Omaha
Good times beckon in a Great Plains crossroads
When you arrive in Omaha, Nebraska, you can rest assured that there’s lots of fun to be had. Omaha is a cosmopolitan city with a small-town feel that boasts unique attractions and ample opportunity for good old-fashioned family fun.
Omaha transformed its former Union Station into a hands-on history lesson that rivals larger institutions. The Durham Museum features passenger trains from the 1940s and 1950s, vintage automobiles and historical exhibits that tell the story of Omaha’s residents, from Native American peoples to adventurous pioneers to the blue-collar workers of the Industrial Age.
Surround yourself with natural beauty at Lauritzen Gardens-Omaha’s Botanical Center. More than a garden, the center is home to a four-acre bird sanctuary, a woodland trail and a springtime flowering walkway, along with several other perennial and annual features. Even in the frigid Nebraska winters, the center’s conservatory boasts more than 17,000 square feet of tropical plants, horticultural designs and water features overlooking the Missouri River Valley.
Stroll through Omaha’s Old Market and discover a treasure trove of fine art, antiques and collectibles, or enjoy a sweet carriage ride through the market before taking in an off-Broadway production at the Blue Barn Theatre. Old Market is a hot spot for trendy or casual dining, as well as for sweet treats and after-dinner drinks with friendly locals.
For an unforgettable stroll, cross the 3,000-foot-long Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which crosses the Missouri River and offers spectacular views of the city’s skyline.
Stand where some of America’s greatest explorers once stood at Lewis & Clark Landing, a 23-acre park that includes memorials to firefighters and laborers, as well as interpretive exhibits dedicated to the two pioneering travelers. Learn more about the explorers’ epic journey through the wilds of uncharted America at the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters.
Walk Among Giants
Walk among (bronze) giants at Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park. More than 100 sculptures that weigh anywhere between 400 pounds and six tons are scattered over six blocks of downtown Omaha, telling the story of the pioneer journey out west.
The Gene Leahy Pedestrian Mall is a calm oasis in the bustling downtown that draws visitors in with its lagoon and waterfalls, easy walking paths and gardens, and playground and pet-friendly spaces. The park is home to the city’s annual Holiday Lights Festival in wintertime.
Explore a symbol of American “royalty” on a visit to Joslyn Castle, which is now part of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. The Omaha landmark was built by one of the state’s wealthiest families in the early 20th century. The Scottish baronial home is four stories tall and has 35 rooms, including a music room, a ballroom and a gold drawing room.
Even the cold Nebraska winters can’t chill the Desert Dome at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. The geodesic dome is the largest indoor desert in the world and is home to plants and animals from three desert environments. Underneath the desert exhibit, visitors can tour the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit.
Bask in the natural beauty of Nebraska on a leisurely float down the Elkhorn River–in a stock tank! Fitted with custom picnic tables and able to seat as many as four people, the tanks are a popular and unique outing for Nebraskans and out-of-state visitors every summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
For More Information
Visit Omaha
866-937-6624
Nebraska Department of Economic Development
877-NEBRASKA