Spring and summer are just around the corner,
so now's the time to plan your Keith County getaway.
Just in time for spring fishing, rainbow trout are being stocked in the Lake Ogallala system. 1,000 catchable 12-inch trout were stocked in mid-February, and 7,000 more will be stocked the last week of March. (photo: Sheri Rowland)
One of the area's best cold-water fisheries, Lake Ogallala has rebounded quickly following the fishery renovation in late 2023. Successful, larger trout catches were reported in 2025.
The Keith County area is Nebraska's premier birdwatching locale, with over 340 species co
unted. Spring migration is an excellent time to spot Sandhill cranes, white pelicans, ducks, geese, and shore birds. Check the Lake McConaughy Birding Trails Map and Bird Species Checklist to get started.
Each March and early April, over 20,000 Sandhill Cranes visit a 15 mile portion of the North Platte River between Lake McConaughy and Oshkosh, NE on their way north for nesting season.
They roost overnight on the sandbars and islands, and the evening fly-in on the river can often be viewed south of Lewellen. During the day, the cranes feed in cornfields and meadows north of the river. (photo: Teri Elmshaeuser)
If you plan an outdoor spring adventure in Keith County, there's always plenty to do in the evenings, including great live entertainment! Check our calendar for upcoming events.
March 6-7, Strings Attached will be performing at Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack. Strings Attached delivers a dynamic blend of crowd-favorite hits from the '70s and '80s paired with thoughtfully crafted original songs.
March 13-14, the Platinum Pearls are playing the music that moves you - belting out the hits you know and love!
Singer-songwriter Trent Hughes is slated for March 27 and 28 at the casino. Trent quickly made a name for himself blending fresh, original country music and hard-edged country roots.
The casino performances are free to attend and all guests must be 21+. Shows begin at 8:00 p.m.
Love live comedy? Ogallala's hometown brewery continues to host nationally touring comedians this spring, with amazing local food trucks on site. 
General admission tickets start at $20 for each show. Get yours online before they sell out!
Ray Harrington: a master of improvisational crowd work!
Sunday, March 22, 7 p.m. show (6 p.m. seating)
Food Truck: Pigglee Wigglee BBQ
Andrew Sleighter: a master of improvisational crowd work!
Saturday, April 11, 8 p.m. show (7 p.m. seating)
Food Truck: Smoken Hills BBQ
Interested in Ogallala's historic past? Local historian Tomás England is offering a class on Ogallala's days as a wild cowtown at the end of the Texas Trail Thursday, March 12.
Pre-register with Mid-Plains at (308)284-9830 or ogallala@mpcc.edu.
Be sure to plan a lunch or dinner at one of Keith County's special restaurants. You'll find everything from classic burger and steak restaurants here in the heart of Nebraska's cattle country to unique ethnic specials. See our restaurant list here.
We'll see you soon in beautiful Keith County!