reservoir on the south side
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Chalco Hills Recreation Area

4.7
·2k reviews·Omaha, United States

A sprawling recreation area offering fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and abundant wildlife viewing, perfect for outdoor adventures.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for wildlife spotting

CrowdLow
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reservoir on the south side

Chalco Hills Recreation Area

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for wildlife spotting

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sprawling recreation area offering fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and abundant wildlife viewing, perfect for outdoor adventures.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Best park I've been to yet! This place has something for everyone."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Plenty of parking lots are scattered throughout the expansive property, so you won't have to worry about finding a spot.

🦌 Drive Slowly for Deer

To catch glimpses of the abundant deer, drive slower than the posted speed limit and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 2,056 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wehrspann Lake

Wehrspann Lake

Chalco Hills Recreation Area

A 245-acre reservoir perfect for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Enjoy serene waters and potential wildlife sightings.

Scenic Hiking & Biking Trails

Scenic Hiking & Biking Trails

Chalco Hills Recreation Area

Explore miles of trails winding through forests and alongside the lake. Offers varied terrain with some challenging inclines.

Abundant Wildlife Viewing

Abundant Wildlife Viewing

Chalco Hills Recreation Area

Spot numerous deer and turkeys, and keep an eye out for bald eagles. Best viewed during early mornings or slower drives.

Family-Friendly Playground

Family-Friendly Playground

Chalco Hills Recreation Area

A large, well-maintained playground provides fun for younger children, making it a great spot for family outings.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors Year-Round

Chalco Hills Recreation Area offers activities for every season, from summer fishing and boating to winter ice fishing. Plan your visit based on your preferred outdoor pursuits and be prepared for varying weather conditions. Consider checking local event listings for fun runs or photography sessions.

Trail Etiquette is Key

While Chalco Hills boasts beautiful, wide trails suitable for walkers, bikers, and runners, some visitors note occasional disregard from cyclists. Be mindful of others, especially during peak times, to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone enjoying the scenic routes.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, ideal for wildlife spotting
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, good for families
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall & Spring
Why
Pleasant weather for outdoor activities
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

¿Dónde comeremos mañana? Comenta qué lugar deberíamos visitar. 🤞🏻 #helaya #heladoschalco #celaya #helados #alamedacelaya
@monmon442_
6.5K likes • 107.6K views

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Plenty of parking lots are scattered throughout the expansive property, so you won't have to worry about finding a spot. Reddit

🦌 Drive Slowly for Deer

To catch glimpses of the abundant deer, drive slower than the posted speed limit and enjoy the peaceful scenery. Reddit

#Chalco #abuelita #invadores #mexico #parati
@serapit011
3.8K likes • 176.7K views
ENJOY HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS, FISHING, PLAYGROUNDS, PICNIC SITES AND MORE AT CHALCO HILLS RECREATION AREA ABOUT Chalco Hills Recreation Area, located in southwest Omaha, is a top outdoor spot for anyone wanting to get out in nature before the weather gets cold! They offer plenty of activities, like fishing at Wehrspann Lake—a 245-acre reservoir known for catch-and-release bass, catfish, walley...
omahaplaces
577 likes • 23.9K views

🐶 Off-Leash Dog Adventures

Chalco Hills is a great spot to let your furry friends run free in designated areas. Instagram

📸 Perfect for Photoshoots

This scenic area is a popular backdrop for family, couple, and even professional photography sessions. Instagram+2

It’s nature week! Here’s part two of your guide to Chalco Hills Recreation Area in Omaha.
omahaguidebook
40 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Plenty of parking lots are scattered throughout the expansive property, so you won't have to worry about finding a spot. Reddit

🦌 Drive Slowly for Deer

To catch glimpses of the abundant deer, drive slower than the posted speed limit and enjoy the peaceful scenery. Reddit

🐶 Off-Leash Dog Adventures

Chalco Hills is a great spot to let your furry friends run free in designated areas. Instagram

📸 Perfect for Photoshoots

This scenic area is a popular backdrop for family, couple, and even professional photography sessions. Instagram+2

🚻 Restrooms are Convenient

You'll find restrooms conveniently located along the trails, making longer visits more comfortable. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Chalco Hills Recreation Area's diverse offerings, from its beautiful lake and extensive trails to abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. It's praised as a well-maintained park with ample facilities, making it ideal for families, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Some minor complaints involve inconsiderate cyclists on shared paths.

"Beautiful loop around a lake (I believe roughly 6-5-7.0 miles if you don’t take any cut throughs). I ran around 8 am on a weekday. Surprisingly it was somewhat busy with walkers and bikers and runners. The trail is beautiful and a mix of forest and lake as well as some surprisingly tough inclines! I noticed there were several different parking lots and at least one area to put boats in.

There were plenty of restrooms along the trail which I thought was helpful too. The trails were clean as well besides a few spots of feces.

My only complaint is the complete arrogance of a few cyclists, particularly of the older generation. They had zero regard for others and expected the pathway to be completely available for them despite being wide enough to accommodate opposite direction traffic."

Jesse P

"Best park I've been to yet! This place has something for everyone. Fishing, hiking, bike riding (including electric bicycle rentals), a large playground, camping, a boat launch, kayaking, bird watching, paved walking trails, sports fields, ice fishing in the winter and more!!

This place is nicely maintained and has trash cans and bathrooms scattered throughout the expansive property. Parking lots are also plentiful so no worries there. Views for miles.
This place is excellent for wildlife photography and you might even spot a Bald Eagle 🦅

A must see location!"

Heather

"I love coming here with the family. There's a super nice playground for the younger kids, and so much open space for other things like Frisbee or whatever the family is into. We drive around the park to see the deer and turkey, and there's plenty of deer to watch throughout the drive! This is probably one of the only parks that we've been to that has SOOO MANY DEER to enjoy!"

Vince Baughman

What People Like

Beautiful lake and trails
Abundant wildlife viewing
Family-friendly amenities

What People Dislike

Inconsiderate cyclists

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Chalco Hills Recreation Area is located in southwest Omaha. You can access it via South 154th Street and Giles Road. Several parking lots are available throughout the park for easy access to different areas. InstagramReddit

Information on public transport accessibility is limited, but driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Chalco Hills. Instagram

The main entrance is often considered to be off South 154th Street and Giles Road, with other access points available around the perimeter. Instagram

While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, it's advisable to look for park signage or a digital map upon arrival to navigate the extensive grounds and trails. Instagram

Driving around the park allows you to see various sections, while walking or biking the trails offers a more immersive experience. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of an entrance fee for Chalco Hills Recreation Area, suggesting it is free to enter and enjoy its amenities. Instagram+1

Operating hours are not specified, but it's generally assumed to be open during daylight hours for recreational activities. Early mornings are recommended for wildlife viewing. Instagram+1

While specific permits aren't mentioned, standard Nebraska fishing and boating regulations likely apply. It's best to check with local authorities for current requirements. Instagram

Electric bicycle rentals are mentioned as being available, but other rental options like boats or kayaks are not explicitly detailed. Reddit

Yes, Chalco Hills hosts events like fun runs and has been the site for the Nebraska Dental Hygienists Fun Run. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, boating, kayaking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, photography, picnicking, and visiting the playground. Ice fishing is available in winter. InstagramReddit

The trails offer a mix of terrain, including some surprisingly tough inclines, making them suitable for various fitness levels. The loop around the lake is approximately 6.5-7.0 miles. Reddit

Yes, Chalco Hills is a great spot for bird watching, with opportunities to see various species, including potential bald eagles. Instagram

Yes, Chalco Hills is a popular spot for dogs, and it's noted as a good off-leash area for pups to run free. Instagram

The area has plentiful parking, restrooms scattered throughout, picnic sites, a boat launch, and a playground. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lake, wooded areas, and open spaces offer diverse backdrops. Wildlife, especially deer, are abundant and often pose for photos. InstagramReddit+2

Absolutely! It's an excellent location for wildlife photography, with frequent sightings of deer, turkeys, and even bald eagles. Reddit

Early mornings are ideal for spotting wildlife like deer and for softer lighting. Golden hour in the evening can also provide beautiful light. Reddit

The varied landscapes, from wooded paths to lakeside views, make it a versatile location for family, couple, and individual portraits. Instagram+2

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's recommended to check with the park authorities or local aviation guidelines before flying a drone. Instagram

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