lincoln--right down I-80 in opposite directions. It is a little light on shopping (no Wal-Mart or other big retailers), but North Platte, Scottsbluff, Sterling, Cheyenne and Kearney are all 2 hours or less away.

Ogallala has a very nice hospital and good medical infrastructure. Not sure how it compares to Yankton.

There are plenty of other nice lakes in Nebraska, like Calamus or Merritt, but you get further away from civilization. I would not recommend Johnson. Most of the lake lots are on leased land, they have serious water quality issues, and overcrowding on and off the water.

If you have any specific questions about McConaughy, post 'em and I'll try to fill you in.