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The northern and southern section of the completed portions of the Riverfront trail have a completely different characters. Where the north is rural and tree covered, the south is urban and cuts through the heart of Omaha’s riverfront rebirth. The rebirth of this area where multi-million dollar condos and businesses occupy what was once scrub land and industrial businesses occurred in the late 1990’s under Mayor Hal Daub. The trail begins at Miller’s Landing Park which is a passive park nestled next to the Missouri River and the dock for the Omaha River City Star riverboat facility. It runs along the Missouri River and passes by Gallup’s World University Headquarters, the National Park Service Midwestern headquarters, Rick’s Boatyard Café, the Riverfront Condos, and the Omaha Qwest Center and Arena. The path will connect to an elegant new cable staid double spire pedestrian bridge that will grace the riverfront in 2009 spanning the Missouri River.

The trail also connects to Heartland of America Park, home to the headquarters of Con-Agra. Bicycle traffic and inline skating is discouraged due to the rough, narrow, curvilinear asphalt paths and heavy pedestrian traffic. However, there are bike racks and parking lots that allow for a good walk or run. A side trip to Omaha’s number one tourism attraction, the Old Market is only 2 blocks from Heartland park at 10th and Jackson Streets.

The final segment to the south is not the easiest route to access. Use the aerials for reference, but the quickest route is to follow 10th Street to Pierce Street which eventually winds its way to 2nd and Hickory Street. Here the concrete levy road will take you south to Missouri Avenue along the river past the to the base of the South Omaha’s Veteran’s Bridge. The path passes by the Lauritzen Botanical Gardens, Henry Doorly Zoo, Royal’s Stadium (home to the College World Series and Omaha Royals) but the BNSF tracks prohibit access until the crossing at the Missouri Avenue terminus. A new 3-lane bridge is being constructed beginning in 2007 adjacent to the South Omaha bridge which will connect to 13th Street from this trailhead.

CLICK HERE for a printable PDF map.

TRAIL STATISTICS:

• Length: 3.98 miles
• Surface: Paved - 12 foot wide concrete.
• Difficulty: Easy

ACTIVITIES:

TRAILBLAZING:
No current links. Future connecting link to the levy road from Heartland of America Park and to the Field Club trail.

TRAIL REVIEWS:

Downsides:

• At grade crossing of tracks at Missouri Avenue (to be replaced with new bridge)
• A good day trail-very secluded
• No lights in proximity at night
• Multiple train traffic crossings to access the levy road
• Access roads to trail are difficult

Upsides:

• Great view of the Missouri
• Northern end of the trail includes some of the city’s best points of interest
• Ample parking at Heartland of America Park and city streets
• Redeveloped riverfront attractions
• The River City Star
• Restrooms and water available seasonally at Heartland of America Park
• Incredible views of Omaha’s Missouri River valley and the bluffs
• Side trips to the zoo, botanical gardens, and baseball stadium are recommended