Chalco Hills Recreation Area

Chalco Hills Recreation Area offers a diverse trail system to suit various preferences. You'll find over nine miles of paved trails, including a popular 5.7-mile loop (Loop A) and a shorter 2.4-mile loop (Loop B), ideal for cycling, jogging, and walking. Additionally, there are over 8.5 miles of nature trails that provide a quieter, more secluded experience through oak-hickory savannah and grassland ecosystems.

Absolutely! Chalco Hills is very family-friendly, offering numerous amenities. There are several picnic areas, some equipped with playgrounds, including Dom's Park, which was built in 2021. The paved trails are also excellent for strollers and young cyclists, making it a great destination for all ages.

Yes, Chalco Hills Recreation Area is dog-friendly. The park provides designated areas for both leashed and unleashed dogs, allowing your furry companions to enjoy the outdoors alongside you.

The diverse landscape of oak-hickory savannah and grassland supports a rich variety of wildlife. Visitors often spot white-tailed deer, beaver, raccoon, red and gray foxes, coyote, bobcat, and wild turkey. It's also a well-known spot for birdwatching, with opportunities to see many species, including bald eagles, and even some rare and endangered plant species.

Ample parking is available at Chalco Hills Recreation Area. The main entrance is conveniently located at 154th Street and Giles Road, providing easy access to the park's facilities and trailheads. Visitors often praise the area for its clean and spacious parking lots.

Yes, if you don't have your own bike, Heartland Bike Share provides on-site bike rentals, making it easy to explore the extensive paved trail system.

Wehrspann Lake is a 245-acre no-wake reservoir, perfect for fishing and boating. It operates under a catch-and-release policy to help preserve fish populations, which include largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and walleye. An accessible fishing pier is also available for anglers.

While the area is easily accessible by car from Interstate 80/Highway 50 and is just minutes from Omaha, direct public transport routes to the main entrance at 154th Street and Giles Road may be limited. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for the most current information.

Chalco Hills is a year-round destination. While summer is ideal for boating and fishing on Wehrspann Lake, winter transforms the landscape into a haven for cross-country skiing. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, and the arboretum is particularly beautiful during these seasons. Wildlife viewing is rewarding throughout the year.

Yes, the Natural Resources Center, overlooking Wehrspann Lake, serves as a hub for educational activities. It features informative conservation exhibits and offers various learning opportunities about the local environment and its management.

The trails at Chalco Hills Recreation Area cater to a range of abilities. The paved trails (Loop A and Loop B) are generally considered easy, with minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for all fitness levels. The nature trails offer a slightly more rugged, yet still accessible, experience through natural terrain.