Chalco Hills Recreation Area
A sprawling recreation area offering fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and abundant wildlife viewing, perfect for outdoor adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for wildlife spotting
Chalco Hills Recreation Area
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for wildlife spotting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling recreation area offering fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and abundant wildlife viewing, perfect for outdoor adventures.
"Best park I've been to yet! This place has something for everyone."
🚗 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
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
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
Chalco Hills Recreation Area
A large, well-maintained playground provides fun for younger children, making it a great spot for family outings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors Year-Round
Trail Etiquette is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🐶 Off-Leash Dog Adventures
Chalco Hills is a great spot to let your furry friends run free in designated areas.
📸 Perfect for Photoshoots
This scenic area is a popular backdrop for family, couple, and even professional photography sessions. 
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.
🦌 Drive Slowly for Deer
To catch glimpses of the abundant deer, drive slower than the posted speed limit and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
🐶 Off-Leash Dog Adventures
Chalco Hills is a great spot to let your furry friends run free in designated areas.
📸 Perfect for Photoshoots
This scenic area is a popular backdrop for family, couple, and even professional photography sessions.
🚻 Restrooms are Convenient
You'll find restrooms conveniently located along the trails, making longer visits more comfortable.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Information on public transport accessibility is limited, but driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Chalco Hills.
The main entrance is often considered to be off South 154th Street and Giles Road, with other access points available around the perimeter.
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.
Driving around the park allows you to see various sections, while walking or biking the trails offers a more immersive experience.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Electric bicycle rentals are mentioned as being available, but other rental options like boats or kayaks are not explicitly detailed.
Yes, Chalco Hills hosts events like fun runs and has been the site for the Nebraska Dental Hygienists Fun Run.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
Yes, Chalco Hills is a great spot for bird watching, with opportunities to see various species, including potential bald eagles.
Yes, Chalco Hills is a popular spot for dogs, and it's noted as a good off-leash area for pups to run free.
The area has plentiful parking, restrooms scattered throughout, picnic sites, a boat launch, and a playground.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake, wooded areas, and open spaces offer diverse backdrops. Wildlife, especially deer, are abundant and often pose for photos. +2
Absolutely! It's an excellent location for wildlife photography, with frequent sightings of deer, turkeys, and even bald eagles.
Early mornings are ideal for spotting wildlife like deer and for softer lighting. Golden hour in the evening can also provide beautiful light.
The varied landscapes, from wooded paths to lakeside views, make it a versatile location for family, couple, and individual portraits.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's recommended to check with the park authorities or local aviation guidelines before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
The extensive trails offer plenty of space for dogs to explore and get their exercise, whether on a leash or enjoying off-leash freedom. Remember to always supervise your pets and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. 🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
+1 The wide trails are suitable for various paces, and the scenic environment makes for an enjoyable workout. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Wehrspann Lake
Visitors often praise the lake for its scenic beauty and the chance to observe wildlife along its shores. Whether you're an avid angler, a boating enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful waterside experience, Wehrspann Lake provides a significant draw to Chalco Hills. Remember to check local regulations for fishing and boating permits before your visit.
Navigating the Trails
The terrain varies, providing an engaging experience with a mix of forest scenery and open lakeside views. Some sections feature surprisingly tough inclines, adding a challenge for more experienced users. While the trails are well-maintained and clean, visitors have noted that cyclists, particularly older ones, sometimes exhibit a lack of courtesy towards other trail users. Being aware of trail etiquette, yielding appropriately, and communicating your presence can help ensure a harmonious experience for everyone.
For those looking for specific running routes, Chalco Hills is a known location for organized runs, including training for longer distances. The variety of paths allows for different route combinations, making it a versatile destination for regular exercise.
+1Wildlife Encounters and Photography Opportunities
Beyond deer, the area is also a good spot for bird watching, with the potential to see various species, including majestic bald eagles.
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