Escape the Crowds: Cross-Country Skiing in Nebraska

Elmwood Park, Omaha, NE

Elmwood Park in Omaha, Nebraska, is one of the best cross-country skiing trails in the city. Large, flat, and tree-lined hills make it a favorite for lovers of the sport.

Schramm Park State Recreation Area, Gretna, NE

This two and a half-mile looped trail is a rugged option that will test your skills. The area doesn’t see a lot of traffic, so it’s a great place to enjoy a more primitive experience with nature.

Pioneers Park, Lincoln, NE

Pioneers Park to the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon skiing on easily marked and groomed trails. Skiers will enjoy casual descents through meadows and pines.

Keystone Trail, Omaha, NE

Close to many of Omaha’s universities and business districts, the Keystone Trail is open year-round for cross country skiing along the Missouri River.

Mahoney State Park, Ashland, NE

Many portions of the seven miles of hiking trails within Mahoney State Park are groomed in the winter for cross-country skiers and open throughout the season.

Big Papio Trail, Omaha, NE

Big Papio Trail is a quick drive from Omaha. The area offers scenic views as well as wide open areas and is open year-round for cross-country skiing enthusiasts to enjoy.

Bellevue Loop Trail, Bellevue, NE

Located near the Keystone Trail, the Bellevue Trail loops around the southern edge of the Omaha suburb, Bellevue, with beautiful river views.

The Kearney Trail, Kearney, NE

Kearney is home to historically significant portions of the Oregon and Mormon Trails once traveled by pioneers. Today, skiers can take a journey across the Kearney Trail and experience all its neighborhoods and historical sites along the way.

Wilderness Park, Lincoln, NE

As the largest city park in Lincoln, Wilderness Park features an expansive network of trails perfect for cross-country skiing activities during the winter months. The trails are moderately trafficked and feature a river to enjoy.

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton, NE

This 850-acre tallgrass prairie nature preserve transforms into a cross country skier’s paradise when the snow falls. Visitors can experience nature and check out a historic 19-century wagon from the Oregon Trail.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Elmwood Park: Features large, flat, and tree-lined hills, making it a favorite for cross-country skiing enthusiasts.
• Schramm Park State Recreation Area: Offers a rugged 2.5-mile loop trail ideal for skiers seeking a primitive and less crowded experience.
• Pioneers Park: A relaxing destination with groomed trails that wind through meadows and pines, perfect for a leisurely skiing afternoon.
• Keystone Trail: Year-round trail running along the Missouri River, close to Omaha's universities and business districts.
• Mahoney State Park: Provides seven miles of hiking trails groomed for cross-country skiing during winter, open all season long.
• Big Papio Trail: Scenic and spacious trail near Omaha, welcoming skiers year-round.
• Bellevue Loop Trail: Loops around Bellevue's southern edge with stunning river views, connecting to the Keystone Trail.
• The Kearney Trail: Historic trail that passes through neighborhoods and significant sites from the Oregon and Mormon Trails.
• Wilderness Park: Lincoln's largest city park offers a vast trail network with moderate traffic and scenic river views, great for skiing.
• Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center: An 850-acre tallgrass prairie preserve that transforms into a skier's paradise in winter, featuring nature views and historic artifacts.