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Print Friendly MapThe Rock Island Trail in Lincoln, Nebraska, runs for nearly 7 miles through the city on a north–south corridor, between the University of Nebraska's flagship campus and Densmore Park. The trail is an important and popular travel route for nonmotorized uses, linking several city parks, neighborhoods and schools.
The Rock Island Trail links to the Southpointe Trail at Densmore Park; to the Tierra-Williamsburg Trail at 27th Street just south of SR 2; to the Helen Boosalis Trail (a.k.a. the Highway 2 Trail) just north of SR 2; and to the Billy Wolff Trail at the north end of the zoo.
There are numerous access points along the Rock Island Trail, including from the Folsom Zoo & Botanical Garden (restrictions and fees may apply). Parking is available on campus (restrictions and fees may apply) and at the following: playing fields at 2184 Capitol Parkway, Antelope Park (Memorial Dr. and Sumner St.) and Colonel Densmores Park (14th St. at Mockingbird Ln.).
As the title states, what else can I say. This trail is simply perfect as far as bike trails go. I expect most people will probably get onto this trail via Helen Boosalis. In that case, you have two equally good routes to take, north or southwest. Both make for perfect round trips because they connect seamlessly with other trails, SouthPoint at the south and Billy Wolff at the north. This is also the most scenic trail out of all of them, with the possible exception of Jamaica North that runs through Wilderness Park. But what ranks this trail higher is the paved, well maintained surface. With the exception of Helen Boosalis, this is by far the trail that I feel safest on, despite being secluded for at least a portion of the ride. You go through a woody area that are just absolutely beautiful, and there are a lot of runners and other bikers.
I love Rock Island Trail! It is my go-to trail for running. When I am training for marathons, this trail is a perfect location and stretches a length that allows for a really nice long run. I like that it is shady and peaceful, but also that it is so widely used. I feel safe on this trail.
I would like to inquire about the possibility of having a porta-potty option along this trail, perhaps located near the Penny Bridges. There are no year-round bathroom options along this trail north of the gas station at Old Cheney Rd.
This is just a friendly suggestion. I really do appreciate this great trail and all trails in Lincoln!
I recently descovered the trail out of wanting to find a nice walking spot.
The trail is beautiful and peaceful.
Over half the trail is surrounded by forest like locations.
It'll get you to a lot of convieniant places throughout the city.
Awesome place for walking long distances.
I highly reccomend.
A great trail to get where you need to go without having to deal with cars.
Kind of the hub of Lincoln trails. And always in good shape. If your lucky you might see a black squirrel from Hwy 2 to the zoo.
"This is my family's favorite trail. Trail is flat, in great shaped and crosses very few streets. Also trail is well shielded by trees, making rides enjoyable even when the weather is not so great."
"Beautiful trail the whole way through. I liked that it was very quiet (for going throught the city), lots of trees. Go for it!"
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