Holmes Lake is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, where tourist attractions, services, and amenities are accessible and plentiful. The lake was formed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1962 when the reservoir was created for flood control on Antelope Creek. It now provides a recreation area for Lincoln locals and visitors to the city. The 112-acre lake and 270-acre park provide visitors with many activities, including fishing, hiking, cycling, picnicking, and golfing, and the City of Lincoln manages the park. The Holmes Lake - Site 17 has a picnic area and hiking trail, and the Holmes Lake - Site 17 Golf Course Site has a boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic area, and multipurpose trail.
Homes Lake - Site 17 Normal Boulevard has a picnic area, playground, and hiking trail. Recent restoration efforts have created a lake that is clearer from excessive sediment, making it a suitable habitat for fish species. There are picnic tables, drinking fountains, shelters, and restrooms for visitors to the park to use, as well as an observatory, playgrounds, sports fields and facilities, and a golf course located at the park providing recreational opportunities. Events are often held in the park by local organizations. Overnight camping is available, less than a 30 minute drive away, at Pawnee State Recreation Area. The Conestoga Lake Recreation Area is also located nearby. Rent an RV to discover this Nebraska area at RV Rentals Nebraska.
Holmes Lake is located on the southeast side of the City of Lincoln, Nebraska, on Antelope Creek, at S. 70 Street. There are several large parking lots with plenty of parking. However, parking lots are not set up to accommodate large RVs or tow vehicles. Heavy traffic in urban areas may be inconvenient for navigating with RVs and trailers. However, all roads are paved, and dusty or muddy conditions are not an issue in the region. Visitors with RVs to the area can leave their RVs at the Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area campground and visit Holmes Lake in passenger vehicles.
Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area is just 12 miles west of Downtown Lincoln. It's 18 miles northwest of Holmes Lake, and it takes about 30 minutes to drive from the campground to Holmes Lake Park. From Holmes Lake, take S 70th Street north and turn west on Normal Boulevard, which becomes Capitol Parkway and then K Street. Turn north on 9th Street and then left again at East 0 Street, which becomes Route 6, heading west out of the city. Turn right at Route 55 A, then left at the Pawnee Lake State Recreation Road to access the park. The campground is the second entrance into the state park on the west side.
During the winter, Nebraska roads are subject to winter driving conditions and can be icy or snowy. Use caution during inclement weather, winter tires, and reduced speed can improve the handling of tow vehicles and RVs.
The Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area has 2544 acres, 740 acres of which is Pawnee Lake. There are three boat docks, two beaches, a shooting range, horseshoe pits, six miles of trail, and two docks located at the state park near the campground providing recreational opportunities for RV campers. Equestrians are permitted on the six miles of trails.
An ATM cash machine is available on site, and there is a camp store located at the park that provides kayak and canoe rentals, as well as groceries and bait and tackle. Lakeview Campground has 31 reservable sites, 14 with 50 amp, and 17 with 30 amp electrical hookups that can accommodate RVs up to 53 feet in length. There are also 47 first-come, first-served sites. Amenities include hot showers, a payphone, a playground, restrooms, dump station, fish cleaning station, and drinking water. Campsites have picnic tables, and fire rings with grills. Pets are permitted at the campground but should remain leashed, and pet owners should be prepared to clean up after pets.
The Holmes Lake Park has picnic areas with tables by the lake where you, your family and friends can enjoy an outdoor meal. There is a baseball diamond that can be rented for a game of ball while picnicking with a large group, and a playground and volleyball court provide additional activities. Picnickers and park-goers will also find restrooms. Pack a lunch at head out to Holmes Lake for a picnic with views of the water.
There are hiking and paved multi-use trails around the lake where you can hike, cycle, or inline skate. A pedestrian bridge on the west side of the park provides access to longer trails across the lake. Pets are permitted on a leash on the walking trails.
RV campers at Pawnee Lake State Park can also enjoy hiking with over six miles of hiking and biking trails in the state park and some that lead directly to the campground. The hiking trails follow the lakeshore and natural areas and provide access to picnic areas, playground, and beaches.
Motorboats are not permitted on Holmes Lake. However, nonmotorized boats like canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and windsurfers are allowed. There is a boat launch near the golf course on the south side of the lake that provides access to the water surface.
During the warm weather, in summer months, boating on the lake is a popular pastime, and colorful sails and kayaks on the water surface are common sights. Be sure to have life preservers for all passengers on boats and watercraft.
Inclement weather offseason does not have to prevent you from enjoying Holmes Lake Park. The Hyde Observatory is located on the south side of the park. The observatory is open Saturday evenings from 7-10 PM from November through March and is free of charge.
Three powerful telescopes allow visitors to do some stargazing, and there are programs providing education on astronomy and space exploration. Programs change monthly, and showings for groups of 20 or more people can be arranged on weekdays with notice.
In the winter, when the lake is frozen, ice skaters enjoy gliding along the lake surface. The snow-covered park and frosty trees make a beautiful backdrop for a day of skating. Pack some hot chocolate to warm up afterward!
There is also a sledding area on the west side of the dam, where a hill provides an excellent sledding venue that ends on the frozen lake surface. Bring your own sled or toboggan. Dress in warm layers in chilly winter months to enjoy outings outdoors.
Fishing is permitted on Holmes Lake. You should have a valid state fishing license to conduct fishing activities. A fishing pier is available at the golf course, and you can fish from non-motorized boats like canoes and kayaks on the lake surface.
Species available in the lake include largemouth bass, carp, white perch, bluegill, and catfish. Rainbow trout are stocked each fall and winter. Fishing in the fall and spring is popular here as there is less recreational boat traffic on the lake to disturb local fish populations.
