Heartland of America Park

The Heartland of America Park is an oasis of green in the midst of downtown Omaha, Nebraska. Located on the site of ancient mounds discovered by Lewis & Clark during their expedition west, the scenic park comprises 31 acres and adjoins the Missouri River on its eastern border. Established in 1990, the Heartland of America Park features a large fountain with a 300-foot spray and integrated light display, extensive jogging and walking trails, educational exhibits on the Lewis & Clark expedition, sculptures commemorating World War II and Airborne soldiers, and gondola rides on the centrally-located 15-acre lagoon.
 

One of the most popular attractions in the Omaha metropolitan area, the Heartland of America Park offers a number of activities for tourists and residents alike. Beautiful waterfalls grace the natural surroundings along the extensive walking trails that encircle the park, and abundant green space provides a serene haven from the noise and bustle of the surrounding downtown area. The Heartland of America Park covers 31 acres and features the 1800s Waterworks Fountain, which features a nightly light show and shoots water 300 feet into the air. Gondola rides are available during the summer on the extensive lagoon, which also serves as home to a pair of swans known as Romeo and Juliet.

The park is constructed on the site where Lewis & Clark reported their discovery of large mounds of earth; later, the location was known as the Jobbers Canyon Historic District and provided industrial support and warehouses for the extensive rail and river trade in the early 1900s. The area was demolished in 1989 to make room for a new ConAgra plant, which was completed in 1992 and still occupies the area to the south of the park; ConAgra recently opened access to allow the walking trails to completely encircle the lagoon.

Photo above courtesy of jkmallen.