Florence Park, Omaha

Florence Park is a small historic public park whose origins date to 1846, when it was laid out as the town square of Winter Quarters, the temporary settlement established by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during their westward migration.

It later became part of the Florence neighborhood and is often described as Nebraska’s oldest surviving original town square. Covering about 2.6 acres, the park combines neighborhood recreation with reminders of the area’s early settlement history. The park contains a children’s playground, paved walking paths, open lawns, mature trees, picnic facilities, and a covered shelter. A Nebraska historical marker explains the history of Winter Quarters, where thousands of Mormon pioneers lived in cabins and temporary shelters between 1846 and 1848. Florence Park was also associated with the historic Mormon Tree, a large cottonwood traditionally linked to Brigham Young and the pioneer settlement. The park does not include extensive athletic facilities or multiple sports fields. Beyond serving as a neighborhood recreation area, Florence Park preserves an important connection with one of the earliest Euro-American settlements in the Nebraska region.

Visitors can walk the paths, enjoy the playground and picnic area, and read the historical marker while exploring the surrounding historic neighborhood. Its importance comes from its role as the original town square of Winter Quarters and its continued use as a public green space for local residents and visitors interested in Omaha’s early history.