Exploring Chalco Hills Recreation Area
Located in western Sarpy County, roughly 15 miles southwest of downtown Omaha, the Chalco Hills Recreation Area offers an impressive array of outdoor activities for people visiting the area. Situated near the Elkhorn River, the area had been historically significant for Native American tribes such as the Omaha, who hunted and harvested along its shores. Named after the Chalco tribe, a local Omaha subtribe, this area of approximately 1,186 acres showcases distinct topographical variations including vast prairies, meadows, wetlands, and woodlands surrounding the Wehrspann Lake and the Chalco Lake.
This unique topography creates diverse habitats for a multitude of flora and fauna and presents an exceptional destination for nature lovers. The topography coupled with its two bodies of water – Wehrspann and Chalco Lakes – provides an idyllic setting for outdoor enthusiasts, from hikers walking through the 7 miles worth of walking and biking trails to those enjoying the scenic landscape while camping or picnicking at the several campsites and many picnic areas.
An assortment of fishes including catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass, make both lakes suitable for recreational fishing. Visitors should be aware, however, that only non-motorized boats are allowed in these waters, thus protecting the unique aquatic environment and marine life. Visitors can similarly explore other activities such as hunting during specific seasons – pheasant, quail, and migratory birds are reported in the area.
Interestingly, Chalco Hills Recreation Area and Wehrspann Lake also function as a critical water management component in local flood prevention efforts. As of 2017 statistics, the installation of a wetland around Wehrspann Lake can reportedly absorb about 1.3 billion gallons of water during high flood conditions.
Among recreation complexes of its kind, the Chalco Hills Recreation Area distinguishes itself as not just a social hotspot for travelers but also a location of importance in maintaining ecological balance. Moreover, due to its highly comprehensive conservation efforts, this reserve draws attention as a vital aspect of environmental management.
Despite popularity, this park, due to conservation efforts and local regulations, remains largely untouched and pristine in its landscape. Even for adventure-seekers not just into travel but nature preservation, this Omaha park truly represents the optimal combination of natural preservation and human engagement, especially considering neighboring activities such as hiking through Fontenelle Forest Nature Center or engaging birdwatching exercises popular near Overton Lake – just a few attractions, that, when coupled together offer visitors comprehensive travel and outdoor encounters in Sarpy county.
As of visiting guides published by travel industry associations around the world – perhaps its close ties with Omaha coupled with a small footprint could potentially hinder the regional growth and global recognition of the Chalco Hills area.
This unique topography creates diverse habitats for a multitude of flora and fauna and presents an exceptional destination for nature lovers. The topography coupled with its two bodies of water – Wehrspann and Chalco Lakes – provides an idyllic setting for outdoor enthusiasts, from hikers walking through the 7 miles worth of walking and biking trails to those enjoying the scenic landscape while camping or picnicking at the several campsites and many picnic areas.
An assortment of fishes including catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass, make both lakes suitable for recreational fishing. Visitors should be aware, however, that only non-motorized boats are allowed in these waters, thus protecting the unique aquatic environment and marine life. Visitors can similarly explore other activities such as hunting during specific seasons – pheasant, quail, and migratory birds are reported in the area.
Interestingly, Chalco Hills Recreation Area and Wehrspann Lake also function as a critical water management component in local flood prevention efforts. As of 2017 statistics, the installation of a wetland around Wehrspann Lake can reportedly absorb about 1.3 billion gallons of water during high flood conditions.
Among recreation complexes of its kind, the Chalco Hills Recreation Area distinguishes itself as not just a social hotspot for travelers but also a location of importance in maintaining ecological balance. Moreover, due to its highly comprehensive conservation efforts, this reserve draws attention as a vital aspect of environmental management.
Despite popularity, this park, due to conservation efforts and local regulations, remains largely untouched and pristine in its landscape. Even for adventure-seekers not just into travel but nature preservation, this Omaha park truly represents the optimal combination of natural preservation and human engagement, especially considering neighboring activities such as hiking through Fontenelle Forest Nature Center or engaging birdwatching exercises popular near Overton Lake – just a few attractions, that, when coupled together offer visitors comprehensive travel and outdoor encounters in Sarpy county.
As of visiting guides published by travel industry associations around the world – perhaps its close ties with Omaha coupled with a small footprint could potentially hinder the regional growth and global recognition of the Chalco Hills area.
