Omaha, Nebraska! The birthplace of the Reuben sandwich, Raisin Bran cereal, the Ski Lift, and indie-folk singer-songwriter Conor Oberst, is said to be one of the top places in the country to raise a family. But while it might be a great place to live, it also makes for an excellent vacation destination because of the best things to do in Omaha!
Drift down the Missouri river in a riverboat, visit what’s been called the world’s best zoo, take a stroll through one of Omaha’s many museums and art galleries, or simply enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many fantastic restaurants and cafes downtown. Whatever you’re interests are, Omaha has most assuredly something right up your alley.
If you’re planning a visit to Omaha for practically any length of time, you’ll likely find yourself at some point in downtown’s Old Market district. This historic section of Omaha features many shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Not only that, but several of Omaha’s top attractions, such as the Omaha Children’s Museum and the Joslyn Art Museum, can also be found here.
Omaha is jam-packed full of many distinctly unique things to do. Brush up on your history while venturing out of your comfort zone to experience a place that has culture that perfectly captures both of these things. Join Viewcation as we take a peek at some of the top sights attractions and the best things to do in Omaha, Nebraska, the city that has been called the Gateway to the West.
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
This fantastic destination has an impressive 130 acres of exotic animals from all over the globe. The zoo is so big that it’s actually home to the largest indoor rainforests in America. There you will find happy apes called gibbons swinging merrily from tree to tree.
The zoo’s Hubbard Orangutan Forest is home to playful orangutans that enjoy hanging from the beautiful banyan trees. After you’ve gotten your necessary dose of monkey time, head on over to the largest indoor desert environment in the world to catch a glimpse of some truly fascinating desert-dwelling creatures.
After journeying through the frigid polar bear exhibits and strolling through the shark tunnel, you’ll find yourself at the zoo’s aquarium, where nature-lovers can get up close and personal with hundreds of species of marine life.
Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is more than just a zoo – it’s more like a biological park. If you’re interested in learning more about conservation, then this is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting the Omaha region.
Old Market
After spending the day at the zoo, you’ll likely have worked up quite an appetite. There is no better place in Omaha to satiate your hunger than over at the Old Market. Here you will find many fine dining establishments such as the Boiler Room as well as more casual cafes and fast-casual offerings.
Old Market is essentially the heart of Omaha. It’s brick-paved streets are lined with popular attractions like the Omaha Children’s Museum and the Joslyn Art Museum. If you’re planning a romantic evening with your significant other, you can also take a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride through the area.
There are also a ton of shops, boutiques, and art galleries to visit as well – and if you need a little pick-me-up, you can always grab a latte at one of the many independent coffee shops that call Old Market their home.
If you do plan on visiting the old market – and we highly recommend that you do – it’s best to park your vehicle near Durham Museum and then walk through the area., as the cobblestone streets can get a bit bumpy and finding a parking space can be a bit of difficult task.
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Joslyn Art Museum
Founded in 1931, the Joslyn Art Museum houses an impressive collection that includes over 11,000 pieces of art and relics. You’ll see works by some of the more familiar names of the art world as well as from lesser-known local artists from the region. Some of the most popular exhibits feature art by masters like Jules Breton, Veronese, Claude Lorrain, and Auguste Renoir.
On display at the museum are works of 18th and 19th-century American art, as well as 20th century and contemporary pieces. You’ll also be pleased to see ancient art from all over the planet. While there are many different permanent exhibits on display, special exhibits are also regularly added for your viewing pleasure, so make sure you check with their website before planning a visit to see what’s new.
The Durham Museum
Found within one of Omaha’s most unique and historically significant treasures, Union Station, The Durham Museums gives guests a thought-provoking peek into the history of the surrounding region and features a fairly broad range of traveling and temporary exhibits that cover subjects like history and culture, industry, and the sciences.
It’s highly regarded as one of the premier resources for historical preservation, entertainment, and education in the Omaha area. And, it’s a great spot to visit if you’re traveling with little ones, as there are numerous hands-on activities to keep them entertained while also learning about history. Visitors can see exhibits that include model trains as well as a streetcar from the 1940s.
The museum also has displays that include historical documents, a coin collection, and photos and artifacts from the 1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exhibition.
Lauritzen Gardens
A visit to Omaha’s beautiful botanical garden and arboretum, Lauritzen Gardens, will allow you to appreciate a wide range of flowers, shrubs, trees, and other plant life. Animal lovers will appreciate getting the chance to admire animals such as deer, rabbits, bears, and even elephants.
There are many different events and performances held at the gardens, so it’s always a good idea to check their website to see what’s coming up. If you’re traveling with a dog, you’ll be able to give them a much-needed walk while exploring the grounds.
Come Christmastime, the gardens are illuminated with thousands of festive lights for it’s annual Bright Nights event. So, if you’re looking for something to bring you some of that holiday cheer, you’ll be in luck.
Omaha Children’s Museum
Fun for the whole family can be found at the Omaha Children’s Museum – one of the most visited museums in Nebraska. The museum opened it’s doors in 1976, and ever since, it has been providing a place for visitors to come and engage in wholesome, hands-on activities. Children and the young-at-heart alike can explore the museum’s many interactive permanent exhibits, which are focused on themes like art, science, and early childhood educations.
Some of the most popular exhibits include a giant ball machine, a miniature kid-friendly grocery store, a science and technology lab, and a maker space. The museum also regularly features traveling exhibits in addition to hosting daily educational programs and special events throughout the year. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir at the gift shop on your way out!
Fun Plex
Fun Plex is the perfect place to visit for thrill-seekers or those that are just trying to cool off during the hot summer months. Located at the intersection of Q and 72nd streets, Fun Plex offers amusement rides as well as a full-featured water park. Take a ride on a roller coaster, race your friends out on the go-kart track or take a plunge down one of the park’s water slides – whatever summertime fun you’re looking for, Fun Plex probably has it.
Heartland of America Park
This 31-acre public park can be found in the middle of downtown on Douglas Street. There is a paved trail that visitors can walk along as well as a lake where swans can be seen soaking up the sun. The park also is home to three fountains, one of which shoots water more than 300 feet and is beautifully lit up at night. There’s also a gorgeous Waterworks Fountain that dates back to the 1800s.
While this park might not seem like anything particularly special, it’s a wonderful spot to have a picnic or simply get a little reprieve from the hustle of the city. And every year, it is also the site of the city’s annual Taste of Omaha Festival, where dozens of local restaurants come out to show off their finest grub.
Strategic Air and Space Museum
Located inbetween Lincoln and Omaha on I-80, this museum which opened it’s doors in 1959, features 300,000 square feet of exhibits and event space. It’s primary purpose is to preserve and commemorate aircraft from the Strategic Air Command while supporting the nearby Offutt Air Force Base. Visitors can see up-close dozens of aircraft and artifacts that are related to the SAC history and it’s mission.
Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens
History buffs will appreciate this attraction. At 3202 Woolworth Avenue stands the house where US President Gerald R. Ford lived for several weeks after his birth on July 14, 1913. The house belonged to his paternal grandparents Martha King and Charles Henry.
The site features a memorial dedicated to the United States’ 39th president. Right next door is the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center which was created by the Nebraska State Historical Society to display memorabilia, documents, and items of historical significance related to Ford and his legacy.
Well, that pretty much brings us to the end of this video. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed embarking on this little tour of Omaha with us.
What are you most excited to see on your next trip to Omaha? If you’ve already been before, what are some of your personal favorite sights and attractions throughout the city and surrounding area? Let us know in the comments section down below.
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Safe Travels!