Wilderness Park
A natural escape with smooth trails, scenic river views, and frequent wildlife sightings, perfect for biking and hiking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Wilderness Park
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A natural escape with smooth trails, scenic river views, and frequent wildlife sightings, perfect for biking and hiking.
"This place is a quick great escape for a physical and mental rebalance."
🗺️ Download a Trail Map
Many trail forks exist. Note your parking spot and use a map app to avoid getting lost.
⚠️ Check for Ticks
Ticks are present. Thoroughly check yourself and pets after your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Single Track Trails
Various locations within the park
Smooth, fast, hard-pack trails perfect for biking and walking. Enjoy the scenery without needing a mountain bike.
River and Prairie Views
Along the river and open grassy areas
Tall trees, prairie grasses, and a river create a beautiful, natural escape. Listen to the sounds of nature.
Wildlife Sightings
Throughout the park
Keep an eye out for deer, birds, and squirrels. A peaceful spot for nature observation.
Pedestrian Bridges
Over railroad tracks and roads
Newly added bridges enhance safety and access, connecting trails and offering unique perspectives.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Navigation is Key
Tick Awareness is Crucial
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Download a Trail Map
Many trail forks exist. Note your parking spot and use a map app to avoid getting lost.
⚠️ Check for Ticks
Ticks are present. Thoroughly check yourself and pets after your visit.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
While manageable, some trails are rocky. Good footwear is recommended for running.
🌿 Watch for Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle grows off-trail. Be mindful of your surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Download a Trail Map
Many trail forks exist. Note your parking spot and use a map app to avoid getting lost.
⚠️ Check for Ticks
Ticks are present. Thoroughly check yourself and pets after your visit.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
While manageable, some trails are rocky. Good footwear is recommended for running.
🌿 Watch for Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle grows off-trail. Be mindful of your surroundings.
🚗 Easy Access Points
New sidewalks and bridges improve access, like the one off the Old Cheney entrance.
🚲 Bike-Friendly Trails
Great for gravel bikes or cruisers; mountain bikes aren't necessary for most trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wilderness Park is lauded for its enjoyable single-track trails, beautiful natural scenery with trees, prairie grasses, and a river, and frequent wildlife sightings. Visitors appreciate the accessibility improvements and the park's role as a quick escape for mental and physical rebalancing. However, some find running challenging on rockier paths, and vigilance against ticks and stinging nettle is strongly advised.
"Fun single track for a flat, urban environment. Easily rideable on a gravel bike, or beach cruiser. Mountain Bike not req'd. Mostly smooth, fast, hard pack. Lots of grassy areas but had been mowed recently."
Justin Weiss
"Very beautiful! You can still hear traffic in the background, but the scenery is amazing. Tall trees, prairie grasses, and even a river next to parts of the trail!
I'd recommend it for walking, and biking. Be warned, running is a bit difficult, especially on the rockier trails, I tripped once or twice on my run, but it is manageable if you look down.
Also, make sure to note where you park because there are tons of forks in the trail"
Kyla Oelkers
"Great place for a fun bicycle ride on trails that aren't too hilly, or a hike around just to enjoy the animals, water, and woods. Just watch out for stinging nettle they love to grow just off the trails. On that note Parks and rec does a great job of mowing most the trail edges. City also doing great work recently on creating easier access which has increased the safety. For example the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks just past Walt library, and they just put a new sidewalk in off the Old Cheney entrance. Also good community involvement opportunities, ex. we helped take down some old barb wire that was no longer needed. Got to say when I'm feeling a little tired of the city this place is a quick great escape for a physical and mental rebalance. In fact, this park might be one of my favorite things about Lincoln."
Daniel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wilderness Park is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. Access points include entrances off W Old Cheney Rd and near the Jamaican North Trail. Recent improvements have made access easier, including a new sidewalk off the Old Cheney entrance.
While specific public transport routes directly to Wilderness Park aren't widely advertised, the park is accessible by car. For those in Glendale, CA, the 'Wander the Wilderness Bus' offers free weekend rides to Deukmejian Wilderness Park.
Visitors recommend noting your parking spot carefully due to numerous trail forks. Parking is available off W Old Cheney Rd, near the Jamaican North Trail, and other access points.
Yes, Wilderness Park has multiple entrances and access points, including those off W Old Cheney Rd and connections to the Jamaican North Trail.
If you are near the Mopac Trail in Lincoln, you can likely access Wilderness Park, as it's a popular area for trail users.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Wilderness Park is generally free to enter, making it an accessible natural escape.
Wilderness Park in Redondo Beach, CA, is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, weather permitting, but closed on Wednesdays for maintenance. 
No advance booking is typically required for most Wilderness Parks, as they are public spaces. However, for specific events or guided tours, checking might be necessary.
Yes, at times, certain areas of Wilderness Park may be temporarily closed for improvements. For example, areas near the Epworth Arches in Lincoln, NE, have been closed for upgrades.
Yes, Wilderness Park offers a quick escape for a physical and mental rebalance, with trails suitable for shorter walks or bike rides.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Wilderness Park offers a variety of trails, including smooth, fast, hard-pack single tracks ideal for biking, as well as rockier paths suitable for hiking.
Absolutely! Visitors frequently report seeing deer, birds, and squirrels in Wilderness Park, adding to the natural experience.
Running is manageable at Wilderness Park, though some find the rockier trails challenging. It's advisable to be attentive to your footing.
Yes, Wilderness Park features include tall trees, prairie grasses, a river, and recently constructed pedestrian bridges that enhance accessibility and views.
Be aware of potential ticks, especially in grassy areas, and watch out for stinging nettle off the trails. Also, pay attention to trail forks to navigate effectively.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers scenic views with tall trees, prairie grasses, and a river, making it picturesque. The pedestrian bridges also provide unique photo opportunities.
Yes, with patience, you can capture photos of deer, birds, and squirrels that inhabit the park.
The diverse landscape, including riverbanks and open fields, makes Wilderness Park a good location for landscape photography.
Mornings and late afternoons often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer light and potentially fewer crowds.
The pedestrian bridges and the riverbanks are notable spots. Some Wilderness Parks, like the one in Pasco County, FL, feature pioneer sites and tiny graveyards that could be of photographic interest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families in the Glendale, CA area, the 'Wander the Wilderness Bus' provides a fun and free way to reach Deukmejian Wilderness Park on weekends, making it an even more convenient outing.
Always check the park's specific hours and any temporary closures before you go. 🚴♀️ Cyclists and Bikers
Be prepared for trail intersections and consider downloading a trail map to navigate efficiently. The variety of trails allows for rides of different lengths and intensities. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the scenic views along the river and through the prairies.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
While some sections can be rocky, making running a bit more challenging, walking is generally comfortable. Pay attention to trail markers and consider bringing a map to explore different routes. The opportunity to spot wildlife adds an extra layer of enjoyment to any hike.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails of Wilderness Park
However, the park's extensive trail system, with its numerous forks and offshoots, can be a double-edged sword. Many reviewers emphasize the importance of paying attention to where you park and using a trail map or app to avoid getting lost. Some suggest noting landmarks to help retrace your steps. Despite the potential for disorientation, the trails provide a great escape, offering a sense of peace and a chance for physical and mental rebalance.
Beyond the trails themselves, the surrounding environment adds to the appeal. You can hear the distant hum of traffic, but it's often drowned out by the natural beauty of tall trees, expansive prairie grasses, and the presence of a river along parts of the route. This blend of urban proximity and natural scenery makes Wilderness Park a unique destination for a quick outdoor adventure.
Wildlife and Nature at Wilderness Park
The park's landscape contributes to its appeal for wildlife. Tall trees provide shelter and nesting spots, while the open prairie grasses offer foraging grounds. The presence of a river also supports a diverse ecosystem. While the park is largely urban, these natural elements create pockets of habitat that sustain local fauna.
It's important to remember that while enjoying the wildlife, visitors should maintain a respectful distance and avoid feeding the animals. The park's natural state is part of its charm, and observing animals in their environment is a key part of the experience.
Safety and Preparedness for Wilderness Park
Another point of caution is the terrain. While many trails are smooth, some sections can be rockier, which might pose a slight challenge for runners. It's advisable to wear sturdy footwear and be mindful of your footing. Additionally, stinging nettle is known to grow just off the trails, so keeping an eye on your surroundings is a good practice.
To enhance your experience and safety, consider downloading a trail map or noting your parking location. The park's extensive network of trails can be confusing, and having a reference point can prevent you from getting lost. Recent improvements, such as new pedestrian bridges, have made navigation easier and safer, but vigilance remains key.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit