Chalco Hills Recreation Area

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Chalco Hills Recreation Area is located in northwestern Sarpy County, Nebraska, and approximately 12mi west of downtown Omaha. Chalco Hills consists of 1186acre of which 246acre is covered by Wehrspann Lake, an artificial reservoir. The recreation area was opened in 1988 as part of Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District efforts to provide flood control and improve recreation opportunities. The Dam was built by the Corps of Engineers and the recreation area is managed by the Natural Resources District.RecreationThere are seven picnic areas and several have covered pavilions, the largest of which can accommodate up to 100 people and can be reserved. Seven miles (11 km) of walking trails encircle Wehrspann Lake. Several soccer fields and one baseball field, along with two playgrounds adjacent to picnic areas are easily reached from nearby parking areas. The soccer fields are also used as launch sites for hot-air balloons and radio controlled airplanes. The area is used for cross-country running events during the fall, and cross-country skiing and ice fishing are popular in the winter. Fishing is more popular in the warmer seasons, and there is parking for 30 trailers. Motorized boats must comply with the no-wake regulation by maintaining speeds under 5 miles (8 km) per hour.Wehrspann LakeWehrspann Lake is a man-made reservoir that covers 246acre and is up to 30ft deep. It is located on tributary streams that flow into Papillion Creek. A "universally accessible" fishing pier and boat launch provide fishing access to Wehrspann Lake. On the southeast side of the lake, a waterfowl viewing platform permits closer observation of the numerous species of birds that frequent the area. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish species including bluegill, channel and blue catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, and carp.