Home › Nebraska › Bellevue › Fontenelle Forest
Fontenelle Forest
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,482 Google reviews · Running trail in Bellevue, Nebraska · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Fontenelle Forest's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Natural area's hub with a museum, raptor rehabilitation, kids’ classes & indoor playground.
What runners say about Fontenelle Forest
“The well-maintained trails cater to all levels of hikers, whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging adventure.”
“This hidden gem in Bellevue, just outside Omaha, offers the perfect escape into nature with its peaceful trails, stunning scenery, and rich wildlife.”
“This is a great place to have a nice, safe, shaded walk with your kids that keeps them entertained.”
“Trails are very clearly marked and very easy to navigate.”
“This hidden gem in Bellevue, just outside Omaha, offers the perfect escape into nature with its peaceful trails, stunning scenery, and rich wildlife.”
We finally got the opportunity to visit Fontenelle Forest again after 7 years. I had the pleasure of meeting Celeste and Sheila at the front desk. They were so kind and lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed our little chinwag. The gift shop is AMAZING.
We took the kids on a Saturday morning and mainly did the boardwalk, a quick off-the-boardwalk path and the indoor areas/history/bird exhibits. There is definitely some uphill either direction, but the inclines were tolerable for our whole group (baby/stroller, kids, adults and seniors).
**Fontenelle Forest - A Nature Lover's Paradise! 🌳** Fontenelle Forest is an absolute gem! From the moment I stepped into this serene sanctuary, I was captivated by its natural beauty and tranquility.
Beautiful forest trails! The boardwalk is especially nice, short, easy and shaded. There were lots of benches for resting or sitting to enjoy the area. We heard woodpeckers and other birds and felt completely immersed. There is also a fun zipline/obstacles course.
Trail conditions & character
“This hidden gem in Bellevue, just outside Omaha, offers the perfect escape into nature with its peaceful trails, stunning scenery, and rich wildlife.”
“This hidden gem in Bellevue, just outside Omaha, offers the perfect escape into nature with its peaceful trails, stunning scenery, and rich wildlife.”
“We took the kids on a Saturday morning and mainly did the boardwalk, a quick off-the-boardwalk path and the indoor areas/history/bird exhibits.”
“There is definitely some uphill either direction, but the inclines were tolerable for our whole group (baby/stroller, kids, adults and seniors).”
“This is a great place to have a nice, safe, shaded walk with your kids that keeps them entertained.”
“It had rained the night before, so some trails were muddy and the slides were wet.”
Plan your run at Fontenelle Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefontenelleforest.org
- Phone(402) 731-3140
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Bellevue
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mandan Park
3.8 ★★★★☆ 264 reviews
Park with trails for mountain biking and walking, picnic areas, and a playground.
Fontenelle Forest Wetlands | Formerly Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Learning Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
Jewell Park Mountain Bike and Hiking Trail.
4.6 ★★★★★ 79 reviews
Hiking and bike trails for a range of experience levels through nature-filled, hilly surroundings.
Swanson Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 354 reviews
Family destination featuring playgrounds, ball fields and picnic spots.
Twin Ridge II Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 20 reviews
American Heroes Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 330 reviews
Park with a lake for fishing, picnic tables, and kid-friendly hiking trails.