Visit This Unique Wildlife Sanctuary In Nebraska With A Boardwalk Trail Over The Water

There aren't many urban spaces where you can go to enjoy wildlife in its natural habitat. There's one wetland sanctuary right in Omaha where you can walk the trails, admire the animals, and feel like you're a million miles from the city.

Heron Haven is a unique place for several reasons. It's one of the last oxbow wetlands of the Big Papillion Creek, it's an important conservation and research location, and it's located within Omaha city limits.

It provides a safe place for wetland birds and a slew of other creatures.

The flora and fauna you'll see depend on the time of year you visit. Migratory birds stop in and butterflies and bees are everywhere in the summer.

Visitors are welcome to come and wander the trails from dawn to dusk, all year round. Be sure to stop by the butterfly garden in the summer for a little bit of magic.

Watch your surroundings as you walk - you just might spot some sneaky creatures camouflaged in the water and in the grass.

You might think that a wetland sanctuary in the city would be loud and packed with people, but it's actually very serene.

Many Omaha residents don't even realize it's there. It's one of those places that you don't typically stumble upon by accident.

One of the highlights of this magnificent place is the boardwalk trail.

It leads you out over the water for a unique look at the surroundings. You'll be surrounded by water, which is a unique experience that just about everyone can enjoy.

Heron Haven is a popular spot for photographers. Whether they're snapping pics of animals or capturing the beauty of the water, you're pretty much guaranteed to see some shutterbugs out there.

In fact, there are even blinds to hide behind so you can observe the wildlife without scaring the animals off.

While it is a beautiful place for a visit, Heron Haven is also dedicated to education for all ages.

Informative lectures, classes, and presentations take place regularly in the Nature Center.

The Nature Center is open by appointment only, but it's worth making an appointment. Inside you'll find a reference library with interesting educational materials to sift through.

The Nature Center also contains a small nature museum. Nature displays let you see some neat items up close.

Address: 11809 Old Maple Road, Omaha, NE, 68164

Walking the trails is always free, but donations are gratefully accepted. To find out more about classes, clubs, and upcoming events, visit Heron Haven's website. Happy wildlife watching!