Wilderness Park

Natural Beauty

Situated in the southwest corner of Lincoln, Wilderness Park unfolds across 1,472 acres of unspoiled woodland and prairie. The park stretches about seven miles along Salt Creek, running from Van Dorn Street down to Saltillo Road.

The landscape here is wonderfully diverse - dense forests give way to open meadows and peaceful wetlands. The 15-20 foot ravines surrounding Salt Creek create some pretty interesting views if you venture onto the side trails. Beyond its beauty, the park serves a practical purpose too, helping protect Lincoln by controlling Salt Creek flooding.

Wildlife Encounters

Keep your eyes peeled while wandering through the park - you're likely to spot some of the local residents. Deer are common sights along the trails (especially if you're walking quietly), and the woods are home to foxes, raccoons, opossums, and a variety of bird species.

If you're into wildlife watching, you'll discover plenty to observe here throughout the seasons. Just a heads up for summer visits: ticks are active during warmer months, so it's worth taking some precautions before hitting the trails.

Trail Adventures

With over 31 miles of multi-use trails, you can explore Wilderness Park on foot, by bike, or even on horseback. The paths meander through wooded areas and follow Salt Creek, offering peaceful scenery and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

Finding your way around is made easier by the color-coded trail system - look for red, yellow, and green markings. Since there are lots of forks and intersections throughout the network, it's a good idea to snap a photo of the trail map or keep it on your phone to avoid any wrong turns.

It's worth noting that the hiking trail here earned recognition as part of the National Recreation Trails Program back in 1977.

Outdoor Activities

If you're in the mood for a casual stroll or something more challenging, the varied terrain has you covered. Some sections feature packed gravel for easier walking, while others maintain their natural dirt paths for a more rugged experience.

On hot summer days, you'll appreciate the shade provided by the tree canopy along many of the trails. The landscape changes as you move through it - from sunlit meadows to cool, dense forest - giving each visit a different feel.

A Glimpse Into the Past

The land that makes up today's Wilderness Park has an interesting history. Parts of it were once known as Lincoln Park, a private recreational area in the late 1800s. Over the years, different parcels of land were gradually combined to create the park we know today.

From 1915 to 1966, a section served as Camp Minis-Kuya, a Boy Scout camp where countless youngsters had their first wilderness experiences.

Ecological Treasures

One of the park's special features is its old bur oak stands - an ecosystem that's becoming increasingly rare around Lincoln. These majestic trees represent an important piece of conservation within the city's boundaries.

What's remarkable about Wilderness Park is how it manages to feel remote despite having a highway to the west and railroad tracks to the east. Step inside, and the urban world quickly fades away, replaced by a wooded sanctuary that's unique to the area.

Planning Your Visit

You'll discover multiple parking lots and access points along the park's length. Recent improvements have made getting into the park easier, including new pedestrian bridges and sidewalks - like the bridge over the railroad tracks near Walt Library and improved sidewalk access at the Old Cheney entrance.

While you can find some picnic tables near the parking areas, there aren't any restroom facilities within the park. If you're planning to spend more than an hour or two exploring, you'll want to bring along some water.

Community Connection

For Lincoln residents, this park provides green space and a retreat from city life without having to travel far.

The park is also used for environmental education and conservation efforts. There are occasional volunteer maintenance projects if you're interested in helping maintain the trails.