The second largest lake in the Salt Valley, Pawnee State Recreation Area, is located 2 miles north and 1 l/2 miles west of Emerald. This popular area offers a full range of facilities to go with its 740 water acres. Pawnee has modern restrooms and showers, plus electrical hookups for campers. Boaters will find four docks provide easy access to the lake, and anglers can haul in northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill and two kinds of catfish among others.
More than 1,800 acres of land are open to hiker, hunters, shutterbugs and anyone else who enjoys the out-of-doors. Hunters will find abundant upland and small game, waterfowl and deer. As on all state recreation areas, hunting is permitted in season beginning the first Tuesday after Labor Day.
