Fontenelle Forest
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
Beat the crowds and heat
Fontenelle Forest
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
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.
"LOVED this place!! Added so many birds to my life list here!"
🥾 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.
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.
+1
Hiking Trails
Extensive network
Explore over 19 miles of marked trails through diverse forest, prairie, and wetland ecosystems.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Admission Fees & Value
Adventure Course Costs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 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.
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Nature Center, with its animal ambassadors like George and Spike, is always a hit with kids, offering engaging educational experiences. +1 The TreeRush Adventure also has courses suitable for younger children, making it a fun family activity if your budget allows. Family-friendly highlights:
* Accessible Boardwalks: Easy for all ages.
* Play Areas: Dedicated spaces for kids' fun.
* Nature Center: Engaging exhibits and animal encounters.
Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as dining options are limited within the forest.
💰 Budget Travelers
Budget tips:
* Membership: Consider for frequent visits.
* Military Discount: Free admission for active duty families.
* Focus on Trails: Enjoy the natural beauty without extra activity fees.
🌳 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
+1For hikers:
* Extensive Trail Network: Over 19 miles to explore.
* Diverse Scenery: Forests, prairies, and wetlands.
* Birdwatching Hotspot: Excellent for spotting various avian species.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Key trail features include:
* Boardwalks: Easy access, scenic views, great for kids.
* Marked Trails: Clearly defined paths for various difficulty levels.
* Diverse Ecosystems: Traverse forest, prairie, and wetland environments.
Many visitors express a desire to return specifically to explore more of the extensive trail system.
The Thrill of TreeRush Adventure
TreeRush highlights:
* Multiple Courses: Varied difficulty and heights.
* Ziplining: Experience the thrill of flying through the canopy.
* Kid-Friendly Options: Courses designed for younger adventurers.
While incredibly popular, it's important to note that TreeRush has a separate admission fee from general forest entry, and it can be quite expensive.
Wildlife Encounters and Education
Here, you can meet resident owls like George and Spike, who are animal ambassadors after overcoming injuries that prevented their return to the wild. +1 These encounters provide a unique chance to learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts. Wildlife viewing tips:
* Raptor Reserve: Meet George and Spike, the resident owls.
* Bird Watching: The forest is a prime location for spotting various bird species.
* Educational Programs: Engage with staff at the Nature Center for insights into local ecology.
Visitors often praise the knowledgeable and friendly staff who are patient with questions, especially from children, making it an enriching experience for all ages.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit