Perhaps best known as the home of the Walgren Lake Monster, this northwestern Nebraska attraction on the edge of the Sandhills offers a wide variety of activities in a serene setting. Whether or not you see the Walgren Lake Monster, a mythical Loch Ness Monster-like creature that made national headlines decades ago, with a little luck you might see monsters of another variety – fish. The 50-acre lake is known for its excellent panfish population, shaded campgrounds and stone picnic shelter. The lake is located 2 1/2 miles east of Hay Springs and 2 1/2 miles south of U.S. Highway 20 on gravel roads
Attractions
Fishing
Walgren Lake offers abundant panfish populations, including yellow perch, crappie and bluegill. Anglers are also apt to land largemouth bass, northern pike walleyes and black bullheads. A handicapped-accessible fishing pier provides access for shore-bound anglers. The lake does experience considerable vegetation late in summer and low water levels in dry years.
Hunting
Hunting opportunities at Walgren Lake include waterfowl, rabbits, dove and pheasants.
Boating
Boaters may get on the water at the lake’s concrete boat ramp and dock. The lake has a 5-mph speed limit.
Picnicking
The serenity of the 80-acre park makes it an attractive place for a family outing. The stone picnic shelter is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Picnic tables and grills are located throughout the area, and children will be entertained by the vintage playground equipment.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed on portions of the area after Labor Day. Popular game includes waterfowl, dove, pheasants and rabbits.
Other activities
Walgren Lake is a prime location for watching birds and other wildlife. In addition to waterfowl, an adjacent prairie dog colony on private property attracts a wide variety of plains wildlife.
Camping
Primitive camping
Walgren Lake SRA offers 40 primitive camping sites under the shade of cottonwood trees. Visitors will revel in a good night’s sleep as the area’s remote location and low traffic makes it a quiet getaway. Most camping sites offer fire rings. The area has two vault latrines. Visitors must pack out what they pack in as the campground has no trash service.
