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Holmes Lake Park

A regional park located off South 70th Streets and Pioneers Boulevard. Various shelters, ballfields, playground, and nearby Holmes Golf Course and Hyde Observatory.

Park Acres: 269.59

Lake Acres: 110

History

Holmes Lake Park is a 110-acre reservoir built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control purposes and recreation in 1962. While the Holmes Lake Park is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it is maintained by Lincoln Parks and Recreation. Lincoln Parks and Recreation is responsible for the management of the lake and the surrounding park.

In 1962, Lincoln Parks and Recreation decided to name this new area after George Holmes, a lifetime resident of Lincoln and longtime member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Throughout the next three years, Holmes Lake was further improved with the addition of a golf course so popular that it was named one of “Nebraska’s Best 18”, which recognized the best places for golf in Nebraska.

Lake and park restoration efforts were needed due to excessive amounts of sediment and nutrients being deposited in the lake from 40 years of development and agricultural use nearby.

Holmes Rentals

Holmes Wedding Location

Take a fresh approach to your wedding and get married in a park. Greenspace near the Hyde Observatory offers an open space for your special ceremony.

Holmes Open Shelters 1

open shelter 1
Northern shelter, close to playground.

Holmes Group Picnic Area

A group of picnic tables underneath shade trees with grills.

Holmes Open Shelters 3

Holmes Lake Open Shelter #3
This southern shelter, is close to volleyball courts and group picnic area.

Holmes Ballfields

Two ballfields available for team practice and games.

Holmes Lake Sand Volleyball Court

This reservable sand volleyball court is located in Holmes Lake Park.

The further addition of Hyde Observatory made Holmes Lake a site of diverse entertainment options for Lincolnites. When Halley’s Comet was visible in the nighttime sky in 1986, many flocked to Hyde Observatory to witness the once-in-a-lifetime event. Visit hydeobservatory.info for program information.

Commercial Photography

Lincoln's parks and public gardens have provided beautiful backdrops for generations of family photos. When you or your photographer are taking pictures, we ask that you be mindful of, and minimize disruption to, other park users and garden visitors. Please also take care to avoid damaging any flowers, plantings, turf, or park property.

If your photo shoot is large and/or it could disrupt normal park or public garden operations, you make need to seek a Special Use Permit. If fees for photography services are collected on site, a Permit to Conduct Business may be required. Wedding reservations are available at our wedding designated sites. Please contact 402-441-7847, Ext. 0, or email parks@lincoln.ne.gov, for additional information regarding both Special Use Permit and wedding reservations.

Thank you and enjoy those beautiful pictures!