What is Pawnee Lake State Rec Area like?
Pawnee Lake State Rec Area sits in Lincoln, one of 6 courses in the city and 110 across Nebraska. The layout runs 9 holes to a par of 27 over 3,591 ft, averaging roughly 399 feet per hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
The terrain is prairie/open — wide open prairie fairways, which puts the emphasis on big arms and wind management. Exposed prairie layouts let you throw everything you have, but a crosswind will move a disc thirty feet off line before it lands.
ThrowSpot rates the course moderately demanding overall, making it players who have their form mostly sorted. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on. Most groups finish in about 45 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Pawnee Lake State Rec Area?
For a course like this, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers the majority of shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. Because the fairways are open here, it is also worth checking the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
This course is free to play, like the majority of the 7,008 courses in the ThrowSpot directory. There is no booking system and no check-in — turn up and play. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Pawnee Lake State Rec Area
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Other disc golf courses near Pawnee Lake State Rec Area
More disc golf in Lincoln
Lincoln has 6 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max E. Roper Interstate Park - East | 18 | Intermediate | $5 |
| Max E. Roper Interstate Park - West | 18 | Beginner | Free |
| Campus Life Disc Golf Course | 9 | Beginner | Free |
| Nebraska Wesleyan University Disc Golf | 9 | Intermediate | Free |
| Scott Whitcomb Memorial (Tierra Park) | 9 | Beginner | Free |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Pawnee Lake State Rec Area?
Pawnee Lake State Rec Area has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 3,591 ft, averaging about 399 feet per hole.
Is Pawnee Lake State Rec Area free to play?
Yes. Pawnee Lake State Rec Area is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Pawnee Lake State Rec Area good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate difficulty, so newer players should expect a challenging round. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on.
How long does it take to play Pawnee Lake State Rec Area?
About 45 minutes for a typical group on 9 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Pawnee Lake State Rec Area located?
Pawnee Lake State Rec Area is in Lincoln, Nebraska, at coordinates 40.85006, -96.87262. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Pawnee Lake State Rec Area?
For this layout, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers most shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.