Omaha Parks Trails in Nebraska
Omaha, a city in the state of Nebraska, is nestled along the Missouri River and boasts a comprehensive network of parks and trails that offer its residents and visitors a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. With a total area of over 27,000 acres, the Omaha Parks and Recreation system comprises several large regional parks, numerous neighborhood parks, and an extensive trail network that connects many of these parks and scenic natural areas.
One notable example of Omaha's commitment to providing access to natural spaces is the Chalco Hills Recreation Area, located at 8901 South 154th Street. Spanning over 1,200 acres, this scenic park features hiking trails, a lake for fishing, and a picnic area with tables and grills. The area is also home to a wetland complex, which has been recognized by the Nebraska Audubon Society as a significant habitat for migratory birds. Visitors can access this park through the Chalco Hills Trail, which forms part of the extensive Omaha Trail System.
The Omaha Trail System is a major component of the city's parks and recreation infrastructure, with over 80 miles of developed trails that provide connections between many of the city's parks, neighborhoods, and scenic natural areas. The system includes several high-profile trails, such as the Keystone Trail, the MoPac Trail, and the Field Club Trail. The Keystone Trail, which spans approximately 24 miles, links several of Omaha's largest parks, including Lake Manawa State Park, Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, and Standing Bear Lake Park.
The Omaha Parks and Recreation system places strong emphasis on watershed protection and water quality improvement through the implementation of sustainable trail design and management practices. A notable example of this commitment can be seen in the Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge, located on the west bank of the Missouri River in the City of Omaha. Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this refuge protects native plant communities and provides valuable habitats for several species of birds and other wildlife. A constructed wetland trail system traverses the refuge, providing opportunities for visitors to observe native wildlife in its natural habitat.
Visitors to Omaha who wish to engage in outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, biking, and bird-watching will find numerous options in the city's parks and trail network. Those interested in more leisurely pursuits can enjoy a stroll along the lake in Standing Bear Lake Park or a family picnic at Lake Manawa State Park. Accommodations for travelers who want to stay close to the action include numerous hotels and vacation rentals within the city limits.
Omaha's parks and trails offer an opportunity to experience Nebraska's natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and wildlife up close. The combination of public park space and protected natural areas within the Omaha Parks and Recreation system provides an essential component of quality of life and an economic benefit to the local community.
Omaha's community consistently engages with parks and recreation programming. Programs offered by the city cater to diverse audiences, encouraging residents to connect with nature. Among the programs offered are outdoor nature education, environmental conservation education, nature-related skills workshops, conservation efforts, recreational events and festivals.
While visitors may choose from a broad range of park types in Omaha, to truly appreciate its diversity they would need to immerse themselves in these programs and get involved in events hosted at one of the many parks.
One notable example of Omaha's commitment to providing access to natural spaces is the Chalco Hills Recreation Area, located at 8901 South 154th Street. Spanning over 1,200 acres, this scenic park features hiking trails, a lake for fishing, and a picnic area with tables and grills. The area is also home to a wetland complex, which has been recognized by the Nebraska Audubon Society as a significant habitat for migratory birds. Visitors can access this park through the Chalco Hills Trail, which forms part of the extensive Omaha Trail System.
The Omaha Trail System is a major component of the city's parks and recreation infrastructure, with over 80 miles of developed trails that provide connections between many of the city's parks, neighborhoods, and scenic natural areas. The system includes several high-profile trails, such as the Keystone Trail, the MoPac Trail, and the Field Club Trail. The Keystone Trail, which spans approximately 24 miles, links several of Omaha's largest parks, including Lake Manawa State Park, Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, and Standing Bear Lake Park.
The Omaha Parks and Recreation system places strong emphasis on watershed protection and water quality improvement through the implementation of sustainable trail design and management practices. A notable example of this commitment can be seen in the Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge, located on the west bank of the Missouri River in the City of Omaha. Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this refuge protects native plant communities and provides valuable habitats for several species of birds and other wildlife. A constructed wetland trail system traverses the refuge, providing opportunities for visitors to observe native wildlife in its natural habitat.
Visitors to Omaha who wish to engage in outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, biking, and bird-watching will find numerous options in the city's parks and trail network. Those interested in more leisurely pursuits can enjoy a stroll along the lake in Standing Bear Lake Park or a family picnic at Lake Manawa State Park. Accommodations for travelers who want to stay close to the action include numerous hotels and vacation rentals within the city limits.
Omaha's parks and trails offer an opportunity to experience Nebraska's natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and wildlife up close. The combination of public park space and protected natural areas within the Omaha Parks and Recreation system provides an essential component of quality of life and an economic benefit to the local community.
Omaha's community consistently engages with parks and recreation programming. Programs offered by the city cater to diverse audiences, encouraging residents to connect with nature. Among the programs offered are outdoor nature education, environmental conservation education, nature-related skills workshops, conservation efforts, recreational events and festivals.
While visitors may choose from a broad range of park types in Omaha, to truly appreciate its diversity they would need to immerse themselves in these programs and get involved in events hosted at one of the many parks.
