Forgotten Omaha is a series of caches that will take you to the locations of iconic Omaha landmarks that have given way to progress, redevelopment, and the changing needs of a growing city.
Peony Park was an amusement park that opened in 1919 on the site of a 25-acre peony garden outside of Omaha, near the famous Lincoln Highway. The park was annexed by the growing city in 1958. Peony Park was bordered on the east by the Little Papio Creek, on the west by 83rd Street, and extended north from GZ beyond the current HyVee grocery store.
Peony Park expanded and grew to cover approximately 35 acres that included a 4.5-acre swimming area and beach, waterslides, roller coasters, amusement park rides, a beer garden, and a keno parlor. Peony Park was also Omaha's live entertainment mecca for decades. The park hosted swing bands, concerts, and dances in the Royal Terrace Ballroom. The Royal Grove was an outdoor space with a stage and orchestra shell with space for 3,000 dancers. Peony Park became the official headquarters for Lawrence Welk and his orchestra in the 1930's, and hosted a wide range of musical acts over the years including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Metallica, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Omaha natives 311.
Peony Park was Nebraska's largest amusement park when it closed in 1994. The short section of original fence at GZ was preserved by the developers as a lasting tribute to Peony Park.