How do I access Pelican?

Pelican is a public bank access in Nebraska. There is no entrance fee.

What activities are available at Pelican?

Pelican supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.

What amenities are at Pelican?

On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.

When is the best time to visit Pelican?

The best time to paddle at Pelican is during spring and summer and fall. March through November

What are the water conditions at Pelican?

Water conditions at Pelican include calm, sheltered.

Is Pelican good for beginners?

Yes, Pelican is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water

Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingSUPKayak FishingBeginner

Conditions

LakeCalmSheltered

Amenities

Boat RampParking

Best Time to Visit

Spring Summer Fall

Pelican

Valentine, NE · Bank Access · Public

Pelican is a public bank access on lake near Valentine, Nebraska. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. Best visited in spring and summer and fall.

At a Glance

Water Body

Lake

Launch Type

Bank Access

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP, Kayak Fishing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Limited

Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

About This Location

Pelican offers lake paddling on local lake waters in Nebraska. Located near Valentine.

Lake paddlers in Nebraska will appreciate Pelican, which offers direct access to local lake waters and its surrounding waters.

Kayaking is the most popular activity here, with the water conditions supporting a range of skill levels. Canoeists can enjoy the calmer sections for a relaxed paddle. Midwestern waterways provide reliable paddling through the warmer months, with vast open spaces and uncrowded conditions.

Conditions here tend to be calm and sheltered, making it suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. Plan your visit for March through November. Facilities include boat ramp and parking.

At about 25 min from Valentine, Pelican is a practical choice for paddlers based in the Valentine area.

New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.

Calm lake waters make Pelican ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:

Kayaks →Life Jackets →Paddles →

Paddling Tips

•Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot submerged obstacles.
•If fishing, try the coves and points where fish tend to congregate.
•Morning hours offer the calmest water and best wildlife viewing on the lake.
•Keep an eye on the weather — afternoon winds can pick up quickly on open water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Pelican?: Pelican is a public bank access in Nebraska. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Pelican?: Pelican supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Pelican?: On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Pelican?: The best time to paddle at Pelican is during spring and summer and fall. March through November
What are the water conditions at Pelican?: Water conditions at Pelican include calm, sheltered.
Is Pelican good for beginners?: Yes, Pelican is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 42.5358, -100.6862