Discover Papillion: Nature, History, and Recreation

Papillion appeals to a range of travel interests: outdoor activities, historical sites, and seasonal recreational offerings each provide a different focus. If you’re looking for hotels in Papillion, it may help to first consider which of these activities you’d like to shape your stay.

Enjoy the outdoors at Walnut Creek

The Walnut Creek Lake and Recreation Area includes a 105-acre reservoir within a 450-acre mixed-use recreation area. These figures refer to two different scales: the reservoir and the entire recreation area.

For hiking and cycling, a paved 3.1-mile loop runs around the lake. For another way to get around, there is a five-mile equestrian trail with grass paths. When planning, you can consider not only the length of each route, but also the difference between a paved loop for pedestrians and cyclists and grass paths for horseback riding.

Historical sites and remembrance

The Historic Downtown Papillion Walking Tour includes 21 historical markers. They highlight significant sites and share historical stories and photographs. Each marker also includes a map showing the way to the next stop. This brings together historical content and wayfinding at each point along the tour.

Remembrance is at the heart of the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial: it honors 396 Nebraska service members who died in action during the Vietnam War, as well as four additional sailors from the USS Evans. The memorial is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Since the seasonal gate opening may vary, check in advance if you’re planning a visit. The two historical attractions offer different experiences: the walking tour combines marked sites with stories and photographs, while the memorial focuses on remembering those it honors. This makes it easy to distinguish between a series of historical stops and a dedicated place of remembrance.

Market and seasonal recreation

The Papillion Farmers Market offers fresh produce, homemade baked goods, organic soaps, and freshly prepared foods such as barbecue and enchiladas. The selection may vary by market day. If you’re coming specifically for a certain product or dish, keep this potential variation in mind when planning.

Papio Fun Park offers mini golf, go-karts, batting cages, laser tag, trampolines, and arcade games. Outdoor activities are seasonal, so if you’re planning a visit, check which outdoor options will be available during your trip.

Papio Bay will be closed for the 2026 season due to a renovation project. Reopening is planned for summer 2028. Check this schedule before your trip if you’re hoping to visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: La Vista, Bellevue, Omaha.

Back to the main travel overview: Sarpy County.