Agate Fossil Beds National Monument Located on the Niobrara River in northwestern Nebraska, the Agate Fossil Beds and its surrounding prairie are preserved in a 3,000 acre National Monument. Once part of "Captain" James H. Cook's Agate Springs Ranch, the nearby beds are an important source for 19.2 million year-old Miocene epoch mammal fossils. Cook's ranch also became a gathering place for Chief Red Cloud and other Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Indian people. The monument's Cook Collection of American Indian artifacts reflects years of gifts brought by the Indians during visits to the ranch from the 1880's through the early 1900's.
Bluestem Lake This Corps area is leased to the State of Nebraska. The 742-acre area offers a variety of recreation opportunities including an archery range. Visit the Bluestem Lake web page or contact them at: Nebraska Game and Parks, 2200 N. 33rd Street, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503-0370, 402-471-0641, for more information.
Box Butte Reservoir Box Butte Dam and reservoir are features of the Mirage Flats Project. Recreation is managed for the Bureau of Reclamation by the Nebraska Game and Parks. Water is stored in Box Butte Reservoir, Mirage Flats Project, on the Niobrara River about 10 miles north of Hemingford, Nebraska. The reservoir lies in the arid western Niobrara River Valley in the northwestern section of the Nebraska Panhandle. The reservoir is surrounded by dense cottonwood and willow trees. It is easily one of the best birding areas in the Panhandle. Sightings since 1973 has produced a list of over 200 species.Reservoir open 24 hours. Good access roads. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and channel catfish. This is an irrigation supply reservoir experiencing minor water level fluctuations. Reservoir peaks at 1,600 surface acres with 14 miles of shoreline. There are locations suitable for picnicking around the lakeshore.Current Reservoir Levels
Branched Oak Lake This Corps area is leased to the State of Nebraska. The lake has a surface area of 1780 acres and is the largest of the Salt Valley Lakes. Visit the Branch Oak Lake web page, or contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2200 N. 33rd Street, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503-0370, 402-471-0641, for more information.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site Chimney Rock has become one of the most famous landmarks in the American West. This unique formation--the most noted on the Oregon Trail--has come to symbolize the greatest voluntary migration in the history of mankind. The site is adminstered by the Nebraska State Historical Society which operates the Ethel and Christopher J. Abbot Visitor Center at the Chimney Rock National Historic Site. The Visitor Center features museum exhibits explaining the westward migration of the nineteenth century and the significant role Chimney Rock had in the memories of those who traveled the trails west.
Conestoga Lake Conestoga Lake, NE is a State Recreation Area located 3 miles south and 1/2 mile west of Emerald. The 230-acre lake provides plenty of opportunity for boating and fishing. Facilities include primitive camping, two picnic areas, a playground, a fish cleaning station, a boat ramp, a dump station, vault toilets, and fire pits. This Corps area is leased to the State of Nebraska. Visit the Conestoga Lake web page or contact Nebraska Game and Parks, 2200 N. 33rd Street, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503-0370, 402-471-0641, for more information. A State Park Permit is required for entry.
