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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
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