Chalco Hills Recreation Area
Located on the west side of Omaha, Chalco Hills Recreation Area is a neighborhood centered around Wehrspann Lake. It’s also home to a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and jogging trails, native trees and grasses, and whitetail deer.
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Hiking Trails
If you want to enjoy nature and the outdoors, there are plenty of opportunities in Omaha. The southwestern outskirts of the city are home to trails that will make you feel like you’re not even in Omaha. A highlight of this park is Wehrspann Lake, a flood control reservoir that has paved trails around it.
The trails offer a view of the water and the surrounding hills and prairie grasses. The park also has seven picnic areas with pavilions.
There’s a fenced off-leash area at the park so you can bring your dog on the trails. The off-leash area is open year-round. Other highlights include a Gaga pit, a Frisbee Disc golf course, and special events throughout the year.
Fishing
The park’s centerpiece, Wehrspann Lake, is a 246-acre reservoir that offers outstanding fishing opportunities. The lake is one of the Papio Creek Watershed flood control reservoirs surrounding Omaha, and it is considered one of Nebraska’s premier fishing spots. Anglers can find largemouth bass, catfish, walleye, sunfish, and crappie here.
Besides fishing, visitors can also enjoy other outdoor activities at the park. The recreation area features a campground and more than seven miles of bike, hiking, and jogging trails. It is managed by the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District and is located 12 miles west of downtown Omaha.
Dogs are welcome at Chalco Hills, but they must be on a leash unless in designated off-leash areas. This helps prevent the spread of disease from wild animals. More places to also visit by clicking here.
Boating
Whether you want to try your hand at fishing, relax on a picnic bench, or enjoy some time outdoors at the campgrounds, the 246-acre Chalco Hills Recreation Area offers an array of fun activities. Located in southwest Omaha, the park features Wehrspann Lake, managed by the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District. This lake provides flood control and recreational opportunities for the community.
The lake also includes non-motorized boating and fishing opportunities, making it an excellent choice for families who want to spend a day or two on the water. Wehrspann Lake is home to bass, catfish, and crappie.
Chalco Hills is also a great place for hiking, biking, and jogging. There are more than 7 miles of trails available at this scenic location, including a loop around the park’s centerpiece, Wehrspann Lake.
Picnicking
There are plenty of places to enjoy a picnic in Chalco Hills Recreation Area. Some of these spots have covered pavilions that can accommodate up to 100 people, making them perfect for large groups. The park also features seven miles of walking trails, including a trail that loops around Wehrspann Lake.
This paved trail can be found in the southwest corner of the park. It is surrounded by trees and grasses and is a great place to relax and watch wildlife. It is also a great spot for runners and cyclists as the terrain is flat.
Bring your pup along and let them play off-leash at the dog exercise area. You’ll need to remember to bring poop bags with you, as this area isn’t fenced in.
Camping
Located about 12 miles west of downtown Omaha, Chalco Hills Recreation Area is a thriving neighborhood filled with a wide array of activities. This 246-acre park is dominated by Wehrspann Lake and offers opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and camping.
The lake is one of eight Papio Creek Watershed flood control reservoirs and offers excellent fishing prospects for largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, and crappie. It also offers non-motorized boating opportunities for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
Visitors can take a stroll on the park’s 7 miles of trails, including a 5.7-mile loop around the lake. The trails are paved and made of concrete and offer a flat and uniform surface for walking, biking, and jogging. They are lined with a variety of plant life and thick patches of trees. Check this out!
Driving directions from Panneton Dental Group to Chalco Hills Recreation Area
Driving directions from Chalco Hills Recreation Area to Werner Park