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Beach Watch Sampling Week: July 7, 2025
Maskenthine Reservoir is on Health Alert for Harmful Algal Blooms
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Maskenthine Lake 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.
The lake is a popular fishery in the district, and is stocked by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Other recreational activities include hunting, boating, picnicking, hiking, camping, swimming, mountain biking and disc golf. An arboretum has been established on the east side of the lake. Other tree plantings and windbreaks are located throughout the area. No park permit or fee is required for entrance.
Dam & 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.
Arboretum
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.
