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SARPY COUNTY Sarpy County includes the thriving communities of Bellevue, Gretna, Papillion, La Vista, Springfield, Richfield and suburban Omaha. Travelers and locals contemplate heavenly wonder at Holy Family Shrine, south of I-80 Exit 432 at Gretna. This glass and wood Catholic chapel has two streams of water flowing through the limestone floor. The open prairie outside comes into view when seated in the quiet, meditative pews. Open to the public. Check hours at HolyFamilyShrine.com. 2132 Pflug Rd., Gretna. (402) 332-4565 Werner Park offers baseball and soccer enthusiasts an enjoyable time. The Stadium is home to the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Triple-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals baseball team and Union Omaha, the city’s professional soccer team. 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion. (402) 738-5100 Outdoor recreational afficionandos discover generous choices in Sarpy County. Chalco Hills Recreation Area at Wehrspann Lake has more than a thousand acres including its 246-acre lake. Picnic areas feature covered pavillions. There are seven miles of walking trails and playgrounds. 8901 S. 154th St., Omaha.
kayaking and fishing, to hiking and pedaling the trails. The nearby Lied Platte River Bridge has an amazing bird’s-eye view of the Platte River. 21502 W. Highway 31, Gretna. (402) 234-6855 Cyclists relish the Keystone Trail, a concrete surface pathway that runs between 88th & Fort streets on the northwest side of Omaha south along the Little Papillion Creek to Cornhusker Highway. At Highway 370 and 25th St., the trail connects to the Bellevue Loop Trail and proceeds to Haworth Park. Cabela’s began as a Nebraska business before Bass Pro Shop acquired it. Still, it’s an entertaining and fruitful shopping experience for those in need of hunting, fishing, camping and outdoor gear. 12703 Westport Pkwy. (402) 8614800 Fashionistas and interior design fans thrill at the rich shopping offerings in Sarpy County. Nebraska Crossing factory outlet mall carries name-brand and luxury store offerings at discount-
ed prices. 21209 Nebraska Crossing Dr., Gretna. (402) 332-5650 Shadow Lake Towne Center offers a mix of home, fashion, grocery, discount and lifestyle retailing in an upscale setting. 7775 Olson Dr., Papillion (402) 537-0046 Springfield Artworks is a cultural gem specializing in glass art, hand-painted silk scarves and fascinator derby hats. 138 Main St., Sprinfield. (402) 301-9162 La Vista is home to some of Nebraska’s most popular craft breweries. Nebraska Brewing Co. can arrange private tours with notice. 6946 S. 108th St., LaVista. (402) 934-7988. Five minutes away is Lucky Bucket Brewing Co., which features a tasting room and tours. 11941 Centennial Rd., LaVista. (402) 763-8868 Soaring Wings Vineyard makes 22 wines, mostly using grapes grown there. They sell a la carte food, or customers are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy a sunset at the vineyard. 17111 S. 138th St., Richfield. (402) 253-2479
Prairie Queen Recreation Area has four miles of hike-bike trails in its 260-acre park with a 135-acre lake. E 370 and 132 St., Papillion. Walnut Creek Lake and Recreation Area features a 3.5-mile equestrian trail, RV and tent camping, along with fishing, hiking and biking trails. 9902 Schram Road, Papillion. (402) 670-9889. Schramm Park State Recreation Area offers rolling hills, rustic scen-ery and outdoor recreation. Home to the AkSar-Ben Aquarium (“Nebraska” spelled backwards), the park has a mix of nature education and adventure along the banks of the Platte River, from
AJ Dahm
The Chapel at the Holy Family Shrine in Gretna provides breathtaking views constructed from wood and stone. The unique structure inspires contemplation and awe. METRO
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