Park Faqs

Lake Cunningham is open from 5:00am-11:00pm.

No, you do not need a park entry permit. Lake Cunningham is a City of Omaha park and recreation area that is free and open to the public from 5:00am-11:00pm daily. The only exception to this is rule is the campground area where campers are required to properly register and pay for a campsite prior to utilizing an RV site or primitive location.

Picnic shelters are reserved on a first come first serve basis. The “C” offers four picnic shelters. A small picnic shelter is located in Entrance #2 (Overlook) which has 2-3 picnic tables. There are also three shelters in Entrance #3, two small picnic shelters which both include two-three picnic tables and a large picnic shelter that features eight picnic tables. 

Pets are permitted at Lake Cunningham in the public park and recreation area. We ask that you keep your pet on a leash no longer than 6 feet and clean up after any pet waste. Customers of the campground are allowed a 2 pet maximum.

No, there is no recreational swimming allowed for both animals or people at Lake Cunningham.

Catch and release will be heavily promoted at Lake Cunningham in the first few years to allow for the growth of fish and the proper development of fisheries. Since 2020, catfish, white bass, bluegill, largemouth bass and crappie have been stocked in the lake in preparation for the park reopening in 2021. To see stocking details, visit outdoornebraska.gov/fish-stocking-database.

If you’d like to obtain a fishing license, please visit outdoornebraska.gov.

Lake Cunningham is a no-wake lake, 5mph. The public boat ramp is open for use during park hours from 5:00am-11:00pm. Lake Cunningham’s staff offers voluntary boat cleaning services. To make an appointment, please call 531-201-5754.

Riding horses is allowed in designated areas. For safety reasons, horses are not allowed in the archery range areas, marina or campground.

Per the long-term lease agreement with the City of Omaha and the Golden Arrow Archery Club, the archery range is designated for archer use only. For safety reasons, we do not allow any other outside recreational activity to take place within the range boundaries. The lease agreement boundary map can be found here.

Archery equipment may be possessed and discharged at the public range at Lake Cunningham Park; or any other special event approved by or at the direction of the Lake Cunningham Development Trust. Such equipment may only be in possession on park property when entering or leaving the park and may be discharged only at a range, site or location specifically designated for such an event.

ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts can not be used in the campground or on park trails. Lake Cunningham staff use and park security are the only exceptions to this rule.

Alcohol is not permitted in the park.

Glass bottles and containers are prohibited in all City parks.

BBQ grills (charcoal and propane) must be a minimum of 24” off the ground. Grills are not allowed on picnic tables. 

Fires are only allowed in shelter house fireplaces and fire pits that are provided by the park facility. Fires and coals must be doused and properly disposed of before the park user leaves the site.

Fireworks are not permitted in City of Omaha parks unless permitted and approved by City Council for an event.

No firearms of any nature may be possessed or discharged at Lake Cunningham.

The City of Omaha and Lake C do not condone ice fishing or any ice recreation. No permanent ice fishing shelter, structure, or facility is allowed on any City lake, lagoon, or pond. Temporary ice fishing shelters, structures, or facilities may be erected but must be removed daily by the user.

Sledding is prohibited at all dam site locations including Lake Cunningham (dam site 11).

Snowmobiling is permitted at Lake Cunningham during the winter months, north of Highway 36.

Neither individuals nor organizations may erect or use a bounce house or similar structure at Lake Cunningham without applying for and receiving a permit for open space usage through the Lake Cunningham Development Trust. Such use shall also require proper insurance.

Amateur photography and videography, including nature photography and videography, family, wedding and senior photography and recreational photography are permitted at Lake Cunningham. Commercial photography and videography that involve models, sets and props for the purpose of promoting goods, services or brands requires a special permit. Please email the Cunningham Management Offices at explorethec@lakecunningham.org to obtain an application.

Yes, a Special Occasion Permit may be requested by individuals or groups who would like to utilize our areas for events including but not limited to weddings, fishing tournaments, 5k runs, fundraisers, Boy Scout events, scientific studies, commercial filming, geocache placements, etc.

Please email the Cunningham Management Offices at explorethec@lakecunningham.org to obtain an application.