2014 Map of Chain Lake

About this map

The Nebraska Sandhills landscape is defined by its distinctive hydrology across the border of Holt and Garfield counties. This modern topographic study reveals a complex system of semi-permanent water bodies, including the central Chain Lake and the nearby Rush Lake. These lakes are vital components of the region's unique wetland ecology, fed by high groundwater levels and seasonal drainage. The southern portion of the map traces the headwaters of the Big Cedar Creek and Little Cedar Creek, which carve through the dune formations. Human infrastructure is limited to a sparse grid of section roads like 848th Road and 474th Avenue, illustrating the vast, unpopulated nature of these ranchlands. The orientation of roads such as Cedar River Road indicates the primary routes used to navigate this terrain between isolated ranching outposts.