Love is in the air this month, and whether you're looking to get away now or plan a summer retreat with that special someone, the Lake McConaughy/Keith County area is one of the most romantic destinations on the Great Plains!
PLACES TO STAY: There are so many ways to stay and enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake McConaughy, Nebraska's largest lake, from quality hotels and lakeside resorts to campgrounds and short-term rentals.
PLACES TO EAT & DRINK: You'll find everything from delicious Nebraska steaks and burgers to ethnic specialties like authentic Mexican, Asian, and Indian dishes.
Second Chapter Brewing, our local microbrewery and taproom, is housed in the town's former library building. Check out new and limited beer releases on tap and take some souvenirs from their to-go fridge. Other specialties include the Trashy Romance, a delicious cinnamon-sugar rimmed apple cider seltzer, or the Good Beer-y Farm Sour, an American sour ale brewed with locally grown aronia berries.
THINGS TO DO: If your Valentine would love a Lake Mac fishing adventure, book a spring or summer trip with one of our experienced local fishing guides. Whether you land one of our trophy walleyes, or just have a great trip out on the water, you'll come home with memories to treasure. Kayaking is another way to experience the beautiful scenery. AlwaysKayak offers seasonal guided kayak excursions.
For couples who love to golf together, Keith County offers two courses: Bayside Golf Course, located on the south side of Lake McConaughy, and Crandall Creek Golf Club in Ogallala. Bayside Golf features a par 34 front nine with rolling hills and native grasses. The back nine is more challenging with valleys, ravines, and elevated tee boxes. Bayside also offers a full restaurant, bar, pro shop and meeting rooms. Crandall Creek is an 18-hole course with a mature, par 36 front nine and a back nine completed in 1997, making an excellent 72 par course. It features a fully stocked pro shop and lounge.
Love history from the Great American West? Tour the museums and sites that tell the story of Ogallala's past as a wild cowtown at the end of the Texas Trail, including the historic Boot Hill Cemetery, the free Front Street Cowboy Museum, and Tri-Trails Park. In the summer, Front Street also hosts the Crystal Palace Revue, a musical Wild West show that's fun for the whole family.
If you love unique artwork, geological wonders, and Native American artifacts, check out the Petrified Wood & Art Gallery. Learn about the building of Kingsley Dam and the uses of water at the Lake McConaughy Visitor and Water Interpretive Center.
Check our homepage calendar for upcoming special events including live music, festivals, lake activities and more.
(photo: Lake Ogallala)