Dodge Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids N.P. Dodge Memorial Park |
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Docks at Dodge Park.
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| Type | Municipal (Omaha) |
| Location | North Omaha |
| Area | 44.5 acres (180,000 m2) |
| Created | 1930 |
| Open | All year |
N.P. Dodge Memorial Park, often called Dodge Park, is a fun outdoor area in North Omaha, Nebraska. It's located right on the Missouri River. The park offers many activities like fishing, water skiing, and boating. You can also go hiking through its beautiful riverside forests.
For sports lovers, there are Baseball fields, soccer fields, horseshoe pits, and tennis courts. If you want to relax, there's a picnic area with pavilions. You can also find historical monuments and a campground for overnight stays.
Contents
Park History: A Journey Through Time
Dodge Park has a rich history, starting long before it became a park.
Lewis and Clark's Visit
In 1804, the famous explorers Lewis and Clark camped at this very spot. They were on their big journey across the Louisiana Purchase. This shows how important the area was even centuries ago.
Early Trading Posts
Soon after Lewis and Clark, a Spanish fur trader named Manuel Lisa set up Fort Lisa. This fort was just northwest of where the park is today. In the 1820s, the American Fur Company also built Cabanne's Trading Post nearby. These posts were busy places for trading animal furs.
How Dodge Park Was Created
The land for Dodge Park was given to the City of Omaha in 1930. It was donated to honor N. P. Dodge, a very successful local businessman. Part of this land, west of Pershing Drive, was named Hummel Park. This was a tribute to J. B. Hummel, who was in charge of Omaha's Parks and Recreation Department.
Dodge Park Today: Fun and Improvements
For many years, Dodge Park was mostly wild land. But since the late 1960s, it has seen many improvements.
Modern Upgrades
Recent changes include better roads within the park. The marina, where boats are kept, has also been updated. There's even a new playground for kids to enjoy!
Nearby Historical Sites
Dodge Park is close to other important historical places. These include the Winter Quarters and the historic town of Florence. These sites offer more chances to learn about the area's past.
