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Fontenelle Forest

4.8

·1k reviews·Bellevue, United States

A vast natural sanctuary with over 2,000 acres of forest, prairie, and wetlands, offering hiking, adventure courses, and wildlife education.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow

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Fontenelle Forest

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast natural sanctuary with over 2,000 acres of forest, prairie, and wetlands, offering hiking, adventure courses, and wildlife education.

4.8

(1k reviews)

"LOVED this place!! Added so many birds to my life list here!"

TIP

🥾 Wear sturdy shoes

Trails can be muddy after rain; good footwear is essential for comfortable hiking.

💰 Check for discounts

Active military families get free admission through the Blue Star Museum program.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 1,379 reviews

Type

Park

Address

1111 Bellevue Blvd N, Bellevue, NE 68005, USA

Website

fontenelleforest.org

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boardwalk Trails

Various loops

Accessible and scenic boardwalks offer easy exploration through forests and wetlands, perfect for all ages.

TreeRush Adventure

Adventure Park

Experience thrilling ziplines and aerial obstacle courses for both kids and adults.

Raptor Reserve

Nature Center

Meet resident raptors like George and Spike, rescued owls serving as animal ambassadors.

Hiking Trails

Extensive network

Explore over 19 miles of marked trails through diverse forest, prairie, and wetland ecosystems.

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Planning Your Visit

Admission Fees & Value

Daily admission is around $15, with yearly memberships available. Consider if the cost aligns with your planned activities, especially if you're a local or plan multiple visits. Some Reddit users find it steep for just a short walk, while others find a membership worthwhile for extensive trail use and the raptor reserve.

Adventure Course Costs

The TreeRush Adventure course has a separate, significant fee. While popular for its ziplining and climbing, it's an added expense. Families and individuals should budget accordingly if this is a priority.

Best Times

When

Early mornings

Why

Beat the crowds and heat

Crowd

Low

When

Fall afternoons

Why

Cooler temps, fall colors

Crowd

Medium

When

Weekdays

Why

Fewer visitors

Crowd

Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍 Fontenelle Forest #omahaplaces #omaha #fontenelleforest #thingstodoinomaha #omahaactivities #nebraska

@omahaplaces

821 likes • 21.1K views

🥾 Wear sturdy shoes

Trails can be muddy after rain; good footwear is essential for comfortable hiking.

💰 Check for discounts

Active military families get free admission through the Blue Star Museum program.

We went to Fontenelle Forest for some Labor Day fun! You’ve got to try their Treerush Adventure. They have courses for both kids and adults. #fontenelleforest #bellevuene #omaha #laborday #ropecourse #monkey #hiking

@justinogburnrealtor

10 likes • 1K views

It’s the last day of Nature Week! Here’s your guide to @fontenelleforest near Omaha. Thanks to Fontenelle Forest for having us and covering our admission 💚

omahaguidebook

50 likes • 1.5K views

⏰ Arrive early

Beat the crowds and enjoy the tranquility, especially on weekends.

🌳 Explore the boardwalks

Great for kids and beginners, offering easy access to nature.

#fontenelleforest #healing #nebraska

donggg.phuongg

47 likes • 1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear sturdy shoes

Trails can be muddy after rain; good footwear is essential for comfortable hiking.

💰 Check for discounts

Active military families get free admission through the Blue Star Museum program.

⏰ Arrive early

Beat the crowds and enjoy the tranquility, especially on weekends.

🌳 Explore the boardwalks

Great for kids and beginners, offering easy access to nature.

🦉 Visit the raptors

Meet George and Spike, the resident owls, at the Nature Center.

🧗‍♀️ Book TreeRush in advance

The adventure course is popular; consider booking ahead, especially during peak times.

What Travellers Say

4.8

(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Fontenelle Forest for its beautiful and well-maintained trails, diverse ecosystems, and engaging Nature Center. The boardwalks are a hit for accessibility, and the raptor reserve offers unique wildlife encounters. While the TreeRush Adventure is a popular draw, its separate high cost is a common point of consideration. Some find the general admission fee steep for just hiking.

"I haven’t visited in years and we decided to stop by for some exploring in nature time with our cousins.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Fontenelle Forest is part of the Blue Star Museum program. Up to 6 people with active duty military identification can get free admission.

The gift shop is well organized and has some cute items. The bathrooms were clean. It had rained the night before, so some trails were muddy and the slides were wet.

The staff were so helpful in giving us ideas for what hikes to do. The boardwalk is so nice!! The kids had a great time! We loved seeing the birds and a lady came and spoke to the kids all about them and was so patient with their questions.

We did not do the ropes course. It looked like it was well made and large, but couldn’t justify the really expensive price per person."

Jill House

"LOVED this place!! Added so many birds to my life list here (I’m new to bird watching, so this was very exciting!) Plan on making a trip back up to the area specifically to come back and hike the longer trails. Trails are very clearly marked and very easy to navigate. Nature center offers great history and ecology education and has some incredibly friendly staff!"

Sera Polovtsev

"Amazing facility. Just purchased a year membership. Loved the trails I took and the raptor reserve was so cute. Beautiful birds there."

Jed

What People Like

Beautiful hiking trails

Accessible boardwalks

Engaging Nature Center

What People Dislike

High cost of TreeRush

Admission fee for hiking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Fontenelle Forest is located in Bellevue, Nebraska, just east of Omaha. It's easily accessible by car. Parking is available on-site. +1

Public transport options to Fontenelle Forest are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services.

From Omaha, take I-80 East to Exit 432 for US-75 South. Continue on US-75 South and take the exit for Lincoln Road. Turn left onto Lincoln Road and then right onto Forest Drive to reach the forest entrance.

Yes, ample parking is available at the main entrance and near the Nature Center.

Yes, Fontenelle Forest is about a 45-minute to an hour's drive from Lincoln via I-80 East.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Daily admission is approximately $15 per person. Yearly memberships are also available for frequent visitors. +1

Active duty military personnel and their families can receive free admission through the Blue Star Museum program.

While not always required, purchasing tickets in advance can save time, especially during peak seasons or for special events.

Fontenelle Forest typically opens around 8 AM and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. It's best to check their official website for the most current hours.

No, the TreeRush Adventure course has a separate admission fee and is not included with the general forest entry.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Popular trails include the boardwalk loops (great for beginners and kids), and longer, more challenging trails like the B and C trails for more experienced hikers.

TreeRush offers multiple aerial adventure courses with ziplines, climbing, and obstacle challenges suitable for various skill levels, including options for younger children. +1

Yes, Fontenelle Forest is a haven for wildlife. You can spot various birds, including owls at the raptor reserve, and other forest creatures.

Absolutely! Fontenelle Forest features the Nature Center, Habitat Hollow, Acorn Acres, and a new outdoor play area, making it very kid-friendly.

The Nature Center provides educational exhibits on local ecology and history, and it's where you can meet the resident raptors like George and Spike. +1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Fontenelle Forest does not have a full-service restaurant. It's recommended to pack your own snacks and drinks or dine in nearby Bellevue or Omaha.

Yes, picnicking is permitted in designated areas. It's a great way to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Limited concessions or vending machines may be available at the Nature Center, but it's best to confirm availability.

The city of Bellevue, located just a short drive away, offers a variety of restaurants, from casual cafes to more formal dining.

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy during their visit.

📸 📸 Photography

The boardwalks offer beautiful shots of the wetlands and forest canopy. The raptor reserve provides unique opportunities to photograph the owls.

Photography is generally allowed throughout the forest for personal use. However, commercial photography may require special permits.

You can photograph various bird species, especially at the Nature Center's raptor reserve, and other forest wildlife.

Drone usage is typically restricted in nature preserves to protect wildlife and maintain a peaceful environment. Check with Fontenelle Forest for specific policies.

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best natural light for photography, with fewer crowds.