Fontenelle Forest: A Wild and Wooded Escape Near Omaha

Just minutes from the bustle of downtown Omaha, you can step out of the city and into a quiet, ancient world of towering trees, ferns, and birdsong. Fontenelle Forest, tucked along the Missouri River in neighboring Bellevue, is one of the great natural treasures of the Omaha area, and it has been protected and cherished for well over a century. For families, nature lovers, and anyone needing a breath of fresh air, it is one of the most rewarding places to spend a day.

The story of Fontenelle Forest is a story of foresight and love for the land. Back in 1913, two visionary Omahans, Dr. A. A. Tyler and Dr. Harold Gifford Sr., founded the Fontenelle Forest Association with the goal of preserving the beautiful woodlands south of the city before they could be lost to development. It was a remarkable act of conservation for its time, and thanks to their efforts, this magnificent forest, more than a thousand acres of it, has remained wild and protected ever since. Generations later, we get to enjoy what they had the wisdom to save.

Today, Fontenelle Forest offers visitors a chance to wander through one of the most scenic natural areas in the region. Miles of trails wind through the woods, including a wonderful system of raised wooden boardwalks that let you stroll easily through the forest and wetlands while keeping your feet dry and the delicate habitat undisturbed. As you walk beneath the canopy, you might spot deer, turtles, frogs, and an incredible variety of birds, for the forest is a renowned destination for birdwatchers, especially during the spring and fall migrations.

Families especially love Fontenelle Forest. The nature center offers hands-on exhibits and friendly staff who help children connect with the natural world, and the gentle, well-maintained trails make it easy for visitors of all ages and abilities to explore. It is the kind of place where kids can discover the wonder of a forest firsthand, watching a heron stalk through a marsh or listening to the wind move through the treetops. In every season, the forest offers something new, from spring wildflowers and summer greenery to brilliant fall foliage and the quiet beauty of a snowy winter walk.

What makes Fontenelle Forest such a delightful surprise for visitors is how close it is to the city. You can spend the morning exploring downtown Omaha's attractions and the afternoon deep in a peaceful forest, all without a long drive. It is a reminder that Omaha is a city beautifully balanced between vibrant urban life and easy access to nature, one of the many reasons it is such a pleasant place to visit.

There is also something lovely about the deeper lesson of Fontenelle Forest. It exists today only because people more than a hundred years ago cared enough to protect it for a future they would never see. When you walk those boardwalks and breathe that clean, green air, you are enjoying a gift handed down across generations, the same kind of stewardship and care that runs through so much of Omaha's history.

So when you plan your trip to Omaha, set aside time to explore Fontenelle Forest. Bring the family, bring your camera and a pair of binoculars, and discover the wild, wooded heart that sits right beside the city. Before you come, see everything else happening around town on our Explore Omaha event calendar, and start planning a visit that mixes the best of the city with the beauty of the great outdoors.