Holmes Lake Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Holmes Lake Park is a beautiful and popular recreational area located in Lincoln, Nebraska.


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Summary

The park covers a total area of 70 acres and offers numerous activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and picnicking. The lake within the park is stocked with a variety of fish species, including catfish, bluegill, and bass, making it a perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts. Visitors can also rent paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks to explore the lake.

Aside from water activities, Holmes Lake Park offers several trails for hiking and biking, with stunning views of the lake and surrounding woodlands. One of the most popular trails in the park is the 2.6-mile paved trail that circles the lake.

Holmes Lake Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, such as bald eagles and blue herons, throughout the year.

Visitors can enjoy a picnic at one of the many pavilions within the park or take advantage of the numerous grilling stations. The park also has a playground and a dog park, making it a perfect destination for families and pet owners.

The best time to visit Holmes Lake Park is during the summer months, from May to September, when the weather is warm and the lake is perfect for swimming and water activities. However, the park is open year-round, providing visitors with beautiful views during the fall and winter seasons.

Overall, Holmes Lake Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Lincoln, Nebraska, seeking a peaceful and relaxing outdoor experience.

       

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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.
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