15+ Issues to do in Omaha, Nebraska

Jess and I’ve household in Omaha, which suggests we’ve visited the town various instances over time. In that point, we’ve visited an important 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 biggest metropolis (by inhabitants) in Nebraska. It turned an vital transportation hub within the nineteenth century and would finally entice individuals to remain for its railroad, meatpacking, and trade jobs. At present this mid-sized Midwestern metropolis is residence to various cultural points of interest and performs host to common occasions such because the School World Sequence and the annual Berkshire Hathaway assembly.

So, whether or not you’re on the town for a giant occasion just like the School World Sequence, a convention, visiting household like us, or simply questioning what there’s to do in Omaha, this information is for you.

We’ll cowl the principle sights and points of interest, present recommendations on the place to remain, give recommendations on meals to attempt 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 buying. Listed here 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 nearly price visiting this museum for the constructing alone! That mentioned, the museum contained inside the constructing is one among our favourite points of interest in Omaha.

The Durham Museum focuses totally on the historical past of the area and Western America basically, 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’re going to discover one thing attention-grabbing. We notably loved the total measurement prepare 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 basically that is the most effective place to go. If you’re going to only one museum in Omaha, this may 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.

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 usually have particular exhibitions and household occasions occurring.

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 prime zoos, the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, often known as the Omaha Zoo, spreads throughout over 130 acres of land and is residence 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 giant and there’s so much to see, with completely different habitats showcasing completely different species. These embrace:

the 28-acre African Grasslands space, residence 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 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 better roadrunner
Gorilla Valley – an exhibit primarily targeted on primates together with gorillas and varied 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 things 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 mainly an open-air chairlift which gives glorious views over reveals together with the lions and cheetahs.

The outdated Rosenblatt stadium, which used to host the School World Sequence (now performed on the town on the Charles Schwab Stadium), may also be discovered on the Zoo. While not so much stays, the footprint of it might probably nonetheless be discovered within the Zoo parking zone.

As you’ll be able to 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 price, with free parking accessible 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 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 important updates over the a long time, together with the newest renovations which had been accomplished in late 2024.

At present, the museum has various everlasting collections which cowl a variety of time intervals 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 recent 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’s additionally free parking on website. Nonetheless, you have to be conscious that the automotive park can refill so be ready to attend, or discover parking close by (paid road parking can be accessible).

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 present, 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 choose and select relying in your pursuits. The entire riverfront improvement is certainly price a stroll although, particularly on a pleasant day. In case you are searching for a pleasant place to go for a stroll, have a picnic, chill out on a bench, or take the youngsters out for some contemporary air, any of those could be an important choice. Right here’s what you’ll discover in every space.

Lewis & Clark Touchdown & Customer Middle

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

At present, 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 Middle. This constructing is the headquarters of the historic path which covers 4,900 miles throughout 16 states, and is an efficient place to study in regards to the expedition and the path as it may be explored in the present day. 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 residence to an city seashore, volleyball courts, strolling trails, and a powerful 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 submit 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, 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 probably the most southern of the parks. It extends alongside the Missouri River, with the important thing aspect 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 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 Common 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 notably good choice in the event you’re visiting Omaha with children, however adults are catered too as effectively. The truth is, there’s usually an adults solely occasion known 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, constructions, the human physique, know-how, math and geometry, you might be 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 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 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 automotive visitors making it a preferred choice for households with children to get pleasure from.

On the Omaha aspect, the bridge begins close to the Nationwide Park Service Guests Middle. It takes you to the Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park on the Iowa aspect. 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 form, then you’ll possible get pleasure from a go to to Omaha’s Museum of Shadows. That is residence 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 evaluations are positively combined. Nonetheless, if you wish to expertise one thing a bit completely different and imagine within the paranormal, it’s positively an choice.

There’s an entry price, discover out extra right here. You should purchase tickets on-line upfront or on website in particular person. Simply notice this isn’t open each day so you should definitely test opening days and hours earlier than you head right here.

The Previous Market

One among 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, workplaces, and extra.

Adjustments 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 realm, and led the renovation efforts. At present, the Previous Market district is the center of the eating and buying expertise in Omaha. The outdated buildings and cobbled streets stay, now residence to shops, eating places, bars, espresso outlets, thrift shops, pubs, and flats. You’ll be able to even nonetheless take a carriage journey!

You’ll additionally discover that the Omaha Guests Middle is situated subsequent to the Previous Market space on 306 S tenth Road. 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 reward for buy. In case you are within the Omaha Financial savings Pack, you 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 chook sanctuary. In addition they have occasions operating 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 data on the right way 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 operating 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 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 price, and there’s free parking on website. It can save you on admission with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack.

Joslyn Citadel & 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 Citadel & Gardens. And also you may marvel 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 important deal to the town, together with the aforementioned Artwork Museum.

By 1893 the Joslyn’s had adequate wealth to construct the backyard and residential of their desires. This resulted within the creation of their residence they known as Lynhurst and what’s in the present day referred to as Joslyn Citadel & Gardens. The home itself, accomplished in 1903, is a 4 story constructing constructed within the Scottish Baronial Revival architectural fashion. 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 in the present day’s cash.

The virtually 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 in the event 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 gorgeous. This was positively 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 worth right here. The excursions final about 90 minutes and I’d permit at the least 2 hours to your complete go to.

If you happen to aren’t visiting on a tour day, or are pleased to only discover the backyard and take 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 areas throughout Omaha the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from public artwork at no 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 whenever you stroll via this park!
The Illumina sculptures outdoors the CHI Well being Middle Enviornment. 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 will be discovered on Capital Avenue. They characteristic a wagon prepare continuing alongside a creek mattress, and must 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 the 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 ft tall and 465 ft lengthy that is the biggest public artwork venture 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 may be an oddball selection, however in the event you’ve ever eaten canned spaghetti within the USA as a baby, you might be most likely conversant in 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 recognized.

You’ll be able to see heaps extra examples of public artwork in Omaha, with location data 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’re going to wish to eat, and there are a number of meals choices it is best to positively attempt whenever you’re on the town. We advocate the next dishes and areas:

A Reuben Sandwich. It’s believed that the unique Reuben Sandwich was invented on the Blackstone Lodge 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 Lodge, which has since change into the Cottonwood Lodge. 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 most effective Reuben in Omaha. Actually, they had been each good. If you happen to want a extra formal eating expertise, then the Blackstone is the best choice. If you happen to want a pub fashion setting with a beer, then go along with the Crescent Moon choice.
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 trade, and the town has been a meatpacking heart because the center of the twentieth century. So that you may wish 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 choice in Omaha is Gorat’s Steakhouse. However this restaurant is known for an additional motive – 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. After we went we didn’t see Warren in particular person, however there’s a cardboard cutout of him that you could pose by in the event you so want!
If you wish to attempt extra native produce past steak, then you definitely’ll positively wish to embrace corn in your checklist of meals to attempt 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 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 residence to over 30 wineries so you might also have an opportunity to attempt 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 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 achieved this, and it’s positively 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 resort and Joslyn Citadel & Gardens. This really positioned first in a nationwide rating of ice cream areas, so we’re not the one ones who assume it’s price a go to! They handmake their ice cream with native, contemporary substances, 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 whenever you go to Omaha, though there are in fact a lot extra choices throughout the town.

Omaha Youngsters’s Museum

If you happen to’re visiting Omaha with youngsters, then it is best to positively think about together with the Omaha Youngsters’s Museum in your to-do checklist. This award successful museum goals to stimulate children creativeness and excite them about studying new issues.

It does this via 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 selection of buying choices. These vary from the usual huge field and malls that you just’ll discover most in all places, via to domestically owned areas, which we’ll deal with on this information.

The Previous Market space of Omaha is the place we’d advocate heading in the event you’re searching for smaller, domestically owned outlets. You’ll discover all the things from vintage outlets to sweet outlets, residence 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 a very good buying vacation spot. Neighborhood outlets embrace Roger + Chris (residence 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 in the present day owned by Berkshire Hathaway, that is an iconic Omaha residence furnishing retailer. With over 450,000 sq. ft of retail house, it’s secure to say that if you’re searching for furnishings, this can be a good choice. 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 provide, throughout a variety of budgets. And sure, they provide delivery.
For extra title model retail remedy, you may wish to head to one of many close by buying retailers. These are largely situated outdoors of Omaha, and embrace Nebraska Crossing (largest outlet mall in Nebraska), Village Pointe and Regency Buying Middle (extra upscale manufacturers). We as soon as did some coat buying at Nebraska Crossing and located it to be a very nice outside outlet mall.

As you’ll be able to see, there are many buying 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 definitely 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 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 Could 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 via to giant conferences, festivals, and extra. Relying on whenever 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 thought of what to anticipate.

Even in the event you aren’t all in favour of a particular occasion it’s price noting when it takes place as some occasions, such because the Berkshire Hathaway Assembly or the School World Sequence will be very talked-about instances to go to Omaha, with lodging costs capturing up and common eating places reserving out. So in the event you don’t intend on participating within the occasion, you may wish to keep away from city at the moment!

School World Sequence, a baseball event held in Omaha each June since 1950,. at the moment going down 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 Middle Omaha Conference Middle and Enviornment.
Style of Omaha – a three-day meals competition held each summer time within the Heartland of America park
Maha Pageant – a big music competition which usually takes place on the finish of July
The Omaha Movie Pageant, which takes place in March every year
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 Group Playhouse, The Ready Room and the CHI Well being Middle
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 basically, we extremely advocate popping into the Omaha Guests Middle within the Previous Market space on 306 S tenth Road. The Go to Omaha web site additionally has data on occasions occurring within the metropolis.

And Even Extra!

After all, there’s heaps extra to do in Omaha and the encompassing space than we’ve got 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 via to 1969. It’s notable as being residence to a revolving “squirrel cage” cell, one among 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 throughout 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 gives a wide range of nature trails and actions together with fishing and kayaking. We will advocate climbing up one of many remark towers for great views of the encompassing 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 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 consuming, stay reveals and extra. A really enjoyable household attraction.

How one can Get to Omaha

Omaha is correct in the course of the USA, and has affordable transport connections. We’ve visited Omaha by automotive, aircraft, and prepare! Listed here are the principle methods to get to the town.

By automotive. Omaha is linked by highway to the remainder of the U.S. by two fundamental Interstates, I-80 which runs east all the way in which to New York through Chicago and west all the way in which to San Francisco through Salt Lake Metropolis. There’s additionally I-29 which runs north to Fargo, after which in the end to the Canadian border, and south to Kansas Metropolis.
By aircraft. Omaha’s airport gives direct flights to over 30 locations in the US, which means the 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 referred to 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’ll be able to simply spend every week right here visiting all of the cultural points of interest, exploring the parks, gardens, and strolling paths, buying, consuming at steakhouses, and taking in some night leisure.

However at a minimal we’d most likely advocate at the least two full days and nights to get a very good 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’d undergo our checklist 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 you should definitely consider opening instances and days as many points of interest are closed at the least someday every week.

In case you are visiting for the School World Sequence, 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 could have extra time to discover if attainable.

The place to Keep in Omaha

Omaha has a variety of lodging choices, together with accommodations, condominium leases, motels, and extra. Costs vary from finances to high-end, and customarily the nearer you might be to downtown the upper the costs will probably be. In case you are driving, most downtown accommodations will provide valet parking, though road parking can be usually an choice (simply keep 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 wish to keep away from these few days.

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

Lodge Deco – in a constructing relationship from 1930, this Artwork Deco styled 4* boutique resort gives pretty 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 resort to the CHI Well being Middle (conference heart for various occasions and conferences within the metropolis), to which it’s linked through a Skybridge, making it a very good choice in the event you’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 very good resort choice for the School World Sequence 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 present it’s a boutique resort 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* resort gives comfy rooms, on-site parking, and three eating places to select from.
Kimpton Cottonwood Lodge – 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 outdated resort with all of the facilities you’ll want for a leisure or enterprise keep. If you happen to keep right here, you should definitely attempt a Reuben! The resort additionally has afternoon tea service on some Sundays.
Hampton Inn Council Bluffs – in the event you would like 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 finances oriented choice 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 Lodge Deco in downtown Omaha

How one can Get Round Omaha

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

Downtown Omaha may be very walkable, with many sights just some minutes stroll aside. For locations a bit of farther from downtown, such because the Blackstone District, Joslyn Citadel, 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 you will discover stay bus instances and routes on the My Trip web site and app. Fares for the Metro service have to 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 strategy of developing a streetcar service which is meant to hyperlink downtown with the Blackstone district. That’s hoped to be operating by 2027.

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

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

How one can 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 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 cross and it’s all dealt with on-line. All you need to do is present your data and the cross will probably be despatched to your cellphone. You’ll be able to 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 assets we’ve put collectively that will help you plan your journey to the town, and journey within the USA basically.

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 finances.
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 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 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 searching for inspiration for the remainder of the USA, take a look at our USA part, which has heaps extra inspiration

Do you could have any questions on visiting Omaha? As all the time, we’re pleased 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.