Explore Lincoln’s Marvelous Walking Trails

by Sriyani Tidball

Lincoln is home to a plethora of splendid running, hiking, and walking trails, and we’ve got you covered with hand-curated trail maps, driving directions, and detailed reviews from fellow nature enthusiasts. If you’re like me and prefer an easygoing walking experience, Lincoln offers a wide array of options. For seasoned walkers and cyclists seeking unique trails, Lincoln boasts over 58 trails spanning 377 miles, along with delightful walking routes throughout the city.

Here are some of the finest walks in Lincoln.

University of Nebraska City Campus and Antelope Valley Project n Even if you’re not a student, the UNL City Campus is a delightful place for a stroll. While exploring, take in the Torn Notebook, a captivating Claes Oldenburg sculpture at Q and 12th streets. You can also visit the Sheldon Art Gallery and its surrounding outdoor sculpture garden, along with other campus landmarks. Heading east from the football stadium, you’ll find the Billy Wolff Trail within the Antelope Valley Project, leading you to the Sunken, Rose, and Rotary Gardens at 27th and Capital Parkway.

Haymarket Area n Situated north of O Street and west of 9th Street, the Haymarket area is a charming location for a walk. As you meander around, you’ll pass by the impressive Salt Dogs’ stadium and Oak Lake, which embraces the historic Haymarket district. This evolving area offers a treasure trove of historic buildings, art galleries, and fantastic dining options. Don’t forget to take the pedestrian bridge on 8th Street, leading to the baseball stadium.

Holmes Lake n Located at 70th Street and Normal Boulevard, Holmes Lake provides an idyllic setting for a lakeside walk. This 112-acre recreational haven offers ample open space and a variety of activities, including fishing, golf, and boating. The Holmes Lake Trail encompasses the lake for over 2.31 miles and seamlessly connects to the Billy Wolff Trail, leading through wooded areas and city parks. The trail surface is composed of crushed limestone.

Helen Boosalis Trail n This urban gem stretches nearly four miles across the city, from the Indian Village neighborhood to the Edgewood Shopping Center. It gracefully links residential neighborhoods while offering glimpses of charming homes and gardens. This trail is a splendid way to experience life in Lincoln without intruding on anyone’s privacy and is frequented by both cyclists and pedestrians, establishing connections between parks and neighborhoods.

Wilderness Park Trails n If you seek a serene walk enveloped by lush trees, head to the Wilderness Park Trails. This extensive network covers more than 10 miles, winding through woodlands and along scenic streams. These trails are accessible to both cyclists and hikers, and as the name suggests, the park remains a mostly untamed wilderness with an abundance of trails. Wilderness Park spans over 1,400 acres, just five miles south of downtown Lincoln. The 6.5-mile Jamaica North Trail, featuring crushed limestone paths, is a favorite among walkers. Trail types are clearly marked, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Pioneers Park and Nature Center n A short distance away, Pioneers Park offers a wealth of walking trails. This vast park spans 668 acres and showcases tallgrass prairie, woodlands, wetlands, and a meandering stream. Notably, it earned a spot on the National Register of Outstanding Landscape Architecture in 1993. The west end leads to Pioneers Park Nature Center, boasting eight miles of hiking trails through woodlands, wetlands, and tall grass prairie. 

Rock Island Trail n This trail, extending from A and 29th streets to Densmore Park, meanders through substantial wooded areas, making it perfect for long, leisurely walks.

Highlands Trail n Offering a pleasant 3-mile loop within Lincoln’s Highlands neighborhood, this paved trail is a community connector, crossing Nebraska Technology Park at its southern end. It provides an uninterrupted journey through new scenery, perfect for hikers who prefer not to double back during their hike.

MoPac Trail n Stretching from 84th Street and Hazelwood Drive east to Wabash, Nebraska, the MoPac Trail is a delightful rails-to-trails project. It winds through suburban neighborhoods, wooded areas, and fields, allowing you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking countryside scenery.

Nine Mile Prairie n If you’re seeking a trail just outside Lincoln, consider exploring the Nine Mile Prairie, accessible from Fletcher Avenue west of W. 48th Street. This 200-acre tall-grass prairie boasts a network of trails that offer a glimpse into the ecosystem that once dominated the center of the U.S.

For maps of these options and more, visit the Great Plains Trail Network website at www.gptn.org/. Or for more information about the parks check out www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation.