Fontenelle Forest

Fontenelle Forest, in Bellevue just south of Omaha, is one of the largest and most ecologically significant urban nature preserves in the Midwest — a 2,200-acre sanctuary of ancient Missouri River bottomland forest, bluff-top tallgrass prairie and wetlands that has been protected and studied since the early 20th century. The forest is a remnant of the vast floodplain deciduous forest that once bordered the Missouri River across the Great Plains, now largely gone to agriculture and development.

With 17 miles of trails winding through the mature flood-plain forest, up onto the bluffs with panoramic views of the Missouri valley and Iowa hills, and through restored prairie and wetland habitats, Fontenelle Forest offers an extraordinary natural experience within the Omaha metro area. A state-of-the-art nature center anchors the preserve and hosts world-class environmental education programs. Fontenelle Forest is a treasured natural sanctuary of eastern Nebraska.

Fontenelle Forest offers hiking on 17 miles of trails through mature bottomland forest, bluff-top prairie and wetlands (including an elevated boardwalk through wetland habitat and trails to bluff overlooks with panoramic Missouri River valley views), wildlife watching (songbirds, raptors, deer, fox, turtles, and a remarkable diversity of woodland birds), birding (one of the premier birding sites in the Omaha metro area, particularly during spring and fall migration), nature center exhibits and programs (for all ages, with exceptional educational quality), guided walks and natural history programs, and family-friendly exploration of the forest and wetlands. The forest trails and the spring/fall bird migration are the signature draws. Fontenelle Forest offers a profound natural experience within minutes of downtown Omaha.

Spring migration (late April through May) brings extraordinary concentrations of warblers, vireos, thrushes and other migrants through the forest — Fontenelle is one of the premier spring warbler spots in the region. Fall migration (September through October) brings another wave of migrants and brilliant fall color in the bottomland forest. Summer brings breeding birds (cerulean warblers, wood thrushes, great-crested flycatchers), wildflowers and lush forest. Fall for the combination of fall color, migrants and cool hiking is the highlight — visit at dawn in May for the peak warbler migration, walk the boardwalk in early morning for herons and wood ducks, and save the bluff overlook trails for clear days with the best Missouri valley views.

Fontenelle Forest takes its name from Logan Fontenelle, a leader of the Omaha Nation who lived in this area in the 19th century. The floodplain forest was part of the broad Missouri River bottomland forest that sustained the Omaha and other peoples for generations. The Nature Association of Omaha began acquiring the land in 1913, making it one of the earliest urban nature preserves in the region. The forest was formally established and has been continuously expanded and managed since. Fontenelle Forest is a Nebraska and Omaha institution — generations of schoolchildren and families have experienced their first real encounter with nature here.

Fontenelle Forest occupies the Missouri River bluffs and bottomland in Sarpy County — the bluffs are composed of windblown loess deposits (fine silt deposited by post-glacial winds) overlying glacial till, rising steeply from the Missouri River floodplain. The bottomland forest sits on Missouri River alluvium — rich, deep silt and sand deposited by the river over millennia — providing the fertile, moist soils that sustain the mature bottomland forest. The bluff overlooks offer commanding views of the broad Missouri valley and the Iowa loess hills on the opposite bank. The Missouri River bluff-and-bottomland geology created the distinctive two-landscape character of Fontenelle Forest.

Fontenelle Forest supports exceptional wildlife diversity for an urban preserve — over 250 bird species recorded (including cerulean warbler, wood thrush, prothonotary warbler, great horned owl, red-shouldered hawk, and extraordinary concentrations of warblers and vireos in migration), white-tailed deer, red fox, river otter, beaver, wood duck, great blue heron, painted turtles, bullfrogs, and a rich woodland flora including spring wildflowers. The forest is among the top birding sites in the Omaha metro area. The spring warbler migration through the bottomland forest is a highlight of the Nebraska birding year, with dozens of species moving through the canopy in May.

Fontenelle Forest protects a remnant of the ancient Missouri River bottomland forest — one of the most ecologically rich and now one of the rarest habitats in the Great Plains. The mature forest canopy (silver maple, cottonwood, hackberry, elm, ash, sycamore) shades a rich understory and forest floor with spring ephemerals and woodland wildflowers. The wetlands and the restored bluff-top prairie add habitat diversity. The forest is managed to control invasive species and sustain the native forest character. Protecting the bottomland forest, the wetlands and the bluff prairie from development and invasive species sustains this irreplaceable ecological remnant at the edge of the Great Plains.

Fontenelle Forest holds a treasured place in the culture of the Omaha metro area — a beloved natural sanctuary where generations of Omaha families and schoolchildren have first encountered native forest, wildlife and the natural world, a remnant of the ancient Missouri River bottomland forest preserved by a community that values its connection to the land. Named for a leader of the Omaha Nation, the forest honors the long human relationship with this remarkable place. Fontenelle Forest is a cherished natural and cultural icon of eastern Nebraska.

Fontenelle Forest is in Bellevue, Nebraska, about 10 miles south of downtown Omaha, off Bellevue Boulevard (Fontenelle Forest Road leads to the entrance from Bellevue Boulevard near the intersection with Highway 370). The nature center at the entrance has exhibits, trail maps, restrooms and staff. An admission fee applies (members free; day passes available at the door). The trails range from easy (boardwalk) to moderately hilly (bluff trails). The preserve is open year-round (closed certain holidays; check the website for seasonal hours). Full services are available in Bellevue and Omaha. Check the Fontenelle Forest website for current hours, admission fees and programs before visiting.

Fontenelle Forest is owned and managed by the Fontenelle Forest Association, a nonprofit conservation organization, supported by memberships, donations and admission fees. Visitors help by staying on designated trails (the forest floor and bluff edges are fragile), not collecting plants, mushrooms or wildlife (the preserve is a protected natural area — take only photos), keeping dogs on leash and on designated dog-friendly trails, packing out all trash, and supporting the Fontenelle Forest Association through memberships and donations. Invasive species management (honeysuckle, garlic mustard, reed canary grass) is an ongoing challenge. Protecting the forest and the wetlands sustains this irreplaceable urban nature sanctuary.

The bluff trails include steep sections and exposed edges — wear sturdy shoes and keep children in hand near the bluff edges. The bottomland trails can be muddy and flooded after heavy rain or during Missouri River high water (check the website for trail conditions). Ticks are present throughout the growing season — check carefully after every visit and wear insect repellent. Poison ivy is present along many trails; learn to recognize it and avoid contact. The boardwalk wetland section can be slippery when wet. Respect the bluff edges, the trail conditions, the ticks and the poison ivy.

An admission fee applies (check the Fontenelle Forest website for current rates). Stay on designated trails. Dogs are allowed only on designated dog-friendly trails and must be leashed at all times. No collecting of plants, fungi, rocks or wildlife. No drones. No bicycles on trails (the trail system is foot-traffic only). No fires. Pack out all trash. Photography for personal use is welcome. The preserve is managed as a natural sanctuary — please treat it with care. Check the Fontenelle Forest website for seasonal hours, current trail conditions and any special event closures before visiting.

The city of Bellevue (with full services), Omaha (10 miles north — with the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, the Durham Museum, the Old Market and full metro amenities), the Missouri River and the Iowa bluffs across the river, Schramm Park State Recreation Area (with the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, south of Fontenelle), Platte River State Park to the southwest, and the eastern Nebraska landscape define the region. Fontenelle Forest is the natural anchor of the Omaha metro outdoor experience, easily combined with Platte River State Park and the Missouri River valley for a full eastern Nebraska nature day.

For the spring warbler migration (mid-April through mid-May), arrive at the forest just after sunrise and walk the bottomland loop trails — the dawn chorus and the warbler activity in the canopy can be spectacular, with 20 or more warbler species possible in a morning. Bring binoculars and a bird app. Walk the boardwalk wetland section in the early morning for wood ducks, herons and turtles. For the bluff views, save the overlook trail for a clear day — the Missouri River valley panorama extends for miles into Iowa. Become a member of Fontenelle Forest to support the preserve and enjoy free admission on every visit; membership pays for itself after two or three visits.