Viking Lake State Park

Viking Lake State Park is about an hour and 20 minute drive from Omaha. It's a outdoor destination with numerous recreational opportunities. A large portion of the 1,000-acre park has been left in its natural state and is abundant in wildflowers and plants. There's a 136 acre lake. Beavers, turkeys, ducks and white-tailed deer are often spotted at the park. Native American tribes once camped and lived in the area, based on artifacts found when the lake was built.It's a great place to see fall colors. In the summer time, you can swim in the lake by the beach. When I was there it was sunny but too cold for water activities, although my dog would have loved it. Dogs, of course, must be leashed. When I was there, the concessions were closed but the website says they sell bait, rent kayaks, and have a restaurant. I was there for leaf peeping but noticed they also have fishing. There are six docks. Bookguy would enjoy trying to catch bluegill, sunfish, catfish or possibly even walleye, all of which are stocked there. If you get tired of the campsite, you can head over to take a look at the giant coffee pot and cup in Stanton. These are the town water towers and are painted to reflect the town's Swedish heritage. Stanton is also the hometown of Virginia Christine, also known as Mrs. Olsen of Folger's Coffee fame. I guess the coffee pot is an homage to her. I suspect Viking Lake gets busy and crowded in the summer, but it was perfectly peaceful for me and my fur babies.