Searching for small-town charm with big-city access? Visit Papillion, Nebraska! Just outside Omaha, Papillion offers a relaxed pace with parks, family fun, and community events. Whether you're hitting the trails, shopping local, or enjoying a concert in the park, this suburban gem blends convenience with Midwestern warmth.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Papillion is in spring through fall (April–October). Warm weather makes it perfect for outdoor festivals, hiking, and golf. Fall offers cooler temps and colorful foliage, while summer brings lively local events and park concerts.

How to Get There

  • By Car: Papillion is located just south of Omaha via NE-370 and I-80—easily accessible from anywhere in the region.
  • By Air: The closest airport is Eppley Airfield (OMA), about 25 minutes away in Omaha, with domestic flights nationwide.
  • By Bus: Omaha Metro buses serve limited nearby areas, but driving is recommended for full access.

Where to Stay

  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Omaha Papillion – Comfortable and modern hotel near shopping and dining.
  • Candlewood Suites Bellevue – Suite-style lodging great for longer stays, just a short drive from Papillion.
  • Local Airbnbs – Choose from suburban homes or cozy private guesthouses for a relaxed local experience.

Top Attractions

⮕ Catch a Ballgame and Family Fun at Werner Park

Catch a Ballgame and Family Fun at Werner Park

© steven hendricks/stock.adobe.com

Werner Park is the home field of the Omaha Storm Chasers, who are a Triple-A Affiliate team of the Kansas City Royals. It is also home to the professional soccer team of Omaha, Union Omaha. The unique outdoor venue features a stadium capable of seating more than 6,400 spectators, along with a boardroom space, an indoor bar at the Jack Daniel's Club, three hospitality tents, and fifteen luxury suites. There is also a kid-friendly zone for children to play. Along with the around seventy Storm Chasers games every year, Werner Park also hosts charity walks, concerts, and corporate events.

12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE 68046, Phone: 402-734-2550

⮕ If You’re Looking for Trails and Fresh Air, Explore Prairie Queen Recreation Area

If You’re Looking for Trails and Fresh Air, Explore Prairie Queen Recreation Area

© Wirestock/stock.adobe.com

The Prairie Queen Recreation Area can be found in north central Sarpy County around ten miles from downtown Omaha. This nature area in Papillion, Nebraska encompases more than 250 acres, including an artificial reservoir of around 135 acres. Opened in 2015, the recreation area is a part of the efforts by the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District to improve recreational opportunities and provide flood control. Located near Werner Park in Papillion, the Prairie Queen Recreation Area features trail access to the park, a boat ramp for no-wake boats, a four-mile trail loop around the lake, and two picnic areas.

Cornhusker Rd, Papillion, NE 68046, Phone: 402-444-6222

Attractions for First Time Visitors

  • Halleck Park – Spacious green space with trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic shelters.
  • Sump Memorial Library – A welcoming community library with events, programs, and quiet reading areas.
  • Shadow Lake Towne Center – Open-air shopping and dining hub with national brands and local favorites.

Where to Eat

  • Ollie & Hobbes Craft Kitchen – Local favorite for American comfort food with a modern twist.
  • El Arepon Venezuelan Food – Casual, flavorful spot serving arepas, empanadas, and Latin street food.
  • The Hop House Bar & Grill – Chill neighborhood bar offering burgers, wings, and a solid craft beer selection.

Local Events

  • Papillion Days (June) – Longstanding summer celebration with a parade, carnival, live music, and fireworks.
  • Concerts in the Park (Summer) – Free live music at City Park and other community green spaces.
  • Winter Wonderland (December) – Holiday lights, crafts, and festive fun in downtown Papillion.

Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Papillion, Nebraska

  • Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (20–25 min) – Explore world-class exhibits like the Desert Dome, indoor rainforest, and aquarium.
  • Old Market District (Omaha) (25–30 min) – Stroll cobblestone streets lined with shops, art galleries, restaurants, and live entertainment.
  • Fontenelle Forest (15–20 min) – Hike through ancient woodlands, boardwalks, and nature trails with views of the Missouri River.
  • Chalco Hills Recreation Area (10–15 min) – Bike, walk, or fish around Wehrspann Lake in this scenic and peaceful park.
  • Werner Park (10 min) – Catch a minor league baseball game with the Omaha Storm Chasers in a family-friendly ballpark.
  • Schramm Park State Recreation Area (25–30 min) – Hike wooded trails, fish, and visit the aquarium and geologic exhibits at the nature center.
  • Shadow Lake Towne Center (5–10 min) – Shop and dine at Papillion’s open-air mall with national retailers and local favorites.
  • Platte River State Park (30 min) – Enjoy hiking, scenic overlooks, paddle boating, and splash pads at this forested park between Omaha and Lincoln.
  • La Vista City Centre (10–15 min) – Dine, catch a show, or enjoy events at this growing entertainment and retail district nearby.
  • Halleck Park (5 min) – Enjoy Papillion’s largest park with walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and a fishing pond.

FAQ

  • What is the history of Papillion?
    • The city of Papillion was originally developed as a railroad town in the 1870s.
    • It also served as a suburb of Omaha, Nebraska, a growing and bustling city.
  • How did Papillion get its name?
    • Papillion was named after a creek that flows through the city center.
    • The name was given by early French explorers in the 18th century.
    • The explorers chose the name “Papillon”, which means “butterfly” in French, after observing a large number of butterflies in the area.
  • What sports activities can visitors enjoy in Papillion?
    • Visitors can catch a baseball game at Werner Park, home to Omaha's minor league baseball team.
  • Where can visitors explore the outdoors in Papillion?

Plan Your Trip


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