Opened in 1996, this 2000-acre refuge along the Missouri River near Fort Calhoun offers wildlife viewing on a restored flood plain forest and adjacent grasslands. The chute itself offers canoeing. Much of the area was replanted with native prairie grasses and flowers. Additional trees and shrubs, native to the area, were planted along the channel to recreate riverine habitat conditions to allow birds to roost and nest. It also allows other mammals to prosper. The are several looped gravel and grass trails.

More information: http://boyerchute.fws.gov/

Access: Take the county road three miles east of Highway 73 in Fort Calhoun, past Ft. Atkinson.

Desoto National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge is located between Blair, NE and Missouri Valley, IA on the Iowa side of the Missouri River but within the state line of Nebraska. That is because it was formed by a bend in the river that left a seven-mile long oxbow lake. This area is managed as a stopover for migrating ducks, geese and bald eagles. This area is composed of lake and river shoreline, forested river flood plain, backwaters, wetlands and a grassland planted to native species. This provides habitat for beavers, muskrats and minks. Coyotes occur, feeding on injured waterfowl. Walking and viewing is available from many parts of the refuge.

More information: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/desoto/

Access: From Blair go seven miles east on US Highway 30 (crossing the Missouri River) to the refuge entrance.

Folsom Point Prairie

This Nature Conservancy site in the Loess Hills offers off-trail hiking in nearly pristine prairie regions, including a rare area of mesic prairie. Areas invaded by red cedars are methodically being cleared in an effort to restore the remainder of the nearly 300 acre site. The ridges offer excellent views of the surrounding hills.

More information: http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/iowa/preserves/art2217.html

Access: Take I-29 south of Council Bluffs to Highway 370 east. Go about 1 mile and turn right on Alcorn Avenue, then turn left on Brohard Avenue and go about two-tenths of a mile to the small Nature Conservancy sign.

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

Located in Bellevue along the Missouri River, this area has been protected as a forest for more than 80 years. The hills are loess-formed with flood plain forests and marshes. Seventeen miles of trails provide an opportunity to view 40 species of broadleaf trees, more than 250 species of birds and an abundance of deer and small mammals. Naturalist-led hikes can be arranged.

More information: http://www.fontenelleforest.org/come.html

Access: Take US 75 (Kennedy Freeway) south from Omaha to the Chandler Blvd. exit in Bellevue. Go east on Chandler until it ends at Bellevue Blvd. Turn right (south) on Bellevue and go 1/2 mile. Fontenelle Forest is on the left.

Hitchcock Nature Area

Hitchcock Forest
Located in the Loess Hills north of Council Bluffs, this wildlife preserve is unknown to many. The Loess Hills extend from SW to NW Iowa along the Missouri River Valley. The hills are accumulations of fine-grained quartz silt blown across the valley thousands of years ago. Other than in China, they occur no where else in the world. Ten miles of trails wind through wooded areas and on ridges that provide inspiring views of the Iowa farmlands, the Missouri River and the skyline of Omaha.

More information: http://www.pottcounty.com/html/departments7h.shtml

Access: Five miles north of Crescent IA on State Highway 183 then ½ mile west at the sign.

Mahoney State Park

One of our newest state parks, it overlooks the picturesque valley of the Platte River. A series of trails winds through oak forests and cedar trees. An observation tower provides stunning 360 degree views of the valley. Some of the amenities include modern cabins, a lodge, conservatory, marina, camping facilities, theater, two lakes and many other activities.

More information: http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/parks/guides/parksearch/showpark.asp?Area_No=273

Access: I-80 Exit 426 on the south side of the Platte River.

Neale Woods Nature Center

Located in the SE corner of Washington County, this area is nestled in the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River. Nine miles of trails wind through the area that contains many of the habitants once abundant, including forested flood plain, wooded hill sides, ridges, ravines and restored prairies. Deer, turkeys and wildflowers are abundant along the trails. Hawks, owls, woodpeckers and turkey vultures are common nesters.

More information: http://www.fontenelleforest.org/come.html

Access: I-680 Exit 13 (30th St.) in North Omaha then south and east to Pershing Drive, north 2.7 miles on Pershing Drive (under the Mormon Bridge), then west on White Deer Lane, then left on Edith Marie Avenue.

Platte River State Park

Located west of Louisville on land formerly occupied by private camp lands, this park overlooks the Platte River on hilly uplands of eastern deciduous forests, steep creek drainage and areas of open grasslands. Hiking trails wind through much of the park. Some are steep and challenging. There are good opportunities to view deer, wild turkeys and songbirds. There are two observation towers, teepee and cabins for rent, a marina and a lodge.

More information: http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/parks/guides/parksearch/showpark.asp?Area_No=224

Access: Two miles west on NE Highway 66 from the junction with Highway 50 west and south of Louisville.

Schramm Park State Recreation Area

Located on the site of the state's first fish hatchery, this area is set in the bluffs overlooking the Platte River south of Gretna. Three miles of trails wind through the upland forest, which is home to many woodland mammals and birds. The aquarium and education center features more than 50 species of aquatic life found in Nebraska.

More information: http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/parks/guides/parksearch/showpark.asp?Area_No=158

Access: I-80 Exit 432 (Gretna) then six miles south.

Wabash Trace Nature Trail

This hike/bike trail was built on an abandoned railroad line. It starts in the Missouri River bottom lands at Council Bluffs, climbs into the Loess Hills reaching Mineola, then flattens out between Malvern and Shenandoah. The trail's asset is that the surroundings have virtually remained as they were at the beginning of the century.

More information: http://wabashtrace.connections.net/

Access: In Council Bluffs, just south of State Highway 92 on US Highway 275.