Olive Creek Lake Recreation Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Olive Creek Lake Recreation Area is a 175-acre lake in Lancaster County, Nebraska.


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Summary

The lake is surrounded by 470 acres of land that offers a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching. The area is managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and there is an entrance fee of $6 per vehicle.

One of the main reasons to visit Olive Creek Lake Recreation Area is for its excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Boating is also very popular on the lake, and there is a boat ramp and dock available for visitors to use.

Aside from fishing and boating, there are several hiking trails that wind through the wooded areas around the lake. These trails offer great views of the lake and are a great way to explore the surrounding nature. There are also several picnic areas and campgrounds available for visitors who want to spend more time in the area.

Interesting facts about Olive Creek Lake Recreation Area include that it was created in 1962 and named after Olive Creek, which flows into the lake. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and a variety of bird species.

The best time of year to visit Olive Creek Lake Recreation Area is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer is also a popular time to visit, but it can get crowded, especially on weekends.

Overall, Olive Creek Lake Recreation Area is a great destination for anyone looking for outdoor activities and natural beauty in Nebraska.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
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