Hours of Operation & Admissions
The Fontenelle Forest Nature Center is open daily 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Raptor Woodland Refuge is open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Our trails are open sunrise to sunset (or posted by location where gate access is required). In areas where gate access is required, hours are posted at each location. Fontenelle Forest Nature Center gate hours are listed above. Member fob gate access hours change monthly based on sunrise/sunset and can be seen by checking the red “alerts” button on our Home Page. Learn more about member fobs below. General Admission$11 per adult Purchase admission online. Click here
Fontenelle Forest MembersAdmission is Free for Fontenelle Forest Members Not a Member? Become one today!
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![]() Additional information:
Member fobs: What is a fob and how do I get one? |
Maps
![]() Fontenelle ForestTrail map of all trails at Fontenelle Forest, with parking, and highlighted directions. |
![]() Neale woodsMap of Neale Woods Nature Center trails and location in comparison to Fontenelle Forest. |
![]() WetlandsFontenelle Forest trail map including the Wetlands area. |
![]() trail guidelinesTrail guidelines and rules of the forest. |
Daily Experiences
CalendarView our calendar for Fontenelle’s wide range of upcoming programs and events for all ages.
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Raptor Woodland RefugeThirty feet above the forest floor, this canopy-level exhibit is designed according to the natural habitat of the rescued birds housed within these mews. Each visit is its own unique adventure, story, and memory to share. |
Habitat HollowAt Habitat Hollow, children learn about animals on display and play nature games. Animal costumes for kids and a puppet show area ensure families can have a great time regardless of weather. |
Acorn AcresAcorn Acres is a one-acre natural playscape in the Forest, which offers children a unique place for unstructured play and outdoor learning and a chance to be delightfully boisterous, physically active, and wonderfully creative. |
Baright GalleryEvery season, our Baright Gallery hosts a new art show of local or national artists. These exhibits bring the human relationship with nature to the forefront of their art. |
Digital DisplaysKids can play education matching games, families can learn about the history of the Forest, and anyone can learn more about the birds of prey who live outside in our Raptor Woodland Refuge on our touch-screens. |
Stroll the BoardwalkEnjoy a leisurely stroll while observing wildlife, the changing seasons, and beautiful views of the Missouri River on our mile-long, ADA-accessible boardwalk and 1/3-mile wetlands boardwalk. |
Recommended HikesWalking our trails is an experience unlike any other in the Omaha metro area. In a single afternoon, you’ll encounter a range of vastly different ecosystems, from deciduous forest to oak savanna, prairie, and wetlands. |
adventure park Opening at Fontenelle ForestFontenelle Forest is welcoming the Adventure Development Team, a national company, to build a ropes course over six acres near Fontenelle Forest’s Nature Center in Bellevue. The course should be open this summer (2019) and will support Fontenelle Forest’s vision of offering more outdoor experiences to the local community.Read FAQs about the Adventure Park here |
Regularly Scheduled Programs
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Families
Get a One-Year Membership to Mud Pies Here |
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Children
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS |
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Adults
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Seniors
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FAQs
![]() Hours8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily *Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. |
![]() Prices$11 per adult |
![]() FobsKeyless access fobs are available for purchase by members during business hours at Visitor Services for a one-time fee of $15. This means you can access the trails when the Nature Center is closed (from dawn to dusk). •Please check the alerts on the Home Page for updated member gate hours. |
RentalsRent binoculars, power scooters, wheelchairs, strollers, or snowshoes (seasonally) from Visitor Services. |
![]() Snow Closure PolicyIf there is a snow closure, we will post it on Facebook and our website. For a full list of closures and program updates, go to fontenelleforest.org and check the “alerts” section. |
![]() What is a Raptor?Birds of prey, such as eagles, falcons, hawks, owls, and vultures, have a vital role in our ecosystem. Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Program is focused on the conservation of these birds through statewide education, both on and off-site, including in our Raptor Woodland Refuge. |
Managed HuntLearn more about the managed hunt at Fontenelle Forest. This is necessary due to a lack of large predators for a healthier forest. |
![]() Photo PolicyPhotos are encouraged at the Forest. Commercial photography will not be allowed in any part of Fontenelle Forest (including Neale Woods) without prior consideration and written consent from the manager of marketing. For consideration, a formal request must be submitted at least one week prior to the proposed shooting date. Approval or denial will be given after the consideration process. |
Awards and Recognition
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Trail Guidelines
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Trail updates and temporary closures can occur at any time due to ongoing maintenance, inclement weather, or damage to trees and other structures. Please always request an updated map at our Visitor Services desk or download the most current map on our homepage. Most importantly, always respect all trail signage and closures. |