Heartland of America Park

Park Overview

Heartland of America Park is a 31-acre public park located at 800 Douglas Street in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. It is the largest of three interconnected parks that make up The RiverFront, a revitalized urban green space along the Missouri River.

The park underwent extensive renovations and reopened to the public on August 18, 2023.

Stunning Water Features

The centerpiece of Heartland of America Park is a large lake featuring three fountains. The most prominent is a computerized fountain that projects water 300 feet into the air, making it visible from across the river in Iowa.

At night, the fountain is illuminated, creating a spectacular light show. A paved walking trail encircles the lake, offering visitors scenic views and exercise opportunities.

The fountain in Conagra Lake is brightly illuminated

Photo: Nelo Hotsuma (CC BY 2.0)

Location and Views

The park serves as a link between Omaha's historic Old Market district and the Missouri River waterfront. It provides panoramic views of the river and offers sweeping green lawn spaces for recreation and relaxation.

The park's design incorporates elements that celebrate the area's history, including a monument to the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition and the restored late 1800s Waterworks Fountain, originally located at a railroad depot in North Omaha.

Recreation Amenities

Recent renovations have added several new features to enhance visitor experiences. A Skate Ribbon at the corner of 8th and Farnam Street offers year-round skating options, with ice skating in winter and roller skating in warmer months.

The park also now includes a lakeside amphitheater for performances and community events, bocce courts for recreational play, and the iconic Farnam Pier, which extends out over the Missouri River and provides unobstructed views of the waterway and downtown Omaha.

Accessibility and Community Use

Heartland of America Park is designed to be accessible to all visitors, with wheelchair-friendly paths and amenities. It serves as a gathering space for the community, hosting various events throughout the year and providing a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.