Two rivers (the North Loup and the Calamus) and two highways (U.S. 183 and State Hwy 91) are vital to the county. Both rivers are scenic at all times of the year. The name "calamus" is a translation of the Dakota Indian name, Sinke-ta-wot (food for the muskrat) which was their name for the sweet flag of calamus plant growing along the river banks. The name may also be found in the Bible.

The Calamus Reservoir & State Recreation Area is the most beautiful boating and fishing lake the Sandhills has to offer! White sand beaches, modern boat ramps, and prize fishing makes this one of the states most family friendly vacation destinations. Several campgrounds accomodate RV parking and tenting needs. The recreation area includes ample opportunities for hunting, bird watching, hiking, etc.

For more bird watching information, go to www.nebraskabirdingtrails.com, www.audubon.org/bird-guide or www.calamusoutfitters.com.
Lake history can be found at: www.casde.unl.edu//history/counties/loup/taylor.

For more info go to www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov and click on Calamus SRA.