Big Lake State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Big Lake State Park is a beautiful natural area located in the state of Nebraska.
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Summary
There are many great reasons to visit this park, including hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. One of the most popular activities at the park is fishing, as there are plenty of fish in the lake, including catfish, bluegill, and bass.
There are also several points of interest to see at Big Lake State Park, including the lake itself, which is a popular spot for boating and other water activities. The park also features several trails, including the 1.5-mile Prairie Trail and the 3-mile Ash Trail, which offer stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape.
Interesting facts about Big Lake State Park include its history as a popular hunting and fishing spot for Native Americans and early settlers. The park also features several historic buildings, including a restored pioneer cabin and a blacksmith shop.
The best time of year to visit Big Lake State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is at its busiest. However, visitors can also enjoy the beauty of the park during the spring and fall, when the foliage is changing and the temperatures are mild.
Overall, Big Lake State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and history of Nebraska. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich history, this park is sure to delight visitors of all ages and interests.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Squaw Creek Wildlife Refuge
H. F. Thurnau Conservation Area
Bob Brown Conservation Area