Jess and I’ve household in Omaha, which implies we’ve visited town various occasions through the years. In that point, we’ve visited an ideal lots of Omaha’s sights and sights. So we needed 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 grew to become an necessary transportation hub within the nineteenth century and would ultimately appeal to individuals to remain for its railroad, meatpacking, and business jobs. At this time this mid-sized Midwestern metropolis is dwelling to various cultural sights and performs host to common 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 principle sights and sights, present recommendations on the place to remain, give options on meals to strive in Omaha, concepts for what to do in Omaha with youngsters, and plenty extra.
Let’s get began!
Issues to Do in Omaha
There’s lots to do in Omaha, from museums to historic sights to consuming and purchasing. Listed below are our favourite issues to do in Omaha.
Durham Museum
The Durham Museum is present in Omaha’s authentic Union Station constructing, which dates from 1899. It was the Union Pacific’s first Artwork Deco railroad station and was used as a passenger prepare station till 1971.
The Union Station constructing is a beautiful instance of Artwork Deco structure. It’s virtually value visiting this museum for the constructing alone! That mentioned, the museum contained inside the constructing is one in every of our favourite sights in Omaha.
The Durham Museum focuses totally on the historical past of the area and Western America typically, overlaying historical past, tradition, science, and business. So whether or not you have an interest in transport and trains, Native American tradition, or wildlife, you will discover one thing fascinating. We significantly loved the total dimension prepare reveals on the decrease ranges, however the entire museum was glorious to be trustworthy.
If you wish to study Omaha and this a part of the nation typically that is the most effective place to go. If you will only one museum in Omaha, this could be our suggestion for most individuals.
There’s additionally an on-site museum store which is a good 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.
If you happen to keep for lunch, you’ll be able to simply spend half your day having fun with this museum. In addition they typically have particular exhibitions and household occasions taking place.
There’s an admission price for the museum and free parking on website. 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 high 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 effectively, making it one of many oldest sights in Omaha on our checklist.
The zoo is massive and there’s lots to see, with completely different habitats showcasing completely 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 coated space has desert species from world wide together with the African wild cat, klipspringer, bobcat and larger roadrunner
- Gorilla Valley – an exhibit primarily centered on primates together with gorillas and varied monkey species
- Orangutan Forest – one other primate centered 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 things from bats to porcupine, sloth, crocodiles, & alligators
There are heaps extra reveals, however this could provide you with an concept 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 mainly an open-air chairlift which provides 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), can be discovered on the Zoo. While not lots stays, the footprint of it could possibly nonetheless be discovered within the Zoo car parking zone.
As you’ll be able to see, there’s lots to see and do on the Omaha Zoo. We advocate planning on spending a minimum of a half day right here, however ideally a full day.
There’s an entry price, with free parking out there on website. It can save you on admission with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack.
Joslyn Artwork Museum
If you happen to get pleasure from artwork museums then you’ll undoubtedly need 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 newest renovations which had been accomplished in late 2024.
At this time, the museum has various everlasting collections which cowl a variety of time intervals and areas. These embrace Historical artwork from Greece and Italy, European artists together with Rembrandt and Monet, and a variety of early and trendy American artwork. There’s additionally a big space of contemporary and up to date artwork, and a beautiful outside backyard that includes varied sculptures.
The Joslyn Artwork Museum is free to go to and there may be additionally free parking on website. Nevertheless, you need to be conscious that the automobile park can replenish so be ready to attend, or discover parking close by (paid road parking can be out there).
Omaha’s Riverfront Space
Omaha’s riverfront space has undergone vital revitalization lately, 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’ll be able to go to all three in a single go, or decide and select relying in your pursuits. The entire riverfront improvement is certainly value a stroll although, particularly on a pleasant day. If you’re searching for a pleasant place to go for a stroll, have a picnic, calm down on a bench, or take the children out for some contemporary air, any of those can be an ideal possibility. 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 america had bought from France as a part of the Louisiana Buy. They primarily adopted the Missouri River, which at the moment 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 effective place to study in regards to the expedition and the path as it may be explored at the moment. It’s free to go to.
The Lewis and Clark touchdown space has much more to supply past the customer heart although. It’s a part of the Omaha Riverfront space, and is dwelling to an city seaside, volleyball courts, strolling trails, and a powerful playground which options zip-lines, rocket ship formed climbing towers, sand pits, and extra. If in case you have youngsters, they’ll love visiting this playground.
This a part of the Riverfront can be the place you’ll discover the Kiewit Luminarium, which we cowl elsewhere on this put up as a high factor to do in Omaha.
Gene Leahy Mall
The Gene Leahy Mall extends Omaha’s riverfront parks into the downtown space. This huge city park has a sculpture park, outside live performance venue, water options, outside tables and benches, and play space. If you happen to go to in winter time, it’s going to be festooned with lights.
The Gene Leahy Mall connects with the Previous 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 most important 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 component being a big lake which options three fountains. The most important 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’ll be able to take boat rides on the Normal Marion boat. If you happen to’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 possibility in case you’re visiting Omaha with youngsters, however adults are catered too as effectively. The truth is, there’s usually an adults solely occasion referred to as Evening Mild on Thursday evenings.
Inside, you’re going to search out greater than 100 hands-on reveals. From studying how physics works, to materials science, buildings, the human physique, know-how, math and geometry, you’re certain to search out one thing to get pleasure from.
There’s free parking on website. There’s an entry price, which is comparatively excessive, however we expect value it in case you plan to spend a minimum of 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 supplying you with the chance to face in each states without delay, 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 visitors making it a preferred possibility for households with youngsters to get pleasure from.
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. If you happen to get pleasure from strolling or biking the bridge hyperlinks up with 150 miles of trails. So you’ll be able to maintain going for fairly a while if you want!
Museum of Shadows
If you happen to like your experiences to be of the paranormal type, then you’ll seemingly get pleasure from a go to to Omaha’s Museum of Shadows. That is dwelling to a wide range of haunted artifacts, with the museum itself additionally mentioned to be haunted.
Now, this expertise isn’t going to be for everybody, and opinions are undoubtedly combined. Nevertheless, if you wish to expertise one thing a bit completely different and imagine within the paranormal, it’s undoubtedly an possibility.
There’s an entry price, discover out extra right here. You should buy tickets on-line prematurely or on website in particular person. Simply notice this isn’t open every single day so remember to examine opening days and hours earlier than you head right here.
The Previous Market
One in all our favourite neighborhoods to wander round and seize a espresso in Omaha is the Previous 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 bought meant that by the Fifties the Previous Market was not fulfilling its authentic perform, and lots of of its buildings had been liable to being condemned.
Fortunately, domestically born landowner Samuel Mercer noticed the potential of the world, and led the renovation efforts. At this time, the Previous Market district is the center of the eating and purchasing expertise in Omaha. The previous buildings and cobbled streets stay, now dwelling to shops, eating places, bars, espresso outlets, thrift shops, pubs, and residences. You’ll be able to even nonetheless take a carriage experience!
You’ll additionally discover that the Omaha Guests Heart is positioned subsequent to the Previous Market space on 306 S tenth Road. It’s usually open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm. They’ve workers who might help you propose your time, free vacationer brochures, and likewise native souvenirs and reward for buy. If you’re within the Omaha Financial savings Pack, yow will discover out extra about it right here.
Lauritzen Gardens
If you happen to get pleasure from inexperienced areas, Omaha has lots 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 hen sanctuary. In addition they have occasions working all year long. We visited as soon as throughout a Japanese competition which was lots of enjoyable. You’ll find 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 appeal to 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 in case you go to Kenefick Park. This park is free and we actually loved visiting it.
Lauritzen Gardens cost an entry price, and there’s free parking on website. It can save you on admission with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack.
Joslyn Fort & Gardens
While you go to Omaha, you’ll discover the title “Joslyn” popping up right here and there, together with the Joslyn Artwork Museum and the Joslyn Fort & Gardens. And also you may marvel why that’s.
Effectively, George Joslyn and his spouse Sara moved to Omaha in 1880 and have become rich because of George Joslyn’s involvement within the printing business. They contributed an ideal deal to town, together with the aforementioned Artwork Museum.
By 1893 the Joslyn’s had ample wealth to construct the backyard and residential of their desires. This resulted within the creation of their dwelling they referred to as Lynhurst and what’s at the moment often called Joslyn Fort & Gardens. The home itself, accomplished in 1903, is a 4 story constructing constructed within the Scottish Baronial Revival architectural model. It mainly seems like a Scottish citadel within the coronary heart of Omaha. This price $250,000 to construct again in 1903, or round $9 million in at the moment’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 undoubtedly advocate taking a tour in case you’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 beautiful. This was undoubtedly our favourite guided tour we’ve taken in Omaha.
There’s a price to take a tour and you may see the tour schedule and value right here. The excursions final about 90 minutes and I’d enable a minimum of 2 hours in your complete go to.
If you happen to aren’t visiting on a tour day, or are joyful to only discover the backyard and have a look at the constructing exterior, that is free to do. There’s free parking on website and you may discover the grounds your self.
Public artwork in Omaha
If you happen to like public artwork, then there are many places throughout Omaha the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from public artwork without cost. A few of our favourite items embrace:
- Untitled by Jan Kaneko within the Gene Leahy Mall. You’ll be able to’t assist however discover the big peaceable head if you stroll by this park!
- The Illumina sculptures outdoors the CHI Well being Heart Area. That includes six statues of individuals representing the humanities and humanities occasions that happen on the conference heart, 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 may be discovered on Capital Avenue. They characteristic a wagon prepare continuing alongside a creek mattress, and need to be seen to be believed. There’s additionally one other set up on this sequence, the Spirit of Nebraska Wilderness sculptures discovered outdoors 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, rejoice town’s pioneering historical past.
- Fertile Floor Mural by Meg Saligman. You’ll be able to’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 challenge in Omaha and one of many largest murals within the USA. Discover it on 602 N thirteenth St within the Previous Market space of city.
- The Chef Boyardee Statue outdoors the Conagra constructing within the Heartland of America park. OK, so this is likely to be an oddball alternative, however in case you’ve ever eaten canned spaghetti within the USA as a toddler, 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 title to Chef Hector Boyardee to assist gross sales of his packaged spaghetti sauce and dinners and his title grew to become nationally recognized.
You’ll be able to 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
While you’re in Omaha you will need to eat, and there are just a few meals choices you must undoubtedly 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 that you may nonetheless have a Reuben Sandwich on the Blackstone Resort, which has since grow to be 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 street on one other go to, which many declare to be the most effective Reuben in Omaha. Actually, they had been each good. If you happen to favor a extra formal eating expertise, then the Blackstone is the most suitable choice. If you happen to favor a pub model setting with a beer, then go along with the Crescent Moon possibility.
- It’s onerous to say meals in Omaha with out speaking about steaks. There’s actually a complete firm devoted to the idea! This really makes lots of sense as beef is Omaha’s largest business, and town has been a meatpacking heart for the reason that center of the twentieth century. So that you may need to even have a steak if 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 common steak eating possibility in Omaha is Gorat’s Steakhouse. However this restaurant is known for an additional purpose – it’s the favourite steakhouse of legendary investor Warren Buffet who’s head of Berkshire Hathaway. He’s eaten right here many occasions, 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. After we went we didn’t see Warren in particular person, however there’s a cardboard cutout of him that you may pose by in case you so want!
- If you wish to strive extra native produce past steak, then you definitely’ll undoubtedly need to embrace corn in your checklist of meals to strive in Omaha. Corn is the primary crop grown within the state so we undoubtedly can advocate having an ear of corn right here when its in season. Different common 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 be dwelling to over 30 wineries so you might also have an opportunity to strive some native wine.
- A domestically common 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 perfect 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 accomplished this, and it’s undoubtedly higher than it sounds.
- If you happen to 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 lodge and Joslyn Fort & Gardens. This really positioned first in a nationwide rating of ice cream places, so we’re not the one ones who suppose it’s value a go to! They handmake their ice cream with native, contemporary components, and have a spread of basic and seasonal flavors to select from
That ought to provide you with some concepts of the place and what to eat if you go to Omaha, though there are after all lots extra choices throughout town.
Omaha Kids’s Museum
If you happen to’re visiting Omaha with kids, then you must undoubtedly contemplate together with the Omaha Kids’s Museum in your to-do checklist. This award successful museum goals to stimulate youngsters creativeness and excite them about studying new issues.
It does this by all kinds of everlasting and non permanent reveals, nearly all of that are interactive. These embrace a science heart 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 price and there’s free parking on website. It can save you on admission with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack.
Buying
As with most cities, Omaha has a wonderful alternative of purchasing choices. These vary from the usual massive field and malls that you simply’ll discover most in all places, by to domestically owned places, which we’ll deal with on this information.
- The Previous Market space of Omaha is the place we’d advocate heading in case you’re searching for smaller, domestically owned outlets. You’ll discover all the things from vintage outlets to sweet outlets, dwelling decor, books, classic clothes, jewellery and music. We are able to additionally advocate visiting the Artists Cooperative Gallery in case you’d prefer to peruse and purchase artwork from native artists. Naturally, the world additionally has loads of espresso outlets (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 be a superb purchasing vacation spot. Neighborhood outlets embrace Roger + Chris (dwelling decor), Albany and Avers (classic clothes) and Dundee Candle Co the place you’ll be able to create and pour your personal candle.
- Nebraska Furnishings Mart. Based in Omaha in 1937, and at the moment owned by Berkshire Hathaway, that is an iconic Omaha dwelling furnishing retailer. With over 450,000 sq. toes of retail house, it’s secure to say that if you’re searching for furnishings, this can be a good possibility. It’s additionally fairly an expertise wandering round comparable to huge retailer. Jess and I visited, and had been impressed on the vary of furnishings on supply, throughout a variety of budgets. And sure, they provide transport.
- For extra title model retail remedy, you may need to head to one of many close by purchasing shops. These are largely positioned outdoors of Omaha, and embrace Nebraska Crossing (largest outlet mall in Nebraska), Village Pointe and Regency Buying Heart (extra upscale manufacturers). We as soon as did some coat purchasing at Nebraska Crossing and located it to be a very nice outside outlet mall.
As you’ll be able to see, there are many purchasing choices in Omaha, no matter you have an interest in shopping for!
Enjoyable Plex Waterpark and Rides
If you’re visiting Omaha within the scorching summer season months with household, then you definitely may contemplate 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 various common rides for each adults and children, 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 searching for a bit extra grownup enjoyable.
The Enjoyable Plex is often 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 provide you an concept of what to anticipate.
Even in case you aren’t inquisitive about a particular occasion it’s value noting when it takes place as some occasions, such because the Berkshire Hathaway Assembly or the Faculty World Collection may be extremely popular occasions to go to Omaha, with lodging costs taking pictures up and common eating places reserving out. So in case you don’t intend on participating within the occasion, you may need to keep away from city at the moment!
- Faculty World Collection, a baseball match held in Omaha each June since 1950,. at present going down on the Charles Schwab Discipline
- 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 Area.
- Style of Omaha – a three-day meals competition held each summer season 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 every year
- 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 Group Playhouse, The Ready Room and the CHI Well being Heart
- Plus after all there are motion pictures, axe throwing, arcades, bowling, mini golf… the checklist of actions in Omaha goes on!
For extra on what’s on in Omaha, and extra concepts on what to see and do typically, we extremely advocate popping into the Omaha Guests Heart within the Previous 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 encompassing space than now we have coated 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, one in every 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 Conflict. 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 provides a wide range of nature trails and actions together with fishing and kayaking. We are able to advocate climbing up one of many remark towers for great views of the encompassing panorama
- Vala’s Pumpkin Patch – in case you’re visiting Omaha from late August by to early November, then contemplate a go to to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. This big outside attraction focuses on all issues Fall, and also you’ll discover hundreds to do from watching pig races to a corn maze, cider ingesting, dwell exhibits 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 prepare! Listed below are the principle methods to get to town.
- By automobile. Omaha is linked by street to the remainder of the U.S. by two fundamental Interstates, I-80 which runs east all the best way to New York by way of Chicago and west all the best way to San Francisco by way of 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 provides direct flights to over 30 locations in america, which means town is comparatively simple to get to by air
- By prepare. Omaha is on the Amtrak passenger prepare community. We’ve traveled to Omaha on the in a single day sleeper prepare from Denver into Omaha which was a enjoyable expertise. Omaha is on the principle Amtrak route which runs between Chicago and San Francisco, the service often called 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’ll be able to simply spend every week right here visiting all of the cultural sights, exploring the parks, gardens, and strolling paths, purchasing, consuming at steakhouses, and taking in some night leisure.
However at a minimal we’d in all probability advocate a minimum of two full days and nights to get a superb style of town.
Advised 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 Previous 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 day trip after which have dinner that night at an area steakhouse.
If in case you have extra time, then I might undergo our checklist and write down all of the locations you need to see and the way a lot time you suppose you’d spend at every. That ought to provide you with a good suggestion of how a lot time you’ll want. Additionally remember to have in mind opening occasions and days as many sights are closed a minimum of at some point every week.
If you’re visiting for the Faculty World Collection, Berkshire Hathaway Annual Assembly, or another massive occasion, it’s a good suggestion so as to add an additional day to your journey so you’ve got extra time to discover if potential.
The place to Keep in Omaha
Omaha has a variety of lodging choices, together with lodges, condominium leases, motels, and extra. Costs vary from price range to high-end, and usually the nearer you’re to downtown the upper the costs will probably be. If you’re driving, most downtown lodges will supply valet parking, though road parking can be typically an possibility (simply keep in mind to pay the meter!).
It’s additionally value noting that pricing can fluctuate lots relying on the time of 12 months 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 in case you aren’t planning on attending that you simply may need to keep away from these few days.
Listed below 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 lodge provides 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 current go to to Omaha and loved it.
- Hilton Omaha – That is the closest lodge to the CHI Well being Heart (conference heart for various occasions and conferences within the metropolis), to which it’s linked by way of a Skybridge, making it a superb possibility in case you’re attending an occasion right here. 4* lodge with on-site restaurant, airport shuttle, pool and each self-parking and valet parking choices. Pets accepted. This additionally a superb lodge possibility for the Faculty World Collection on the Charles Schwab stadium as it is rather near the venue additionally.
- The Peregrine – this lodge is present in a historic native landmark constructing which dates from 1914. At this time it’s a boutique lodge providing 4* lodging simply minutes stroll from downtown.
- The Farnam, Autograph Assortment – probably the most extremely rated lodges in downtown Omaha, this centrally positioned 4* lodge provides 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* lodge is a revival of the enduring Blackstone lodge which was discovered on this location from 1916. It is a stunning previous lodge with all of the facilities you’ll want for a leisure or enterprise keep. If you happen to keep right here, remember to strive a Reuben! The lodge additionally has afternoon tea service on some Sundays.
- Hampton Inn Council Bluffs – in case you would like a lodge with free parking, then the Hampton Inn in Council Bluffs Iowa is an effective possibility to contemplate. It’s just some minutes drive to downtown and breakfast is included
- BridgePointe Inn & Suites – a extra price range oriented possibility present in Council Bluffs, Iowa. There’s free parking on website and breakfast is included. It’s additionally solely a brief drive from downtown Omaha
Naturally there are lots of extra lodging choices in Omaha. See a full checklist of choices together with trip leases, motels and lodges 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 companies, primarily within the type of a bus system, function throughout the Omaha space. The system is called the Omaha Metro, and yow will discover dwell bus occasions 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 do this right here.
Omaha can be within the strategy of establishing a streetcar service which is meant to hyperlink downtown with the Blackstone district. That’s hoped to be working by 2027.
You can even drive simply round Omaha, which is what we usually find yourself doing. Road parking is obtainable throughout town for cheap charges, and you may pay utilizing the Park Omaha or ParkMobile app for smartphones. Charges fluctuate, and you may examine the most recent parking info right here.
Journey share companies together with Uber, Lyft and zTrip are additionally out there, as are bike share and scooter rental companies.
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 sights with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack. It is a free service supplied by the native tourism workplace, and provides reductions on a number of the hottest sights 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 you must do is present your info and the cross will probably be despatched to your telephone. You’ll be able to see extra and join 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 needed to share some extra sources we’ve put collectively that will help you plan your journey to town, and journey within the USA typically.
- Questioning how a lot a go to to Omaha may cost? Try our information to how a lot it prices to journey within the USA that will help you plan your journey price range.
- I’ve written a information that includes a few of my high ideas for driving within the USA to assist get you occurring the street!
- We’ve visited lots 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’d like some USA street journey inspiration, see our itineraries for a USA Deep South street journey, California Street Journey, Route 66 Street Journey and Pacific Coast Freeway Street Journey
- And in case you’re searching for inspiration for the remainder of the USA, take a look at our USA part, which has heaps extra inspiration
Do you’ve got any questions on visiting Omaha? As all the time, we’re joyful to reply any questions you might need, simply pop them within the feedback under and we’ll get again to you as quickly as we are able to.
