Complete Guide To Nebraska’s Largest City

Omaha is the largest metropolis in Nebraska and the state’s commerce and industrial hub. Situated close to the Missouri and Platte Rivers juncture, Omaha was as soon as popularly often known as the “Gateway to the West,” a key stopover level for vacationers and expeditions heading to the coast. However the metropolis has developed to turn into a professional vacation spot for every kind of vacationers.

Right this moment, Omaha hosts a number of Fortune 500 firms, with Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway amongst them. Its sights relate to every part from sports activities and historical past to tradition and outside experiences. As an illustration, The Henry Doorly Zoo is likely one of the largest zoos in America, whereas the Durham Museum chronicles Omaha’s wealthy historical past.

Summarily, there’s so much occurring for this nice metropolis on the jap facet of Nebraska. Put together for brand new experiences, likelihood encounters, and enjoyable adventures on this pleasant metropolis. Right here is the final word information to visiting Omaha and the perfect issues to do there to get guests began.

UPDATE: 2023/07/20 16:12 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

Nebraska’s Largest Metropolis: The Final Information To Omaha & Issues To Do There

Vacationers will discover much more issues to do in Ohama, Nebraska on this up to date journey information. Extra sights, extra info, and pictures will make Omaha an much more engaging journey vacation spot.

Prime Issues To Do In Omaha

Omaha presents vacationers an extended listing of top Nebraska attractions, sufficient to fill anybody’s itinerary for his or her whole keep. Whether or not a historical past buff, animal lover, or sports activities fanatic, these are the perfect methods to spend high quality time within the metropolis.

1 Roam The Outdated Market Historic District Streets

The Outdated Market is the place all of the motion occurs in Omaha. Situated within the metropolis’s heart, this energetic hall is outlined by procuring venues, eating places, artwork galleries, and different companies that draw crowds.

The brick-paved streets and previous buildings mirror its historic significance within the metropolis, whereas horse-drawn carriages present thrilling excursions tailor-made to newcomers.

Associated: Nebraska’s New Tourism Campaign: Honest And Quirky

Whereas the Outdated Market attracts folks all yr spherical, summer time brings the most important numbers, and the streets are stuffed with road performers on nearly each nook.

Saturday mornings provide visitors an opportunity to expertise the most important farmers’ market within the space.

The oldest district can also be house to different websites, such because the Omaha Kids’s Residence and Joslyn Artwork Museum, that are must-visits.

Because the Outdated Market is such a preferred attraction in Omaha, guests ought to search for parking close to the Durham Museum and discover the remainder of the realm on foot. The cobblestone streets are too bumpy to drive on, and the parking is difficult to come back by.

2 Verify Out The Animals At Henry Doorly Zoo

A visit to Omaha shouldn’t be full with out visiting the world-class Henry Doorly Zoo. Spanning at the very least 160 acres, it is arguably the best zoo in America and attracts a number of the largest crowds within the state.

The zoo boasts a number of record-breaking feats of biodiversity, together with a Dome Desert and the Lied Jungle, the most important indoor desert and forest in North America, respectively. Different sights embody the Kingdoms of the Night time Exhibit, a 70-foot shark tunnel, and a gorilla valley.

Vacationers get a uncommon likelihood to stand up shut and private with wildlife from world wide and may cease by the ability’s Glacier Bay Touchdown for a meal at any time when they really feel hungry.

• Tickets:
  Adults $25.95, children (ages 3-11) $18.95, seniors (65 and over) $24.95, Children 2 or beneath) free.

• Operation hours:
  9 am – 5 pm day by day

Whereas on the zoo, take the children to the Lozier IMAX Theater, which reveals engrossing documentaries that can absolutely be successful for the entire household.

3 Discover The City’s Historical past At The Durham Museum

The Durham Museum chronicles the town’s historical past and was as soon as among the many busiest prepare stations in America. In 1995, the constructing underwent an city renewal venture that delivered terrific outcomes.

Right this moment, guests will discover reveals just like the Suzanne and Walter Scott Nice Corridor, which showcases the renovated predominant corridor and options intimate Artwork Deco structure.

The museum additionally has Steam Locomotive Stations with hands-on shows of how the revolutionary expertise labored.

Situated a brief distance from the Outdated Market, the museum is superb for indoor lovers preferring laid-back actions.

• Tickets:
  Adults $13, Seniors (62+) $10, Navy/Veteran: $10, Children ages 3 – 12 $7

• Operation hours:
  Sunday (12 pm – 4 pm), Tuesday – Saturday (10 am – 4 pm), Monday and main holidays (closed)

After scoping out sufficient of the museum’s reveals, cease by the soda bar for a refreshing milkshake; the children will certainly love this half.

4 Catch A Baseball Recreation At The School World Collection

The School World Collection is a pulsating sports activities extravaganza held yearly in Omaha. For 2 weeks in June, the NCAA males’s faculty baseball match brings the town to a standstill as followers and faculty college students from everywhere in the nation converge to assist their favourite groups.

From the loud cheers and ever-flowing beers to the pumping adrenaline on the sphere, all of it culminates right into a festive environment that engulfs the entire metropolis.

Whether or not a baseball fan or not, this is likely one of the most anticipated occasions in Omaha and a must-do for visitors in Nebraska.

The School World Collection is held on the Charles Schwab Area, which additionally doubles up because the official house stadium for the Creighton College Bluejays. Apart from baseball video games, the venue hosts a number of the greatest music concert events within the metropolis.

5 Get Up Shut With Nature At Lauritzen Gardens

Also called Omaha’s Botanical Middle, these stunning gardens within the riverfront hill neighborhood span 100 acres and provide the proper setting for a night stroll. These have greenery, roses, peonies, and herbs, leading to stunning biodiversity.

The gardens additionally undertake themes like Nebraskan Prairies, Victorian, and English, making them distinctive and attention-grabbing to discover.

Over three miles of trails inside the backyard permit visitors to discover conveniently. In any other case, an hour-long tram tour with informatory commentary shall be a helpful various.

• Tickets:
  Ages 13+ $15, Kids ages 3 to 12 $9, Kids 2 and beneath free

• Excursions price:
  $3 per individual

• Operation hours:
  Open day by day, 9 am – 5 pm

6 Spend A Day With The Children At The Omaha Kids’s Museum

Located within the attraction-laden Outdated Market district, the Omaha Kids’s Museum is the proper place for teenagers to find their love for the humanities. The magnificent facility boasts a Artistic Arts Middle, which guarantees to get their inventive juices flowing with charming “make-and-take” initiatives.

The museum balances work and play with an Creativeness Playground, which caters to the younger one’s play wants.

This includes a firehouse, farm, and market ultimate for all age teams. The museum additionally hosts academic applications and interactive reveals to get the younger ones began of their inventive journey.

• Admission
  : $12 for adults and children over 2, $11 for seniors, and free for beneath 2s

• Hours
  : Monday to Friday (10 am – 4 pm), Saturday (9 am – 5 pm), Sunday (11 am – 5 pm)

Throughout summer time, children can escape the scorching warmth on the venue’s outside water park, a superb place to splash and funky off.

7 Chill Out At The Heartland Of America Park

Spanning about 31 acres, the Heartland of America Park is a captivating outside spot the place folks go to unwind and luxuriate in downtown Omaha’s open areas. It was opened in 1990 and presents visitors scenic views of the town’s skyline and Missouri River.

Most guests are drawn to the park’s central characteristic, a lovely fountain that shoots a jet of water 320 toes into the air.

The plush greenery all through the park leads to a laid-back environment with clear air, a wanted respite from the city hustle. Moreover, enjoyable gondola rides and historic monuments unfold across the park will preserve vacationers busy.

For {couples} visiting Omaha, the park presents the proper setting for a romantic getaway at night time due to colourful lighting and dramatic lake views.

8 Step Into The World Of Fantasy At The Joslyn Fortress

The Joslyn Fortress, which sits within the coronary heart of Omaha’s midtown, was as soon as the abode of George and Sarah Joslyn. Right this moment, the venue permits visitors to cross right into a fairy-tale-like realm due to its distinctive design.

Constructed within the early 1900s, the mansion options wrought iron, mosaic tiles, wooden, and stained-glass in its development.

The 35-room mansion is a wonderful instance of Scottish Baronial-style structure, which at all times leaves guests in awe. It was listed as an Omaha Landmark Historic Construction in 1979, making it a must-see for these within the metropolis’s previous.

• Admission
  : $12 per grownup

• Hours
  : Monday to Friday (9 am – 4:30 pm), Sunday (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm)

The Joslyn Fortress is surrounded by well-manicured gardens that kind a part of the Nebraska State Arboretum, which hosts excursions and different particular occasions like weddings.

9 Go to Historic Fort Omaha

Fort Omaha is a crucial landmark within the metropolis that gives a glimpse into Omaha’s historical past, serving as a balloon college and jail at completely different instances. Initially constructed by the U.S. Military as an Indian-Conflict army establishment, the fort at present homes the Metropolitan Neighborhood School.

Nevertheless, it nonetheless maintains some old-era relics, together with six Nineteenth-century buildings on campus. The spotlight of Fort Omaha needs to be Basic Criminal Home, an 1879 historic house that was transformed right into a museum run by the Douglas County Historic Society.

10 Stroll Throughout The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is a formidable engineering achievement throughout the Missouri River that hyperlinks the town of Omaha, Nebraska to Iowa. The bridge is a well-liked spot for vacationers and locals, due to the sensation of weightlessness skilled when strolling alongside it.

It additionally presents panoramic views of the Omaha skyline and the Missouri River beneath, serving as the proper spot to snap a photograph. There’s additionally a riverfront park close to the bridge with a customer heart, splash fountains, and an enormous amphitheater that hosts stay music reveals each Friday throughout the summer time.

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is a wonderful place for walkers, joggers, and runners because it connects to over 150 miles of nature trails.

11 What To Know Earlier than Visiting Omaha

Omaha is Nebraska’s largest metropolis, with a inhabitants of just below 500,000. It lies alongside the good Missouri River and on the border of Nebraska and Iowa; a road trip to neighboring Iowa City takes about 4 hours by automobile.

Do not count on any issues discovering instructions to the most well liked spots on the town, whether or not for meals, lodging, or enjoyable.

When exploring the town, look out for an opportunity encounter with its most well-known resident and chair of Berkshire Hathaway, billionaire Warren Buffett.

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The town experiences a typical Midwestern local weather with 4 seasons. Summers are scorching and humid, however winters are bone-chilling. The truth is, the Climate Channel ranks Omaha among the many coldest major cities in the United States.

Lodges are comparatively inexpensive right here, even for the flamboyant ones within the metropolis, and reductions are sometimes accessible within the low season.

Total, Omaha is a superb place to go to and presents a plethora of sights, with the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and The Durham Museum topping the listing. Nebraska is clearly not only corn fields!

12 Greatest Time To Go to Omaha

The very best time to go to Omaha is between September and November due to the commonly conducive climate situations, fewer crowds, and cheaper flight and lodging charges.

Peak tourism season within the metropolis falls in summer time (Might to September), and the new and muggy situations draw warm-weather vacationers to discover the sights and outside sights. The most well liked month is July, with temperatures of as much as 88 levels Fahrenheit.

That is additionally the perfect time for sightseeing because the solar stays up the longest of the yr. On the flip facet, summers expertise important precipitation, so bear in mind to pack an umbrella to not get moist.

The worst time to go to Omaha is between January and February. Winters could be brutal within the metropolis, with temperatures effectively beneath freezing level recorded. It snows, and out of doors is the final place vacationers wish to be. But when they should, it is strongly recommended to take all precautions to stay safe during bad weather conditions.

This additionally implies that some sights shut store due to the climate situations and dwindling customer numbers.

Omaha is in Twister Alley, and extreme climate like excessive winds, hail, and tornadoes might happen between April and August.

13 Greatest Methods To Get Round Omaha

Vacationers will take pleasure in getting across the metropolis with a number of transportation choices, together with rental vehicles, bus companies, taxis, and shuttle companies. Nevertheless, driving a automobile presents the easiest way to maneuver from level A to B.

The town roads are usually well-marked with ample indicators, whereas the streets are free from gridlock, offering the proper situations for drivers. Two main highways, I-29 and I-80 cross by means of the town, divided by Dodge Avenue into north and south.

A number of rental automobile firms within the area come in useful for visitors preferring to drive themselves when exploring the spread-out sights of the town.

• Rental automobile charges begin from $40 for a compact car with a 4-passenger capability.

Those that do not fancy driving can flip to public transportation. The Metro Space Transit bus service follows 28 routes that undergo the key websites within the downtown space, making for a handy various in a comparatively small metropolis like Omaha.

• Fares:
  $1.25 for single rides with 25-cent transfers, $55 for a 30-day cross, Children beneath 12 trip free

Visitors may also entry Lyft & Uber companies and public taxis working up and down the town. zTrip is likely one of the largest taxi firms in Omaha, the place passengers can simply e book a trip by way of a telephone app.

Lastly, Omaha has a developed path system, aptly dubbed the Paths of Discovery, that bikers, walkers, and skaters can benefit from. These twist and switch by means of completely different websites within the metropolis, and have over 85 miles of paved paths, making Omaha one of many bike-friendliest cities within the area.

14 The place To Keep In And Round Omaha

Omaha is a metropolis on the up and up, quickly reworking right into a cultural, historic, sporting, and culinary hub. There are numerous sights unfold throughout numerous quaint neighborhoods the place vacationers can select to remain.

With nearly 15,000 lodge rooms within the metropolis, there isn’t a scarcity of good locations to sleep. The very best half is that lodging is comparatively low cost in Omaha.

Downtown Omaha

Downtown Omaha is the bloodline of the town, mixing intimate historic websites with a up to date metropolis vibe to supply the perfect of each worlds. Vacationers get spoilt with every part from world-class museums, sports activities arenas, and plush inexperienced parks to top-class eating places.

The Missouri Riverfront boardwalks are a terrific place for nature lovers on the lookout for a leisurely stroll whereas soaking within the sights and sounds. The downtown district can also be house to the town’s vibrant nightlife, with numerous companies unfold across the Outdated Market neighborhood.

The as soon as previous and beat-up industrial district was developed right into a cultural hub comprising artwork galleries, boutiques, eating places, and road performances to entertain guests.

The Heartland of America Park can also be inside strolling distance, serving as a secluded escape with walkways and biking paths the place folks go to take pleasure in gondola rides and revel within the tranquil environment.

For luxurious: Omaha Marriott Downtown

• Handle:
  222 North 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68102, United States

• Price per night time
  : $192 for two visitors

• Facilities:
  24-hour enterprise heart, concierge companies, airport transfers, laundry service, outside pool, on-site restaurant, valet parking, health heart, room service

Mid-range choice: Residence Inn Marriott

Funds choice: Even Hotel Omaha Downtown

Council Bluffs

This neighborhood is about 4 miles throughout the river and east of Downtown Omaha. It is a wonderful selection for visitors visiting on a funds, and whereas it is technically a part of Iowa, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge ensures a simple crossover to Omaha.

The lodging choices in Council Bluffs are comparatively budget-friendly and provide easy accessibility to the CBD.

Visitors may also discover museums, procuring facilities, eating places, and park areas within the space, that are nice for afternoon walks. Some close by sights embody Lincoln Monument, Horseshoe Council Bluffs On line casino, and Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

Mid-range choice: Courtyard by Marriott Omaha Downtown

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Funds choice:Holiday Inn Omaha

• Handle:
  1420 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68102, United States

• Price per night time:
  $95 for two visitors

• Facilities:
  24-hour enterprise heart, complimentary airport shuttle, health heart, scorching tub, splash pad, leisure pool, restaurant, espresso store, room service

There aren’t any luxurious choices on this neighborhood.

The College of Nebraska Space

Situated 4 miles from the downtown area, the College of Nebraska is the most important larger studying establishment within the state. As anticipated, the younger core of residents across the space makes it one of many liveliest scenes in Omaha, highlighted by a number of watering holes and eating spots.

The charming Elmwood Park Grotto is a stone-throw away in Aksarben Village, and vacationers can pattern the completely different shops, artwork galleries, and cafés within the neighborhood.

Nevertheless, the realm involves life at nighttime, with buzzing joints across the college calling for an evening of bar hopping.

Luxurious choice: Kimpton Cottonwood

Mid-range choice: Aloft Omaha Aksarben Village

Airbnb choice: Little Grey Getaway

• Price per night time:
  $98

• Facilities:
  Air con, washer, devoted workspace, free parking, kitchen, patio or balcony, safety cameras

15 The place To Eat In Omaha

Omaha is a pioneer metropolis within the farm-to-fork motion due to the various farms that encompass the town. There are many recent components to provide the completely different eateries and eating places within the area.

Additionally, Omaha boasts a couple of eating places on the Good Meals 100 Record, together with Kitchen Desk and Dante, which solely speaks to the town’s rising eating scene.

Vacationers can stay up for an superior culinary journey crammed with tantalizing treats and good vibes.

For breakfast:

Saddle Creek Breakfast Club

This breakfast joint in midtown Omaha is the proper spot for the day’s first meal. From its modest beginnings as a automobile restore store, the restaurant has grown wildly well-liked and serves scrumptious treats like banana muffins, kimchi omelets, biscuits, and gravy.

• Handle:
  1540 N Saddle Creek Rd, Omaha, NE 68104-5065

• Enterprise hours:
  Tuesday – Sunday (10 am – 2 pm)

For lunch and dinner:

Kitchen Table

Kitchen Desk is likely one of the greatest the town has to supply. This informal however cute restaurant serves scrumptious consolation meals like seared rooster breast, meatloaf sandwiches, and bourbon pulled pork.

The very best half is that every part is sourced regionally, recent from the farm, and straight to the kitchen.

• Handle:
  1415 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68102-2202

• Enterprise hours:
  Tuesday – Thursday (11 am – 5 pm), Friday (11 am – 6 pm), Saturday & Sunday (9 am – 3 pm)

Dante

Dante is the go-to spot in Omaha when trying to find genuine Italian delicacies. This popping joint in West Omaha has a popularity for serving scrumptious Neapolitan pizza and all kinds of home made pasta.

The lasagna is one other signature dish within the restaurant that visitors should not miss out on.

• Handle
  : 16901 Wright Plz Suite 173, Omaha, NE 68130-2411

• Enterprise hours
  : Tuesday – Thursday (11:30 am – 9 pm), Friday (11:30 am – 9:30 pm), Saturday (10 am – 9:30 pm), Sunday (10 am – 9 pm)

For drinks:

Brickway Brewery & Distillery

Located within the Outdated Market Neighborhood, this multi-room brewery serves refreshing craft beers and a variety of spirits, together with whiskey, vodka, gin, and moonshine.

It additionally has a whiskey barrel room that visitors use for personal events.

Brickway Brewery & Distillery is a wonderful choice to hyperlink up with buddies for an off-the-cuff pint and pattern some snacks from its on-site restaurant.

• Handle:
  1116 Jackson St, Omaha, NE 68102

• Enterprise hours:
  Monday – Thursday (1 pm – 11 pm), Friday (1 pm – 12 am), Saturday (11 am – 12 am), Sunday (11 am – 11 pm)

16 Spending The Good Day In Omaha

There isn’t any blueprint for spending the proper day in Omaha; nevertheless, the next itinerary is the closest guests can get to it:

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at Saddle Creek Breakfast Membership earlier than heading to Durham Museum for a style of Omaha’s historical past. Head to the Henry Doorly Zoo to admire the various habitats and work together with a number of the over 900 animal species within the facility.

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For lunch, head to Kitchen Desk for some luscious meatloaf sandwiches to revive vitality reserves and in preparation for the afternoon actions. A visit to the Joslyn Artwork Museum is a relaxed exercise excellent for after lunch to work together with intimate artwork items and admire the mastery behind them.

Take a leisurely stroll to the busy Outdated Market district to discover the accessible shops. This shall be a great alternative to buy within the boutiques and take a look at the recent produce on the farmers’ market. Whereas at it, do not forget to hitch a trip on the horse-drawn carriages for an genuine really feel of the previous days.

To shut out the day, hop into the Brickway Brewery & Distillery to meet up with fellow guests and locals whereas having fun with a style of Omaha’s energetic night time scene.

FAQ

Q: Is Omaha a enjoyable place to stay in?

Omaha presents a number of the most fun things to do in Nebraska! The Henry Doorly Zoo is the most important zoo in America, and the School World Collection is among the many most anticipated occasions within the state. There are additionally quite a lot of sights price exploring, together with museums, artwork galleries, bars, and eating places that enhance the standard of life in Omaha.

Q: What are Nebraska’s well-known meals?

Cornhusker State is famend for its corn and beef, however there’s much more iconic foods in Nebraska price sampling. With a energetic eating scene and high-profile cooks, the state has produced well-liked meals like The Reuben Sandwich, Raisin Pie, and BBQ Ribs.

Q: Does Omaha Nebraska get snow?

Omaha, Nebraska does get snow within the winter, getting as much as ten inches at instances. Nevertheless, many of Nebraska’s attractions are accessible in winter and year-round.