Alkali Lake Monster
Alkali Lake Monster: Nebraska’s Mysterious Cryptid
The Alkali Lake Monster is one of Nebraska’s most chilling cryptid legends, captivating locals and researchers alike. Also known as the “Nebraska Nessie,” the Alkali Lake Monster is a cryptid said to inhabit Walgren Lake (formerly known as Alkali Lake) in Sheridan County, Nebraska. This elusive lake monster has been described as a massive, horned, alligator-like beast, sparking curiosity and debate for over a century. But is it a true undiscovered creature, or merely one of Nebraska’s most enduring hoaxes?
The Legend of the Alkali Lake Monster
The legend of the Alkali Lake Monster began in the early 1920s. Reports describe the creature as approximately 40 feet long, with dull grayish-brown skin and a distinctive horn-like protrusion between its eyes and nostrils. Witnesses claim it thrashes violently when disturbed and can even spout water like a whale.
The first widely publicized sighting appeared in the Hay Springs News on September 16, 1921, under the headline, “If It Isn’t a Whale, It’s a Whaler of an Animal.” The following year, a 1922 issue reported additional sightings, and by 1923, the Omaha World-Herald covered a dramatic account from a local man, J.A. Johnson. Johnson and two companions allegedly spotted the monster from about 60 feet away. The men described it as an enormous, prehistoric-looking creature that, upon noticing them, let out a dreadful roar, thrashed its tail, and vanished into the water.
Hoax or Reality?
While early reports fueled excitement, skepticism soon emerged. Nebraska historian Louise Pound investigated the legend and linked it to newspaperman John G. Maher. Known for elaborate hoaxes, Maher had a history of fabricating sensational stories, including planting a fake “petrified man” near Chadron and promoting “soda springs” with supposed healing properties. Many believe Maher may have created the monster story to boost newspaper circulation.
Further doubt arises from the geological history of Walgren Lake. The region suffered extreme droughts in the late 1800s, reducing the lake to a mere puddle. Skeptics question how a 40-foot creature could inhabit such shallow waters just decades later.
Evolution of the Myth
Despite questions surrounding its authenticity, the legend of the Alkali Lake Monster persisted. By the 1930s, accounts embellished the monster’s supernatural abilities. According to a 1938 article in the Federal Writers’ Project publication Tall Tales, the monster’s movements caused earthquakes, disoriented travelers with a thick green mist, and devoured livestock by the dozen. The January 1962 issue of Outdoor Nebraska further exaggerated the tale, claiming that an unfortunate group of travelers were bounced over 100 miles due to the creature’s earth-shaking power.
Though sightings dwindled after the 1920s, the monster remained a fixture in Nebraska folklore. In 1985, Hay Springs’ Centennial Committee capitalized on the legend, selling commemorative T-shirts and buttons featuring the Walgren Lake Monster. A community-driven project even created a replica of the monster using green flotation materials based on Johnson’s original description.
Whether a real cryptid or a well-crafted hoax, the Alkali Lake Monster remains one of Nebraska’s most intriguing mysteries. The creature has solidified its place in local folklore, capturing the imagination of generations. While scientific evidence remains absent, the legend endures—drawing curiosity seekers and cryptid enthusiasts to the shores of Walgren Lake.
Connections:
Loch Ness Monster
Champ
Ogopogo