Bellevue

METRO

BELLEVUE

Visitors can hike 19 miles of trails peppered with white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and other critters at Fontenelle Forest. The Hickory Trail leads visitors to the Missouri River. The trails are open sunrise to sunset. The organization founded in 1913 is one of the oldest conservation groups in the U.S. Bird-watchers have recorded 246 species of birds here, including 35 varieties of warblers. This is the only location in Nebraska where red-shouldered hawks are known to breed. Bringing binoculars is recommended, and they are also available for rent here for a small fee.

Visitors flock to see rehabilitated but non-releasable hawks, owls, bald eagles, falcons and turkey vultures at Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Woodland Refuge. Many of these animals were injured by the hand of man. The role of these feathered friends is to educate the public about the role of raptors in the ecosystem. Visiting the refuge is an adventure as people walk between enclosures on suspended walkways high above the forest floor.

Also located here is Fontenelle Forest’s TreeRush Adventure Park. Nine aerial trails through the treetops, and zipline adventures 50 feet above the ground, make for lofty family fun. Fear of heights is safely challenged on cable bridges and netted tunnels while wearing climbing gear. These aerial trails are color coded: Yellow is the easiest. The Black Trail takes climbers 55 feet above ground. Acorn Acres is a one-acre natural play area where unstructured play is encouraged. Animal costumes and games at Habitat Hollow teach children about the wild

Ridge Trail at Fontenelle Forest provides views of the Missouri River near Bellevue.