Omaha Exploration

After arriving in Bellevue, Irish immigrant Maurice Dee purchased nearly 200 acres of land that extended into South Omaha. He farmed the land from the time he acquired it in the early 1850’s until his untimely death in 1881 when he was thrown from his buggy near 12th and Jones. The land remained in the hands of the Dee family until the city purchased 18-acres of it in 1908 for a new park.

When the city named it Mandan Park, they believed a tribe by the same name lived in the area. As it turned out, the tribe actually lived in North Dakota. Even so, the name stuck for the 18-acre park that was located along the Missouri River at the far southeastern edge of the city.  The park actually predates both Fontenelle Forest to its south and Mount Vernon Gardens to its north. The area was popular not only for hunters and fishermen but also for camping. With the railroad tracks below the bluff, it was also popular for men that were tramping through the country. While the city works were once located along the river below, it was abandoned as it proved too difficult to get in and out. At the time, only the stone wall at the back of the spring remained. 

In 1915 the Omaha Daily Sun noted that “near the entrance of the park two ridges branch off from a common head leaving a beautiful, shady dell between them. One ridge extends to the northeast and the other to the southeast, both ending at the bluffs overlooking a broad expanse to the north, east and south. The extreme end of the north branch is what is known as “Far View” point. It is from this point that one of the most beautiful views in Nebraska can be obtained. The range of vision is estimated at twenty miles up and down the Missouri River and from ten to fifteen miles over into Iowa. The Missouri River flows 200 feet below, almost the foot of “Far View”. The east end of the south ridge is known as “Breezy” point. It is said that the weather never gets so hot that a delightful, cooling breeze does not pass over this point. It is the point most sought in the hot weather. A few yards to the south and almost at the foot of “Breezy” point there are beautiful springs which are known as “Vista” springs.” 

It is virtually impossible to see into the park from 13th Street which ran along its western edge. Like Hummel Park 15 miles to the north, its seclusion made it a great place to escape the city and experience nature. It also made it a hotspot for crime. Over the years, the park developed a reputation for drug deals and prostitution. It also made a convenient spot for passersby to dump garbage including couches, refrigerators and the like.

To combat these issues, the city closed the road connecting the north and south entrances in 2022. The area between the entrances can now only be accessed by walking or biking. During this time, the police began patrolling the area on foot, bike and horseback more often. While those things helped turn the park around, the efforts to reclaim it were led by a group called the Friends of Mandan Park and Mount Vernon Gardens. They meet on a regular basis to clean up trash. As of March 1st of this year, this dedicated group of volunteers have removed 60 tons of material, over 1,000 bags of trash and nearly 1,000 ties. They have also thinned out some of the overgrown vegetation to make it feel safer. 

The park has been extensively renovated over the last couple of years. It now has seven trails that pass through the its dramatic forest landscape. Ranging from .14 miles to 1.75 miles, the trails extend along the park’s natural hillsides, climbing up and down slopes in addition to running level on the contours.

In addition to hiking trails, there are also mountain biking trails with 20 wooden ramps that were built by Police Athletics for Community Engagement (PACE). The organization provides bikes and helmets for kids ages 12-16 that want to  participate in its free trail riding program at Mandan Park. The program teaches some basic biking skills by riding over the ramps and obstacle courses. It also allows riders to practice so they hone their technique and build their confidence. The park also contains scenic overlooks, picnic shelters and a playground.

The city is currently building a new nature center in the park. The facility will host weekly camps over the summers similar to those offered at Hummel, Zorinsky and Adams Parks. It is replacing the summer day camp held at Hanscom Park. Activities will include archery, outdoor cooking, rock wall climbing, slip n’ slide, crafts and games. Transportation and lunch are provided.

Then nature center will be available for weddings, parties and other events. The site will also feature nine outdoor shelters for teaching about the area and the nature surrounding it. It is expected to be completed by the time summer break starts for school aged children.

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To learn more about the PACE trail riding program, click here: https://www.paceomaha.org/about

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