If you are planning a trip which should be adventurous, a glamorous view and want to see different species. This Fontenelle Forest is the best place which is famous for its 17 miles of trails and premium birding location. It has over 246 types of different species of birds, This forest is a natural national landmark. It is spread in the area of 1500 acres, this place is also the largest private nature centre in the nation located in Nebraska.
A one-mile boardwalk and Fontenelle Forest is ADA accessible boardwalk and offers wildlife observation, scenic view of the Missouri river. There is a nature centre which has a gallery featuring exhibits about nature and history. This place also has a nature-based kids play area and a gift shop. We are going to tell you about some of the best places which you must visit .
Top Things To Do In Fontenelle Forest
After reaching there you must be thinking about where you should go. Where you can enjoy or experience the greatest time with your friends and family.
- Hike The Trail – Explore the 1500 acre of land and a maintained trail of 17 miles at the Fontenelle Forest trails. If you are walking on our trail it is an experience unlike any other in the Omaha metro area. For hikers there are a range of vastly different ecosystems, from oak savanna to deciduous forest. If you want remote hiking you should visit the neal woods in North Omaha. It is 560 acres of land in nature which is home for abundant plants and animals.
- Riverview boardwalk – You can observe the wildlife and enjoy the glamorous view of the famous Missouri river while strolling around the forest. There are ADA-accessible boardwalks that anyone can easily access. Around the forest you feel refreshed with fresh air and this is a perfect place for nature enthusiasts.
- TreeRush Adventures – experience the unexpected adventure between the forest, a kind of a full body workout. The place is completely made up of wood and other natural things and the entire area feels like it’s filled with energy. The place looks like it is specially made for kids and that perfectly blends with nature. This is the finest destination to spend your quality time with kids.
- Raptor Woodland Refuge – Ready to see the numbers of the bird species its an outdoor habitat specially designed for birds comfort. It opens at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. it provides you elevation view with the finest walkway. The place offers you a significantly glamorous view with the greatest wooden artifacts and you can even touch the birds.
Best Hiking Trails in Fontenelle Forest
After reaching the destination you definitely need a plan. Which places or trails you visit first so as to not get confused. There are mentioned some of the gorgeous things below :
History Trail – Discover the 1.35-mile loop which makes hikers connect with nature. The track reminds us of the Fontenelle family and their legacy. There you can get an opportunity to see such rare birds like red headed woodpeckers and several other birds. The weather mostly stays nice and makes you energetic.
Hidden Lake Trail – Ready for the 1.85 mile it carries a secret hidden lake and there you can get a chance to see the bald eagles. Peoples considered it a medium-difficulty level approx 1 hour trail.
Signal Ridge – A 10 miles long trail trip and after reaching the submit you rewarded yourself with a 360 degree panoramic view. A challenging 3,000 feet elevation and the step section makes the trail moderate and the duration of trail is 5 – 6 hours.
Oak & Hollow Trail – A rugged trail with 1.2 miles short trail considered as moderate level difficulty due to its high elevation. The bestest time to visit that place is at the end of summer.
Entry Fees, Hours & Visitor Information
Before appearing there you must need all the information like charges, time and kind of permits. Gathering information one by one is not an easy task that’s why we have mentioned all the essential information here:
| Category | Age | Price | Access Times |
| Daily admission | Adults (18-62) | 15 $ | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Seniors (62+) | 13 $ | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM | |
| Child (2-17) | 9 $ | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM | |
| Annual Memberships | Individual | 55 $ | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Two Individuals | 70 $ | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM | |
| Household | 80 $ | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM | |
| Neale Woods | Adult | 7 $ (sunrise – sunset) | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Senior/Child | 6 $ / 5 $(sunrise – sunset) | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM | |
| Raptor Refuge | 2 Adults | 185 $ | 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. |
| TreeRush Adventures | Adults (12+) | 59$ – 64$ | 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM(Monday – Thursday) |
| Child (7-11) | 49 $ | 9:00 AM to !0:00 PM(Friday – Sunday) |
Best Time To Visit Fontenelle Forest
The destination offers you a different color contrast of every view in different seasons which glows unique in each season. To not get confused while selecting the right season as per your requirement the seasons are mentioned below:
- Spring – Special place for nature enthusiastics and birdwatchers because in this you will find many birds. The birds around there are red head woodpeckers, wood ducks, and several other birds. The flowers also start growing around the trails and wetlands.
- Summer – Summer is the best time to visit Riverview boardwalk and longer time visit with active wildlife activities. Kids can also discover the habitat of a famous play area around nature.
- Fall – Ideal period of time which shares excellent colors around the majestic forest and the weather is not too hot or cold. The weather stays perfect and this time you will migrate during this time.
- Winter – This time is specially popular for its calm or quiet environment and the ideal for hiking-like activities with scenic views. This is the greatest time to observe wildlife and best for the photo graphs.
Nearby Attractions To Explore
After completing the journey to the fontenelle forest then you can go to nearby places. Where you can spend excellent time with kids and it would be a great place for making memories. Here are some place you can visit mentioned below:
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is the best place if you are searching for an amazing combination of animal park and aquarium. The park offers the tourists to see multiple animals at one place.
Lauritzen Gardens
Lauritzen is the place where flowers bloom around and this place is the soul of spring season. When you walk here you see more or more flowers and inhale the sweetest scent of the growing flowers and trees.
Missouri River
Longest north america river which is 2,341 miles long known as Missouri river. This place offers you several activities like fishing, boating, swimming and many other activities. The 360 degree panoramic view feels so special around a warm looking mountain.
Where to Stay Near Fontenelle Forest
Planning to stay near the Fontenelle forest. There are some hotels and resorts with some good facilities. To not get confused i have mentioned below all the best place to stay without any trouble:
Baymont by Wyndham
This hotel is one of the fastest growing franchises and they gives free high speed internet and breakfast. It was founded in 1973 and it is such a calm and quiet place where you can peacefully.
Sunrise Motel
Excellent option for staying with good quality and budget price. They respond to you with their multiple services like free wifi, parking and daily housekeeping. A place close to every major attraction and convenient for everyone.
Imperial Motel
Only a few minutes away from major attractions is a perfect choice for a short-time stay. It shares many good features like high speed internet, 24 hour service, restaurant and bars.
Significant Tips
Visiting Fontenelle Forest for the first time, you don’t need to worry because you reached the right blog. There you will every essential information about this place check the best tips mentioned below:
- Look over the weather before you go for a trail because it can be muddy.
- Download an offline or purchase map from the store.
- No pets allowed to explore peaceful wildlife activity here.
- Read the policy of the hotel before you stay to get scammed.
- Use visitors parking to avoid rush and crowd areas.
- Fear full foot wear to not get dirty yourself and walk comfortably.
- Bring sunscreen and the bug spray mosquito can be active.
- Take your own water bottle and snacks because on trails there are limited facilities.
- Charter bus will the good option to reach there comfortably.
Final Thought
A natural treasure between the forest which connects the visitors with the calm beauty of the fontenelle forest. It is not just an ordinary park that is huge, around 2,100 acres where wildlife, adventure and history gather at one place. No matter where you go first you realize it is a peaceful place where you can rest. This place feels like you are close to nature and being one of the largest natural parks it serves many facilities. Facilities like classrooms for children, best place to see birds and secure haven for injured animals.
They remind me of a quiet , wild destination which offers something for everyone from playing in the ground to adventurous hiking trails. This place tries to teach every person about the environment and the locals try their best to make the ecosystem healthy. This place tries not to have to walk far to feel a deep connection between you and nature. Remember this destination when you want to go near nature and wildlife.