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Nebraska Wanderfreunde Trailblazers

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President Gerald R. Ford Birthsite

Year 'Round Event

Omaha
Douglas County
Nebraska

10K or 5K, Y0476

An American Gardens Walk!
An Authors and Literary Landmarks Walk!
An Historic Churches Walk!
A Native American Culture Walk!
A Railroad Heritage Walk!

A United States Presidents Walk!


Start/Finish/Times

The Nebraska Game and Parks Office
10th and Deer Park Blvd. (aka Bob Gibson Blvd.), across the street from the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. Take 13th Street exit off of I-80 and follow signs.

The Visitor Center is open:
March 1 through October 31: Seven days/week 8-5.

The Game and Parks Office is open:
January 2 through February 28: Weekdays 8-5.
March 1 through October 31: Weekdays 8-5 and weekends 9-5.

Closed New Years Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's. birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. You may call to verify hours at 402-595-2144.

They are both located in the same building.

You may start the walk up until 2:30 pm, being sure to finish by dusk. Please bring a pencil.

Ford Birthsite

The President Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens commemorates the birth of Leslie Lynch King, Jr., who later became Gerald Rudolf Ford, Jr. and was eventually sworn in as the 38th president of the United States of America in 1974.

Click here to read more of the story.

The Omaha City Parks and Recreation Department oversees the Ford Birthsite. You may reach them at 402-444-5955.

Award and Fees

$1.50 -- walkers who do not wish to obtain credit. This fee covers administration costs.
$3.00 -- AVA/IVV credit only.
Any club member walking a YRE for a second time in a year gets a $1 discount.

$6.00 -- "A" Award + credit. $3.00 Patch without credit.

Center patch is no charge if all six patches obtained. This patch will be mailed to you when we receive all six start cards. This patch is one of a group of patches featuring transportation that helped shape the area's history. These patches, when placed together, form a "wheel." If you collect all six of these patches, the center of the wheel, which features NWFT's mascot, the "little guy," is free of charge. You can find these patches at our regular 2011 events or the following Year Rounds:
Oregon Trail-Chalco Hills YRE or Soup Walk March 5
Mormon Trail-Council Bluffs YRE or Council Bluffs April 2
Lewis and Clark-Downtown or Ford YRE or Miller's Landing May 14
Trains West-Shelby YRE or Glenwood September 10
California Trail-Ashland YRE or TBD regular event October 1
Lincoln Highway-Fremont, NE YRE or Pie Walk Nov. 5

 

On July 27, 1804, Lewis and Clark met with Otoe Indians near Omaha NE. This area was named "Council Bluff," creating the name of the nearby city of Council Bluffs IA (formerly known as Kanesville). Their historic trek up the Missouri created the basis for many of the pioneer routes such as the Oregon and California Trails. For more information on their travels, visit the Western Historic Trails Center in Council Bluffs.

Payment should be made by check payable to:
NWFT
PO BOX 8147
OMAHA NE 68108-8147

Stipulations

With registration for this event, the participant accepts the guidelines for AVA Volkssport events, agrees to observe the principles of good sportsmanship, and will not litter. At the start of each walk each person must obtain a Start Card (with the exception mentioned above) which must be carried throughout the walk and must be filled out with the participants's name and address. The card is to be validated at the Control Point(s). Walkers missing a control point may be refused credit. All Start Cards are the property of the Nebraska Wanderfreunde Trailblazers and should be turned in at the completion of the walk.

Eligibility

All ages are welcome. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Trail Rating/Description

Route is 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) in length, is rated 2, and is not suitable for strollers nor wheelchairs. Walk goes through neighborhoods, to President Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens and returns to start. The gate to the Ford Birthsite may not be open early in the year.

Comments

Water and restrooms are located at the Start/Finish site.

Pets

Pets on leash are allowed except inside buildings. Service animals are welcome anywhere, of course. Please be prepared to meet the needs of your companion.

Elsewhere on the Web

US Presidents Special Event Program
Ford Birthsite From Donald L. Mark
Henry Doorly Zoo
Lied Jungle

Scott Aquarium

Directions

The Nebraska Game and Parks Office
10th and Deer Park Blvd. (aka Bob Gibson Blvd.), across the street from the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. Take 13th Street Exit off of I-80,and follow signs.

Interstate 80 to 13th Street exit. Turn south onto 13th St. proceed past the Baseball Stadium. Turn left (east) at the lights. Follow road east and then north past the zoo on your right. At bottom of the hill turn left (west) onto deer Park Blvd and right (north) into the Visitor Center's parking lot.

INTERACTIVE MAP

Disclaimer

The Nebraska Game and Parks, the Visitor Center, and the Nebraska Wanderfreunde Trailblazers are not liable for accidents, thefts, and/or material damage. Every effort is taken to see that these are safe, enjoyable, and memorable events.

Contact

Larry or Anna (402) 393-5697