Nebraska’s Most Underrated State Forest You Need to Visit

Let's be realistic for a second here: Nebraska isn't exactly known for its famous forests. In fact, I'd argue it's famous for the opposite: wide, open plains, rolling hills, and endless skies. Nebraska is beautiful and 100 percent worthy of exploration, offering some truly amazing landscapes you won't find anywhere else. But our options are limited when it comes to forests - though they do exist, there are very few in this little corner of the world.

Enter the Fontenelle Forest: one of Nebraska's most extraordinary, enchanting secrets.

These 1,500 acres of pure awesomeness are quite unusual here in the Plains; it's not every day you get to experience trees, shade, and other forested delights in Nebraska, so it's a special place that offers a unique experience.

Located in the far eastern reaches of the Cornhusker State, this forest is laced with numerous amazing hiking trails to choose from while you're here, and my favorite way to explore nature is on foot. It offers an intimacy you don't get from just driving around (though a good old-fashioned scenic drive is always a good idea, if you ask me). If you think this place might be man-made, you'd be mistaken - this is a National Natural Landmark as well as a National Historic District. It's truly special, and I love bragging about it.

It's more than "just" a forest. Here, you'll find hardwood deciduous forest (my favorite), loess hills, extensive floodplains, and exquisite marshlands. Wildlife-watching opportunities abound and are truly second to none. I'm hopelessly obsessed with the beauty of Nebraska, and this incredible stretch of truly one-of-a-kind land is the perfect place to illustrate my point.

In my eyes, the Fontenellle Forest is one of the most beautiful places in Nebraska; you might feel differently, but it will most certainly give all your favorite places a run for their money. It's somehow both quiet and filled with the noise of life, with birds singing, critters milling about, and the voices of happy children filtering through the trees.

It's open year-round, and it's worth visiting year-round, too.

The history of Fontenelle Forest is just as fascinating as its beauty is; in 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition camped here. In 1823, it was home to a vibrant trading post for the Missouri Fur Company. For hundreds of years before either of these events, Native American peoples called this incredible area home. Known tribes in and from this region include Woodland culture Indians, the Omaha people, and the Otoe people. Read up on their histories - they're intriguing.

For more information about this breathtaking little forest in Nebraska, visit the official Fontanelle Forest website. You'll find interactive trail maps of the area on AllTrails Plus, as well.

Have you ever wanted to explore a forest in Nebraska? Now's your chance - get out there and fall madly in love with the Cornhusker State all over again! Discover more Nebraska adventures to fall in love with using our new Travel Planner!