Hummel Park is a public park located in North Omaha, Nebraska. It covers around 202 acres of wooded land with steep hills and dirt trails. The park was donated to the city in 1930 and named after Joseph B. Hummel, who was the head of Omaha’s Parks Department for many years.
In the early 1800s, this area was near fur trading posts such as Fort Lisa and Cabanne’s Trading Post. A memorial plaque inside the park honors this early history.
Hummel Park has several hiking trails, including the Omaha Riverfront Trail North. Some of the trails lead to scenic spots, such as views of the Missouri River and the cliff known as Devil’s Slide.
The park also offers picnic shelters, horseshoe pits, a playground, and large metal slides. In 2011, an 18-hole disc golf course was added.
A nature center inside the park offers educational activities. There is also a day camp for kids that started in 1949 and still operates today.
One of the best-known features is Devil’s Slide, a steep cliff that some say has a dark past. There are no official records proving anything tragic happened there, but stories continue to spread.
At the entrance of the park, some trees appear to bend inward. Local myths claim they were shaped by lynchings in the past, but no historical evidence supports this idea.
The park has a long stone staircase, often called the “Morphing Stairs” or “Stairs to Hell.” Visitors say the number of steps changes every time they count. In reality, the staircase has 188 steps, but uneven stones may make counting difficult.
Other rumors tell of a hidden group of albinos living in the park or stories of satanic rituals. These are unproven legends. The park’s graffiti and isolated trails may have added to its eerie reputation.
There have also been real incidents. The park’s remote location has made it a site for crimes. There are cases of murder, suicide, and accidents. One tragic case occurred in 2006, when the body of Amber Harris, a missing girl, was found in the park.