" />

Fontenelle Forest Offering Free Admission to Active Military in participation with Blue Star Museums from May 15-September 6, 2021

the Fontenelle Forest logo, a "We are a BLUE STAR MUSEUM" label, and an American flag in the background with the black text "May 15 to September 6".Beginning on Armed Forces Day (May 15) through Labor Day (September 6) active-duty military and up to five family members will enjoy free daily admission to Fontenelle Forest as part of the 2021 Blue Star Museums program. Fontenelle Forest is proud to show our support for local military families by once again participating in Blue Star Museums.

Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue, Nebraska, is located just minutes from Offutt Air Force Base and is currently the only outdoor recreation venue participating in the Omaha Metro area. Find the full list of participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

Blue Star Museums is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in collaboration with Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and participating museums nationwide. Participation in Blue Star Museums is voluntary. By registering, museums express their appreciation for the nation’s military and their families, while acknowledging the hardships that come with that service.

“Offutt is an integral and extremely valued part of the Bellevue community. We are proud to show our support to military families by offering a beautiful, natural space to gather and create lasting memories,” said Matt Darling, Executive Director of Fontenelle Forest. “The past year has been difficult to say the least – for all families – but definitely for military families who so often give up their time together to keep our nation and our community safe. To show our gratitude, we invite all active military families to discover nature, observe wildlife, and explore the 2,100 acres and 24 miles of trails that Fontenelle Forest offers. Bring the family, take a hike, let the kids play in Acorn Acres, and have a picnic – we hope you visit soon, and often.”

“Like the resilience that military families demonstrate time and again Fontenelle Forest is an example of resiliency in the arts sector over the past year,” said Ann Eilers, acting chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “We are grateful to Fontenelle Forest for their leadership in strengthening community through their participation in the Blue Star Museums program this summer.”

The free admission program is available for those currently-serving in the United States Military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members.

To receive free daily admission to Fontenelle Forest through the Blue Star Museums program:
Active military members must check in at Visitor Services with a valid active military ID during normal business hours (see hours at FontenelleForest.org/Visit). Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.

Questions? Call Visitor Services at 402-731-3140.

Fontenelle Forest is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit.

Make a tax deductible donation NOW

Skip to content