Named after its French translation of “beautiful view”, Bellevue is one of Nebraska’s most desirable small city, with enough to see and do to fill an itinerary of several days.
A white tailed deer poses for a photo in Fontenelle Forest (Photo: Christine Warner-Morin via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Situated in Sarpy County on the fringes of Nebraska’s southeastern border, the city lays claim to being the state’s oldest continuous settlement. Today it combines a charming rustic exterior with plenty of modern amenities within its historic core, helping draw a steady sprinkling of visitors throughout the year. We’ve picked out 7 of the most unique ways to spend your time in Bellevue below.
Visit an outdoor nature centre
Lovers of the great outdoors are in their element at Fontenelle Forest, a 1,500-acre nature centre offering a huge choice of recreational activities. Whatever your energy levels there’s something fun and adventurous to enjoy here, whether it be strolling the Riverview Boardwalk, hiking the 17 miles of trails, exploring local history at the on-site gallery, or observing birds of prey in a unique, treetop environment. For children, there’s also an indoor, nature-based play area where little ones can engage with the natural world.
1111 Bellevue Boulevard North / Mon-Sun 8am-5pm
Marvel at an array of exotic animals
Situated between Bellevue and the neighbouring city of Omaha, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is widely considered one of America’s finest animal centres. The venue places a keen focus on conservation, with significant resources put into the protection of endangered species from all over the world. The zoo also provides a truly interactive experience for visitors, who are invited to amble through the world’s largest indoor desert, as well as North America’s biggest indoor rainforest and a network of underground caves housing animals hailing from across the globe.
3701 South 10th Street, Omaha / Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
Children peer at marine life at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Photo: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium)
Explore an acclaimed botanical garden
A botanical garden with an international reputation, Lauritzen Gardens draws admirers from far and wide. Founded in 1982, the 100-acre venue is dotted with themed gardens that are a delight to explore, along with inner greenhouse areas and regular exhibits such as dinosaurs made out of LEGO that will entertain kids who may not ordinarily relish traipsing around such an attraction. Some of the most popular areas include the Model Railroad Garden, featuring intricately designed miniature scenes, and the picture-postcard Rose Garden.
100 Bancroft Street, Omaha / Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
Take in some local history
Home to a large collection of artifacts and historical documents spanning the history of Sarpy County and its many towns and cities – including Bellevue – the Sarpy County Historical Museum is one of Nebraska’s most important cultural institutions. Created to celebrate and preserve the area’s rich heritage, highlights include displays on local Native American tribes, its the fur traders and missionaries, the in Sarpy County railroads, and Fort Crook (now Offutt Air Force base), which served as an important military base during both World Wars.
2402 Clay Street / Tues-Sat 10am-4pm Closed Sun-Mon
The old log cabin in Bellevue (Photo: Sarpy County Historical Museum)
Catch a live theatre show
Bellevue has a small but thriving performing arts scene and at its beating heart is Bellevue Little Theatre. Established back in 1968, and said to be Sarpy County’s only active and continuously performing arts centre, the theatre puts on a regular programme of live, family-friendly productions throughout the year, drawing theatre-lovers from far and wide who come to be entertained by professionally-produced performances of both time-honoured classics and originally written shows.
203 West Mission Avenue / Mon-Sat 10am-4pm Closed Sun
A live show at Bellevue Little Theatre (Photo: Bellevue Little Theatre)
Introduce the kids to art and science
Families visiting Bellevue who are in need of an indoor attraction on one of the city’s infrequent bad-weather days may well want to head to Omaha Children’s Museum, a renowned venue packed full of interactive exhibits that invite kids to explore art and science in a fun and engaging environment. Among the museum’s most popular areas are its giant ball machines, make-space and art studio, and there’s also the chance to play at being grown-ups in a kid-sized grocery store and tire and auto service centre. As well as its permanent displays, the museum also plays host to frequent travelling exhibitions.
500 South 20th Street / Tues-Fri 9am-4pm Sat-Sun 9am-5pm Closed Mon
Attend a fun-packed festival
Whenever you happen to be in Bellevue, it’s worth checking the schedule at Falconwood Park, a major arts and entertainment venue that plays host to a huge assortment of festivals and other events throughout the year. From music to food to drive-in movie screenings, there’s something for every taste taking place at the park, located about a 10-minute drive south of central Bellevue. Among the most eagery-awaited events held here are the Midwest Tacos & Tequila Fest, Outlandia Music Festival, Hippie Fest · Midwest Chingona Fest, Falconwood Fright Nights and Midwest Chingona Fest. For a chance to sleep under the stars, there’s also overnight camping.
905 Allied Road / Open all hours