Connect with Historic Natural Environments
"I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in." - John Muir
Public Access
UNO's preserves are places where all can come to enjoy the beauty and diversity of eastern Nebraska's historic natural environment of prairie, savanna, and woodland. Except when special events are scheduled, the preserves are open to the public throughout the year from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. No fee is charged for use of the preserves. See below for a short list of preserve use policies.
Seasonal Building Hours
March 1 through December 21: The Barn does not have regular open hours but is generally open from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M., Monday – Friday. Contact the preserve at unoglaciercreek@unomaha.edu to inquire about visiting the inside of the Barn or for restroom access.
December 22 through February 28/29: During winter months, the Barn at Glacier Creek is closed except for scheduled use by organizations, classes, research, etc. (see below).
Scheduled Barn Use
The Barn at Glacier Creek and associated outdoor field resources may be scheduled for use by organizations, classes, etc. throughout the year, although availability may vary during holiday periods. To determine availability, please email unoglaciercreek@unomaha.edu or call the Preserve at 402.554.6300 at least 48 hours in advance of whatever date(s) you are considering.
The Preserve is not available for private events such as weddings, family reunions, social gatherings and birthdays.
Click here to read additional information about the Barn's history and how to reserve the facility.
Individual Visits
Individuals or groups of less than six or so, are free to visit the preserves without scheduling. For groups of six or more individuals, we request that you contact the Preserve prior to visiting in order to avoid conflicts with other groups, such as classes, that may be scheduled to use the preserves at the same time.
Group Visits
Organizations, clubs and other structured groups are welcome to visit but need to email the Preserve at unoglaciercreek@unomaha.edu in order schedule times that do not conflict with use scheduled by others. If available, Preserve staff can accompany you on your walk to answer questions and explain the preserves history, ongoing restoration and research efforts, and future plans.
The goal of our preserve system is to protect wildlife and their habitat for the enjoyment of present and future generations. To that end, and based on past experience, we have developed the following rules governing use of our preserves:
- Commercial activity, which includes commercial photography and staged photography, is not permitted.
- Dogs or Other Pets are not permitted at the preserves, whether on or off-leash. Exceptions are made for service animals UNO Service Animal Policy.
- Collecting or disturbing plants, animals, or other material is not permitted.
- Weapons of any kind are prohibited.
- Hunting is not permitted.
- No Camping or overnight use of the preserves.
- Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the preserves.
- UNO is designated as a smoke-free campus but smoking is also prohibited due to the danger of causing a wildfire.
A full list of conditions for use of the land area may be found within the Visitor Use Policies.