15+ Issues to do in Omaha, Nebraska

Jess and I’ve household in Omaha, which suggests we’ve visited the town a variety of instances through the years. In that point, we’ve visited a fantastic a lot of Omaha’s sights and points of interest. So we needed to place collectively a fast information to our favourite issues to do in Omaha, Nebraska.

Omaha is the biggest 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 the moment this mid-sized Midwestern metropolis is dwelling to a variety of cultural points of interest and performs host to in style occasions such because the Faculty World Collection and the annual Berkshire Hathaway assembly.

So, whether or not you’re on the town for a giant 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 so much 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 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 mentioned, the museum contained inside the constructing is one in every of our favourite points of interest in Omaha.

The Durham Museum focuses totally on the historical past of the area and Western America normally, masking historical past, tradition, science, and trade. So whether or not you have an interest in transport and trains, Native American tradition, or wildlife, you’ll discover one thing attention-grabbing. We notably loved the complete measurement practice reveals on the decrease ranges, however the entire museum was wonderful to be sincere.

If you wish to find out about Omaha and this a part of the nation normally that is the perfect place to go. If you’ll only one museum in Omaha, this is able to be our advice for most individuals.

There’s 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.

For those who keep for lunch, you possibly can simply spend half your day having fun with this museum. In addition they usually have particular exhibitions and household occasions taking place.

There’s an admission payment 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 points of interest in Omaha on our checklist.

The zoo is massive and there’s so much to see, with completely different habitats showcasing completely different species. These embody:

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 purple panda, Indian rhinos, snow leopard, and Siberian tiger
the Desert Dome, which is without doubt one of the world’s largest indoor deserts. This 1 acre coated space has desert species from around the globe together with the African wild cat, klipspringer, bobcat and better 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 embody sea turtles, sharks, jellyfish, puffins, and penguins
Kingdoms of the Evening, the world’s largest nocturnal animal exhibit, which additionally occurs to comprise the world’s largest indoor swamp! Inside you’ll discover the whole lot from bats to porcupine, sloth, crocodiles, & alligators

There are heaps extra reveals, however this could offer you 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 presents wonderful 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 so much stays, the footprint of it may possibly nonetheless be discovered within the Zoo parking zone.

As you possibly can see, there’s so much to see and do on the Omaha Zoo. We advocate planning on spending at the least a half day right here, however ideally a full day.

There’s an entry payment, with free parking obtainable on website. It can save you on admission with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack.

Joslyn Artwork Museum

For those who take pleasure in artwork museums then you’ll undoubtedly need to embody a go to to Omaha’s spectacular Joslyn Artwork Museum in your go to to Omaha. This initially opened in 1931, and has undergone important updates over the many years, together with the latest renovations which have been accomplished in late 2024.

At the moment, the museum has a variety of everlasting collections which cowl a variety of time durations and areas. These embody 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 modern 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 website. Nonetheless, you need to be conscious that the automotive park can replenish so be ready to attend, or discover parking close by (paid road parking can be obtainable).

Omaha’s Riverfront Space

Omaha’s riverfront space has undergone important revitalization in recent times, turning it right into a vacation spot in its personal proper. At the moment, 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 choose 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 on the lookout for a pleasant place to go for a stroll, have a picnic, loosen up on a bench, or take the youngsters out for some recent air, any of those could be a fantastic 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 immediately flows via and marks the jap fringe of Omaha.

At the moment, there are a variety 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 be taught concerning the expedition and the path as it may be explored immediately. 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 formidable playground which options zip-lines, rocket ship formed climbing towers, sand pits, and extra. When you’ve got children, they’re going to 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 publish 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 massive city park has a sculpture park, out of doors live performance venue, water options, out of doors tables and benches, and play space. For those who 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 probably the most southern of the parks. It extends alongside the Missouri River, with the important thing factor being a big lake which options three fountains. The most important of those three fountains shoots water 300 ft into the air and has a nighttime mild present.

There’s a strolling path which circumnavigates the lake (round a mile in size), and in the summertime you possibly can take boat rides on the Basic Marion boat. For those who’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 notably good possibility in the event you’re visiting Omaha with children, however adults are catered too as effectively. In reality, there’s usually an adults solely occasion known as Evening Gentle on Thursday evenings.

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

There’s free parking on website. There’s an entry payment, which is comparatively excessive, however we predict price it in the event you plan to spend at the least half a day right here.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Omaha sits proper on the jap fringe of Nebraska, with simply the Missouri river separating the town from Council Bluffs, Iowa. Linking the 2 cities, and supplying 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 automotive site visitors making it a preferred possibility 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. For those who take pleasure in strolling or biking the bridge hyperlinks up with 150 miles of trails. So you possibly can preserve going for fairly a while if you want!

Museum of Shadows

For those who like your experiences to be of the paranormal type, then you’ll doubtless 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 mentioned to be haunted.

Now, this expertise isn’t going to be for everybody, and critiques are undoubtedly blended. Nonetheless, 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 payment, discover out extra right here. You should purchase tickets on-line prematurely or on website in individual. Simply be aware this isn’t open daily so you should definitely test opening days and hours earlier than you head right here.

The Previous Market

One in every of our favourite neighborhoods to wander round and seize a espresso in Omaha is the Previous Market. This was the initially the guts 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 have been purchased and bought meant that by the Fifties the Previous Market was now not fulfilling its unique perform, and lots of of its buildings have been liable to being condemned.

Fortunately, regionally born landowner Samuel Mercer noticed the potential of the realm, and led the renovation efforts. At the moment, the Previous Market district is the guts 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 possibly can even nonetheless take a carriage trip!

You’ll additionally discover that the Omaha Guests Heart is situated subsequent to the Previous Market space on 306 S tenth Avenue. It’s usually open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm. They’ve employees who might 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, you will discover out extra about it right here.

Lauritzen Gardens

For those who take pleasure in inexperienced areas, Omaha has a variety 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. In addition they have occasions working all year long. We visited as soon as throughout a Japanese competition which was a variety of enjoyable. You 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 embody 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 the event you 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 website. It can save you on admission with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack.

Joslyn Citadel & Gardens

Once 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 Citadel & 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 trade. They contributed a fantastic deal to the town, together with the aforementioned Artwork Museum.

By 1893 the Joslyn’s had ample wealth to construct the backyard and residential of their goals. This resulted within the creation of their dwelling they known as Lynhurst and what’s immediately often called Joslyn Citadel & Gardens. The home itself, accomplished in 1903, is a 4 story constructing constructed within the Scottish Baronial Revival architectural model. It mainly appears like a Scottish citadel within the coronary heart of Omaha. This price $250,000 to construct again in 1903, or round $9 million in immediately’s cash.

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

There’s a payment to take a tour and you’ll see the tour schedule and worth right here. The excursions final about 90 minutes and I’d permit at the least 2 hours on your whole go to.

For those who aren’t visiting on a tour day, or are completely satisfied 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’ll discover the grounds your self.

Public artwork in Omaha

For those who like public artwork, then there are many places throughout Omaha the place you possibly can take pleasure in public artwork free of charge. A few of our favourite items embody:

Untitled by Jan Kaneko within the Gene Leahy Mall. You possibly can’t assist however discover the big peaceable head while you stroll via this park!
The Illumina sculptures exterior 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 evening 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 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 the 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 ft tall and 465 ft lengthy that is the biggest 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 exterior the Conagra constructing within the Heartland of America park. OK, so this could be an oddball selection, however in the event you’ve ever eaten canned spaghetti within the USA as a toddler, you might be 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 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

Once you’re in Omaha you’ll need to eat, and there are just a few meals choices you need to undoubtedly strive while 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 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 perfect Reuben in Omaha. Truthfully, they have been each good. For those who choose a extra formal eating expertise, then the Blackstone is the best choice. For those who choose a pub model setting with a beer, then go along with the Crescent Moon possibility.
It’s laborious to say meals in Omaha with out speaking about steaks. There’s actually a entire firm devoted to the idea! This really makes a variety of sense as beef is Omaha’s largest trade, and the 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 think about for a steak embody Drover, Mahogany, Jerico’s, Sullivans, Gorat’s, Flemings, and Brother Sebastian’s.
Talking of steakhouses, as we talked about above, one in style steak eating possibility 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 that you could pose by in the event you so want!
If you wish to strive extra native produce past steak, then you definately’ll undoubtedly need to embody 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 in style crops and produce embody milk and dairy merchandise, beans (Nice Northern, pinto, and many others.), pork, poultry, eggs, sugar beets, apples, and honey. Nebraska can be dwelling to over 30 wineries so you may additionally have an opportunity to strive some native wine.
A regionally in style 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 most effective 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 finished this, and it’s undoubtedly higher than it sounds.
For those who 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 Citadel & Gardens. This really 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 components, and have a spread of basic and seasonal flavors to select from

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

Omaha Youngsters’s Museum

For those who’re visiting Omaha with youngsters, then you need to undoubtedly think about together with the Omaha Youngsters’s Museum in your to-do checklist. This award profitable museum goals to stimulate children creativeness and excite them about studying new issues.

It does this via all kinds of everlasting and short-term reveals, the vast majority of that are interactive. These embody 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 payment 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 superb selection of purchasing choices. These vary from the usual large field and shops that you just’ll discover most in all places, via to regionally owned places, which we’ll concentrate on on this information.

The Previous Market space of Omaha is the place we’d advocate heading in the event you’re on the lookout for smaller, regionally owned outlets. You’ll discover the whole lot from vintage outlets to sweet outlets, dwelling decor, books, classic clothes, jewellery and music. We will additionally advocate visiting the Artists Cooperative Gallery in the event you’d prefer to peruse and purchase artwork from native artists. Naturally, the realm 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 purchasing vacation spot. Neighborhood outlets embody Roger + Chris (dwelling decor), Albany and Avers (classic clothes) and Dundee Candle Co the place you possibly can create and pour your personal candle.
Nebraska Furnishings Mart. Based in Omaha in 1937, and immediately owned by Berkshire Hathaway, that is an iconic Omaha dwelling furnishing retailer. With over 450,000 sq. ft of retail area, it’s protected to say that in case you are on the lookout for furnishings, it is a good possibility. It’s additionally fairly an expertise wandering round akin to huge retailer. Jess and I visited, and have been impressed on the vary of furnishings on provide, 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 situated exterior of Omaha, and embody 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 out of doors outlet mall.

As you possibly can see, there are many purchasing 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 scorching summer time months with household, then you definately may think about a visit out to the Enjoyable Plex Waterpark and Rides. That is about seven miles from downtown, and is the biggest amusement park in Nebraska.

The park has a variety of 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 on the lookout for a bit extra grownup enjoyable.

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

Native Leisure, Festivals, Exhibits, & Occasions

Omaha hosts many occasions all year long, from main sporting occasions via to massive conferences, festivals, and extra. Relying on while you go to Omaha, you may discover that there’s one thing go on! Right here’s a fast run down of only a few of the occasions that happen in Omaha to offer you an concept of what to anticipate.

Even in the event you aren’t involved in 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 may be highly regarded instances to go to Omaha, with lodging costs taking pictures up and in style eating places reserving out. So in the event you don’t intend on collaborating 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 the moment happening on the Charles Schwab Subject
Berkshire Hathaway Annual Assembly, the annual assembly for Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. Usually held in early Could on the CHI Well being Heart Omaha Conference Heart and Area.
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 the town all year long, together with at The Rose Theater (youngsters’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 checklist of actions in Omaha goes on!

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

And Even Extra!

In fact, there’s heaps extra to do in Omaha and the encircling space than now we have coated above! Another notable highlights to think about visiting, relying in your pursuits, are the next:

Squirrel Cage Jail. Present in Council Bluffs, Iowa, this museum was a jail from 1885 via 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 in the course of the Chilly Struggle. Reveals embody 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 presents quite a lot of nature trails and actions together with fishing and kayaking. We will advocate climbing up one of many statement towers for fantastic views of the encircling panorama
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch – in the event you’re visiting Omaha from late August via to early November, then think about a go to to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. This enormous 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, dwell reveals and extra. A really enjoyable household attraction.

Learn how to Get to Omaha

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

By automotive. Omaha is linked by highway to the remainder of the U.S. by two predominant Interstates, I-80 which runs east all the way in which to New York by way of Chicago and west all the way in which 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 aircraft. Omaha’s airport presents direct flights to over 30 locations in america, that means the town is comparatively straightforward 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 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 possibly can simply spend per week right here visiting all of the cultural points of interest, 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 at the least two full days and nights to get style of the town.

Urged Two Day Omaha Itinerary

Right here’s a fast overview of a attainable 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 a neighborhood steakhouse.

When you’ve got 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 assume you’d spend at every. That ought to offer you a good suggestion of how a lot time you’ll want. Additionally you should definitely take note of opening instances and days as many points of interest are closed at the least sooner or later per week.

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

The place to Keep in Omaha

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

It’s additionally price noting that pricing can fluctuate so much 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 in the event you aren’t planning on attending that you just 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 relationship from 1930, this Artwork Deco styled 4* boutique lodge presents beautiful en-suite rooms and is inside straightforward 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 a variety of occasions and conferences within the metropolis), to which it’s linked by way of a Skybridge, making it possibility in the event 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 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 the moment it’s a boutique lodge providing 4* lodging simply minutes stroll from downtown.
The Farnam, Autograph Assortment – some of the extremely rated accommodations in downtown Omaha, this centrally situated 4* lodge presents 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 attractive 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. For those who keep right here, you should definitely strive a Reuben! The lodge additionally has afternoon tea service on some Sundays.
Hampton Inn Council Bluffs – in the event you would favor a lodge with free parking, then the Hampton Inn in Council Bluffs Iowa is an effective possibility to think about. It’s only a few minutes drive to downtown and breakfast is included
BridgePointe Inn & Suites – a extra funds 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 various extra lodging choices in Omaha. See a full checklist of choices together with trip leases, motels and accommodations right here.

Deco Hotel Omaha by Laurence Norah-2 — Our room on the Resort Deco in downtown Omaha

Learn how to Get Round Omaha

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

Downtown Omaha could be very walkable, with many sights only a few minutes stroll aside. For locations a bit farther from downtown, such because the Blackstone District, Joslyn Citadel, Lauritzen Gardens and many others., then you’ll want 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 named the Omaha Metro, and you will discover dwell bus instances and routes on the My Trip web site and app. Fares for the Metro service should be paid via the UMO system, which suggests 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 be within the means 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 too drive simply round Omaha, which is what we usually find yourself doing. Avenue parking is accessible throughout the town for cheap charges, and you’ll pay utilizing the Park Omaha or ParkMobile app for smartphones. Charges fluctuate, and you’ll test the newest parking info right here.

Trip share companies together with Uber, Lyft and zTrip are additionally obtainable, as are bike share and scooter rental companies.

Learn how to Save Cash in Omaha

Whereas Omaha doesn’t have a metropolis attraction go that we’re conscious of, it can save you on points of interest with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack. It is a free service supplied by the native tourism workplace, and presents reductions on a number of the hottest points of interest within the metropolis.

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

It’s free to get the go and it’s all dealt with on-line. All it’s important to do is present your info and the go shall be despatched to your cellphone. 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 needed to share some extra assets we’ve put collectively that can assist you plan your journey to the town, and journey within the USA normally.

Questioning how a lot a go to to Omaha may cost a little? Try our information to how a lot it prices to journey within the USA that can assist you plan your journey funds.
I’ve written a information that includes a few of my high ideas for driving within the USA to assist get you occurring the highway!
We’ve visited a variety 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
In order for you 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 in the event you’re on the lookout for inspiration for the remainder of the USA, try our USA part, which has heaps extra inspiration

Do you may have any questions on visiting Omaha? As all the time, we’re completely satisfied 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 will.