Kingsley Dam

Nebraska's largest lake is Lake McConaughy near Ogallala. It was created when Kingsley Dam, one of the world's largest earthen dams, was built on the North Platte River. This 10 story dam cost more than $43 million and was built over a 5 year period beginning in 1936. The town of Lymone was moved to make room for McConaughy. This lake has become one of the state's most popular recreational sites covering more than 35,000 acres and as much as 100 miles of shoreline and beaches. The dam's hydro plant creates electricity, and a system of downstream canals provide agricultural irrigation throughout the central Platte region. The dam and reservoir are named for Geogre P. Kingsley, a Minden banker, and C.W. McConaughy, a grain merchant and mayor of Holdrege: two of the leading promoters of the project.