4 Great Places To See Changing Leaves Near Omaha

If you’re a hiker, you likely have a favorite nearby spot to see the changing leaves. If you’re not, I’ve got you covered. I’ve been seeking scenic spots near Omaha for years, and my favorite time to enjoy them is the fall. So, if you want to see the fall colors, read on for my recommended outings.

UPDATED: This post was first published in 2013 and has been updated with more suggestions in September 2026.

Fontenelle Forest

Fontenelle Forest is a gorgeous nature preserve in Bellevue, Neb., just a few miles south of Omaha. There are 17 miles of trails to explore in the fall. For a less rugged hike, you can’t beat the boardwalk, especially if you have a stroller.

Families visiting Fontenelle Forest will want to spend time at Acorn Acres. It’s a nature-based playscape just off the boardwalk. Playing among the fall colors will create some core memories.

Cost: $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $9 for kids ages 2-17. Children 2 and younger are admitted free. Memberships are also available.

Hitchcock Nature Center

It’s no secret my family loves afternoons at Hitchcock Nature Center. We’ve visited this county park near Honey Creek, Iowa, in every season. It’s close enough for a day trip, but feels far enough away from Omaha that you get mini vacation vibes from it. Fall is great time of year to visit, though since you’re not sweating profusely as soon as you get out of the car.

Stop by the visitors center to check out a kids backpack full of fun “tools” to the hike and then grab a map and hit the trails. Some are more strenuous than others so pick the right path for your family’s ability… unless you like hauling a 28-pound toddler up a steep incline.

One perk of this park is that they allow dogs on the trails (they’re not allowed at Fontenelle Forest). It’s also one of the few parks in the area with a tall observation tower.

Cost: Park admission per car is $5; annual permits are available.

Hummel Park

Was summer camp ’87 the last time you ventured to Hummel Park in northeast Omaha? It’s time to come back. Hummel is the lone free park to visit on this list, since it’s managed by the City of Omaha. The trails aren’t super long compared to Fontenelle Forest and Hitchcock Nature Center, but they can be a little challenging in steep parts.

The park has some pretty unique slides nestled in nature, as well as a nice nature center. The nature center, unfortunately, is only open during special events or if you rent the place. Hummel also has an excellent frisbee golf course, if that sort of things interests you.

Cost: Free

Lake Manawa State Park

I find people go to Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa, for three reasons, the mountain bike trails, the epic playground, or the lake. Allow me to suggest a fourth reason: The fall leaves. You could even combine leaf peeping with a bike ride.

The trails in this state park are not very challenging, and many are paved, but the abundance of trees makes a visit worthwhile. You’ll be surprised by the beautiful fall colors you’ll see there.

Cost: The park is free for Iowa residents, nonresidents must pay a $5 vehicle permits for a day visit.