Dodge Park

Coordinates: 41°21′37″N 95°57′20″W / 41.360176°N 95.955539°W / 41.360176; -95.955539

N.P. Dodge Memorial Park
Docks at Dodge Park.
Type	Municipal (Omaha)
Location	North Omaha
Area	44.5 acres (180,000 m2)
Created	1930
Open	All year

N.P. Dodge Memorial Park, or simply Dodge Park, is a recreational area located at 11001 John J. Pershing Drive in North Omaha, Nebraska. Located on the Missouri River, the park is a haven for fishing, water skiing, and boating, as well as hiking throughout its riparian forests. Baseball fields, soccer fields, horseshoe pits, and tennis courts are included for sporting events. A picnic area, pavilions, historical monuments, and a campground are all popular among users.^[1]

History

The site of Dodge Park was a location of one of Lewis and Clark's campgrounds on their expedition across the Louisiana Purchase in 1804.^[2] Shortly thereafter Manuel Lisa, a Spanish fur trader, established Fort Lisa immediately to the northwest of the park. In the 1820s the American Fur Trading Company started Cabanne's Trading Post immediately to the north.

Dodge Park was donated to the City of Omaha in 1930 by a local real estate family. Their original donation of 146 acres (0.59 km²) grew into 450. A portion of the land donated is located west of Pershing Drive and was named Hummel Park as a tribute to J. B. Hummel, a long time superintendent of the Omaha's Parks and Recreation Department.^[3]

Present

Dodge Park remained a largely unused wilderness until the late 1960s. Recent improvements include upgrades to the park's roads, marina and a new playground. The Winter Quarters and historic Florence are located nearby, as well.

See also

• Parks of Omaha, Nebraska

References

1. ^ (nd) "N.P. Dodge Memorial Park". City of Omaha. Retrieved 7/4/07.
2. ^ Sullivan, L. (2003) "Omaha History Timeline." Omaha Public Library. Retrieved 7/4/07.
3. ^ (nd) "N.P. Dodge Memorial Park". City of Omaha. Retrieved 7/4/07.