Best Places to Paddleboard in the United States – Nebraska 2021
1: Glenn Cunningham Lake
For those who are visiting Omaha, one of the best places to paddleboard is Glenn Cunningham Lake. The 390-acre lake is popular with beginner paddlers due to the limited motor vehicle access that makes the water remarkably tranquil in the morning and evening.
Advanced paddlers should visit in the afternoon, where the wind often picks up for some fun SUP surfing and sailing. Outside of renting gear and private lessons, you can also join SUP yoga sessions by visiting the local paddleboard vendors.
You’ll have plenty of fun without having to travel too far by visiting Glenn Cunningham Lake in Omaha.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 214
Distance to Major Cities: Direct Access to Omaha
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Limited
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
2: Standing Bear Lake
Glenn Cunningham Lake is one of the more popular SUP waterfronts in Omaha, but an easier, more shallow option is Standing Bear Lake. The 135-acre lake is quite fun to paddle on, especially for younger paddlers or beginner learners who prefer calm water as they develop their balancing abilities. The abundant, easy to catch Walleye, Catfish, Drum, and other fish species make this a popular paddling destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Standing Bear Lake is named after the famous Native American Chief Standing Bear, with tributes and other art features dedicated to Native Americans dotting the lake’s coast. So, while you’re in Omaha, it’s worth taking the time to paddle at the Standing Bear Lake.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 214
Distance to Major Cities: Direct Access to Omaha
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Limited
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
3: Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is technically split between Nebraska and Iowa, but it is a popular paddleboarding destination for both states for several reasons. The no-wake shoreline leaves the water calm and tranquil, great for cruising, touring, and yoga sessions alike on the 700-acre lake. If you go out to the center, you’ll get fun surfing in, though it’s just as fun to race across the larger lake with a racing SUP if you have one.
Lake Manawa was formed by a massive flood that passed through the area in 1881, with relics and other treasures continuing to wash to shore even as recently as 2020. So, if you have a scuba kit or you want to relax, there’s plenty to see and explore at Lake Manawa in Omaha.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 214
Distance to Major Cities: Direct Access to Omaha
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Limited
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
4: Lake McConaughy
One of the largest reservoirs in all of Nebraska, Lake McConaughy is a 35,700-acre reservoir comprising 76 miles of shoreline, much of which is very easy to launch from. Wind foiling and sailing are some of the most popular activities for SUPers visiting the lake, fishing for Bass, Pike, and Catfish.
If you stop by the visitor center first, not only will you get a great view of the lake, but you check out the massive aquariums and art exhibits as well. There are more than fifteen official campgrounds around the shore, giving touring enthusiasts multiple places to stop and rest as they paddle. With several different paddleboarding rentals and touring companies located right on the shore, you’ll want to make the journey to paddle at Lake McConaughy while you’re visiting western Nebraska.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 227
Distance to Major Cities: 1 Hour to North Platte
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
5: Capitol Beach Lake
If you’re visiting the capital of Nebraska, you won’t have to drive around too long in Lincoln to find Capitol Beach Lake. Managed and supported by the Capitol Beach Community Association, the sandy white beaches and crystal blue waters are well maintained and attract several animals. Raccoons and deer are quite common, but if you keep your eye out, you may also spot majestic minks and red foxes.
Depending on when you visit, you’ll have pleasant and tranquil waters great for hanging out with friends or practicing yoga, or high winds great for sailing and surfing. There aren’t any direct SUP rental companies near the water, but there are a couple of companies in town you can stop by on your way to the lake. Whether you bring your own SUP or stop by a vendor on the way there, you’ll have a blast paddling on the Capitol Beach Lake in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 214
Distance to Major Cities: Direct Access to Lincoln
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Nearby
Conclusion: Plan Your Paddle Board Trip and Have Fun!
Thank you for visiting our top paddleboarding destinations in Nebraska! While we’ve had the chance to paddle at a few of these beaches and lakes ourselves, a few of these destinations have been added based upon the feedback given to us by other paddlers. If you’ve been to any of these locations or have a lake in Nebraska you think paddlers should visit, let us know by leaving a comment below or sending us an email with your thoughts!
While you’re here, check out our latest paddleboard reviews and instructional guides or visit our top fifteen paddleboarding destinations in the entire United States. We’re hard at work developing lists for states like Nevada, so revisit us if you’re planning a SUP vacation.
Thank you again for reading, and be sure to let us know what you think of paddleboarding in Nebraska!
SupBoardGuide
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