Heartland of America Park, Omaha (must see)

Heartland of America Park is the largest section of the three-park RiverFront system. First opened in September 1990, it closed for a complete redevelopment in 2019 and reopened on August 18, 2023. The redesign retained the park’s lake and fountain while introducing new gardens, recreation areas, event spaces, and stronger pedestrian connections with the Missouri River. Its broad lawns and paved paths provide space for walking, informal recreation, public programs, and views across the water.

The park is centered on a reconfigured lake containing several water features, including a large fountain that rises approximately 250 feet, rather than 320 feet. The fountain operates seasonally and can be illuminated after dark. New amenities include botanical and prairie gardens, a lakeside amphitheater, bocce courts, horseshoe pits, hammocks, fire pits, food kiosks, and an all-season Skate Ribbon used for roller skating in warm weather and ice skating during winter. Farnam Pier extends about 200 feet over the Missouri River, providing views of the river and surrounding landscape. Heartland of America Park does not contain the major playgrounds found in the neighboring sections of The RiverFront. The park supports concerts, fitness activities, markets, seasonal celebrations, and other public programs according to The RiverFront’s changing calendar.

Its paths connect directly with Gene Leahy Mall and Lewis & Clark Landing, allowing visitors to continue through landscaped gardens, recreation areas, and riverside spaces without leaving the park system. The combination of the lake, seasonal fountain, Skate Ribbon, amphitheater, native plantings, and river overlook provides several different ways to experience the renewed waterfront landscape.