Some of the best places to explore around Omaha aren’t necessarily places you’d think to visit by car.
They’re the quiet trails winding past lakes, the wooded paths that make you forget you’re in the middle of a city, and the little destinations that become an adventure when you arrive on two wheels.
Whether you’re teaching a child to ride, getting back into cycling after a few years away, or looking for somewhere to put some serious miles on your bike, the Omaha metro has plenty of options.
And sometimes the destination is tacos. We certainly aren’t going to argue with that.
This guide covers bike trails and cycling experiences throughout Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, Council Bluffs, and nearby communities, including family-friendly rides, scenic routes, social cycling traditions, and tips for getting started.
And if you’re looking for more ways to enjoy the outdoors when the weather cools down, our Ultimate Omaha Fall Guide is packed with seasonal adventures, local attractions, and ideas for making the most of autumn in Nebraska.
Table of Contents
Where are the best bike trails in Omaha?
Here are some of the area’s standout options, depending on the kind of ride you’re looking for.
| Trail or destination | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| West Papio Trail and connections | Bellevue to western Omaha metro | Longer rides and exploring neighborhoods |
| Chalco Hills / Wehrspann Lake | Southwest Omaha | Families, lake views and paved loops |
| Walnut Creek Recreation Area | Papillion | Relaxed scenic rides |
| Prairie Queen Recreation Area | Papillion | Lake scenery and shorter outings |
| Zorinsky Lake | West Omaha | Scenic recreation and longer loops |
| Keystone Trail | Omaha | Getting across the metro on connected trails |
| Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge | Omaha / Council Bluffs | River views and memorable destinations |
| Wabash Trace Nature Trail | Southwest Iowa | Crushed-limestone riding and the Taco Ride |
| Swanson Park | Bellevue | Mountain biking and off-road riding |
Trail lengths, conditions, construction closures and access can change. Check current maps before heading out.
The West Papio Trail: Ride from Bellevue toward West Omaha
One of the best things about bicycling around Omaha is discovering just how far you can travel using the trail network.
The West Papio Trail and its connections make it possible to ride from the Bellevue area toward western Omaha without planning an entire trip around busy streets.
It’s a great choice when you want to ride farther than a neighborhood loop, and you can decide how ambitious you want to be.
You don’t have to ride the whole thing. Start at a convenient trailhead, ride for a while, and turn around when you’re ready.
The Omaha trail system has connections and intersections that aren’t always obvious, particularly if you’re exploring an unfamiliar section.
Local tip: Let your phone help you navigate
If you get turned around, open Google Maps, enter your destination, and select the bicycle icon. It can provide turn-by-turn directions much like it does when you’re driving.
Just remember that suggested bicycle routes can include streets and crossings, so pay attention to your surroundings and use official trail maps to double-check your route.
For planning, the Papio NRD’s trail resources include regional trail maps and links to the metro’s interactive bike map.
Chalco Hills: A great place for a family bike ride
If you’re looking for somewhere to ride without making a whole expedition out of it, Chalco Hills Recreation Area is a strong choice.
Located near 154th Street and Giles Road, the recreation area surrounds Wehrspann Lake and offers more than nine miles of paved trails.
The Papio NRD identifies a 5.7-mile loop and a 2.4-mile loop, giving riders different options depending on how much time and energy they have.
That flexibility makes Chalco Hills especially appealing for families, beginners, and anyone who wants a scenic ride without committing to a long-distance route.
There are also opportunities to stop and enjoy the lake, watch for wildlife, or simply take a break.
And the best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy an afternoon outdoors. For more budget-friendly adventures, check out our guide to free things to do around Omaha.
Good to know: Chalco Hills has a Heartland Bike Share station, according to the Papio NRD, so visitors may have a rental option without bringing their own bicycle. Check availability before going.
Walnut Creek and Prairie Queen: Scenic riding in Papillion
Not every bike ride needs to be about distance.
Sometimes you just want to get outside, enjoy the scenery, and have somewhere pleasant to pedal.
Papillion has two recreation areas worth considering: Walnut Creek and Prairie Queen.
Both are good places to investigate when you’re looking for a more relaxed outing with water views, open space, and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
They’re also convenient options for families living in Papillion, La Vista, and nearby Bellevue neighborhoods.
Before visiting, check current trail information and park conditions through the City of Papillion.
Zorinsky Lake and the Keystone Trail: More Omaha riding options
For riders who want to explore beyond Sarpy County, western and central Omaha offer additional opportunities.
Zorinsky Lake
Zorinsky Lake is a popular recreation destination in west Omaha, with paths and scenery that make it a natural option for a longer recreational ride.
It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy combining cycling with a little time outdoors near the water.
Keystone Trail
The Keystone Trail is another important part of Omaha’s connected cycling network.
Rather than treating it as a destination in itself, think of it as a route that helps you explore different parts of the city and connect with other riding opportunities.
One advantage of Omaha’s trail system is that you can gradually become more adventurous as you learn how the pieces connect.
Photo: Optional. Prioritize Zorinsky if you’re making a photo trip. A lake-and-trail composition will be more visually distinctive than another generic paved path.
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge: Ride across two states
Omaha, Nebraska / Council Bluffs, Iowa
There are plenty of bike trails with nice scenery, but how many let you ride your bike from one state into another?
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge crosses the Missouri River between Omaha and Council Bluffs, making it one of the most memorable places to ride in the metro.
It’s also a fun destination for people who don’t consider themselves serious cyclists.
You can ride the bridge, enjoy views of the river and downtown Omaha, and explore the surrounding riverfront areas.
For a longer adventure, combine the bridge with a ride through the connected riverfront paths.
And if you haven’t visited Council Bluffs’ Mid-America Adventure Tower and Borman Treetop Walk, that’s another destination worth investigating as part of a separate outing.
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail: Wooded scenery and the famous Taco Ride
Council Bluffs and southwest Iowa
If you want a change from paved city trails, the Wabash Trace Nature Trail offers a different experience.
This former railroad corridor takes riders through wooded stretches, rural scenery, and small Iowa communities.
Its crushed-limestone surface gives the ride a different feel from Omaha’s paved trail network, so tire choice and weather conditions matter.
A hybrid bicycle can be a practical option for this type of riding, although conditions may vary, particularly after rain.
The Wabash Trace Taco Ride
One of the area’s best-known cycling traditions is the Thursday evening Taco Ride to Mineola, Iowa.
For many participants, it’s as much about the experience as the cycling: riding with friends, enjoying the wooded trail, and gathering at the destination.
It can be a substantial outing, particularly for riders who aren’t accustomed to longer distances, so plan accordingly and bring lights if you expect to return after dark.
The Wabash Trace is supported through a trail-pass system. Check the official Wabash Trace website for current pass information and trail conditions.
The Wabash Trace is just one of the adventures waiting beyond Omaha’s city limits. If you’re looking for more places to explore, our guide to weekend trips from Omaha has plenty of ideas for getting out of town without going too far.
Bellevue Berry Farm Taco Ride: A different kind of cycling night
You don’t have to cross the Missouri River to find a Taco Ride.
Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch hosts its own seasonal Taco Ride, bringing together cyclists, food, live music, and a lively evening atmosphere.
The event tends to be more adult-oriented, although children are welcome and the farm’s play areas are typically open.
Some riders begin at Kros Strain Brewing Company and bike to the farm, making it a longer ride. Others choose a shorter starting point.
For example, a ride from the Culver’s-area trailhead to Bellevue Berry Farm can be about 1.3 miles each way, depending on the exact route.
That’s one of the best things about destination rides: you can adapt the experience to your own comfort level.
For 2026, Bellevue Berry Farm advertised Thursday Taco Ride evenings from April 30 through September 24, with live music, free admission, and play areas open. Check the farm’s current event schedule for future seasons.
Biking with kids: Start small and make it fun
Family cycling around Omaha
You don’t need to wait until your kids can ride ten miles to introduce them to bicycling.
In fact, some of the best cycling memories begin long before a child learns to pedal.
Balance bikes help little riders practice steering and balancing. Bike trailers make it possible to bring younger children along. And as kids get older, those short rides around the neighborhood can turn into bigger adventures on local trails.
The key is making it enjoyable.
For younger children, choose a short, relatively flat route with somewhere interesting to stop. A playground, a picnic, or even a snack break can be enough to turn a bike ride into something they’ll look forward to.
As their confidence grows, so can the distance.
And remember that Omaha’s trails are shared spaces. Children should learn early to stay to the right, watch for other users, and stop somewhere safe if they need a break.
Family cycling ideas by age
| Stage | Good starting point |
|---|---|
| Toddlers | Balance bikes in safe, supervised areas |
| Preschoolers | Short rides and bike trailers |
| Elementary age | Quiet paved paths and shorter park loops |
| Older kids and teens | Longer connected trails and destination rides |
| Whole family | A flexible route with a fun stop along the way |
E-bikes aren’t just for kids
Eventually, many kids graduate from balance bikes to pedal bikes, and some teenagers become interested in electric bikes.
But e-bikes aren’t just for younger riders.
They’re also increasingly appealing to adults who want to ride farther, manage hills more comfortably, or keep cycling as they get older.
Pedal-assist bikes can make cycling more accessible to people who might otherwise avoid longer routes because of fatigue, hills, or headwinds.
And if you’ve ever tried to pedal against a Nebraska headwind, you can probably appreciate the appeal.
What to know before buying an e-bike
E-bikes vary considerably. Some provide assistance only when you pedal, while others have a throttle. Motor power, assisted speed, weight, battery range, and serviceability all matter.
Before buying, consider whether replacement batteries are readily available and whether a local bike shop can service the model. A bicycle that can’t be repaired easily can become an expensive disappointment.
Also, don’t assume that every e-bike is permitted on every trail. Rules vary by state, trail operator, and e-bike classification. Nebraska and Iowa have their own regulations, and individual parks may impose additional restrictions
Inspiration for riding after 60
For a great example of how cycling can remain part of life well beyond middle age, check out Pedaling Past 60 on YouTube.
The channel features Omaha-area cycling adventures, including local trails, changing seasons, and e-bike experiences.
It’s an interesting resource whether you’re an older rider, thinking about an e-bike, or simply looking for new places to explore.
Mountain biking and off-road adventures
Not every bicycle belongs on a paved trail.
For riders interested in more challenging terrain, the Omaha metro also has mountain biking opportunities.
Swanson Park in Bellevue is one place to investigate if you’re interested in wooded singletrack and off-road riding.
Unlike a paved recreational trail, mountain bike routes may involve roots, uneven ground, tighter turns, and steeper terrain.
That makes them a different experience—and one that calls for an appropriate bicycle, helmet, and a realistic assessment of your riding ability.
Trail conditions also matter. Riding muddy singletrack can damage the trail, so check current conditions and local guidance before heading out.
For beginners, it’s worth learning the difference between a recreational crushed-limestone trail and a purpose-built mountain bike trail before choosing where to ride.
You can ride in more than one season
Nebraska weather has a personality of its own.
Summer mornings can be wonderful for cycling, while afternoons may bring intense heat. Fall often delivers comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring can be excellent, provided you’re prepared for wind and changing conditions.
And winter doesn’t automatically mean putting the bike away.
There are occasional mild winter days when getting outside for a ride is entirely possible. Other days are better spent waiting for the ice to melt.
Before heading out, consider the temperature, wind, daylight, and trail conditions.
A few practical essentials make a big difference: a properly fitted helmet, water, visible clothing, working lights, and a phone with enough battery to navigate or call for help.
How to plan a bike ride around Omaha
Whether you’re going three miles or thirty, a little preparation can make the experience much more enjoyable.
Start by choosing a trail that matches your experience level. Consider the distance, surface, hills, parking, and whether you’ll have access to water or restrooms.
If you’re riding with kids, build in extra time. If you’re riding a crushed-limestone trail, check conditions after heavy rain. And if your ride involves food, friends, and an evening return trip, bring working lights.
One of the most useful planning resources is the Papio NRD trail information page, which links to metro trail maps and additional resources.
Bike rentals, repairs and tune-ups
Don’t own a bicycle? Look for bike-share stations or rental providers near your planned route.
If you already own one but haven’t ridden it recently, consider a tune-up before attempting a long outing.
Check tire pressure, brakes, gears, chain condition, and lights. E-bike owners should also inspect the battery, charger, and electrical connections according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For a longer ride, bring a spare tube or appropriate repair supplies, along with a basic understanding of what to do if you get a flat.
Frequently asked questions about bicycling in Omaha
Are there paved bike trails in Omaha?
Yes. The Omaha metro has an extensive network of paved recreational trails, including routes at Chalco Hills and connections through the Papio trail system.
Where can I bike with kids near Omaha?
Chalco Hills, Papillion recreation areas, and shorter segments of local paved trails are good places to start. Choose a route based on your child’s experience, rather than just the advertised trail length.
Can you bike across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge?
Yes. The bridge is a popular route for bicyclists and pedestrians traveling between Omaha and Council Bluffs. Ride at a safe speed and be considerate of people walking.
What is the Omaha-area Taco Ride?
There are two distinct traditions worth knowing about: the Wabash Trace Taco Ride to Mineola, Iowa, and the seasonal Bellevue Berry Farm Taco Ride in the Papillion/Bellevue area. Both combine cycling with a social destination.
Are e-bikes allowed on Omaha bike trails?
Permissions depend on the trail, the type of e-bike, and applicable state or local rules. Check the regulations for your specific route before riding.
Do I need a special bicycle for Omaha trails?
Not necessarily. Many paved routes work well with a standard recreational or hybrid bicycle. Crushed-limestone trails and mountain bike routes may require different tires or equipment depending on conditions.
Get out and explore Omaha on two wheels
One of the best things about bicycling is that it can be whatever you want it to be.
A short family ride. A quiet hour along a lake. A long afternoon exploring connected trails. A trip across the Missouri River. Or a Thursday evening that happens to involve tacos.
You don’t have to be an experienced cyclist to start enjoying what the Omaha metro has to offer.
Pick a trail, check the conditions, bring your helmet, and see where two wheels can take you.
And if you’re new to the area, there’s no better way to get to know a community than getting outside and exploring it.
Whether you’re settling into Bellevue, moving to Papillion, or relocating to the Omaha area for an assignment at Offutt Air Force Base, you’ll find plenty of places worth discovering—both on and off your bicycle.
Biking is just one way to get to know the communities south of Omaha. Our Sarpy County guide is a great starting point for discovering local attractions, neighborhoods, and things to do throughout the area.
If you’re moving to the area because of an assignment at Offutt Air Force Base, there’s a lot more to discover beyond the bike trails. Start with our Offutt AFB relocation resources for helpful information about settling into the Omaha and Bellevue communities.
