Lake Minatare State Recreation Area - Minatare        2025 

Yet another place we would have never gone except for the Passport.  It's a really beautiful lake near Scottsbluff.  It's also well hidden.  Even when you go over the last hill before entering the park, you can't see any of the lake because of the trees.  It was much bigger than I expected.  Since its well off any main road, it is quite secluded.  The park headquarters has plenty of things to help make your stay more fun and if you're fishing, more productive.

At the end of the peninsula is a lighthouse.  Not really.  I don't know if there ever was anything up there that emitted light but there isn't any evidence of it today.  If you stop here and climb the tower, you'll be rewarded with a great view of the lake.  

 

The stairs are very narrow and the walls are very thick.  I doubt there was ever a storm on earth that could have defeated this tower.  There is also a campground along the road leading to the lighthouse.  There were lots of tents and campers set up there.  Very nice place with lots of trees and shade.