2011 Map of Mule Lake

About this map

Daniels Ranch, Pearson Ranch, and Pound Ranch anchor the isolated landscape of this corner of the Nebraska Sandhills. The terrain is defined by a series of shallow, linear water bodies including Mule Lake, Dads Lake, and the uniquely named Devils Punch Bowl Lake. These lakes are clustered in the northern and eastern portions of the quadrangle, serving as critical landmarks for the sparse ranching operations that characterize the region. The small settlement of Conterra appears in the east, marking a rare point of concentration amidst a vast network of 4WD trails and local roads that navigate the undulating hills. The distribution of these water features, including Rat Lake and Coleman Lake, suggests the specific hydrology required for cattle ranching in this arid environment at the start of the 21st century.