Standing Bear Lake - a flock of birds floating on top of a lake
1 / 10

Standing Bear Lake

4.6
·1k reviews·Omaha, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Golden hour for stunning sunsets

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Standing Bear Lake - a flock of birds floating on top of a lake

Standing Bear Lake

Best Time

Summer evenings

Golden hour for stunning sunsets

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(1k reviews)

"A hidden gem for nature lovers, offering peaceful walks and beautiful sunset views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Floating Bridge Trail

Floating Bridge Trail

Across the lake

A unique, scenic path offering stunning water views and completing a picturesque loop around the lake.

Instagram
Sunset Views & Water Activities

Sunset Views & Water Activities

Throughout the park

Enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water as the sun sets.

TikTok
Family-Friendly Trails

Family-Friendly Trails

Around the lake

Well-maintained paths perfect for walking, biking, or a leisurely stroll with kids and pets.

TikTok+1
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Lake Life

Standing Bear Lake offers a refreshing escape with its scenic trails and water activities. While fishing and boating are popular, swimming is prohibited due to water quality concerns, a common point of discussion among visitors. Reddit

Renovations & Accessibility

Recent renovations have enhanced the park, including a new floating bridge that creates a complete loop trail. TikTokInstagram Check for any ongoing work that might affect access to certain areas, like the canoe/SUP launch. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring mornings
Why
Birds singing, peaceful walks
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, water sports
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Looking for a quick outdoor escape in Omaha? Standing Bear Lake has it all-trails, playgrounds, and great fishing! #nebraskalife #nebraskatok #omahanebraska #thingstodoinomaha #midwestmom #toddleractivities
@kirrrrtis
2.7K likes • 45.2K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Full Loop

Utilize the floating bridge to complete a scenic 3-mile loop around the lake. Instagram+1

🎣 Catch & Release Fun

Kids enjoy catching small fish like bluegill and baby bass, though they aren't large. Reddit

A walk around Standing Bear Lake, Omaha, NE. #standingbear #omaha #walk #hike #outdoors #lake #nature
@peckishtraveller
7 likes • 456 views
Tried a new lake today! Standing Bear Lake is a little bigger than Prairie View. Lots of kayaks and paddle boards on the lake today. Beautiful weather for it!! #omahanebraska #kayaking #402realtor #sundayfunday
juliethurstonrealtor
190 likes • 5K views

☀️ Beat the Heat

Summer evenings offer beautiful sunsets and cooler temperatures for outdoor activities. TikTok

🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths

Many visitors bring their dogs to enjoy the well-kept trails around the lake. TikTokReddit

A walk around Standing Bear Lake, Omaha, NE. #standingbear #omaha #walk #hike #outdoors #lake #nature
peckishtraveller
6 likes • 226 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Full Loop

Utilize the floating bridge to complete a scenic 3-mile loop around the lake. Instagram+1

🎣 Catch & Release Fun

Kids enjoy catching small fish like bluegill and baby bass, though they aren't large. Reddit

☀️ Beat the Heat

Summer evenings offer beautiful sunsets and cooler temperatures for outdoor activities. TikTok

🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths

Many visitors bring their dogs to enjoy the well-kept trails around the lake. TikTokReddit

🛶 Watercraft Access

Kayaks and paddleboards are popular, but the dedicated canoe/SUP launch may have algae. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

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

Well-maintained trails
Scenic lake views
Floating bridge loop

What People Dislike

Small fish size
Algae at launch

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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Parking is described as convenient and plentiful, with visitors noting they've parked near Hawk Field to access the trails. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Standing Bear Lake is a public park and generally does not require an entrance fee for general access. TikTokInstagram+1

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

A valid Nebraska fishing license is required to fish in Standing Bear Lake, as with most public fishing waters in the state. Reddit

Drone usage is permitted and popular for capturing aerial views, as seen in several TikTok videos. TikTok+2 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. TikTokInstagram+2

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. Reddit

Fishing is popular, with visitors catching small fish like bluegill and baby bass. While the fish aren't large, it's enjoyable for kids. Reddit

Yes, the park features playgrounds, making it a good destination for families with young children. TikTok

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. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

The floating bridge offers unique perspectives, while sunset views provide beautiful golden hour shots. The lake itself and surrounding nature are also picturesque. TikTokInstagram+1

Absolutely! Many visitors use drones to capture stunning aerial footage of the lake and its surroundings, showcasing its beauty from above. TikTok+2

Early mornings and late afternoons/evenings are ideal for photography, offering softer light, fewer crowds, and beautiful sunset colors. TikTok+1

The floating bridge is a prominent and photogenic feature. The dam also provides nice views looking out over the lake. InstagramReddit

Expect to capture images of the lake, trees, sky, and potentially local birdlife. The natural setting provides ample opportunities for nature enthusiasts. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Standing Bear Lake is a fantastic spot for families. It boasts playgrounds for younger children TikTok and well-maintained, easy-to-follow trails perfect for family walks or bike rides. TikTok The opportunity for kids to fish and catch small fish like bluegill and baby bass provides simple, engaging fun. Reddit While swimming isn't allowed, the open spaces and scenic views offer plenty of room for picnics and outdoor play. Remember to bring snacks and water, and be aware that the canoe/SUP launch might be affected by algae. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts

For those looking to stay active, Standing Bear Lake offers a rewarding experience. The 3-mile loop trail around the lake is ideal for runners, walkers, and cyclists. Instagram The concrete path is well-kept, and the addition of the floating bridge makes for an uninterrupted workout with scenic views. Instagram You can also enjoy paddleboarding or kayaking for a different kind of cardio. TikTokInstagram The park is a popular spot for daily exercise, with many locals using it for their fitness routines. Reddit

🎣 Anglers

Standing Bear Lake is a popular destination for fishing, particularly for those who enjoy a relaxed outing. While the fish caught are typically small, such as bluegill and baby bass, it provides a fun and accessible experience, especially for children. Reddit Visitors can fish from the shore or the boat dock. Reddit Remember to check for Nebraska fishing license requirements before you cast your line. The lake's calm waters and scenic surroundings make it a pleasant spot for an afternoon of angling. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Standing Bear Lake Trail System

The trail system around Standing Bear Lake is a major draw for visitors. The primary path is a well-maintained concrete loop that encircles the entire lake, offering a consistent surface for walking, jogging, biking, and even electric skateboarding. TikTok+1 A significant enhancement to this trail is the addition of a floating bridge, which not only adds a unique architectural element but also connects previously separated sections, creating a seamless 3-mile loop. Instagram This makes it easy for visitors to enjoy a full circuit without backtracking. Some sections of the trail may be dirt paths leading to the concrete, offering a slightly more natural feel. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit 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

Standing Bear Lake is a hub for various water-based recreation, though swimming is strictly prohibited. Visitors frequently engage in fishing, with many enjoying the activity with children who catch smaller fish like bluegill and baby bass. Reddit The lake is also popular for kayaking and paddleboarding, with many users seen enjoying these activities on pleasant days. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit Additionally, while there's a designated canoe/SUP launch area, some reviews indicate it can be affected by thick algae, potentially impacting its usability. Reddit 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

Standing Bear Lake has undergone significant renovations, which have been noted by visitors and captured in drone footage. TikTok+1 These improvements aim to enhance the park's amenities and overall visitor experience. The addition of the floating bridge is a prime example of these upgrades, transforming the trail network. Instagram While some renovations were ongoing, the lake was observed to be drained at one point, with anticipation for the completion of new features. TikTokInstagram+1

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. Reddit 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.

You may also like