Sunset Hike >>
October 4 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue

Are you ready to get outside after the work week? Grab your friends, coworkers or significant other and come wind down during our Sunset Hike! This hike will explore the gravel and dirt trails near the Nature Center then head to the third loop of the Boardwalk to watch the sunset over the Missouri River.

This program will include an hour and a half naturalist-guided hike though easy to moderate terrain of the Forest. Trekking poles will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Participants will be let in at the front gate and will meet outside on Dennis Plaza (behind the Nature Center)

This event is $10 for members and $18 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount. 

Seniors Understanding Nature >>
October 8 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue

Join us for our Seniors Understanding Nature (SUN) lecture series at the Nature Center! Each lecture will cover a different topic (listed below). Snacks and coffee are available before the presentation. This program is for adults ages 55 and up who enjoy learning about the natural world.

This event is free for members and free with daily admisison  for non-members. 

Pathways Through Nature >>
September 14 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue

Journey into a deeper appreciation of nature with Fontenelle Forest’s new series, Pathways Through Nature! Bring your partner or some friends to this program and embrace your inner naturalist as you explore a different topic at each session.

This month focuses on Nebraska’s Natural History. Did you know that Midwest hasn’t always been a prairie? Discover the natural history of Nebraska along with some of the fascinating animals that once roamed here. We’ll also explore history, science and art by cracking geodes during this program!

This event is $10 for members and $18 for non-members. Members must sign in to receive discount.

Whooo Dun It? >>
October 11 & 12 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue

After inventorying a large food order, the raptor care specialist was called away, leaving the shipment unattended. Upon her return, the boxes of quail were found to be empty! It’s up to you to identify the culprit! Hear witness testimonies, investigate the crime scene, and examine forensic clues to narrow down your list of raptor suspects. Can you find out whooo dun it?

Please note, this program is for adults 18 and older.

This program is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Members must sign in to receive discount.

Archery Adventure Day >>
October 12 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

402 Forest Dr. | Bellevue

Are you looking for an outdoor family event that has activities that everyone in your family can enjoy? Then come join us for a morning of family fun at Archery Adventure Day!

This program will be held at Camp Wa-Kon-Da located at 402 Forest Drive in Bellevue. The program is 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and will include archery basics, a family-friendly archery competition, a guided hike and a campfire with hotdogs and s’mores to end the program. A waiver must be completed for each family member before participating in activities. Please note that children ages 7 and under cannot participate in archery, yard games will be provided for the given age group.

Members: $10 for ages 3-7, $20 for ages 8+. Non-members: $18 for ages 3-7, $28 for ages 8+. Members must sign in to receive discount.

Trails Less Traveled >>
October 13 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

14323 Edith Marie Ave. | Omaha

Want to try something new? Do you want to hike trails that others don’t usually take? Discover your inner explorer and join us for our newest guided hike series, Trails Less Traveled!

These guided hikes will focus on trails “less traveled” both at Fontenelle Forest and our other properties. Expect to trek long distances over a variety of terrain. Each guided hike will last for 2 hours, covering easy, moderate, and strenuous trails. We highly recommend bringing a filled water bottle, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Trekking poles will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.

This event is $10 for members and $18 for nonmembers. Members must sign in to receive discount.

Full Moon Hike >>
October 18 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue

Have you ever hiked under a full moon? Or wondered what comes out after dark in the Forest? Find out on our guided Full Moon Hikes!

Hikes will begin no later than 30 minutes after the event start time, so be sure to arrive on time. All hikes will include an educational discussion of the nocturnal animals around the Forest and a brief talk into the lore of full moons. The event will include a bonfire and s’mores.

This event is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount. 

Land Stewardship Volunteer Work Day >>
October 19 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Locations vary

The volunteer Land Stewardship crew meets on select Saturday mornings to work on various projects. Anyone is welcome to join, even if it’s just one time. Bring the family and get some hard work done with us. Projects, start time, and location will be announced via email blast 10 days prior to the workday.

TO RECEIVE MORE INFO AND SIGN UP: If you are interested in volunteering, click here to sign up. You will be registered to receive the email blast announcing the details of our next workday (announced 10 days prior to the workday).

YOU MUST REGISTER for the specific time/location for which you want to volunteer. Details and registration links will be sent to you 10 days prior to the workday. 

Fungus Among Us >>
October 19 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

402 Forest Dr. | Bellevue

Have you ever noticed the vast array of mushrooms along the forest floor? Bring your hiking boots and curiosity along for a fascinating fungus hike with one of Fontenelle Forest’s Naturalist Educators, along with a member of the Nebraska Mycological Society.

We will host two hikes to observe the different Spring and Fall mushroom species at two of our properties. This is a program you “mush”-make- ”room” for in your schedule!. 

This event is $10 for members and $18 for nonmembers. Members must sign in to receive discount.

Habitat Hikes >>
October 26 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue

Explore Nebraska’s prairies, wetlands and forests at Fontenelle Forest’s Habitat Hikes! Join our naturalist educators on a guided hike through these different habitats and learn about each of these unique ecosystems!

Habitat Hikes will be held monthly, as we visit different locations and discover habitat changes each season. June's hike will take place at Neale Woods Nature Reserve.

This event is free for members and $15 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount. 

Bewitched Boardwalk >>
October 26 | 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue

Feel that shiver in your bones? It’s the Bewitched Boardwalk! Join us October 26 6:00-8:30 p.m. to trick–or–treat, make spine–tingling smores, and play ghoulish games. Our animal ambassadors won’t be in costume, but you can be.

$15 for members and $25 for non-members. Members must sign in to receive discount.

Fontenelle Trading Post Exhibit: Nebraska's Deep Roots >>

April 2023 to December 2024

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue

Fontenelle Forest is celebrating the 200-year anniversary of the Fontenelle Trading Post with a history exhibit located in the Baright Gallery. This experience tells the story of how the Fontenelle Trading Post came to be and what a trading post during the 1800’s may have looked like.

The Nebraska’s Deep Roots exhibit will be open daily at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. This exhibit is free for members or with daily admission for non-members.