fontenelle forest nature center

wundirboy

A nature center with a large wildlife area. One of the things that most impressed me were the hiking trails. They even have one that is almost 2 miles long that is all board walk and elevated from the forest floor with some great views of the river. Great for wheelchairs. Some wheelchair occupants may need some help on some areas of the board walk as there is some grades. The staff were quite friendly and helpful. If you want to get out into nature with easy walking this is for you. Parking is limited though and there is an entrance fee.

RachelJa2014

Fontenelle Forest is a great place to go and enjoy a relaxing walk either in their Boardwalk or on one of their trails. They have a fun kids area off the boardwalk with a tree house, xylophone, and areas for kids to explore nature. The forest puts on fun activities for kids like mud pies, and when the dinosaurs come to the forest. They also have an indoor area that has an animal dress up, puppet show, and an arts and craft activity with other exhibits learning about forest animals.

LankyOmaha

Fontenelle Forest is a great place to go just to take a walk. The Grand Children enjoy the play area and walking along looking for animals and bugs. They have a raptor exhibit. You can also walk down to the banks of the Missouri, but you have to cross some tracks and I don't recommend letting small children get too close to the river. They also have an indoor children's play area and some nature exhibits. We buy an annual membership since we go there quite often.

RandyF725

Fontenelle Forest has something for everyone. For the more adventurous, there are established hiking trails through the forest that go as far as down to the Missouri River. If you prefer something a little tamer, you can take a walk on the boardwalk that extends as far as 1-mile (round trip) and offers terrific views of the forest, the Missouri River, and Omaha and Council Bluffs. If you prefer a shorter walk, there are two points where you can turn around before returning to the indoor center. Also, for the physically challenged, small motorized vehicles are available for use on the boardwalk. Whenever our grandkids visit, we make a stop at Acorn Acres, a play area for kids up to about age 10. The center also offers several interesting indoor exhibits. There's so much available that you'll probably want to return a second or third time to see it all.

My3browneyedboys

This was a members only children's event that you had to register for set from 3-5 pm. Unfortunately it was too bitter cold for a nature hike, but we walked around the indoor center and looked at the exhibits. The staff were wonderful. One lady dressed as Mother Nature. The boys ages 5, 9, & 14 had fun stomping on the bubble wrap, and playing the checkers games they had out while eating Turkey Tracks in the Snow (graham crackers with frosting and pretzels in the shape of Turkey Track) and drinking hot cocoa. The boys enjoyed the story she read about Owls, and we all sang a song. The staff also had several stations set up to make crafts for noisemakers, I-spy bottles, and another craft. The table was super-cute with little trinkets for the kids. The boys had a lot of fun.

libbie5

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL-SERENE PLACE!!! Great place to hike and be in the beautiful nature of fontanelle forest. We had 4 adults to kids and walked for 3 hours down to the water--The scenery is break taking and i believe we got the leaves at their peak-well guided map-took us exactly where we needed to be--it is a must for people who enjoy hiking and being outdoors

AndreaTN2

We have been visiting Fontenelle for years, every year most of the schools in the area take the children here at least once during school year. Such a beautiful , tranquil place. When family comes to town we usually visit here with them, and they get to see a bit of the forest in our surrounding area. The staff is always nice, and informative, it really is a oasis to get back to nature. Take the kids, connect with nature, and let the stress melt away as you take one of the trails through the forest.

jajd316

An excellent trip back to the past with ancient Indian sites and even the home of a hermit. Beautifully maintained with boardwalks and nature trails.

dewswim

I just visited Fontenell Forrest for the first time with my company. It has a beautiful center that is clean and current when you enter. The forrest has hiking trails or you can stay on a bridge. It was very nice to adventure into nature and would be fun for a family afternoon.

JonM842

Visited this morning with our kids (8 & 5). The trails are very nice and it was a great relaxing little hike with the kids. The map is informative for the different trail portions with distances listed. The trail is well marked also. The main building is very nicely set up and has a play area for kids in the lower level. This is a great day trip for the family. Make sure to bring bug spray though. I got a couple of mosquito bites on our hike. They have a small gift shop with drinks and limited snacks. Pack your own picnic lunch and enjoy your day.

Seahawkfan12

Even though the Forest is in a small city, it very much feels off the beaten path. We had no more than stepped into the forest when we ran into a very vocal Tom turkey with his feathers splayed! We started walking along the boardwalk when it started lightly raining. To our surprise, the canopy of trees was so thick that we didn't get wet! It was the neatest experience to walk among the tall trees, hearing the rain falling on their leaves while we remained dry! The rain shower didn't last long and we left the boardwalk for the trails. The trails are not for the timid! The wind up and down through the hills, and while it's a pleasant walk it was exhausting at times for those of us who sit behind a desk 8-5 M-F! We walked down to the river, then circled back around in a large loop. The wildflowers were spectacular! We saw a snake at one point (I don't like snakes!) and shortly thereafter we rounded a bend and saw a fawn standing on the trail! It was an interesting and fun hike through deep woods, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a bit of exercise in the great outdoors.

KnitCatFit

We love spending a morning or afternoon at 'The Forest'. It is a peaceful, natural oasis where you can view raptors, or be lucky to be there during a nature demonstration. There is a nice mile long wooden path if you are in a wheelchair or use a stroller. Otherwise, there are many nice walking paths to enjoy this local treasure. There is some outdoor activities for kids...and adults..including musical instruments. In addition to seeing lots of trees and enjoying songbirds, you might see a wild turkey or other animal. There are also displays inside the nature center, with snakes, turtles and other small creatures. On the lower level of the nature center is a nice play space for little ones. Our granddaughter LOVES going to 'The Forest'. We treasure our memories we spend with her there.

860benk

This park is wonderful. if you go into the main entrance there are boardwalks that allow all persons to explore. I would imagine they have a couple miles of boardwalk. Most people go into the main entrance but the hidden gem is the marsh/wetland area near gifford farm. This area of the park is host to the most amount of birds and other wildlife. There is a boardwalk that will take you to a blind overlooking the marsh. If you go to this park you must go to the great marsh area.

gingerg2013

Great place to explore and think. It's amazing to gave this forest in the city. Lots of wildlife and family friendly. Check their website for special kids exhibits. I've also used this place for business retreats and community meetings.

Z7419VIchrisl

if you love nature then this place is for you. it has walking trails that are wood and you can go off the beaten path if you wish and follow dirt trails. Also, if you love takeing pictures then this place is also for you.