70th Street Trail

State: NE
Length: 2.30 miles
Surface: Concrete

The 70th Street Trail follows its namesake thoroughfare for just over two miles, providing a convenient, north-south route through residential Lincoln. Along the way, trail-goers will pass Holmes Lake Park, a popular spot for boating, fishing, and picnicking. For an extended journey, the trail provides access points to Old Cheney Road Trail, Billy Wolff Trail and Antelope Creek Trail.

84th Street Trail

State: NE
Length: 6.35 miles
Surface: Concrete

For commuters, the 84th Street Trail provides a convenient, north-south route paralleling its namesake road from Mahoney Park and Adams Street to Old Cheney Road. For recreationists, the trail provides easy access to the Murdock Trail, MoPac Trail and Antelope Creek Trail.

Antelope Creek Trail

State: NE
Length: 4.90 miles
Surface: Concrete

The Antelope Creek Trail follows its namesake waterway through suburban sections of southeastern Lincoln, Nebraska. Essentially a direct continuation of the slightly shorter Billy Wolff Trail, the Antelope Creek Trail offers its own unique scenery of open space and newer residential development.
Begin your journey at Richman's Run Dog Park, located just across S. 70th Street from popular Holmes Lake Park. The trail passes under busy S. 84th Street, but a short trek up to road level connects trail users with the 84th Street Trail. A couple miles later, the trail joins Pine Lake Road on a separated path, runs by the entrance to Nebraska Heart Institute and Heart Hospital and finally comes to a rest at State Route 2 (Nebraska Highway).

Antelope Valley Trail

State: NE
Length: 2.10 miles
Surface: Concrete

The Antelope Valley Trail runs roughly north-south through downtown Lincoln with the University of Nebraska on one end and Lincoln High School at the other. It begins near the Bob Devaney Center, a sprawling athletic complex and sports arena home to the Cornhuskers basketball, gymnastics, track and swimming teams. Mid-way along the route is Union Park Plaza, an urban park with impressive water features, artwork and an outdoor amphitheater, as well as Trago Park with its family-friendly playground and sprayground.
The trail directly links to the John Dietrich Bikeway, MoPac Trail and Rock Island Trail.

Bellevue Loop Trail

State: NE
Length: 8.90 miles
Surface: Concrete

The Bellevue Loop Trail is actually the southern extension of the Keystone Trail, and it is occasionally referred to simply as part of the longer trail. The trail makes a loop around the southern edge of the Omaha suburb of Bellevue, hence its name.
From the Keystone Trail at S. 25th Street, the loop continues south along Little Papillion Creek, paralleling Interstate 75 until it passes under the highway alongside the creek. From here, the Bellevue Loop Trail continues mostly south and east, where views of Offutt Air Force Base—home of the United States Strategic Command–are plentiful. The trail then swings north again near the Missouri River and ends at Haworth Park.

Big Papio Trail

State: NE
Length: 9.88 miles
Surface: Concrete

Omaha's Big Papio Trail follows the route of Big Papillion Creek from southern Omaha to the city's northwestern corner. The paved trail begins along the creek at Harrison Street in Seymour Smith Park, where it meets the longer Keystone Trail. In the park, enjoy a game of softball, soccer, disc golf, tennis or trap shooting.
The trail passes dense residential development along its route, as well as some industrial properties. Near its midpoint, the trail winds through three country clubs. The trail ends in the north in an open field at Hefflinger Park, which opened in 2006 and contains a popular dog park.
Big Papillion Creek—often referred to as Papio Creek by locals—runs north for several miles beyond the trail's current endpoint in Hefflinger Park. Future plans call for the extension of the Big Papio Trail to Bennington Lake and Prairie View Recreation Area, closer to the creek's origin.

Billy Wolff Trail

State: NE
Length: 4.10 miles
Surface: Concrete

The Billy Wolff Trail provides Lincoln residents with a connection to nature, running through a string of parks—Pansing Park, Roose Park, Antelope Park and Holmes Lake Park—as it winds its way from S. 27th Street to S. 70th Street. The centrally located trail also taps into a network of other routes through the city, including the Rock Island Trail, Holmes Lake Trail and 70th Street Trail.
At its northern end, trail-goers can access the Folsom Children's Zoo and Botanical Gardens. At the trail's southern end, visit Holmes Lake Park, which offers picnic grounds, hiking trails and opportunities to boat and fish. Here you can connect directly with the Antelope Creek Trail, which runs farther south to State Route 2 (Nebraska Highway).

Bison Trail

State: NE
Length: 1.70 miles
Surface: Concrete

The Bison Trail runs across southwestern Lincoln from the intersection of W. Prospector Court and S. 1st Street (south of State Route 2) to the entrance of Pioneers Park Nature Center on S. Coddington Avenue. This scenic pathway offers a view of the capitol over the tree line and is especially popular with bicyclists.
At the trail's eastern endpoint, connect to the Salt Creek Levee Trail and ride deeper into the heart of Lincoln, or take the Jamaica North Trail south to the city's southern edge.
On the Bison Trail's western end, explore Pioneers Park Nature Center and its network of hiking trails.
Unfortunately, due to safety concerns, the trail is temporarily divided into two portions. Pioneers Park will be inaccessible from the eastern end of the trail until a replacement pedestrian bridge over Haines Branch has been completed (estimated by spring 2013).

Field Club Trail

Rail-Trail

State: NE
Length: 1.80 miles
Surface: Concrete

The Field Club Trail occupies an old railroad bed that courses for 2 miles through one of Omaha's older neighborhoods. The northern portion of the trail—beginning just south of the University of Nebraska Medical Center—is unique in that it lies 30 feet below-grade, lending a secluded feel and sheltering trail users from surrounding city din.
As the trail continues south, it passes through a tree-lined corridor sandwiched between the Field Club golf course, civic sites and urban backyards. The trail then runs through Harrison Heights Park before ending at old grain silos on Vinton Street.
The quiet and scenic trail has less traffic than other Omaha trails, and there are few road crossings. In the future, the trail will continue south to link with other trails in the city.

Helen Boosalis Trail

State: NE
Length: 3.90 miles
Surface: Concrete

The Helen Boosalis Trail, named for Lincoln's first female mayor, runs for nearly 4 miles across the city from the Indian Village neighborhood to the Edgewood Shopping Center. The urban pathway connects several residential neighborhoods and retail properties on a separated trail along busy State Route 2.
Travelers will enjoy scenic views as the trail passes through 40th and Highway 2 Park near the trail's midpoint. Connections to the Rock Island Trail and Old Cheney Road Trail allow for a longer bike, run, walk or skate.

Hickman Linear Park Trail

Rail-Trail

State: NE
Length: 0.80 miles
Surface: Asphalt

The Hickman Linear Park Trail parallels the rail line between 68th Street at its the southeast end and 7th Street/Hickman Road at its northwest end. The trail is just under a mile and runs through a city park in a tree-line corridor.

Highlands Trail (NE)

State: NE
Length: 3 miles
Surface: Concrete

The Highlands Trail offers a pleasant, 3-mile loop through Lincoln's Highlands neighborhood. The route also passes the Highlands Golf Course with its sweeping and well-maintained grounds. For longer journeys, the pathway directly connects with the Superior Street Trail.

Homestead Trail

Rail-Trail

State: NE
Length: 40 miles
Surface: Crushed Stone

The Homestead Trail follows the route of a rail corridor abandoned by Union Pacific in 2000. Construction began on the trail in 2007 and was completed in the summer of 2012 by a partnership of the Nebraska Trails Foundation, Lower Platte South Natural Resources District, and the city of Beatrice.
Running for nearly 40 miles from Lincoln in the north to Beatrice in the south, the limestone-surfaced Homestead Trail offers excellent connectivity for the residents of this part of Nebraska. In the north, the Homestead Trail links with the Jamaica North Trail, which travels northward deeper into the heart of Lincoln. Adventurous travelers can trek farther north from the Jamaica North Trail to Haymarket Park—Lincoln's baseball stadium—via the Salt Creek Levee Trail.
Continuing south from Lincoln, the Homestead Trail winds through acres of farmland and comes close to the tiny villages of Roca and Princeton. The trail then runs through the city of Cortland, where limited amenities await weary bikers and walkers. The 9 mile section from Cortland to Pickrell, which was completed in 2012, winds through some greener scenery of relatively dense tree cover and crosses over 18 restored railroad trestles. In Pickrell, hungry travelers can find a bite to eat.
The Homestead Trail currently ends in downtown Beatrice, the largest city and county seat of Gage County. The Gage County Historical Society and Museum is located at the Beatrice trailhead in the restored Burlington Railroad Depot Passenger Station originally built in 1906. Be sure to check out the history of the rail corridor you just traveled upon! The beautiful Gage County Courthouse, which opened in 1892, is just a few blocks from the end of the Homestead Trail as well. The Homestead National Monument, for which the trail is named, is another short ride along Rout

Iowa Riverfront Trail

State: IA
Length: 6.50 miles
Surface: Asphalt, Concrete

The Iowa Riverfront Trail in Council Bluffs spans the western side of the city along the Missouri River. For most of the trail's nearly 7-mile route, bikers, runners, skaters and walkers are treated to spectacular views of the skyline of Omaha, Nebraska, located just across the river.
The trail begins in the south at the Western Historic Trails Center. Operated by the State Historical Society of Iowa, the center features exhibits on the various routes west and north for early American pioneers, most of which passed through this part of Iowa. Stop in for awhile and learn about the Lewis and Clark Trail, Oregon Trail, California Trail and Mormon Trail. The Iowa Riverfront Trail directly connects to the Western Historic Trails Center Link outside the facility, which allows trail users to connect seamlessly with many of Council Bluffs' other great trails leading west, south and north.
Continuing north from the Western Historic Trails Center, the Iowa Riverfront Trail crosses under busy Interstate 80 as the highway approaches the Missouri River. A short on-road bike path along a low-use portion of River Road through some industrial properties follows. At the parking lot for the Ameristar Casino on Nebraska Avenue, the off-road trail resumes. The trail passes one more casino (Harrah's Council Bluffs), as well as the Dodge Riverside Golf Club, a public course that in the past has been named one of the best places to play by Golf Digest.
After the casinos and golf course, the Iowa Riverfront Trail meanders through open space that is currently being developed as the new River's Edge Park. Set to open in May 2013, the park will feature a large irrigated lawn, amphitheater, additional riverside trails and a new parking lot. The public space will be framed by stunning views of Omaha and will be lit at night.
The

John Dietrich Bikeway

State: NE
Length: 3.60 miles
Surface: Concrete

The John Dietrich Bikeway—also known as the John Dietrich Trail or simply the Dietrich Trail—winds through urban Lincoln for more than 3 miles. Along its route, the trail skirts the edge of a number of residential properties and 3 neighborhood parks (Lintel, Pentzer and Upco). At Fleming Fields, enjoy a game of baseball, softball or soccer.
First-time users of the John Dietrich Bikeway may want to study the TrailLink map before beginning a trip, as the trail's winding route could lead some astray at intersections. At the trail's western end, connect directly with the Antelope Valley Trail to access points north and south. On the trail's opposite end, take the Murdock Trail east to the edge of Lincoln.

Keystone Trail

Rail-Trail

State: NE
Length: 15 miles
Surface: Concrete

The Keystone Trail is a popular urban-to-rural corridor for commuters and recreationists of all stripes: college students, businesspeople, families and the ranks of the retired who can easily access Omaha's many universities, parks and business districts.
The trail meanders along the banks of Papillion Creek, which itself ripples in the sun on its way to the Missouri River. Start your trip from the northern trailhead in Democracy Park and head south into town. For the majority of the trip you are atop the flood control levees of Little Papillion Creek, occasionally crossing back and forth over the water on bridges along the way. The concrete-surfaced corridor runs wide and, especially in the more park-like northern section and agricultural expanses of the south, grasshoppers will leap along beside you at their own peril.
While the trail only runs on an actual rail bed for 2.3 miles, the railroad's influence can't be missed. Just before Mile 1 is a high railroad bridge that the trail passes under through a sheltered awning. If train cars are stopped on the tracks, the effect is a powerful reminder of the area's industrial past. Before Mile 6 at Heritage Park, a wooden trestle rests across the riverbank to the east. Pilings can also be spotted along the trail, usually near creek-crossings.
At Karen Park, connect to the South Omaha Trail, a rail-trail that will eventually connect to the Field Club Trail (yet another rail-trail).
A portion of the Keystone Trail runs through an industrial park area; however, the automobile traffic isn't a problem for trail users. The only time the trail isn't a flat gentle ride is when it dips beneath the roads on underpasses. You can either access the road or avoid traffic altogether. Signs ask cyclists to be alert for on-coming trail traffic.
As you leave the commercial district, the

Lake Manawa Trail

State: IA
Length: 7.50 miles
Surface: Asphalt, Concrete

The Lake Manawa Trail in Council Bluffs links the city's industrial core along US 275 with Lake Manawa State Park, a popular destination for hiking, camping, boating, fishing and swimming. In the east, the trail begins at the Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park, where the Wabash Trace Nature Trail begins its 63 mile journey south to the Missouri border and the Valley View Trail extends farther north into Council Bluffs.
In Lake Manawa State Park, a number of mountain bike trails are maintained for use. Take a quick side trip into the picnic and camping area of the park and enjoy an unparalleled view of downtown Omaha, located just across the Missouri River from Council Bluffs. Stay on the paved trail and you'll travel west around Lake Manawa onto a short bridge over Indian Creek. From here, the Lake Manawa Trail runs north adjacent to the creek until it reaches busy US 275.
At the highway, connect directly to the Veterans Memorial Trail and Indian Creek Trail, which takes trail users under Interstate 80/29 and deep into the residential center of Council Bluffs.
The newest section of the Lake Manawa Trail—constructed in 2010—begins at US 275 and hugs E. Manawa Drive on the eastern side of the lake. While a relatively short segment at just under 1.5 miles long, the new section of trail offers a much shorter route for those wishing to reach the Wabash Trace Nature Trail from downtown Council Bluffs.

MoPac Trail (Springfield)

Rail-Trail

State: NE
Length: 8.60 miles
Surface: Crushed Stone

The MoPac Trail in Springfield, Nebraska is an integral component of what is planned to be a more than 50-mile recreational trail between Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska's two largest cities. Four sections of the trail are currently open for use: the MoPac Trail West in the heart of Lincoln, the MoPac Trail East extending from Lincoln through rural farmland to the tiny town of Wabash, the Platte River Connection/Lied Platte River Bridge near South Bend and the northernmost section in Springfield.
Nearly the entire route rests on an abandoned Missouri Pacific Railroad corridor—hence the trail's name—known as the Omaha Belt Line. From the south, the Springfield portion begins about 3 miles east of the Lied Platte River Bridge, just across the Platte River from the town of Louisville. The trail parallels State Route 50 for most of its route northward before entering the distant Omaha suburb of Springfield.
Springfield was originally founded in anticipation of the Missouri Pacific Railroad building tracks through the area, so it is wholly appropriate that the route is preserved as a trail. Currently, there is a roughly 2,000-foot gap in the route between Main Street and Platteview Road in Springfield. Use N. 1st Street and N. 2nd Street or the shoulder on State Route 50 to access the northern segment.
From Springfield, the MoPac Trail again traverses through open countryside before ending abruptly at Schram Road, south of the Omaha community of Westmont. In the near future, the gap in the MoPac Trail in Springfield will be filled in, while longer term plans call for the connection of the four open segments, as well as an extension north into Omaha.

MoPac Trail East

Rail-Trail

State: NE
Length: 21.67 miles
Surface: Crushed Stone

The MoPac Trail is actually several segments of trail the now occupy the old corridor of what used to be the Missouri Pacific Railroad's Omaha Belt Line (hence "MoPac"). This eastern segment is the more rural and extends between Lincoln and Wabash, traveling on a crushed stone path through prairie, woodland and farmland for nearly 22 miles. Along the way you may encounter wildlife, and you'll definitely experience some of Nebraska's lovely scenery. A separate equestrian trail, called the Charles L. Warner Equestrian Trail, is provided between 98th and A streets and Wabash.
The MoPac Trail East connects to the MoPac Trail West in Lincoln; the trails join near 84th Street. There are plans to extend the trail over the Platte River at South Bend and connect with a the MoPac Trail in Springfield and eventually lead to Omaha.

MoPac Trail West

Rail-Trail

State: NE
Length: 5.30 miles
Surface: Concrete, Crushed Stone

The MoPac Trail West continues from the MoPac Trail East through the city of Lincoln. The trail connects the university with local businesses, neighborhoods, parks, recreation opportunities and shopping. The trail occupies the old corridor of what used to be the Missouri Pacific Railroad's Omaha Belt Line (hence "MoPac").

Murdock Trail

Rail-Trail

State: NE
Length: 4.70 miles
Surface: Concrete, Crushed Stone

The Murdock Trail, named after the businessman who donated the land to the City of Lincoln, travels east-west for nearly 5 miles through northern Lincoln and its Havelock neighborhood. The trail runs along a former Rock Island Railroad corridor, established in the 1850s to ferry passengers across the Midwest.
Along the crushed stone and asphalt path, two neighborhood parks—Mahoney and Ballard—provide opportunities for residents to play baseball, basketball, tennis and other sports. For longer journeys, travelers can connect directly to the John Dietrich Bikeway at the Murdock Trail's western end and the 84th Street Trail on Lincoln's eastern edge.

Oak Creek Trail

Rail-Trail

State: NE
Length: 13 miles
Surface: Crushed Stone

Nebraska's Oak Creek Trail, occupying a former Union Pacific Railroad corridor in the eastern part of the state, is about as rural a trail as you will find in the United States. While the trail is only about 1 hour from both Omaha and Lincoln (Nebraska's two largest cities), it connects two towns with populations of less than 600 with little development in between.
The rural environment of the Oak Creek Trail makes for beautiful scenery. Begin your journey at the trail's northern endpoint in Brainard. Outside of the town, the trail follows the top of a picturesque ridge. For the next several miles, natural prairie stretches as far as the eye can see.
Just north of the trail's midpoint, trail users enter the tiny community of Loma. Restrooms are located just off the trail near St. Luke's Czech Catholic Shrine—established by Czech immigrants in 1911—in the center of town.
The rest of the route continues through natural prairie, open farmland and oak woodlands until the trail reaches its endpoint at the trailhead in the town of Valparaiso. Support local businesses at the end of your ride or run, and stop in for a bite to eat at one of the town's restaurants.
Horse trailer parking can be found at Valparaiso's trailhead; an equestrian trail runs adjacent to the Oak Creek Trail for its entire route.

Old Cheney Road Trail

State: NE
Length: 3.03 miles
Surface: Concrete

Immediately adjacent to its namesake, the Old Cheney Road Trail provides a straight east-west route across southern Lincoln from 27th Street to 70th Street. Although the 3-mile paved pathway isn't much more than a widened sidewalk, it is an essential route for commuters.
The trail provides direct access to the Tierra Williamsburg Trail, 70th Street Trail and Helen Boosalis Trail.

Omaha Riverfront Trail

State: NE
Length: 20.10 miles
Surface: Asphalt

The Omaha Riverfront Trail is currently open in three sections along the Missouri River in Nebraska's largest city.
In the south, the trail begins at Missouri Avenue/US 275's approach to the South Omaha Veterans Memorial Bridge. The vehicular bridge, located south of downtown Omaha, includes the separated Veterans Memorial Trail, which connects trail users to Council Bluffs' extensive trail system just across the river.
North of the bridge on the Nebraska side, the Omaha Riverfront Trail was constructed on a levee road. Gates across this portion of the trail are often closed to prevent access by vehicles, but trail use is permitted unless otherwise noted. The trail runs between the Missouri River and active BNSF Railway tracks, but the route is a peaceful place to ride, run, walk or skate. Currently, the best place to exit this section of the trail is at the intersection of Hickory Street and S. 2nd Street. If you're looking for a challenge, consider riding or running up the steep hill on Hickory Street; refer to the map for the exact location.
The middle section of the trail offers a completely different experience than the southern portion. Begin your journey at Heartland of America Park, located just north of ConAgra Foods' corporate headquarters. The park features a large lake with a walking path, several fountains and tour boat rides in the summer. Check out the stunning views of the Omaha skyline to the west of the lake.
From Heartland of America Park, the trail continues north under Interstate 480. The trail next approaches Lewis and Clark Landing, the site of the duo's landing in what is now Omaha in 1804. The park includes interpretive exhibits, memorials and picnic tables along the river, as well as a pedestrian bridge to CenturyLink Center Omaha, home to college sports and other popular events. Just north of Lewis and Clark Landing along the trail is the new

Platte River Connection

Rail-Trail

State: NE
Length: 1 miles
Surface: Crushed Stone

The Platte River Connection is a short, but critical, route that will one day link the vast trail systems of the two most populous Nebraskan cities, Lincoln and Omaha. Before this can happen, extensions to the Omaha trail system to the east and the 22-mile MoPac Trail East to the west must be completed.
At the trail's centerpiece is the 1,714-foot-long Lied Platte River Bridge, a converted Rock Island Railroad trestle that offers picturesque views of the water. Be sure to visit the tiny village of South Bend, located just north of the Platte River Connection on the river's southern bank.

Plum Creek Trail

State: NE
Length: 2.70 miles
Surface: Concrete

Located on the eastern side of Seward, Nebraska, the Plum Creek Trail runs for nearly 3 miles through open fields and dense woodland. As its name suggests, the trail follows the course of Plum Creek for its entire route.
The trail begins in the north at Plum Creek Park, which contains tennis courts, a baseball diamond, softball fields, playground equipment and shelters. Before turning south, the trail passes through the Plum Creek Garden Area. The garden includes a variety of trees and flowers for the enjoyment of the residents of the town.
South of the garden, the trail runs past Plum Creek Sports Complex's soccer fields before entering wooded landscape. Here the trail crosses 1 of 5 bridges over Plum Creek. Near the at-grade crossing of E. Hillcrest Drive/Bluff Road, the campus of Concordia University can be seen in the distance.
On the final part of its route, the Plum Creek Trail crosses under busy US 34, traverses another bridge over Plum Creek, and finally reaches its endpoint at S. Columbia Road.

Rock Island Trail (NE)

Rail-Trail

State: NE
Length: 6.70 miles
Surface: Concrete

The Rock Island Trail in Lincoln, Nebraska, runs for nearly 7 miles through the city on a north–south corridor, between the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, campus and Densmore Park. The trail is an important and popular travelway for nonmotorized uses, linking several city parks, neighborhoods and schools.
The Rock Island Trail links to the Southpointe Trail at Densmore Park; to the Tierra-Williamsburg Trail at 27th Street just south of SR 2; to the Helen Boosalis Trail (a.k.a. the Highway 2 Trail) just north of SR 2; and to the Billy Wolff Trail at the north end of the zoo.

Salt Creek Levee Trail

State: NE
Length: 4 miles
Surface: Crushed Stone

The Salt Creek Levee Trail provides a scenic route for bikers and runners along its namesake waterway. This crushed limestone path takes you past Lincoln's oldest neighborhoods and under a picturesque old railroad bridge.
At its southern end, a connection on Bison Trail will take you to Pioneers Park, a wildlife sanctuary where you will find bison, elk and white-tailed deer, as well as hiking trails through prairie, woodland and wetland habitats. For the adventurous, the Salt Creek Levee Trail also offers access to the

Southpointe Trail

State: NE
Length: 2.36 miles
Surface: Concrete

The Southpointe Trail extends from Densmore Park to the Tierra Williamsburg Trail in Lincoln's Southern Hills neighborhood. This suburban route passes by Williamsburg Village, one of the city's most distinctive neighborhoods, and SouthPointe Pavilions, an outdoor mall. Those wishing to continue north through the heart of Lincoln can hop on the popular Rock Island Trail, which runs along a former railroad corridor beginning at the Southpointe Trail's western end.

Steamboat Trace Trail

Rail-Trail

State: NE
Length: 21.40 miles
Surface: Crushed Stone

The Steamboat Trace Trail in southeastern Nebraska rests on a former Burlington Northern railroad corridor stretching from Brownville to just south of Nebraska City. The corridor was railbanked by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and deeded to the Nemaha Natural Resources District—the trail's current manager—in 1995.
Nearly 22 miles of the Steamboat Trace Trail are open from west of the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) Power Station (south of Nebraska City) to Cooper Nuclear Station (south of Brownville). The route, like most rail-trails, is quite flat, and the surface consists of crushed limestone screenings.
Both the scenery and history along the trail are its main draws. The trail follows the wooded bluffs along the Missouri River, and at times, the river rests immediately at the trail's edge. Cottonwoods, oaks and other deciduous trees form forests that lend welcome shade to trail users during the summer months. The river and forests are not the trail's only scenery—at more than a few locations, the Steamboat Trace Trail runs adjacent to open farmland.
The trail is steeped in history, too. Lewis and Clark passed through the area more than two centuries ago on their journey westward. In the mid-1800s, the development of the steamboat led to the establishment of trading towns along the river (and later gave the trail its name). In the late 1800s, the Midland Pacific Railroad built the corridor that the trail now occupies.
Be sure to check out the small towns along the trail. In Peru, visit Nebraska's first 4-year college. The town is also a popular place for trail users to grab a bite to eat. South of Peru, Brownville offers its own fine eateries, as well as a winery.
No permits are required to enjoy the Steamboat Trace Trail, but voluntary donations are suggested. Donations may be submitted at collection boxes along the trail's route. The trail is closed to all uses from mid-November to early January, as the surrounding area is a popu

Superior Street Trail

State: NE
Length: 4.42 miles
Surface: Asphalt

The Superior Street Trail is primarily a commuter route following its namesake thoroughfare from US 6 (Cornhusker Highway) in Lincoln to the Highlands neighborhood on the western edge of the city. The paved pathway also offers access to Roper Park and its short trail. At the western end of the Superior Street Trail, pick up the Highlands Trail for a longer loop around the neighborhood.

Tierra Williamsburg Trail

State: NE
Length: 3 miles
Surface: Concrete

The tree-lined Tierra Williamsburg Trail—also known as the Tierra Park Williamsburg Trail or more simply as the Williamsburg Trail—traverses through the distinctive Williamsburg Village neighborhood of southern Lincoln, Nebraska. Along the way, the trail links Williamsburg Village Park and Tierra Briarhurst Park, providing scenic views and plentiful recreational opportunities.
At the pathway's northern end, connect directly with the popular Rock Island Trail and Helen Boosalis Trail. Connections to the Southpointe Trail and Old Cheney Road Trail are also available near the trail's midpoint.

Veterans Memorial Trail (IA)

State: IA, NE
Length: 5 miles
Surface: Concrete

Council Bluffs' Veterans Memorial Trail runs adjacent to US 275—also known as Veterans Memorial Highway—for its 5 mile route. On the non-highway side of the trail, runners, walkers, bikers and skaters are treated to a diverse landscape of industrial properties, residences, farmland and groves of trees.
Although the scenery on the Veterans Memorial Trail may not be as robust as that found along other trails in Council Bluffs and Omaha, the trail provides a crucial link in the two cities' recreational trails network. At the eastern end of the trail at E. Manawa Drive in Council Bluffs, the Lake Manawa Trail begins. A short ride or run along that trail provides access to beautiful Lake Manawa State Park and the Wabash Trace Nature Trail.
Trail users can also connect to the Indian Creek Trail (as well as another portion of the Lake Manawa Trail) where US 275 crosses Indian Creek. Taking the Indian Creek Trail north provides direct off-road access to a residential section of Council Bluffs. Less than 0.5 mile west of that trail is the southern endpoint for the Western Historic Trails Center Link, which fittingly runs to the Western Historic Trails Center—featuring exhibits on early American pioneers in Iowa—and the Iowa Riverfront Trail.
The Veterans Memorial Trail ends in the west in Omaha after crossing the South Omaha Veterans Memorial Bridge over the Missouri River. The trail shares the bridge, which was built in 2010, with automobile traffic, but it maintains its own separated path. In Nebraska, the trail connects to the southern portion of the impressive

West Papio Trail

State: NE
Length: 16.10 miles
Surface: Concrete

Two sections of the West Papio Trail are currently open for use. The shorter section begins just west of S. 36th Street in Bellevue, Nebraska, where it connects with the Keystone Trail. The trail follows West Papillion Creek through open fields, office parks, residential neighborhoods and several city parks. At this time, the southern portion of the trail ends at Giles Road, just west of Portal Road, in the Omaha suburb of La Vista.
While the southern section of the West Papio Trail is a useful amenity for residents of this part of Nebraska, the northern section of the trail is one of the most scenic trails in Omaha. Pick up the trail at the intersection of S. 144th Street and F Street, where the 144th Street Trail begins its journey south. Like the southern portion of the West Papio Trail, the northern segment also follows Papillion Creek, which is referred to affectionately by locals as Papio Creek (hence the trail's name).
The quiet route courses through the serene settings that separate Omaha's residential neighborhoods from the creek. After skirting the campus of Skutt Catholic High School, the trail tunnels under busy 156th Street and W. Center Road. Just south of the school, travel west on a connector trail to reach popular Zorinsky Lake Park.
Continuing northward, the trail joins Pacific Street to cross active Union Pacific tracks, but quickly separates from the road again and travels through Pacific Meadows Park. After tunneling under W. Dodge Road and Blondo Street, the trail begins an uphill climb over several blocks; bicyclists, be prepared.
The West Papio Trail currently ends in an open field adjacent to a residential development south of State Route 64/W. Maple Road. Future plans call for the two portions of the trail to connect, as well as for construction of an extension northward.

Western Historic Trails Center Link

State: IA
Length: 1.90 miles
Surface: Concrete

Although one of the shorter trails in Council Bluffs' outstanding system, the Western Historic Trails Center Link provides an excellent connection between two longer trails. In the south, the trail connects to Veterans Memorial Trail at the intersection of S. 24th Street and US 275 (Veterans Memorial Highway). At the trail's northwest endpoint, the Iowa Riverfront Trail begins its course northward to the stunning Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge to Omaha and the new River's Edge Park, as well as Big Lake Park on the northern outskirts of Council Bluffs.
The Western Historic Trails Center Link—as its name suggests—also takes trail users to the Western Historic Trails Center. The facility, which was designed and built by the National Park Service, is owned and operated by the State Historical Society of Iowa. Stop in and learn about the various routes north and west for early American pioneers, including the Lewis and Clark Trail, Oregon Trail, California Trail and Mormon Trail.
Just to the east of the Western Historic Trails Center, the link runs through the Council Bluffs Recreation Complex. The sprawling outdoor development features soccer fields, baseball and softball diamonds, and a playground, as well as restrooms and drinking fountains.