Standing Bear Lake
A serene Omaha lake park featuring scenic trails, a floating bridge, and water activities like fishing and paddleboarding.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Standing Bear Lake
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Omaha lake park featuring scenic trails, a floating bridge, and water activities like fishing and paddleboarding.
"A hidden gem for nature lovers, offering peaceful walks and beautiful sunset views."
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Loop
Utilize the floating bridge to complete a scenic 3-mile loop around the lake.
🎣 Catch & Release Fun
Kids enjoy catching small fish like bluegill and baby bass, though they aren't large.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Floating Bridge Trail
Across the lake
A unique, scenic path offering stunning water views and completing a picturesque loop around the lake.
Sunset Views & Water Activities
Throughout the park
Enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water as the sun sets.

Family-Friendly Trails
Around the lake
Well-maintained paths perfect for walking, biking, or a leisurely stroll with kids and pets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Lake Life
Renovations & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Loop
Utilize the floating bridge to complete a scenic 3-mile loop around the lake.
🎣 Catch & Release Fun
Kids enjoy catching small fish like bluegill and baby bass, though they aren't large.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Summer evenings offer beautiful sunsets and cooler temperatures for outdoor activities.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths
Many visitors bring their dogs to enjoy the well-kept trails around the lake.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Loop
Utilize the floating bridge to complete a scenic 3-mile loop around the lake.
🎣 Catch & Release Fun
Kids enjoy catching small fish like bluegill and baby bass, though they aren't large.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Summer evenings offer beautiful sunsets and cooler temperatures for outdoor activities.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths
Many visitors bring their dogs to enjoy the well-kept trails around the lake.
🛶 Watercraft Access
Kayaks and paddleboards are popular, but the dedicated canoe/SUP launch may have algae.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Standing Bear Lake is praised as a well-maintained park offering a pleasant natural escape with good walking trails and water activities like fishing and paddleboarding. Visitors appreciate the scenic views, especially during sunset, and the convenience of the floating bridge trail. However, some note that the fish aren't large and the canoe/SUP launch can be affected by algae.
"This park is a great experience for nature lovers who want to fish, relax and observe nature. Come visit and plan your family picnic or gathering at this park and see how the state of Nebraska game and Parks is trying to preserve and protect wildlife habitat, provide scenic picnic areas for family and friends to explore and build lasting memories. This will be a great place for many generations to fish play, have picnics and have fun"
BigCheeseBoss
"Nice and decent. It is usually regularly busy though with fishing and dog walkers kayaking hiking biking people on scooters. The fish aren't very big but the kids have a lot of fun. Catching little bluegil and baby bass. It's quiet and pretty well taken care of for the most part."
Brittany Watson
"It was a nice day with hardly any wind. It was 36 degrees out. I did 3.70 mi 1h 6m it took me. I parked over by Hawk field. There is a dirt trail over to the concrete trail that goes around the lake. It's a very nice trail, well kept. There is a boat dock here, and you can fish. Nice views from the dam looking at the lake. On the other end of the lake their is a floating walk bridge across the lake. There were a lot of people here with dogs. I bet it is very nice here in the summer."
Jerry Dunlap
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Standing Bear Lake is located in Omaha, Nebraska. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is the most common method. Parking is described as convenient and plentiful.
The park features well-maintained concrete trails that form a loop around the lake. A floating bridge has been added, creating a complete 3-mile circuit perfect for walking, biking, and scootering.
The concrete trails are generally smooth and well-kept, making them suitable for strollers and potentially wheelchairs, though specific accessibility features should be verified on-site.
While not directly adjacent, the park's location in Omaha means other city attractions are within driving distance. Some visitors mention a nearby model airplane airport.
Parking is described as convenient and plentiful, with visitors noting they've parked near Hawk Field to access the trails.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Standing Bear Lake is a public park and generally does not require an entrance fee for general access.
Park hours are typically from dawn to dusk, common for most public parks. It's advisable to check local listings for any specific seasonal hours or closures.
While the park offers scenic picnic areas, specific reservation details for shelters or group gatherings are not widely available online. It's best to arrive early or contact the Omaha Parks Department for information.
A valid Nebraska fishing license is required to fish in Standing Bear Lake, as with most public fishing waters in the state.
Drone usage is permitted and popular for capturing aerial views, as seen in several TikTok videos.
However, always be mindful of park regulations and respectful of other visitors.🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include walking, hiking, biking, fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. It's also a great spot for family picnics and enjoying nature.
Swimming is not permitted in Standing Bear Lake. The reason is often attributed to water quality concerns, though the water may appear clean to visitors.
Fishing is popular, with visitors catching small fish like bluegill and baby bass. While the fish aren't large, it's enjoyable for kids.
Yes, the park features playgrounds, making it a good destination for families with young children.
The trail is a well-kept concrete path that forms a loop around the lake, enhanced by a floating bridge. It's suitable for various activities and offers nice views.
📸 📸 Photography
The floating bridge offers unique perspectives, while sunset views provide beautiful golden hour shots. The lake itself and surrounding nature are also picturesque.
Absolutely! Many visitors use drones to capture stunning aerial footage of the lake and its surroundings, showcasing its beauty from above.
Early mornings and late afternoons/evenings are ideal for photography, offering softer light, fewer crowds, and beautiful sunset colors.
The floating bridge is a prominent and photogenic feature. The dam also provides nice views looking out over the lake.
Expect to capture images of the lake, trees, sky, and potentially local birdlife. The natural setting provides ample opportunities for nature enthusiasts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
🎣 Anglers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Standing Bear Lake Trail System
Many visitors appreciate the trail for its accessibility and the varied scenery it provides. It's a popular spot for dog walkers and those seeking a peaceful environment for their daily exercise. The path is generally considered easy to follow and well-kept, contributing to a positive user experience. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a longer workout, the Standing Bear Lake trail system caters to a range of activity levels.
Water Activities and Lake Conditions
It's important to note that while the lake is a focal point for recreation, its water quality means swimming is not allowed. This is a common question and point of discussion among those who visit. Additionally, while there's a designated canoe/SUP launch area, some reviews indicate it can be affected by thick algae, potentially impacting its usability. Despite these limitations, the lake's presence significantly enhances the park's appeal, offering scenic views and opportunities for boating and fishing enthusiasts.
Park Renovations and Future Potential
These ongoing efforts suggest a commitment to preserving and improving the natural habitat and recreational spaces within the park. The goal is to provide scenic picnic areas and a place for families to build lasting memories. As renovations conclude, the park is expected to offer even more appealing features for generations to come, solidifying its role as a valuable community asset.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit