Fontenelle Forest — Attraction in Bellevue

We finally got the opportunity to visit Fontenelle Forest again after 7 years. I had the pleasure of meeting Celeste and Sheila at the front desk. They were so kind and lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed our little chinwag. The gift shop is AMAZING. I purchased a few bits n bobs and was pleasantly surprised with the very reasonable pricing. Unlike other places I have visited where you’d have to sell a kidney or 2 for a few items. My advice would be to support this gift shop and take advantage of the wonderful selection of items on offer.

The forest is as stunning as I remembered it. It is so serene. I particularly loved the fact that you can choose the easy option of the broad walk or the trails if you are feeling a tad adventurous.

There are 2 adventure parks for the children and adults. Tree Rush is for ages 7 to adults. Kid Rush is for ages 4-6. Basically there is something available for all ages.

The admission prices are super cheap and it’s worth buying a membership if you intend to frequent the forest. If you visit twice then you’ve basically paid for a years membership. Can’t get better than that!!!

The Raptor Sanctuary is fantastic. The stories of how these birds were rescued is truly touching.

Picnic tables are dotted around. Bathrooms are clean. There is ample free car...

Visiting Fontenelle Forest was an absolutely amazing experience! This hidden gem in Bellevue, just outside Omaha, offers the perfect escape into nature with its peaceful trails, stunning scenery, and rich wildlife.

The boardwalk trail was well-maintained and easy to walk, making it perfect for all ages and fitness levels. It provided breathtaking views of the forest, wetlands, and even glimpses of the Missouri River. For those looking for more adventure, the unpaved trails offered a true hiking experience, winding through towering trees and serene landscapes.

One of the highlights was spotting wildlife along the way—deer, birds, and even a few wild turkeys! The nature center was also a great stop, full of interesting exhibits about local ecology and conservation efforts.

The entire forest had a calming, almost magical feel, making it a great place to unwind, take photos, or just enjoy a quiet walk. Whether you’re a nature lover, hiker, or just looking for a peaceful retreat, Fontenelle Forest is a must-visit. I can’t...

Not as good as it used to be. I came here a lot when I was younger for camps hikes. They removed so much, they removed the big playground for kids and made it smaller. There used to be a huge net to climb on…gone, if my memory is right there were slides and everything why remove it? They also got rid of the dark room. For those who don’t know it was a dark room which showcased nocturnal animals and you pressed buttons to hear their noises. Was very cool…that’s gone as well. The trails are great, good views. But what I really didn’t like is this new obstacle course. What a waste of space. It takes away the whole point of fontanelle Forrest. Instead of looking at nature and hiking you replaced it with zip lines and high ropes. Very sad to see a great place go down. Last thing the new bird exhibit that’s right outside near entrance those cages are way to small for them they must be miserable.

If you haven’t been here in 5+ years (like me) I’d advise not to return. They removed everything that...