Elmwood Park | Omaha

Elmwood Park is a municipal park located in Omaha, Nebraska, USA.

It is a large urban green space featuring a variety of recreational facilities and natural elements.

Visual Characteristics

The park covers approximately 210 acres. It contains mature deciduous trees, primarily oak and maple species, providing significant canopy cover. Open lawn areas are interspersed with paved pathways. A central pond, approximately 5 acres in surface area, is a prominent feature. The park's topography includes gently rolling hills.

Location & Access Logistics

Elmwood Park is situated at 802 S 40th St, Omaha, NE 68105. It is approximately 3 miles southwest of Downtown Omaha. Access is via South 40th Street and South 42nd Street. Ample free parking is available in designated lots throughout the park, including a large lot adjacent to the swimming pool and another near the zoo entrance. Public transport options include Metro bus routes 15 and 35, which stop along 40th Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Elmwood Park was established in 1889. It was designed by landscape architect George E. Kessler, who also designed several other prominent Omaha parks. The park's original purpose was to provide recreational space for the growing city population. Ecologically, the area is part of the Great Plains region, characterized by prairie grasses and deciduous woodlands.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include swimming in the Elmwood Park Pool (seasonal operation). The park contains a municipal golf course. Walking and jogging are facilitated by a network of paved trails. Fishing is permitted in the central pond. The Omaha Zoo and Aquarium is located within the park's boundaries.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the pool complex and near the zoo entrance. Shaded areas are provided by mature trees and several picnic shelters. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally consistent throughout the park. Food vendors are typically present near the zoo entrance during peak seasons; otherwise, nearby commercial areas offer dining options.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light offers optimal conditions for the pond and tree-lined paths. The best months for outdoor activities are May through September, when temperatures are mild and the pool is open. High tide is not a relevant factor for this inland park.

Facts & Legends

A specific historical oddity is the presence of the historic Elmwood Park Carousel, which operated from 1905 to 1937 before being dismantled. Local lore sometimes refers to the pond as having a resident population of unusually large carp, though this is unverified.

Nearby Landmarks

• Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (0.1km North)
• Memorial Park (1.5km Northwest)
• University of Nebraska Omaha (2.0km Northeast)
• St. Cecilia Cathedral (2.5km East)
• Joslyn Art Museum (3.0km East)