PHOTO GALLERY:

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The Chalco Hills Recreation area offers a wide range of activities and encompasses Wehrspann Lake and the headquarters for the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resource District. The latter agency has been the driving force in the creation of dam site recreation areas and trails around the Omaha metropolitan area. Wehrspann is home to approximately 6 miles of concrete trail that encircles the lake and weaves through picnic areas, soccer fields, and playgrounds scattered around the park. There are additional trails that connect to the lake including a tie in to the 144th Street trail located a mile to the east.

The trail through the park is one of the most attractive of the lake trails in the city. The trail is flanked by tall native grass and stands of a variety of trees. Wildlife abounds. On my last trip through this area, I almost struck a deer crossing my path. Another feature to be aware of is the nature of the trail itself. There are a number sharp curves and like most lake trails the bridges can be slippery when wet or icy. Unlike many of the trails in Omaha, there are some hills on Wehrspann some of which involve hairpin switchbacks to minimize the grade. The lake also has one of Omaha’s best indoor facilities-the Papio-MNRD headquarters previously mentioned. Located on top of the west side of the lake, it is open during normal business hours weekly and some weekends and has Grade A restrooms and drinking fountains. When it is not open, there are year round outdoor facilities which rank a C+.

TRAIL STATISTICS:

• Length: 6 miles
• Surface: Paved 
• Difficulty: Moderate

ACTIVITIES:

TRAILBLAZING:
Connects to 144th Street and will link to the Mopac line within the next several years.

TRAIL REVIEWS:

Downsides:

• Can be crowded with many pedestrian in the peak of summer
• Wildlife crossings
• Sharp turns
• Some hill work

Upsides:

• Great side trip from the 144th Street trail
• Papio-MNRD headquarters
• Parking and picnic areas
• Activities including soccer, ball diamonds, boating (low speed) and fishing.
• Restrooms
• Scenic habitat for Nebraska wildlife including herons, geese, and deer
• Concrete trail

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