Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Omaha, United States
1. Fontenelle Forest Nature Center
A unique 4,000-acre nature preserve with diverse wildlife and over 23 miles of hiking trails.
- Preserve Size: One of the largest nature preserves in the area.
- Habitat Variety: Provides a home to over 200 bird species and various mammals.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
2. Lauritzen Gardens
A botanical garden with an adjacent nature center featuring a butterfly garden and various wetland habitats.
- Butterfly Garden: Home to thousands of butterflies during peak season.
- Wetland Habitats: Provides essential habitat for local wildlife and migratory birds.
- Educational Exhibits: Features exhibits about local flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.
3. Chalco Hills Recreation Area
A park with hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and a lake.
- Hiking Trails: Provides numerous hiking options for visitors.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers chances to see deer, foxes, and various bird species.
- Lake Access: Allows fishing, boating, and other water activities.
4. Standing Bear Park
A park dedicated to the preservation of the American Bison and offering guided tours.
- Bison Preservation: Home to one of the largest herds of bison in the area.
- Guided Tours: Provides educational guided tours about these iconic animals.
- Bison-Friendly Habitat: Maintains a natural habitat for the bison herd.
5. Sacajuwea Park
A park with a prairie dog town and hiking trails.
- Prairie Dog Town: Allows visitors to observe prairie dogs up close.
- Hiking Trails: Offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
- Educational Signs: Provides educational signs about local wildlife and ecosystems.
6. Platte River State Park
A state park with over 20 miles of hiking trails along the Platte River.
- Riverfront Hiking: Offers scenic riverfront hiking opportunities.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides chances to see deer, turkeys, and various bird species.
- Historic Sites: Features historic sites related to the Oregon Trail.
7. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
A state park with a zoo, an aquarium, and hiking trails.
- Zoo and Aquarium: Houses various local and exotic animals.
- Hiking Trails: Provides scenic hiking opportunities throughout the park.
- Ice Rink and Sculptures: Features an ice rink and an outdoor sculpture garden.
8. Wehrspann Lake Wildlife Management Area
A wildlife management area with hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Hunting Opportunities: Allows regulated hunting for various game species.
- Fishing Opportunities: Offers fishing opportunities for multiple fish species.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides chances to see deer, waterfowl, and various bird species.
9. Schramm Park State Recreation Area
A park with hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum.
- Hiking Trails: Provides scenic hiking opportunities along the Missouri River.
- Fishing Opportunities: Offers fishing for various fish species.
- Air and Space Museum: Features aerospace exhibits and interactive displays.
10. Ponca State Park
A state park with hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and horseback riding.
- Hiking Trails: Offers scenic hiking opportunities along the Niobrara River.
- Fishing Opportunities: Provides fishing for various fish species.
- Horseback Riding: Allows horseback riding on designated trails.
11. Wood-Rodgers Park
A park with a prairie dog town, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
- Prairie Dog Town: Allows visitors to observe prairie dogs up close.
- Hiking Trails: Offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
- Picnic Areas: Provides picnic areas with grills and tables.
12. Arrowhead Park
A park with a prairie dog town, hiking trails, and a fishing pond.
- Prairie Dog Town: Allows visitors to observe prairie dogs up close.
- Hiking Trails: Offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
- Fishing Pond: Provides a small fishing pond for anglers.
13. Kenefake Lake Wildlife Management Area
A wildlife management area with hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Hunting Opportunities: Allows regulated hunting for various game species.
- Fishing Opportunities: Offers fishing opportunities for multiple fish species.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides chances to see deer, waterfowl, and various bird species.
14. Rosalie Fish Hatchery
A fish hatchery with guided tours and a visitor center.
- Guided Tours: Offers educational guided tours about fish conservation.
- Visitor Center: Features exhibits about local fish species and conservation efforts.
- Fish Stocking Program: Stocks millions of fish each year for Nebraska waterways.
15. Schoolhouse Prairie Preserve
A prairie preserve with hiking trails and opportunities to observe native wildlife.
- Hiking Trails: Offers scenic hiking opportunities.
- Native Wildlife Observation: Provides chances to observe native wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Prairie Restoration Efforts: Involved in restoring and preserving the prairie ecosystem.