Home - Lake McConaughy

Home of the Ogallala Round-Up Rodeo, a 100+ year tradition!
Photo: Penny Zadina Photography
Make a trip to Boot Hill, Ogallala's legendary Texas Trail era cemetery.
Photo: Keith County Visitors Committee
Lake McConaughy earns the nickname "Big Mac."
Photo: Nebraska Life Magazine
The best days end at Lake Mac.
Photo: Keith County Visitors Committee
Visit Keith County in winter to see the bald eagles that gather near the Kingsley Hydroplant.
Photo: CJ Carter
Fisherman's Paradise
Photo: CJ Carter

Dive In

Kayaking in Keith County

The Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala State Recreation Areas are year-round favorites with kayakers and canoeists for good reason!

Paddlesports offer an ideal way to slow down and experience the area’s incredible natural beauty from the water. Taking weather conditions and appropriate safety precautions into account, kayaking can be enjoyed in all four seasons in Keith County.

Few people are more enthusiastic about kayaking than Ogallala native Travis Byers. To date, Byers has kayaked every month of the year for 78 consecutive months. He even paddled to his own wedding on the shores of Lake McConaughy. He says, “Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala have got to be two of my favorite places to kayak.” His Facebook page, AlwaysKayak, documents his adventures. Keen to share his love of the sport with others, Byers is now an American Canoe Association (ACA) certified instructor. He says, “I really enjoy helping others and getting them out on the water in a safe environment. I love to see people smile.”

What are some tips for beginners? Byers says it’s important to keep safety top of mind.

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Calendar of Events

Featured Event

Ogallala Farmers Market

The Ogallala Farmer’s Market is held on Saturdays at Rendezvous Square through October 2, 2021. Find something different every week – including locally raised vegetables, fruits, baked goods, honey, preserves and crafts.

Featured Attraction

Front Street Cowboy Museum

Explore cowboy history and artifacts from Ogallala’s early days as the end of the Texas Trail at Front Street’s free museum. Built in 1963, Front Street is listed on the National Re

Home of the Ogallala Round-Up Rodeo, a 100+ year tradition!

Make a trip to Boot Hill, Ogallala's legendary Texas Trail era cemetery.

Lake McConaughy earns the nickname "Big Mac."

The best days end at Lake Mac.

Visit Keith County in winter to see the bald eagles that gather near the Kingsley Hydroplant.

Fisherman's Paradise