Recreation
Welcome to Sarpy County, where outdoor adventure happily collides with indoor fun. Whether you’re looking for loads of activity or a relaxing moment, there’s no better place to be. Come along and discover it for yourself!
Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium/Schramm State Recreation Area 21004 NE Highway 31, I-80 Exit 432 Home to the exceptional Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, this 330-acre state recreation area located along the Platte River offers spectacular views, three miles of hiking paths, and an intersting history of fishing activity in Nebraska. The site of the state’s first fish hatchery (1882), the old hatch house is now a fishing management museum. Inside the aquarium, 12 viewing tanks offer an amazing glimpse into underwater wildlife. Outside, nature’s bounty provides the perfect spot for picnicking and exploring. (402) 332-3901 www.ngpc.state.ne.us/parks
Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch 11001 S. 48th Street, Bellevue Fun times are ripe for the picking! An outdoor adventure awaits as you pick your own berries and pumpkins. Come for strawberries in June, raspberries in September, and pumpkins in September and October. Hayrack rides, a playground, and a rental barn are also available. (402) 331-5500 www.bellevueberryfarm.com
Fontenelle Forest Nature Center 1111 N. Bellevue Boulevard, Bellevue Enjoy 1,400 acres of woods, wetlands, and waterways along 19 miles of walking trails, including two all-access boardwalks. Nestled amid the scenic bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, the forest offers spectactular scenery and an educational view into the area’s wildlife and natural habitat. In the Nature Center, discover hands-on exhibits and live animal displays. (402) 731-3140 www.fontenelleforest.org
Haworth Park End of Mission Ave., Bellevue Haworth Park features 153 acres of park land with a concession stand, public boat launch & RV pads equipped with electric hookups. Open year-round. nearby is a fishing pond, picnic tables & grills, shelters, a playground. restrooms, 3 soccer fields, 4 basketball courts, 2 lighted tennis courts, 2 lighted softball diamonds & a sand volleyball court. 402-293-3098
Linoma Beach & Lighthouse 17106 S. 255th Street, Gretna In existence for more than 70 years, this treasured landmark features a 40-acre public lake, a public beach, camping, a 110-foot lighthouse, and the renowned Lobster Inn Restaurant, serving the largest and freshest lobster in the state. Rave water trampolines and a beach snack shack round out the offerings and ensure a fun-filled day at the beach. (402) 332-4500 www.linomabeach.com
Papio Bay Aquatic Center 815 E. Halleck Street, Papillion Jump into summertime fun via five acres of swimming and recreational resources. Enjoy the zero-depth pool, two waterslides, one- and three-meter diving boards, sand volleyball, a sand play area, and grass or patio sunning areas. Young children will especially enjoy the wading pool with a frog slide. Concessions and a bathhouse are also available. Open seven days a week, Memorial Day through Labor Day. (402) 597-2055 or (402) 597-2041 www.papillion.ne.us
Papio Fun Park 210 E. Lincoln Street, Papillion There’s something for everyone—laser tag, go-kart racing, miniature golf, batting cages, water wars, an arcade, trampoline games, and more. Bring the whole gang and spend the day. Group packages and wristbands are available as are snacks and prizes. It’s the place to be for all your fun all year long! (402) 592-5671 www.papiofunpark.com
Sarpy County Fairgrounds and Rodeo Arena NE Highway 50 and Main Street www.sarpyfair.com/
Schwer Recreational Area W. Centennial Road (adjacent to Hunter's Crossing) Lake, fishing pond, handicapped-accessible fishing dock, horseshoe pits, playground equipment, walking/biking trail, picnic shelter (can be reserved), grills, electrical outlets, parking, and restroom.
Vala's Pumpkin Patch 12102 S. 180th Street, Gretna If it’s fall in Sarpy County, it’s Vala’s Pumpkin Patch time. September through October, experience rural beauty and interactive fun at this wildly popular pick-your-own farm. Take a hayrack ride to the pumpkin field. Settle in for a story in the storybook barn. Sample delicious food at more than a dozen food and beverage locations. There’s also scheduled live entertainment, a petting corral, and a country bakery and gift shop. (402) 332-4200 www.valaspumpkinpatch.com
Walnut Creek Lake/Recreation Area NE Highway 370 and 96th Street, Omaha One of Sarpy County’s newest spots for outdoor recreation, Walnut Creek is a beautiful area for fishing, boating, hiking, biking, picnicking, and camping. A boat dock and fishing pier offer great vantage points to cast a line. An equestrian trail is a favorite path for horseback riding. Walnut Creek is a “pack in/pack out” park. Visitors are asked to take with them all of the trash they bring in or create at this site. (402) 592-8877 www.papionrd.org
Wehrspann Lake/Chalco Recreation Area NE Highway 50 and I-80 Exit 440 An oasis of fun, this 940-acre recreation area with its 245-acre lake is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Wehrspann Lakeconsidered one of the state's premiere fishing sitesis surrounded by a playground of trees and grasses interspersed with hiking, biking, and interpretive trails. Bird and waterfowl observation opportunities also abound. (402) 444-6222 www.papionrd.org
|