2014 Map of Coleman Lake

About this map

Coleman Lake and its surrounding sandhills dominate this interior portion of Cherry County, Nebraska, where groundwater dictates the geography of the landscape. The region is defined by a series of shallow basins and depressions that hold water, creating distinctive features such as Flowing Well Lake and Little Coleman Lake. These water bodies are vital landmarks in a sparsely populated terrain where cattle ranching is the primary use of the land. Broad, level expanses like Prairie Dog Flats and Poole Flat provide a sharp contrast to the undulating dunes, while Dry Valley to the southeast marks a significant drainage path through the hills. This topographic study reflects the enduring isolation and specialized hydrology of the Sandhills region, where even small features like Carpenter Lake serve as critical reference points for navigation and land management in the vast grassland.