15+ Issues to do in Omaha, Nebraska

Jess and I’ve household in Omaha, which implies we’ve visited town plenty of instances over time. In that point, we’ve visited an excellent a lot of Omaha’s sights and points of interest. So we wished to place collectively a fast information to our favourite issues to do in Omaha, Nebraska.

Omaha is the most important metropolis (by inhabitants) in Nebraska. It turned an necessary transportation hub within the nineteenth century and would finally entice individuals to remain for its railroad, meatpacking, and trade jobs. At this time this mid-sized Midwestern metropolis is dwelling to plenty of cultural points of interest and performs host to widespread occasions such because the Faculty World Collection and the annual Berkshire Hathaway assembly.

So, whether or not you’re on the town for an enormous occasion just like the Faculty World Collection, a convention, visiting household like us, or simply questioning what there may be to do in Omaha, this information is for you.

We’ll cowl the primary sights and points of interest, present tips about the place to remain, give ideas on meals to strive in Omaha, concepts for what to do in Omaha with children, and much extra.

Let’s get began!

Issues to Do in Omaha

There’s rather a lot to do in Omaha, from museums to historic sights to consuming and procuring. Listed here are our favourite issues to do in Omaha.

 

Durham Museum

The Durham Museum is present in Omaha’s unique Union Station constructing, which dates from 1899. It was the Union Pacific’s first Artwork Deco railroad station and was used as a passenger practice station till 1971.

The Union Station constructing is a beautiful instance of Artwork Deco structure. It’s virtually price visiting this museum for the constructing alone! That stated, the museum contained throughout the constructing is certainly one of our favourite points of interest in Omaha.

The Durham Museum focuses totally on the historical past of the area and Western America generally, overlaying historical past, tradition, science, and trade. So whether or not you have an interest in transport and trains, Native American tradition, or wildlife, you’re going to discover one thing fascinating. We significantly loved the total measurement practice reveals on the decrease ranges, however the entire museum was glorious to be trustworthy.

If you wish to find out about Omaha and this a part of the nation generally that is the very best place to go. If you’re going to only one museum in Omaha, this could be our advice for most individuals.

There may be additionally an on-site museum store which is a superb place for souvenirs and the Soda Fountain and Sweet Store which is the unique Union Pacific soda fountain that serves phosphates, egg lotions, sundaes, soda, espresso, ice cream floats, snacks, sweet, and extra. Sandwiches, salads, and soups are additionally served right here throughout lunch hours.

In the event you keep for lunch, you may simply spend half your day having fun with this museum. Additionally they usually have particular exhibitions and household occasions taking place.

There’s an admission payment for the museum and free parking on web site. It can save you on admission with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack.

 

The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Rated as one of many world’s prime zoos, the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, also referred to as the Omaha Zoo, spreads throughout over 130 acres of land and is dwelling to over 962 animal species! It has been round for over 100 years as properly, making it one of many oldest points of interest in Omaha on our listing.

The zoo is massive and there’s rather a lot to see, with totally different habitats showcasing totally different species. These embrace:

• the 28-acre African Grasslands space, dwelling to species together with African elephants, giraffes, rhino, lion, cheetah, meerkat, ostrich, and extra
• the 8-acre Asian Highlands space together with species such because the pink panda, Indian rhinos, snow leopard, and Siberian tiger
• the Desert Dome, which is likely one of the world’s largest indoor deserts. This 1 acre lined space has desert species from around the globe together with the African wild cat, klipspringer, bobcat and higher roadrunner
• Gorilla Valley – an exhibit primarily targeted on primates together with gorillas and numerous monkey species
• Orangutan Forest – one other primate targeted exhibit which incorporates the orangutan and langur
• the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, one of many world’s largest in-zoo aquariums. Species embrace sea turtles, sharks, jellyfish, puffins, and penguins
• Kingdoms of the Evening, the world’s largest nocturnal animal exhibit, which additionally occurs to include the world’s largest indoor swamp! Inside you’ll discover all the pieces from bats to porcupine, sloth, crocodiles, & alligators

There are heaps extra reveals, however this could offer you an thought of how spectacular this zoo is. There are additionally rides, together with a 2.5 mile steam powered narrow-gauge railroad which loops across the park. There’s additionally a tram and a “Skyfari”, which is principally an open-air chairlift which gives glorious views over reveals together with the lions and cheetahs.

The previous Rosenblatt stadium, which used to host the Faculty World Collection (now performed on the town on the Charles Schwab Stadium), will also be discovered on the Zoo. While not rather a lot stays, the footprint of it will probably nonetheless be discovered within the Zoo car parking zone.

As you may see, there’s rather a lot to see and do on the Omaha Zoo. We advocate planning on spending not less than a half day right here, however ideally a full day.

There’s an entry payment, with free parking out there on web site. It can save you on admission with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack.

 

Joslyn Artwork Museum

In the event you take pleasure in artwork museums then you’ll positively wish to embrace a go to to Omaha’s spectacular Joslyn Artwork Museum in your go to to Omaha. This initially opened in 1931, and has undergone vital updates over the many years, together with the latest renovations which had been accomplished in late 2024.

At this time, the museum has plenty of everlasting collections which cowl a variety of time durations and areas. These embrace Historic artwork from Greece and Italy, European artists together with Rembrandt and Monet, and a variety of early and trendy American artwork. There may be additionally a big space of contemporary and up to date artwork, and a beautiful out of doors backyard that includes numerous sculptures.

The Joslyn Artwork Museum is free to go to and there may be additionally free parking on web site. Nevertheless, try to be conscious that the automobile park can refill so be ready to attend, or discover parking close by (paid road parking can also be out there).

 

Omaha’s Riverfront Space

Omaha’s riverfront space has undergone vital revitalization in recent times, turning it right into a vacation spot in its personal proper. At this time, it’s a 72-acre space which hyperlinks downtown Omaha to the riverfront. There are three distinct areas to discover: the Lewis & Clark Touchdown. the Gene Leahy Mall, and the Heartland of America Park.

You possibly can go to all three in a single go, or decide and select relying in your pursuits. The entire riverfront growth is certainly price a stroll although, particularly on a pleasant day. In case you are in search of a pleasant place to go for a stroll, have a picnic, calm down on a bench, or take the youngsters out for some recent air, any of those could be an excellent choice. Right here’s what you’ll discover in every space.

Lewis & Clark Touchdown & Customer Heart

Within the early nineteenth century, famed explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark journeyed throughout the huge expanse of land which the USA had bought from France as a part of the Louisiana Buy. They primarily adopted the Missouri River, which at this time flows by and marks the jap fringe of Omaha.

At this time, there are a selection of issues you are able to do within the touchdown space. First, we’d advocate visiting the Lewis and Clark Nationwide Historic Path Headquarters and Customer Heart. This constructing is the headquarters of the historic path which covers 4,900 miles throughout 16 states, and is an efficient place to study concerning the expedition and the path as it may be explored at this time. It’s free to go to.

The Lewis and Clark touchdown space has much more to supply past the customer middle although. It’s a part of the Omaha Riverfront space, and is dwelling to an city seaside, volleyball courts, strolling trails, and a formidable playground which options zip-lines, rocket ship formed climbing towers, sand pits, and extra. In case you have children, they’re going to love visiting this playground.

This a part of the Riverfront can also be the place you’ll discover the Kiewit Luminarium, which we cowl elsewhere on this publish as a prime factor to do in Omaha.

 

Gene Leahy Mall

The Gene Leahy Mall extends Omaha’s riverfront parks into the downtown space. This massive city park has a sculpture park, out of doors live performance venue, water options, out of doors tables and benches, and play space. In the event you go to in winter time, it’s going to be festooned with lights.

The Gene Leahy Mall connects with the Outdated Market space of Omaha in addition to the Heartland of America park. It’s a pleasant place to stroll for a pleasant inexperienced break from the city panorama.

 

Heartland of America Park

The biggest of the three RiverFront parks, that is additionally essentially the most southern of the parks. It extends alongside the Missouri River, with the important thing ingredient being a big lake which options three fountains. The biggest of those three fountains shoots water 300 toes into the air and has a nighttime gentle present.

There’s a strolling path which circumnavigates the lake (round a mile in size), and in the summertime you may take boat rides on the Basic Marion boat. In the event you’re in Omaha in late Spring, that is additionally the place you’ll discover the annual Style of Omaha occasion.

 

Kiewit Luminarium

Discovered within the Lewis & Clark Touchdown space of Omaha’s RiverFront, the Kiewit Luminarium is a big Science Museum which has an emphasis on hands-on, interactive reveals. It’s a significantly good choice if you happen to’re visiting Omaha with children, however adults are catered too as properly. In truth, there’s usually an adults solely occasion known as Evening Mild on Thursday evenings.

Inside, you’re going to seek out greater than 100 hands-on reveals. From studying how physics works, to materials science, constructions, the human physique, know-how, math and geometry, you’re certain to seek out one thing to take pleasure in.

There’s free parking on web site. There’s an entry payment, which is comparatively excessive, however we predict price it if you happen to plan to spend not less than half a day right here.

 

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Omaha sits proper on the jap fringe of Nebraska, with simply the Missouri river separating town from Council Bluffs, Iowa. Linking the 2 cities, and providing you with the chance to face in each states directly, is the spectacular Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

This 3,000 foot lengthy bridge curves majestically throughout the river, and from it you get good views of the cities of Omaha, Nebraska and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Naturally you additionally get good views of the Missouri river, which the bridge crosses.

The bridge is pedestrian solely so no automobile site visitors making it a preferred choice for households with children to take pleasure in.

On the Omaha facet, the bridge begins close to the Nationwide Park Service Guests Heart. It takes you to the Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park on the Iowa facet. In the event you take pleasure in strolling or biking the bridge hyperlinks up with 150 miles of trails. So you may maintain going for fairly a while if you want!

 

Museum of Shadows

In the event you like your experiences to be of the paranormal type, then you’ll possible take pleasure in a go to to Omaha’s Museum of Shadows. That is dwelling to quite a lot of haunted artifacts, with the museum itself additionally stated to be haunted.

Now, this expertise isn’t going to be for everybody, and critiques are positively combined. Nevertheless, if you wish to expertise one thing a bit totally different and consider within the paranormal, it’s positively an choice.

There’s an entry payment, discover out extra right here. You should buy tickets on-line prematurely or on web site in individual. Simply word this isn’t open daily so remember to test opening days and hours earlier than you head right here.

 

The Outdated Market

One among our favourite neighborhoods to wander round and seize a espresso in Omaha is the Outdated Market. This was the initially the center of Omaha’s wholesale grocery commerce again within the late nineteenth century when Omaha sat on the coronary heart of the railroads connecting East and West. The brick buildings right here served as warehouses, wholesale shops, places of work, and extra.

Modifications in how groceries had been purchased and offered meant that by the Nineteen Fifties the Outdated Market was not fulfilling its unique operate, and plenty of of its buildings had been susceptible to being condemned.

Fortunately, domestically born landowner Samuel Mercer noticed the potential of the realm, and led the renovation efforts. At this time, the Outdated Market district is the center of the eating and procuring expertise in Omaha. The previous buildings and cobbled streets stay, now dwelling to shops, eating places, bars, espresso retailers, thrift shops, pubs, and flats. You possibly can even nonetheless take a carriage experience!

You’ll additionally discover that the Omaha Guests Heart is situated subsequent to the Outdated Market space on 306 S tenth Road. It’s usually open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm. They’ve workers who may help you propose your time, free vacationer brochures, and in addition native souvenirs and present for buy. In case you are within the Omaha Financial savings Pack, yow will discover out extra about it right here.

 

Lauritzen Gardens

In the event you take pleasure in inexperienced areas, Omaha has quite a lot of choices, each free and paid. Falling into the latter class are the Lauritzen Gardens. These are a botanical backyard and arboretum in southern Omaha which cowl 100 acres, together with a 4-acre arboretum, and chicken sanctuary. Additionally they have occasions working all year long. We visited as soon as throughout a Japanese competition which was quite a lot of enjoyable. Yow will discover out extra on the official web site right here.

The arboretum space focuses totally on the flora of the Nebraska area, and it additionally has useful info on learn how to entice native birds to your backyard. The gardens additionally embrace a rose backyard, Victorian backyard, herb backyard, Japanese park, and even a mannequin railroad backyard full with working mannequin trains.

Talking of trains, proper subsequent to the Lauritzen Gardens is Kenefick Park. This overlooks Interstate 80 and welcomes individuals arriving from Iowa with the sight of two huge locomotives. Which you’ll be able to stand proper subsequent to if you happen to go to Kenefick Park. This park is free and we actually loved visiting it.

Lauritzen Gardens cost an entry payment, and there’s free parking on web site. It can save you on admission with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack.

 

Joslyn Fort & Gardens

If you go to Omaha, you’ll discover the identify “Joslyn” popping up right here and there, together with the Joslyn Artwork Museum and the Joslyn Fort & Gardens. And also you may surprise why that’s.

Properly, George Joslyn and his spouse Sara moved to Omaha in 1880 and have become rich because of George Joslyn’s involvement within the printing trade. They contributed an excellent deal to town, together with the aforementioned Artwork Museum.

By 1893 the Joslyn’s had enough wealth to construct the backyard and residential of their desires. This resulted within the creation of their dwelling they known as Lynhurst and what’s at this time often known as Joslyn Fort & Gardens. The home itself, accomplished in 1903, is a 4 story constructing constructed within the Scottish Baronial Revival architectural type. It principally appears like a Scottish fort within the coronary heart of Omaha. This price $250,000 to construct again in 1903, or round $9 million in at this time’s cash.

The just about 20,000 sq. foot home is open to the general public by guided tour solely, and we are able to positively advocate taking a tour if you happen to’d prefer to study extra about this uncommon property and the individuals who constructed it. We actually loved our tour right here, the guides had been extremely educated and the inside is simply gorgeous. This was positively our favourite guided tour we’ve taken in Omaha.

There’s a payment to take a tour and you may see the tour schedule and worth right here. The excursions final about 90 minutes and I’d enable not less than 2 hours to your whole go to.

In the event you aren’t visiting on a tour day, or are completely happy to only discover the backyard and have a look at the constructing exterior, that is free to do. There’s free parking on web site and you may discover the grounds your self.

 

Public artwork in Omaha

In the event you like public artwork, then there are many places throughout Omaha the place you may take pleasure in public artwork free of charge. A few of our favourite items embrace:

• Untitled by Jan Kaneko within the Gene Leahy Mall. You possibly can’t assist however discover the big peaceable head if you stroll by this park!
• The Illumina sculptures exterior the CHI Well being Heart Enviornment. That includes six statues of individuals representing the humanities and humanities occasions that happen on the conference middle, in addition to a 35 foot clock. Step inside the middle at night time for an additional colourful artwork set up
• The Pioneer Braveness Park sculptures by Utah sculptors Blair Buswell and Edward Fraughton might be discovered on Capital Avenue. They function a wagon practice continuing alongside a creek mattress, and should be seen to be believed. There’s additionally one other set up on this collection, the Spirit of Nebraska Wilderness sculptures discovered exterior the First Nationwide Financial institution of Omaha, which depict over 50 bigger than life Canada Geese. See particulars on each these parks right here. Two sculpture parks, Pioneer Braveness and Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness and The Transcontinental Railroad, have fun town’s pioneering historical past.
• Fertile Floor Mural by Meg Saligman. You possibly can’t discuss public artwork in Omaha with out together with the Fertile Floor Mural. At 70 toes tall and 465 toes lengthy that is the most important public artwork undertaking in Omaha and one of many largest murals within the USA. Discover it on 602 N thirteenth St within the Outdated Market space of city.
• The Chef Boyardee Statue exterior the Conagra constructing within the Heartland of America park. OK, so this could be an oddball selection, however if you happen to’ve ever eaten canned spaghetti within the USA as a baby, you’re in all probability acquainted with the Chef Boyardee model. The statue is of the real-life chef behind the model, Italian immigrant Ettore Boiardi. He modified his identify to Chef Hector Boyardee to assist gross sales of his packaged spaghetti sauce and dinners and his identify turned nationally identified.

You possibly can see heaps extra examples of public artwork in Omaha, with location info and particulars of the piece and artist on the official Public Artwork Omaha web site right here.

 

Native meals and produce

If you’re in Omaha you’re going to wish to eat, and there are a number of meals choices you need to positively strive if you’re on the town. We advocate the next dishes and places:

• A Reuben Sandwich. It’s believed that the unique Reuben Sandwich was invented on the Blackstone Resort in Omaha, Nebraska, again in 1925 (though some New Yorkers would contend this!). The excellent news is you could nonetheless have a Reuben Sandwich on the Blackstone Resort, which has since develop into the Cottonwood Resort. We had one right here and it was scrumptious (as was the opposite meals we’ve tried right here). We additionally had one on the Crescent Moon throughout the highway on one other go to, which many declare to be the very best Reuben in Omaha. Truthfully, they had been each good. In the event you desire a extra formal eating expertise, then the Blackstone is the best choice. In the event you desire a pub type setting with a beer, then go together with the Crescent Moon choice.
• It’s arduous to say meals in Omaha with out speaking about steaks. There’s actually a complete firm devoted to the idea! This truly makes quite a lot of sense as beef is Omaha’s largest trade, and town has been a meatpacking middle for the reason that center of the twentieth century. So that you may wish to even have a steak when you are on the town. Choices to contemplate for a steak embrace Drover, Mahogany, Jerico’s, Sullivans, Gorat’s, Flemings, and Brother Sebastian’s.
• Talking of steakhouses, as we talked about above, one widespread steak eating choice in Omaha is Gorat’s Steakhouse. However this restaurant is legendary for an additional cause – it’s the favourite steakhouse of legendary investor Warren Buffet who’s head of Berkshire Hathaway. He’s eaten right here many instances, and has even eaten right here with Microsoft founder Invoice Gates. His favourite dish is the 22-oz Omaha T-bone steak and the hashbrowns. Once we went we didn’t see Warren in individual, however there’s a cardboard cutout of him you could pose by if you happen to so want!
• If you wish to strive extra native produce past steak, then you definitely’ll positively wish to embrace corn in your listing of meals to strive in Omaha. Corn is the primary crop grown within the state so we positively can advocate having an ear of corn right here when its in season. Different widespread crops and produce embrace milk and dairy merchandise, beans (Nice Northern, pinto, and so on.), pork, poultry, eggs, sugar beets, apples, and honey. Nebraska can also be dwelling to over 30 wineries so you may additionally have an opportunity to strive some native wine.
• A domestically widespread quick meals is the Runza, which is a yeast dough bread pocket with a filling consisting of beef, cabbage or sauerkraut, onions, and seasonings. The very best place to get a Runza is at a Runza’s, a fast-food chain which has been working in Nebraska since 1949. For a real native expertise, purchase a cinnamon roll at Runza’s and dip it in Runza’s chili. We’ve executed this, and it’s positively higher than it sounds.
• In the event you like ice cream (who doesn’t like ice cream?), then we extremely advocate a go to to Coneflower Creamery, which is inside strolling distance of the Kimpton Cottonwood resort and Joslyn Fort & Gardens. This truly positioned first in a nationwide rating of ice cream places, so we’re not the one ones who assume it’s price a go to! They handmake their ice cream with native, recent elements, and have a variety of traditional and seasonal flavors to select from

That ought to offer you some concepts of the place and what to eat if you go to Omaha, though there are in fact lots extra choices throughout town.

 

Omaha Kids’s Museum

In the event you’re visiting Omaha with kids, then you need to positively take into account together with the Omaha Kids’s Museum in your to-do listing. This award profitable museum goals to stimulate children creativeness and excite them about studying new issues.

It does this by all kinds of everlasting and momentary reveals, the vast majority of that are interactive. These embrace a science middle the place experimentation is inspired, a kid-sized hospital with interactive “x-ray” machines, an interactive kid-friendly financial institution department, and hundreds extra.

The museum has an entry payment and there’s free parking on web site. It can save you on admission with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack.

 

Procuring

As with most cities, Omaha has a superb selection of procuring choices. These vary from the usual huge field and shops that you simply’ll discover most in all places, by to domestically owned places, which we’ll deal with on this information.

• The Outdated Market space of Omaha is the place we’d advocate heading if you happen to’re in search of smaller, domestically owned retailers. You’ll discover all the pieces from vintage retailers to sweet retailers, dwelling decor, books, classic clothes, jewellery and music. We will additionally advocate visiting the Artists Cooperative Gallery if you happen to’d prefer to peruse and purchase artwork from native artists. Naturally, the realm additionally has loads of espresso retailers (in addition to eating places and bars) to maintain you fueled. You’ll additionally discover the native tourism workplace right here.
• The Dundee neighborhood, to the west of downtown, can also be a superb procuring vacation spot. Neighborhood retailers embrace Roger + Chris (dwelling decor), Albany and Avers (classic clothes) and Dundee Candle Co the place you may create and pour your personal candle.
• Nebraska Furnishings Mart. Based in Omaha in 1937, and at this time owned by Berkshire Hathaway, that is an iconic Omaha dwelling furnishing retailer. With over 450,000 sq. toes of retail house, it’s protected to say that if you’re in search of furnishings, it is a good choice. It’s additionally fairly an expertise wandering round resembling huge retailer. Jess and I visited, and had been impressed on the vary of furnishings on provide, throughout a variety of budgets. And sure, they provide delivery.
• For extra identify model retail remedy, you may wish to head to one of many close by procuring shops. These are largely situated exterior of Omaha, and embrace Nebraska Crossing (largest outlet mall in Nebraska), Village Pointe and Regency Procuring Heart (extra upscale manufacturers). We as soon as did some coat procuring at Nebraska Crossing and located it to be a very nice out of doors outlet mall.

As you may see, there are many procuring choices in Omaha, no matter you have an interest in shopping for!

 

Enjoyable Plex Waterpark and Rides

In case you are visiting Omaha within the sizzling summer time months with household, then you definitely may take into account a visit out to the Enjoyable Plex Waterpark and Rides. That is about seven miles from downtown, and is the most important amusement park in Nebraska.

The park has plenty of common rides for each adults and youngsters, in addition to a big waterpark space which options slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and extra. There’s even a 21+ swim-up bar for these in search of a bit extra grownup enjoyable.

The Enjoyable Plex is generally open from late Might to the beginning of September, and you may see ticket costs and park opening hours on the official web site right here.

 

Native Leisure, Festivals, Reveals, & Occasions

Omaha hosts many occasions all year long, from main sporting occasions by to massive conferences, festivals, and extra. Relying on if you go to Omaha, you may discover that there’s one thing go on! Right here’s a fast run down of just some of the occasions that happen in Omaha to present you an thought of what to anticipate.

Even if you happen to aren’t excited about a selected occasion it’s price noting when it takes place as some occasions, such because the Berkshire Hathaway Assembly or the Faculty World Collection might be highly regarded instances to go to Omaha, with lodging costs taking pictures up and widespread eating places reserving out. So if you happen to don’t intend on participating within the occasion, you may wish to keep away from city at the moment!

• Faculty World Collection, a baseball event held in Omaha each June since 1950,. presently happening on the Charles Schwab Subject
• Berkshire Hathaway Annual Assembly, the annual assembly for Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. Usually held in early Might on the CHI Well being Heart Omaha Conference Heart and Enviornment.
• Style of Omaha – a three-day meals competition held each summer time within the Heartland of America park
• Maha Competition – a big music competition which usually takes place on the finish of July
• The Omaha Movie Competition, which takes place in March annually
• There are additionally quite a few performs, musical acts and different performances at venues throughout town all year long, together with at The Rose Theater (kids’s theater), Orpheum Theater, Omaha Neighborhood Playhouse, The Ready Room and the CHI Well being Heart
• Plus in fact there are films, axe throwing, arcades, bowling, mini golf… the listing of actions in Omaha goes on!

For extra on what’s on in Omaha, and extra concepts on what to see and do generally, we extremely advocate popping into the Omaha Guests Heart within the Outdated Market space on 306 S tenth Road. The Go to Omaha web site additionally has info on occasions taking place within the metropolis.

 

And Even Extra!

After all, there’s heaps extra to do in Omaha and the encircling space than we’ve got lined above! Another notable highlights to contemplate visiting, relying in your pursuits, are the next:

• Squirrel Cage Jail. Present in Council Bluffs, Iowa, this museum was a jail from 1885 by to 1969. It’s notable as being dwelling to a revolving “squirrel cage” cell, certainly one of solely 18 constructed
• Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum. Simply southwest of Omaha, this museum focuses on the plane and nuclear missiles of the US Airforce through the Chilly Struggle. Reveals embrace an SR-71 Blackbird plane and a B52 Stratofortress plane, in addition to heaps extra plane, missiles, and even spacecraft.
• Platte River State Park – discovered midway between Omaha and Lincoln, this state park gives quite a lot of nature trails and actions together with fishing and kayaking. We will advocate climbing up one of many commentary towers for fantastic views of the encircling panorama
• Vala’s Pumpkin Patch – if you happen to’re visiting Omaha from late August by to early November, then take into account a go to to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. This big out of doors attraction focuses on all issues Fall, and also you’ll discover hundreds to do from watching pig races to a corn maze, cider consuming, reside reveals and extra. A really enjoyable household attraction.

 

Find out how to Get to Omaha

Omaha is correct in the course of the USA, and has cheap transport connections. We’ve visited Omaha by automobile, airplane, and practice! Listed here are the primary methods to get to town.

• By automobile. Omaha is related by highway to the remainder of the U.S. by two most important Interstates, I-80 which runs east all the best way to New York through Chicago and west all the best way to San Francisco through Salt Lake Metropolis. There’s additionally I-29 which runs north to Fargo, after which finally to the Canadian border, and south to Kansas Metropolis.
• By airplane. Omaha’s airport gives direct flights to over 30 locations in the USA, which means town is comparatively simple to get to by air
• By practice. Omaha is on the Amtrak passenger practice community. We’ve traveled to Omaha on the in a single day sleeper practice from Denver into Omaha which was a enjoyable expertise. Omaha is on the primary Amtrak route which runs between Chicago and San Francisco, the service often known as the California Zephyr, which incorporates stops in Denver, Salt Lake Metropolis, and extra.

 

How Many Days Ought to I Spend in Omaha?

Yon can spend as little or as a lot time as you need in Omaha as there are many issues to do and see. You possibly can simply spend per week right here visiting all of the cultural points of interest, exploring the parks, gardens, and strolling paths, procuring, consuming at steakhouses, and taking in some night leisure.

However at a minimal we’d in all probability advocate not less than two full days and nights to get a superb style of town.

Prompt Two Day Omaha Itinerary

Right here’s a fast overview of a potential itinerary for 2 days in Omaha.

In your first day you may go to the Durham Museum within the morning, have a Reuben for lunch, spend the afternoon within the Outdated Market space, and see a play that night.

Then on the second day you may head over to the Omaha Zoo & Aquarium (Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium) for a full time out after which have dinner that night at a neighborhood steakhouse.

In case you have extra time, then I might undergo our listing and write down all of the locations you wish to see and the way a lot time you assume you’d spend at every. That ought to offer you a good suggestion of how a lot time you’ll want. Additionally remember to take into consideration opening instances and days as many points of interest are closed not less than sooner or later per week.

In case you are visiting for the Faculty World Collection, Berkshire Hathaway Annual Assembly, or another huge occasion, it’s a good suggestion so as to add an additional day to your journey so you will have extra time to discover if potential.

 

The place to Keep in Omaha

Omaha has a variety of lodging choices, together with accommodations, house leases, motels, and extra. Costs vary from price range to high-end, and usually the nearer you’re to downtown the upper the costs shall be. In case you are driving, most downtown accommodations will provide valet parking, though road parking can also be usually an choice (simply keep in mind to pay the meter!).

It’s additionally price noting that pricing can range rather a lot relying on the time of yr you go to, and if there are any main occasions occurring within the metropolis. The Berkshire Hathaway assembly for instance is a time when costs for lodging in Omaha can actually go up, so if you happen to aren’t planning on attending that you simply may wish to keep away from these few days.

Listed here are some choices for the place to remain in and round Omaha.

• Resort Deco – in a constructing courting from 1930, this Artwork Deco styled 4* boutique resort gives beautiful en-suite rooms and is inside simple strolling distance of the downtown sights. There’s an on-site restaurant and valet parking. We stayed right here for 3 nights on a latest go to to Omaha and loved it.
• Hilton Omaha – That is the closest resort to the CHI Well being Heart (conference middle for plenty of occasions and conferences within the metropolis), to which it’s related through a Skybridge, making it a superb choice if you happen to’re attending an occasion right here. 4* resort with on-site restaurant, airport shuttle, pool and each self-parking and valet parking choices. Pets accepted. This additionally a superb resort choice for the Faculty World Collection on the Charles Schwab stadium as it is extremely near the venue additionally.
• The Peregrine – this resort is present in a historic native landmark constructing which dates from 1914. At this time it’s a boutique resort providing 4* lodging simply minutes stroll from downtown.
• The Farnam, Autograph Assortment – probably the most extremely rated accommodations in downtown Omaha, this centrally situated 4* resort gives snug rooms, on-site parking, and three eating places to select from.
• Kimpton Cottonwood Resort – present in Omaha’s Blackstone district a couple of minutes drive from downtown, this beautiful 4* resort is a revival of the long-lasting Blackstone resort which was discovered on this location from 1916. This can be a stunning previous resort with all of the facilities you’ll want for a leisure or enterprise keep. In the event you keep right here, remember to strive a Reuben! The resort additionally has afternoon tea service on some Sundays.
• Hampton Inn Council Bluffs – if you happen to would favor a resort with free parking, then the Hampton Inn in Council Bluffs Iowa is an efficient choice to contemplate. It’s just some minutes drive to downtown and breakfast is included
• BridgePointe Inn & Suites – a extra price range oriented choice present in Council Bluffs, Iowa. There’s free parking on web site and breakfast is included. It’s additionally solely a brief drive from downtown Omaha

Naturally there are various extra lodging choices in Omaha. See a full listing of choices together with trip leases, motels and accommodations right here.

 

Find out how to Get Round Omaha

Omaha is a reasonably simple metropolis to get round whether or not on foot, by automobile, by bike, or by public transit.

Downtown Omaha may be very walkable, with many sights just some minutes stroll aside. For locations somewhat farther from downtown, such because the Blackstone District, Joslyn Fort, Lauritzen Gardens and so on., then it would be best to use some technique of mechanized transport.

Public transport providers, primarily within the type of a bus system, function throughout the Omaha space. The system is called the Omaha Metro, and yow will discover reside bus instances and routes on the My Journey web site and app. Fares for the Metro service have to be paid by the UMO system, which implies both downloading the UMO app, getting an Umo card, or buying an Umo token. See extra on how to try this right here.

Omaha can also be within the means of setting up a streetcar service which is meant to hyperlink downtown with the Blackstone district. That’s hoped to be working by 2027.

It’s also possible to drive simply round Omaha, which is what we usually find yourself doing. Road parking is offered throughout town for cheap charges, and you may pay utilizing the Park Omaha or ParkMobile app for smartphones. Charges range, and you may test the most recent parking info right here.

Journey share providers together with Uber, Lyft and zTrip are additionally out there, as are bike share and scooter rental providers.

 

Find out how to Save Cash in Omaha

Whereas Omaha doesn’t have a metropolis attraction cross that we’re conscious of, it can save you on points of interest with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack. This can be a free service supplied by the native tourism workplace, and gives reductions on among the hottest points of interest within the metropolis.

This contains locations just like the Durham Museum, Lauritzen Gardens, the Zoo, Omaha Kids’s Museum, and extra.

It’s free to get the cross and it’s all dealt with on-line. All it’s important to do is present your info and the cross shall be despatched to your telephone. You possibly can see extra and enroll on the official Omaha Financial savings Pack web site right here.

 

Additional Studying

That’s it for our information to issues to do in Omaha, Nebraska. Earlier than you head off although, I simply wished to share some extra sources we’ve put collectively that can assist you plan your journey to town, and journey within the USA generally.

• Questioning how a lot a go to to Omaha may cost? Take a look at our information to how a lot it prices to journey within the USA that can assist you plan your journey price range.
• I’ve written a information that includes a few of my prime suggestions for driving within the USA to assist get you occurring the highway!
• We’ve visited quite a lot of different cities within the USA! See our guides to issues to do in Las Vegas, issues to do in Huntsville, issues to do in Savannah, issues to do in Charleston, issues to do in Albuquerque, visiting New Orleans throughout Mardi Gras, issues to do in Cambria, issues to do in Houston, issues to do in Dallas, and issues to do in Santa Fe
• If you would like some USA highway journey inspiration, see our itineraries for a USA Deep South highway journey, California Street Journey, Route 66 Street Journey and Pacific Coast Freeway Street Journey
• And if you happen to’re in search of inspiration for the remainder of the USA, try our USA part, which has heaps extra inspiration

Do you will have any questions on visiting Omaha? As at all times, we’re completely happy to reply any questions you might need, simply pop them within the feedback beneath and we’ll get again to you as quickly as we are able to.