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. Summer Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day All members and guests must check in at Visitor Services when the Nature Center is open. 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. Dogs are NOT allowed at any Forest property. Please click here to learn more about our dog policy. 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. Holiday Closures: Fontenelle Forest is open year-round with the following exceptions. The Fontenelle Forest Nature Center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. General Admission$15 per adult PURCHASE ADMISSION ONLINEFontenelle Forest MembersAdmission is Free for Fontenelle Forest Members BECOME A MEMBERCOVID-19 GuidelinesWe want everyone to enjoy their experience at the Forest! Before visiting, read our COVID-19 guidelines so you know what to expect. READ OUR COVID-19 GUIDELINES |
Additional information:
Member fobs: What is a fob and how do I get one? |
Maps
Fontenelle ForestTrail map of all trails and main access points at Fontenelle Forest, including address and directions. |
Neale woodsMap of Neale Woods trails, including address. |
WetlandsFontenelle Forest trail map, including the Wetlands area. |
trail guidelinesTrail guidelines and rules of the forest. |
Daily Experiences
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. |
Baright GalleryLocated in the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, the gallery features exhibits about nature and the rich history of Fontenelle Forest. Click here to see our current exhibit. |
Acorn AcresAcorn Acres is a one-acre natural playscape in the Forest, providing children a unique opportunity to explore the outdoors through unstructured play in a natural setting. |
Habitat HollowHabitat Hollow is an indoor, nature-based play area where children learn about animals on display and make nature discoveries as they explore the Hollow. Habitat Hollow also features make n’ take, nature coloring, and baby birder stations – and several other activities. |
Stroll the BoardwalkEnjoy a leisurely stroll while observing wildlife, the changing seasons, and beautiful views of the Missouri River on our mile-long Riverview Boardwalk, offering access for wheelchairs and strollers. Our Wetlands property also features a 1/3-mile flat, wooden boardwalk, offering access for wheelchairs and strollers. |
Recommended HikesWalking our trails is an experience unlike any other in the Omaha metro area. In a single afternoon, you can encounter a range of vastly different ecosystems, from deciduous forest to oak savanna, prairie, and wetlands. |
CalendarView our calendar for Fontenelle’s wide range of upcoming programs and events for all ages. |
|
Regularly Scheduled Programs
Children and Families
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS |
|
Adults and Seniors
SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS |
FAQs
HoursNature Center Hours: Summer Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day *Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, |
Daily Admission$15 per adult Free for members |
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. |
Awards and Recognition |
||
2023
|
2022
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
Trail Guidelines
At Fontenelle Forest, we take all reasonable measures to keep our members and guests safe, while using our trails.
|
||
|
|
|
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. |