Bowling Lake Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bowling Lake Park is a beautiful recreational area located in Lincoln, Nebraska, known for its serene lake, lush greenery, and numerous recreational activities.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This park is a perfect getaway for families, couples, and individuals who want to enjoy nature, relax, and have some fun.

Some of the top reasons to visit Bowling Lake Park include its picturesque landscapes, fishing and boating opportunities, hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The park also offers a chance to observe wildlife, including different bird species and other animals like deer, raccoons, and squirrels.

One of the most popular attractions in the park is the 51-acre Bowling Lake, which provides ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Visitors can also stroll along the scenic lakeshore, enjoy a picnic by the water, or rent a paddleboat to explore the lake. The park also features a 3.5-mile paved trail that is perfect for hiking, jogging, or biking.

Another notable feature of Bowling Lake Park is its well-maintained playgrounds, which offer a range of fun activities for children of all ages. The park also has several picnic areas equipped with tables, grills, and shelters, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a romantic picnic.

There are several interesting facts about Bowling Lake Park. The park was established in 1988 after the city of Lincoln acquired the land from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The park was named after Bowling Lake, which was named after Charles Bowling, a local farmer who owned the land where the lake is located.

The best time to visit Bowling Lake Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its peak. During the summer months, the park can get crowded, especially on weekends, but there is still plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors.

In conclusion, Bowling Lake Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Lincoln, Nebraska. With its serene lake, lush landscapes, and numerous recreational opportunities, the park offers something for everyone. Whether you want to fish, hike, bike, or just relax and enjoy nature, Bowling Lake Park is an excellent choice.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks