Officially the oldest settlement in Nebraska, Bellevue is also one of the largest cities in the state with a focus on green living and quality of life. That wasn’t always the case, however. In fact, a little more than 100 years ago, Bellevue would have been considered a vacation nightmare for animal rights groups given it was a huge fur trading town. Nowadays, the biggest show in town is the Offutt Air Force Base which has helped revive the city in the past 75 years.
If you’re not a fighter pilot or a refueling hand for large military aircraft then chances are there isn’t a lot that will draw you to Bellevue aside from the fact it’s a pleasant Mid-Western city with some pleasant parks and trails and a handful of cultural sites to enjoy.
The city prides itself on its dozens of public parks, many of which feature swimming pools, jogging trails, tennis courts and even places to go horse riding. One of the most scenic spots in the city runs along the Missouri River, the Eagle Point Trail, with its many tile sculptures and an elevated walkway. Given Bellevue’s long history, there are also a few old buildings and points of interest worth exploring such as the old bank and the First Presbyterian Church, which dates back more than 150 years.
Highlights
Eagle Point Trail: a scenic section of the Missouri River and one of the best of many trails in the city featuring tile sculptures.
Fontenelle Bank: you won’t be able to get any money out here. Well before ATMs and questionable bank charges, this old bank kick-started the local economy and is now a museum.
Strategic Air and Space Museum: close to the city’s air force base, this is American superpower at its best with lots of shiny aircraft, missiles and other weapons of mass destruction on display.