Creature Comforters 2023 Passport Tour
Animal sanctuaries, animal therapy centers, zoos, petting zoos. If it’s focused on animal welfare and human educational opportunities, you’ll find it here.
Creature Comforters is one of 10 tours on the 2023 Passport program. Visit NebraskaPassport.com for more information on the tours!
Fontenelle Forest
1111 Bellevue Blvd N
Bellevue
402-731-3140
Hours
Daily 8a.m.-5p.m.; Raptor Woodland Refuge, 10a.m.-5p.m.
Hike 17 miles of trails, observe wildlife, enjoy views of the Missouri River and stroll the one-mile, ADA-accessible boardwalk. In the Raptor Woodland Refuge, guests can observe non-releasable, educational birds of prey. The Nature Center features a gift shop, a children’s nature-based play area and a history exhibit.
Graf Bees LLC - The Buzz
110 N Main St
Emerson
308-962-4376
Hours
Mon-Wed 9a.m.-12p.m., 1-5p.m.; Thurs 9a.m.-12p.m., 1-7p.m.; Fri 9a.m.-12p.m., 1-5p.m.; Sat 9a.m.-12p.m.
The Buzz is a husband-and-wife beekeeping team with nearly 10 years of experience. Buzz in for a jar of locally grown honey, see numerous beeswax and honey produced products made by the Grafs, sample merchandise or sip a glass of mead. You may even arrange for an opportunity to explore the apiary.
Lincoln Children's Zoo
Lincoln Children’s Zoo is home to over 400 animals including 40+ endangered animals such as the Sumatran tiger and Matschie’s tree kangaroo. During your visit, feed a giraffe, climb with spider monkeys, watch a cheetah run, experience up-close animal encounters and learn about animals from all over the world.
Scatter Joy Acres
This stop's friendly barnyard animals are sure to delight people of all ages. Learn about various farm animals through interaction, from ducks to cows and llamas to their camel.
The Old Poor Farm Animal Sanctuary
1777 County Rd 23
Nickerson
402-721-8087
Hours
Wed-Sun 12-5p.m.
This sanctuary is dedicated to the care of abused, unwanted and special needs animals. Enjoy your outdoor visit to the animals while exploring the 4-acre Dodge County Poor Farm historic homestead complete with an indoor museum and gift shop.
Shepherd’s Rest Goat and Sheep Rescue
426 W Cedar Rd
Pickrell
402-580-5299
Hours
Mon-Fri 5-8p.m.; Sat-Sun 10a.m.-8p.m.
Located on 13 acres of woodland and meadowland, Shepherd’s Rest Rescue is a nonprofit rescue devoted to the care of goats and sheep. Your visit will include access to goats, sheep, mini horse, llamas and nightly tree frog visits, as well as pristine forest.
Riverside Discovery Center
Featuring chimps, bison, and many more animals, Riverside Discovery Center is an AZA-accredited zoo. RDC's manageable size makes it an excellent family destination. Cool off on the newly renovated Splash Pad or learn while you play in the Pop-Up Children's Museum!