Papillion NE

Papillion – A hidden gem in the heart of Sarpy County, Papillion combines small-town charm with suburban convenience. Known for its friendly community, scenic parks, and a slower pace of life, this Nebraska city provides a peaceful retreat just outside the bustle of Omaha. Whether you're strolling through its historic downtown, enjoying a day at Walnut Creek Lake, or catching a game at Werner Park, Papillion offers a warm welcome and plenty to explore.

• Population: ~24,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; cold winters (20-40°F), warm summers (70-90°F), occasional spring storms.
• Places To Visit: Walnut Creek Recreation Area, Werner Park, Prairie Queen Recreation Area, Papio Fun Park, Shadow Lake Towne Center.
• Top Activities: Biking along area trails, paddle boating at local lakes, catching a baseball game, shopping at local boutiques, enjoying seasonal events like Papillion Days.
• Famous Food: Nebraska beef burgers, local BBQ joints, fresh-made pastries from neighborhood bakeries, and hearty Midwestern comfort food.

Papillion, NE is a growing suburban city located just outside of Omaha. With a strong economy supported by healthcare, education, retail, technology, and government sectors, Papillion offers a variety of career opportunities for professionals and skilled workers alike. Below are some of the top in-demand jobs in the area.

Top 5 Jobs in Papillion, NE

Papillion, NE, might not be as bustling as Los Angeles, but it offers its own charm with spots where students can unwind, enjoy nature, and have a fun time. Whether you love the great outdoors or prefer local eateries, Papillion has something for everyone.

Papio Fun Park – A haven for students looking for fun activities, Papio Fun Park features go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag, and arcade games. It's a great place to blow off some steam with friends.

Werner Park – Catch a baseball game featuring the Omaha Storm Chasers. It's a laid-back atmosphere where you can kick back with friends, cheer on the team, and enjoy classic ballpark snacks.

Prairie Queen Recreation Area – For those who love the outdoors, this spot offers trails for walking and biking, as well as a beautiful lake for picnicking or simply enjoying nature.

Shadow Lake Towne Center – Shop 'til you drop or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants. This open-air shopping center provides a nice break with its variety of stores and dining options.

Sumtur Amphitheater – This local venue hosts concerts and movie nights under the stars. It's a perfect spot for music lovers or anyone who enjoys a good outdoor movie experience.

Trumble Park – Ideal for a peaceful afternoon, this park features playgrounds, open fields, and picnic spots, providing a quiet place to relax and enjoy some downtime.

Ted and Wally's Ice Cream Shop – Treat yourself to some delicious homemade ice cream. With unique and rotating flavors, it's a sweet spot for students to hang out and satisfy their sweet tooth.

Papillion, Nebraska is located within the Omaha metropolitan area, giving students access to several high-quality public and private colleges and universities. These institutions offer strong academic programs in fields like healthcare, business, technology, and education.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Papillion, NE

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) – A public research university known for its outstanding programs in business, public administration, criminal justice, and information technology. UNO offers a dynamic campus experience just minutes from Papillion.

Metropolitan Community College (MCC) – South Omaha Campus – Serving the greater Omaha area, MCC is a leading two-year college offering affordable programs in healthcare, applied technology, computer science, and trades. Its close proximity to Papillion makes it a popular choice for local students.

Bellevue University – Although not public in the traditional sense, Bellevue University is regionally accredited and nonprofit, offering practical programs tailored to working adults. It’s well-known for online learning and business-focused degrees and lies just minutes from Papillion.

Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) – Located within a couple of hours of Papillion, NCTA offers specialized programs in agriculture, veterinary technology, and agribusiness. It is operated under the University of Nebraska system and provides technical education with strong job placement.

University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) – Known throughout the Midwest, UNMC in nearby Omaha specializes in medical, nursing, and health sciences programs. It is a top choice for students pursuing professional healthcare degrees.

Top Private Colleges & Universities near Papillion, NE

Creighton University – A prestigious Jesuit university located in Omaha, Creighton is widely respected for its programs in law, medicine, business, and dentistry. With a strong tradition of academic excellence and service, it’s a top private school near Papillion.

College of Saint Mary – This all-women’s Catholic university in Omaha focuses on healthcare, business, education, and liberal arts. It is ideal for students looking for small class sizes and a supportive campus environment.

Clarkson College – Located near UNMC, Clarkson is a private college specializing in healthcare education. Programs in nursing, medical imaging, and health administration are well-regarded across the state.

Midland University – Located in nearby Fremont, Midland offers a liberal arts education in a small college setting. It’s known for strong programs in business, education, and nursing and has a tight-knit student community.

Nebraska Methodist College – A private health professions institution in Omaha, this college has an excellent reputation in nursing, allied health, and public health. Its focus on hands-on training and community care makes it a standout choice.

Papillion, NE is home to several great high schools that offer excellent academics, extracurricular options, and strong support for preparing students for success after graduation. Whether public or private, these schools are known for fostering a nurturing and challenging environment for student growth.

Top Public High Schools in Papillion, NE

• Papillion-La Vista South High School – Known for its dedicated teachers, strong music and athletic programs, and an inclusive school culture that supports academic success.
• Papillion-La Vista High School – Offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and extracurricular activities, helping students develop both academically and socially.
• – Just outside Papillion but serves many local families. It provides solid college prep alongside robust performing arts and athletic departments.
• Millard West High School – Located nearby in Omaha, this school draws Papillion students and offers high academic achievement and college readiness scores.
• South Sarpy School District #46 (Springfield Platteview High School) – A smaller school district near Papillion with strong student-teacher relationships and a focus on personalized learning.

Top Private High Schools in Papillion, NE

• V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School – Located nearby in Omaha, offers strong Catholic values, academic rigor, and excellent college placement for Papillion-area students.
• Gross Catholic High School – A co-ed private school emphasizing faith, leadership, and service, while maintaining solid academic programs and athletics.
• Brownell Talbot School – Though a bit farther in Omaha, this independent college prep school is highly rated for its academic excellence and small class sizes.
• Concordia Jr./Sr. High School – A Lutheran-based private school offering faith-centered education with modern teaching techniques and STEM opportunities.
• Roncalli Catholic High School – A values-based private institution providing individualized student support, diverse extracurriculars, and strong college prep.

Papillion, Nebraska, is a vibrant suburban community located just outside Omaha. While it does not have major professional sports franchises of its own, residents enjoy access to professional sports through nearby Omaha teams and regional affiliations. Sports play a central role in the local culture, with minor league teams and college athletics offering exciting entertainment throughout the year.

⚾ Baseball – Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A – Kansas City Royals affiliate)

• Omaha Storm Chasers – Playing in nearby Werner Park in Papillion, the Storm Chasers are the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. They have a rich history, winning multiple league titles and developing players who go on to MLB careers. The team has been part of the community since 1969 under various names and continues to be a family-friendly draw for fans.

🏀 Basketball – Omaha’s TBL Team & Creighton Bluejays (NCAA)

• Omaha's TBL Team – While Papillion does not have an NBA franchise, nearby Omaha has participated in The Basketball League (TBL), offering professional-level excitement in a smaller market setting.
• Creighton Bluejays – Though technically a college program, the NCAA Division I Creighton Bluejays offer high-quality basketball action. Games at CHI Health Center Omaha regularly draw large crowds, and the team often competes in the NCAA tournament.

⚽ Soccer – Union Omaha (USL League One)

• Union Omaha – Established in 2019, Union Omaha is the region’s professional soccer team and competes in USL League One. The club plays at Werner Park in Papillion and quickly made an impact by winning the regular season title in 2021. The team provides a unique and exciting experience for local soccer fans.

🏈 Football – Omaha Beef (Champions Indoor Football)

• Omaha Beef – One of the longest-standing members of Champions Indoor Football, the Omaha Beef delivers fast-paced entertainment and strong community engagement. Home games are played at Liberty First Credit Union Arena in nearby Ralston, drawing fans from Papillion and across the metro area.

🥍 Other Sports – Omaha Lancers (USHL)

• Omaha Lancers – Though not a professional team, the Lancers are a Tier I junior ice hockey team in the United States Hockey League (USHL). Many players go on to NCAA or NHL careers. They offer a high level of competition and are a popular team among hockey fans in the Papillion area.

While Papillion may not have major league teams of its own, it is part of a thriving sports region filled with talented athletes, competitive teams, and passionate fans. From Triple-A baseball to indoor football and soccer, there’s something for everyone just minutes away.

Papillion, Nebraska might be a small city, but it’s packed with charm, community spirit, and fun surprises. Located just south of Omaha, this growing area is full of history, great parks, and fun facts that might just make you want to visit. Check out these 10 fun facts about Papillion:

1. What’s in a Name? – Papillion got its name from the French word for butterfly. Early French explorers saw lots of butterflies near the creek, so they named it “Papillion Creek”.
2. Tiny But Mighty – Despite its small size, Papillion was named one of the best places to live in the U.S. several times by Money Magazine.
3. Historic Roots – Papillion was officially founded in 1870, making it one of the oldest cities in Nebraska.
4. Ballpark Fun – The city is home to Werner Park, where you can catch a baseball game with the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.
5. Marvelous Parks – Papillion is filled with great outdoor spaces. Halleck Park is a local favorite with trails, a lake, and plenty of room for a picnic.
6. Get Fizzy with It – Papillion is home to the Pint Nine Brewing Company, a popular spot for local craft beer lovers.
7. Flying High – The city is located near Offutt Air Force Base, home of the U.S. Strategic Command and a hub for national defense.
8. Butterfly Parade – Each year, Papillion celebrates with Papillion Days, a week-long event that includes a parade, fireworks, and lots of family-friendly activities.
9. Education Excellence – The Papillion La Vista Community Schools district is known across the state for strong academics and great sports programs.
10. Main Street Charm – Downtown Papillion is full of small shops, local eateries, and an old-fashioned charm that makes it the heart of the city.