Maskenthine Lake and Recreation Area is located ten miles east of Norfolk, Nebraska in the rolling hills of north-central Stanton County.      Constructed in 1976, the dam provides flood control for the town of Stanton, one and one-half miles south of the lake.  The area is approximately 680 acres in size, including the 100 acre lake, which provides many recreational activities to the public.

Dam and Reservoir-The flood control structure on the south end of the lake is a 1,500 foot long earth dam.  The 53 foot high structure was the first project in the state of Nebraska funded by the Resources Developent Fund that is administered by the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission.  The permanent pool storage of the reservoir is 927.5 acre-feet, whereas the flood storage is 2,551 acre-feet.  Almost 6,000 acres drain into the lake.

Fishery-The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission manages the Maskenthine fishery.  Northern pike, walleye and channel caatfish are stocked annually.  Other species present in the lake include largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, black bulllhead and yellow perch.

     Recreation-

• Boating is allowed in most areas of the lake although a 5 mph no wake regulation is enforced.  The boat ramp is on the west side of the lake.
• A sand swimming beach is a popular gathering site on the southwest end of the lake.
• A handicapped accessible fishing pier is located south of the swimming beach.  The water is 18 feet deep off the southeast corner of the pier for added fishing enjoyment.
• A shower house is also available for Maskenthine campers. It is handicapped accessible with shower stalls, sinks and restrooms.
• A 25 pad camper area with electrical hookups was constructed in 1989 near the swimming beach.
• Hunting is allowed throughout the area except within 200 yards of any building, campground, boat ramp, parking area, swimming beach, picnic area, or where prohibited by signs.  Species that can be found in the area include:  whitetail deer, pheasant, cotton tail rabbit, squirrel, mourning dove, bobwhite quail and migratory waterfowl.
• Hiking and bird watching are other activities well suited to Maskenthine Lake.

Arboretum and Native Plant Display-An arboretum is an area maintained for growing trees, shrubs, vines and prairie woodland plants. The Mastenthine Arboretum is a collection of native and exotic tree species planted in a natural arrangement.  Established in 1976, the area is used by schools and other groups for nature study and general enjoyment.
    While the arboretum encompasses about 20 acres, tree plantings have also been established for wildlife habitat, research, windbreaks and beautification throughout the area.
     In 1988, a native plant display was constructed just south of the arboretum.  Plants are obtained from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and new species are added each year.

Regulations-

• Vehicles are allowed on roadways and parking areas only.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• Swimming permitted in designated area only.
• Pets are prohibited on the swimming beach.
• Fires are allowed only in grills.
• Operation of snowmobiles is prohibited.
• Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days.
• Quiet shall be maintained between 10 pm and 6 am in the camper pad area.
• Smimming beach is closed between 10 pm and 6 am.

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• Tent camping (not on camping pads) $5 per tent
• Electric pads-30 amp (110 volts) $12
  50 amp (120 volts) $14
• Overflow camping in north lots $5

For more information-Contact the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District in the Lifelong Learning Center at 601 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, Nebraska 68701 or call 402-371-7313 or e-mail to jwragge@lenrd.org