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.
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.
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.
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.
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 bullhead and yellow perch.
A shower house is also available for Maskenthine campers. It is handicapped accessible with shower stalls, sinks and restrooms. Water is turned on from approximately May 1 until October 1st - weather permitting.
A 33 pad camper area with electrical hookups was constructed in 1989 near the swimming beach. The pads can now be reserved online.
Hiking and bird watching are other activities well suited to Maskenthine Lake.
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.
Hunting is allowed throughout the area except within 100 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.
The tent camping area is on a first-come, first-served basis. The camper pads can now be reserved 60 days in advance of arrival. Some sites are still first-come, first-served.