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Print Friendly MapFlanagan Lake, opened to the public in July 2018, is a 220-acre reservoir designed to aid in flood control on the outskirts of Omaha. Named for Father Edward Flanagan, the priest who founded the renowned Boys Town orphanage (and who was portrayed by Spencer Tracy in an Oscar-winning role in 1938), the beautiful man-made park also features a pristine, paved five-mile walking and biking trail around the perimeter of the lake. The Flanagan Lake Trail helps transform the site from its utilitarian function as a reservoir into a recreational amenity that the whole community can enjoy.
Located on the far northwestern outskirts of Omaha, the park features numerous picnicking areas and playgrounds, and allows canoeing, kayaking, and fishing on the lake. Already popular with residents in the developing nearby neighborhoods, the park also has solar lighting installations and a variety of planted trees around the lake with dedication plaques. An excellent resource for residents looking for a quality path for exercise or relaxation, the Flanagan Lake Trail will only grow more popular as more locals get the chance to explore the city's new gem of a park.
Parking and restrooms are available in the park via the entrance on Himebaugh Avenue, off of N 168th Street. Additional parking and restroom facilities are located in the park off of Ida Street. To reach the park from Interstate 680 in Omaha, take the highway north and use exit 5 to get on Fort Street and proceed west. Continue on Fort St. for several miles and turn right onto N 168th Street; the park entrance will be on the left in a half-mile.
Nice wide asphalt. Lightly traveled unlike the other trails around area lakes. No shade, be sure you bring suntan lotion for this 5 mile hike.
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