Bellevue

Bellevue is a small town in Sarpy County, Nebraska, situated just south of Omaha and west of the Missouri River. As the oldest town in Nebraska and the oldest settlement west of the Missouri River, Bellevue carries deep historical significance dating back to the fur trade era. The town is known for its role as the historical home of Strategic Air Command (SAC) and today hosts United States Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base.

Bellevue blends small-town charm with proximity to the Omaha metropolitan area. Its historic Olde Towne district features preserved 19th-century buildings, including the Old Log Cabin (circa 1835), one of the oldest remaining structures between the Missouri River and the Pacific Ocean. The town has a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere with tree-lined streets and well-maintained parks.

The climate follows the continental pattern typical of the Great Plains, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the town's outdoor attractions, including the Fontenelle Forest.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Omaha, approximately 10 miles (16 km) north of Bellevue. From the airport, take I-480 south to US-75 (Kennedy Freeway) and exit at Cornhusker Road or Highway 370. Rental cars are widely available at the airport.

By Train

By Car / Road

Bellevue is easily accessible via Highway 75 (Kennedy Freeway), the primary north-south artery. From Omaha, take I-480 south to US-75 and exit at Cornhusker Road or Highway 370. From Lincoln, take I-80 east to exit 453 (US-75) and head north. Interstate 29 in Iowa can be reached by following Highway 370 through Olde Towne and crossing the Missouri River.

Bellevue is served by three main roads: Mission Avenue (through historic Olde Towne), Cornhusker Road (newer commercial areas including Wolf Creek), and Highway 370 (past Twin Creek). A car is the most practical way to get around. Public transportation is limited, and ride-hailing services may have restricted coverage compared to Omaha.

• Fontenelle Forest — 1111 Bellevue Blvd N. A National Natural Landmark covering 1,400 acres of marshes and woodlands along the Missouri River. Features a raptor conservation facility and several hiking trails. Visitor center open 8AM–5PM, trails open sunrise to sunset. Admission: $11 adults, $8 children, $10 seniors. No overnight camping or dogs allowed. ☏ +1 402-731-3140.

• Old Log Cabin — The oldest remaining building between the Missouri River and the Pacific Ocean, erected circa 1835.

• Fontenelle Bank — 2212 Main St. The oldest commercial public building in Nebraska, and the first bank granted the right to circulate money in Nebraska Territory. Original vault and teller cages remain.

• Sarpy County Museum — 2402 Clay St. Chronicles the history of Sarpy County. Tu–Sa 10AM–4PM. Free ($2 suggested donation). ☏ +1 402-292-1880.

• Columban Fathers Missionary Society — 1902 Calhoun St. Scenic campus with trees, wildlife, and a grotto. 8AM–4:30PM. Free. ☏ +1 402-291-1920.

• 1st Presbyterian Church — Located in Olde Towne between 19th and 20th Avenues. Built in 1856, one of several remaining historic buildings.

• Bellevue Little Theatre — Located in Olde Towne. Volunteer-run community theater with high-quality productions. ☏ +1 402-291-1554.

• Fontenelle Hills Golf Course — 1102 Country Club Ct. 18 holes in a lush forest setting. Open to the public with a lounge and 250-seat banquet facility. ☏ +1 402-292-2500.

• Haworth Park — Mission Avenue & Payne Drive. 153 acres on the Missouri River with RV and tent camping, marina, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and playgrounds. ☏ +1 402-293-3142.

• Lied Activity Center — 2700 Arboretum Dr. Indoor walking track, weight room, batting cages, swimming pool, basketball, volleyball, tennis courts, and softball field. ☏ +1 402-293-5000.

• Chipotle — Cornhusker Road. Burritos and bowls in a modern atmosphere.
• Stella's — North Galvin Rd. A classic blue-collar American burger joint.
• La Mesa — South Fort Crook Rd (near Highway 370 and Offutt AFB). Authentic Mexican food in an ornate building designed like a Mexican mission.
• Swine Dining BBQ — 204 E. Mission Ave. Competition-level barbecue that grew from roadside sales to a full restaurant. Budget-friendly.

• DJ's Dugout — 2440 Cornhusker Rd. Top-notch sports bar with great American food, keno, TV quizzes, and big screens. ☏ +1 402-292-9096.
• Roman Coin Pizza and Varsity's Sports Bar — 3504 Samson Way (corner of Highway 370 and 36th St). Sports bar with TVs, pizza, and beverages. ☏ +1 402-932-0303.

• Budget: Imperial Motel, 1209 Fort Crook Rd N. Large rooms with kitchen and high-speed internet. Kitchenette rooms have full refrigerator and oven. ☏ +1 402-733-4889.
• Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express, 10804 S 15th St (south of Cornhusker Rd). ☏ +1 402-502-4500.
• Mid-range: Baymont Inn, 305 Fort Crook Rd N. 59 rooms with sauna, weight room, Jacuzzi, refrigerator, and recliner. ☏ +1 402-293-1600.

• Wolf Creek Shopping Area — Bellevue's largest shopping district with Richman Gordmans, Michaels, GameStop, Walmart, and various restaurants.
• Twin Creek Shopping Area — Includes Target, Bakers, Nobbies, and smaller shops.
• Olde Towne — Small, unique shops including a hat maker and rare coin dealer.

• Omaha (5 mi / 10 min north) — Nebraska's largest city with the Henry Doorly Zoo, Old Market district, and booming riverfront area.
• Lincoln (45 mi / 50 min south) — Nebraska's capital city with the University of Nebraska, Memorial Stadium, and cultural attractions.
• Strategic Air and Space Museum — Ashland, approximately 25 miles southwest. Museum of the Strategic Air Command.
• Plattsmouth (15 mi / 20 min south) — Historic Missouri River town with Victorian architecture.