Zorinsky Lake, located in southwest Omaha, Nebraska, is a 255-acre man-made reservoir with a maximum depth of 30 feet. The lake offers diverse paddling opportunities, with distinct characteristics in different zones. The western section beyond the 168th Street bridge provides the best paddling experience, featuring flooded trees that serve as resting spots for local gulls.

The most rewarding paddling area is the back water section where Boxelder Creek enters the lake. This creek section is navigable for about half a mile upstream and provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Paddlers commonly spot great blue herons, plovers, ducks, geese, woodpeckers, muskrats, turtles, and bullfrogs. Deer tracks are frequently visible along the creek banks.

Access is available via the main entrance at 156th & F Street. Paddlers should head to the boat ramp area, where a gravel beach to the right of the ramps provides an ideal kayak launch site. The area near the dam typically sees heavy fishing boat traffic, so paddlers may want to avoid this section.

No fees or permits are required for paddling. The lake is a day-use only facility - no camping is permitted. Amenities include picnic areas, hiking and bicycling trails, and a universally accessible fishing dock.

Waters in the creek section can become quite shallow, with depths of approximately one foot at the mouth, deepening to about three feet within the creek itself. Paddlers should note that the lake has implemented zebra mussel prevention protocols - all watercraft must be cleaned, drained, and dried when entering and leaving the water.

The lake was named after U.S. Senator Edward Zorinsky and includes one of eastern Nebraska's few remaining native tallgrass prairies, known as Bauermeister Prairie. The western creek area offers a surprisingly natural experience that belies its urban setting.