Bellevue can be explored through two very different highlights: historic sites and nature in Fontenelle Forest. Bellevue Cemetery was first used in 1856, providing a specific point of reference for the area’s history. There are also historic buildings and free tours. Outdoors, the municipal park system and hiking trails offer more options when planning your stay. So first consider whether you’d like to focus more on the cultural attractions or on time spent on trails and in the forest.

Historic Sites in Bellevue

The Hamilton House is one of Nebraska’s oldest homes. Bellevue Presbyterian Church is considered the oldest church building in the state. The two buildings draw attention to different topics: the history of homes and religious architecture. Both historical claims refer to Nebraska, but to different types of buildings: homes in the case of the Hamilton House and church buildings in the case of the church. The cemetery adds the history of another site to this perspective. For a cultural focus, you can explore Bellevue through these different types of historic places.

Free Tours

The City of Bellevue offers free tours of the Fontenelle Bank; free tours of the Log Cabin are also available. Both tours are tied to specific named sites and can give the cultural part of your stay a clear focus. Before you arrive, check the dates for the Fontenelle Bank tour and whether a Log Cabin tour is available, as tour arrangements can change. Make a tour a fixed part of your itinerary only after checking.

City Parks and Trails

Bellevue’s municipal park system includes more than 750 acres of parks and green space. The Parks Department is responsible for maintaining all city trails within the community. These details add a citywide perspective on green spaces and trails to the historic attractions. If you’d like to include nature and outdoor activity in your stay, you can consider the community’s green spaces and city trails alongside its historic sites.

Fontenelle Forest: Trails and Raptors

Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue has 17 miles of hiking trails. There is also a one-mile boardwalk that is ADA-accessible. At Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Woodland Refuge, visitors can observe non-releasable birds of prey kept for educational purposes. Access information and trail conditions can change, so check them before your visit.

The difference in scale is important when making your choice: the 17 miles of hiking trails contrast with the one-mile boardwalk. The boardwalk is ADA-accessible; the hiking trails have a total length of 17 miles. The refuge adds the option of raptor viewing to the focus on trails. This lets you prioritize based on trail length, accessibility or wildlife viewing.

Discover more destinations: Omaha, Papillion, La Vista.

See the regional travel overview: Sarpy County.