Rickman's Run at Holmes Lake Park

For dog owners across Nebraska, the dream of providing their beloved companions with an expansive, natural, and safe environment for off-leash play is often paramount. In Lincoln, that dream finds its magnificent reality at **Rickman's Run at Holmes Lake Park**. This isn't just a dog park; it's a "doggie wonderland" that stands out as one of the premier canine recreational facilities in the entire state.

Seamlessly integrated into the larger Holmes Lake Park, Rickman's Run offers an unparalleled experience for dogs and their human companions. Boasting vast acres of green space, mature trees, and even a natural creek for splashing, it provides a truly immersive outdoor adventure. What truly sets it apart, as highlighted by numerous enthusiastic reviews, is not just its impressive scale and natural features, but also the wonderful community of responsible dog owners who frequent the park, creating a consistently "safe and enjoyable" atmosphere.

This article will delve into what makes Rickman's Run at Holmes Lake Park an "awe-inspiring" destination for dog lovers in Nebraska. We'll explore its extensive amenities, convenient location, and the unique features that make it a cherished part of the Lincoln community. Get ready to discover why this public park is consistently recommended as a top spot for your furry friend to "run like the wind" and enjoy true canine freedom.

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Location and Accessibility

Rickman's Run is strategically located on the east side of South 70th Street, within the sprawling **Holmes Lake Park, at the intersection of Van Dorn Street & S 70th St, Lincoln, NE 68506, USA**. This address places it in southeast Lincoln, making it a highly accessible destination for residents from various parts of the city and even from surrounding communities in Nebraska. Its integration into one of Lincoln's largest and most popular parks means visitors can enjoy the benefits of a broader recreational area.

Accessibility to Rickman's Run is generally excellent. The park features a **large parking lot** directly near the dog run entrance, ensuring ample space for vehicles. Even when the main lot is full, especially during busy summer months, visitors have the convenient option to "park across the street by the lake and follow the pedestrian/bike trail to an underpass to get to the park safely." This thoughtful design allows for safe passage away from busy roads. The park is well-signposted within Holmes Lake Park, making it easy to find. Furthermore, the facility includes **ADA Accessible and Handicap concrete parking spaces**, ensuring inclusivity for all dog owners. The sheer size of the park, encompassing a "20 minute hike through grass and trees to see the whole park," speaks to its vastness, but well-maintained trails ensure easy navigation for both humans and pups. This combination of ample parking, safe pedestrian access, and a well-defined location solidifies Rickman's Run as a highly convenient and accessible outdoor haven for Lincoln's dog community.

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Services Offered

• Expansive Off-Leash Play Area: Offers a massive 26 total acres of fenced off-leash play area, with 22.25 acres specifically for large dogs and 1.45 acres for small dogs, providing abundant space for dogs to run, explore, and socialize freely.
• Separate Large and Small Dog Sections: Features distinct, securely fenced areas for large dogs and a "much larger regular area" for all dogs, alongside a smaller dedicated space for smaller breeds, ensuring safe and comfortable interactions for all sizes.
• Natural Water Feature (Antelope Creek): Provides access to Antelope Creek, allowing dogs to "play in" and "swim off leash" in the water, a unique and highly appreciated amenity for cooling off and fun, particularly in warmer months.
• Improved Walking Trails: Boasts "improved walking trails" within the expansive dog run, allowing owners to enjoy a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike alongside their off-leash pups through diverse terrain including "mowed natural and seeded grass areas" and "mixed areas of flat and uneven terrain."
• Ample Shaded Areas: Features "large, mature deciduous and evergreen trees" and "shade" areas, offering plenty of natural cover for both dogs and their owners to rest and cool down.
• Covered Restroom Facilities: Includes a "covered restroom near run entrance," providing convenient and essential facilities for human visitors.
• Water Fountain (Seasonal) for Humans and Dogs: While not explicitly mentioned in reviews, official city park information often indicates seasonal water fountains for both people and pets at well-equipped dog runs. (Always wise to bring your own water as a backup).
• Waste Disposal: Implied by the strong community emphasis on cleaning up and keeping the park safe and enjoyable; users are expected to "dispose of dog feces properly and immediately."
• ADA Accessible Amenities: Provides "ADA Accessible and Handicap concrete parking spaces," ensuring the park is inclusive for all dog owners.
• Community of Responsible Owners: Fosters a "pleasant atmosphere" with "well behaved" dog parents who "watch their dogs, clean up after them and keep the park safe and enjoyable for everyone," enhancing the overall experience.

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Features / Highlights

• Vast 26-Acre "Doggie Wonderland": The sheer size of Rickman's Run is its most prominent feature, offering an unparalleled amount of space for dogs to "run like the wind" and explore. This makes it an "awe inspiring" destination.
• Prominent Water Feature (Antelope Creek): The presence of a natural creek allows for splashing, cooling off, and "swimming off leash," a highly sought-after amenity for many dogs and a unique highlight.
• Diverse Terrain and Natural Landscape: Features "acres of green grass, trees, a creek and mud to play in," along with "mowed natural and seeded grass areas" and "mixed areas of flat and uneven terrain," providing a rich and varied environment for exploration.
• Separate Small Dog Area (1.45 acres): Ensures a safer and more comfortable play zone for smaller or more timid dogs, allowing them to interact without feeling overwhelmed by larger, more boisterous canines.
• Mature Trees for Ample Shade: Provides crucial natural shade, offering respite from the Nebraska sun for both dogs and their owners.
• Well-Maintained Trails: Features "improved walking trails" that allow for enjoyable strolls through the expansive park, even for a "20 minute hike to see the whole park."
• Responsible and Welcoming Community: A major highlight is the positive behavior of "other pups’ humans," who are "so well behaved and watch their dogs, clean up after them and keep the park safe and enjoyable for everyone!" This fosters a consistently pleasant atmosphere.
• "Always Someone Here!": Indicates the park's popularity and consistent usage, ensuring dogs will almost always find playmates for socialization.
• Ample and Accessible Parking: Large parking lots and an underpass for safe crossing contribute to stress-free visits.
• Covered Restroom: A convenient amenity for human visitors.

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Promotions or Special Offers

As a public park managed by the City of Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department, Rickman's Run at Holmes Lake Park does not typically offer commercial promotions, discounts, or special offers in the traditional retail sense. Its primary "offer" to the community is its **free and open access** to an exceptional, expansive, and well-maintained recreational space for dogs and their owners. This fundamental provision is an invaluable public service for local Nebraska residents.

The true "promotion" of Rickman's Run lies in its consistent availability, its high standards of maintenance (despite occasional muddy conditions, which are natural given the creek), and the comprehensive amenities it provides without direct charge. This commitment to excellence makes it a top choice for dog owners. While the park itself doesn't run sales or deals, public parks often serve as venues for community events related to pets or outdoor activities. The City of Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department regularly organizes various programs and events throughout its park system, some of which may be dog-friendly or related to pet welfare. For example, events like "Pooch Plunge" (typically end-of-season pool events), "Dog Jog" races, or educational workshops on responsible pet ownership might occur at various Lincoln parks, or be promoted by local dog park advocacy groups like "Friends of the Dog Parks, Inc." For Nebraska residents interested in such opportunities, it is always recommended to check the official **City of Lincoln Parks & Recreation website** or their local event calendars for information on upcoming dog-related activities or community gatherings that might take place at Holmes Lake Park or other facilities. The enduring value of this park is its reliable status as a free, accessible, and high-quality environment for canine exercise and socialization.

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Contact Information

For inquiries or more information regarding Rickman's Run at Holmes Lake Park, you can use the following contact details, which connect to the City of Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department:

Address: **Van Dorn Street & S 70th St, Lincoln, NE 68506, USA** (Physical address for the general area of the dog park within Holmes Lake Park)

Phone: **(402) 730-3823**

Mobile Phone: **+1 402-730-3823**

Official Parks & Recreation General Contact: **(402) 441-7847** or email **parks@lincoln.ne.gov**

Website: **www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Facilities/Parks-A-to-Z/Rickmans-Run-at-Holmes-Lake-Park** (Recommended for the most up-to-date information on park rules, maintenance schedules, and general park information).

Hours of Operation: Generally, city parks are open from sunrise to 11:00 PM. Always check the official Lincoln Parks and Recreation website for any specific seasonal hours or temporary closures due to weather or maintenance.

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Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Rickman's Run at Holmes Lake Park is an exceptional and highly suitable destination for locals in Nebraska, particularly those residing in Lincoln. Its immense size, diverse natural features, and the vibrant community it fosters make it a truly unparalleled resource for dog owners.

Firstly, the sheer scale of the park – an impressive **26 total acres** including a massive large dog area and a dedicated small dog area – provides ample space for dogs to truly experience freedom. This vastness is a significant advantage, allowing pups to "run like the wind" and explore without feeling confined, fostering both physical exercise and mental stimulation. The natural elements, including "acres of green grass, trees, a creek and mud to play in," offer a rich and varied environment that mimics natural habitats, making every visit an adventure for curious canines. The presence of Antelope Creek for **dog swimming and splashing** is a unique and highly valued amenity, especially during warmer Nebraska months.

Beyond the physical attributes, the park is elevated by its community. Reviews consistently praise the "well behaved" dog parents who "watch their dogs, clean up after them and keep the park safe and enjoyable for everyone." This responsible user base creates a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere, enhancing the social experience for both dogs and their owners. The convenient location within Holmes Lake Park, coupled with **ample parking** and safe pedestrian access via an underpass, makes regular visits hassle-free for Lincoln residents. Even with its natural elements, common considerations like occasional mud are a small trade-off for such an expansive and enriching environment. For Nebraska locals, Rickman's Run at Holmes Lake Park is more than just a place for dogs to run; it's a dynamic hub for canine joy and human connection, establishing itself as a cherished and essential part of Lincoln's pet-friendly landscape.