Jess and I’ve household in Omaha, which suggests we’ve visited the town a lot of occasions through the years. In that point, we’ve visited an incredible 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 most important metropolis (by inhabitants) in Nebraska. It turned an necessary transportation hub within the nineteenth century and would ultimately entice individuals to remain for its railroad, meatpacking, and trade jobs. At the moment this mid-sized Midwestern metropolis is house to a lot of cultural points of interest and performs host to well-liked occasions such because the School World Sequence and the annual Berkshire Hathaway assembly.
So, whether or not you’re on the town for an enormous 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 tips about the place to remain, give strategies on meals to attempt in Omaha, concepts for what to do in Omaha with youngsters, and much extra.
Let’s get began!
Issues to Do in Omaha
There’s loads 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 stated, 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 will discover one thing attention-grabbing. We notably loved the total measurement practice reveals on the decrease ranges, however the entire museum was wonderful 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 will only one museum in Omaha, this is able to be our suggestion for most individuals.
There’s additionally an on-site museum store which is a good 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.
When you keep for lunch, you’ll be able to simply spend half your day having fun with this museum. Additionally they typically have particular exhibitions and household occasions occurring.
There’s an admission charge for the museum and free parking on web site. 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, also called the Omaha Zoo, spreads throughout over 130 acres of land and is house to over 962 animal species! It has been round for over 100 years as properly, making it one of many oldest points of interest in Omaha on our listing.
The zoo is massive and there’s loads to see, with completely different habitats showcasing completely different species. These embody:
- the 28-acre African Grasslands space, house 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 among 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 larger 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 tons 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 provides wonderful views over reveals together with the lions and cheetahs.
As you’ll be able to see, there’s loads to see and do on the Omaha Zoo. We suggest planning on spending at the least a half day right here, however ideally a full day.
There’s an entry charge, with free parking obtainable on web site. It can save you on admission with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack.
Joslyn Artwork Museum
When you take pleasure in artwork museums then you’ll positively 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 vital updates over the many years, together with the latest renovations which had been accomplished in late 2024.
At the moment, the museum has a lot of everlasting collections which cowl a variety of time intervals 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 stunning outside backyard that includes numerous sculptures.
The Joslyn Artwork Museum is free to go to and there’s additionally free parking on web site. Nevertheless, 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 vital 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 may go to all three in a single go, or choose and select relying in your pursuits. The entire riverfront growth is unquestionably price a stroll although, particularly on a pleasant day. If you’re in search of a pleasant place to go for a stroll, have a picnic, chill out on a bench, or take the children out for some contemporary air, any of those could be an incredible 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 immediately flows via and marks the jap fringe of Omaha.
At the moment, there are a selection of issues you are able to do within the touchdown space. First, we’d suggest 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 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 middle although. It’s a part of the Omaha Riverfront space, and is house to an city seaside, volleyball courts, strolling trails, and a powerful playground which options zip-lines, rocket ship formed climbing towers, sand pits, and extra. In case you have youngsters, they’ll 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 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. When you go to in winter time, it’s going to be festooned with lights.
The Gene Leahy Mall connects with the Outdated 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 biggest of the three RiverFront parks, that is additionally essentially 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 biggest of those three fountains shoots water 300 toes 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’ll be able to take boat rides on the Normal Marion boat. When you’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 for those who’re visiting Omaha with youngsters, however adults are catered too as properly. 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’re positive to search out one thing to take pleasure in.
There’s free parking on web site. There’s an entry charge, which is comparatively excessive, however we predict price it for those who 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 choice for households with youngsters to take pleasure in.
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. When you take pleasure in strolling or biking the bridge hyperlinks up with 150 miles of trails. So you’ll be able to hold going for fairly a while if you want!
Museum of Shadows
When you like your experiences to be of the paranormal variety, then you’ll seemingly take pleasure in a go to to Omaha’s Museum of Shadows. That is house to quite a lot of haunted artifacts, with the museum itself additionally stated to be haunted.
Now, this expertise isn’t going to be for everybody, and critiques are positively blended. Nevertheless, if you wish to expertise one thing a bit completely different and consider within the paranormal, it’s positively an choice.
There’s an entry charge, discover out extra right here. You should purchase tickets on-line prematurely or on web site in particular person. Simply notice this isn’t open on daily basis so make sure you test opening days and hours earlier than you head right here.
The Outdated Market
Certainly one of our favourite neighborhoods to wander round and seize a espresso in Omaha is the Outdated 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, places of work, and extra.
Modifications in how groceries had been purchased and bought meant that by the Nineteen Fifties the Outdated Market was now not fulfilling its unique perform, and lots of of its buildings had been susceptible to being condemned.
Fortunately, regionally born landowner Samuel Mercer noticed the potential of the realm, and led the renovation efforts. At the moment, the Outdated Market district is the center of the eating and purchasing expertise in Omaha. The outdated buildings and cobbled streets stay, now house to shops, eating places, bars, espresso outlets, thrift shops, pubs, and residences. You may even nonetheless take a carriage experience!
You’ll additionally discover that the Omaha Guests Middle is positioned subsequent to the Outdated Market space on 306 S tenth Road. It’s usually open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm. They’ve workers who will help you intend your time, free vacationer brochures, and in addition native souvenirs and reward for buy. If you’re within the Omaha Financial savings Pack, you will discover out extra about it right here.
Lauritzen Gardens
When you take pleasure in inexperienced areas, Omaha has a number 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 fowl sanctuary. Additionally they have occasions operating all year long. We visited as soon as throughout a Japanese competition which was a number of enjoyable. Yow 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 data on how you can 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 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 be able to stand proper subsequent to for those who go to Kenefick Park. This park is free and we actually loved visiting it.
Lauritzen Gardens cost an entry charge, and there’s free parking on web site. It can save you on admission with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack.
Joslyn Citadel & Gardens
Whenever 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 surprise 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 an incredible deal to the town, together with the aforementioned Artwork Museum.
By 1893 the Joslyn’s had enough wealth to construct the backyard and residential of their goals. This resulted within the creation of their house they known as Lynhurst and what’s immediately 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 appears to be like like a Scottish fortress within the coronary heart of Omaha. This value $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 positively suggest taking a tour for those who’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 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 charge to take a tour and you may see the tour schedule and worth right here. The excursions final about 90 minutes and I’d enable at the least 2 hours in your whole go to.
When you aren’t visiting on a tour day, or are glad to only discover the backyard and take a look at the constructing exterior, that is free to do. There’s free parking on web site and you may discover the grounds your self.
Public artwork in Omaha
When you like public artwork, then there are many areas throughout Omaha the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in public artwork without spending a dime. A few of our favourite items embody:
- Untitled by Jan Kaneko within the Gene Leahy Mall. You may’t assist however discover the big peaceable head while you stroll via this park!
- The Illumina sculptures outdoors the CHI Well being Middle Area. That includes six statues of individuals representing the humanities and humanities occasions that happen on the conference middle, in addition to a 35 foot clock. Step inside the middle at night time for one more 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 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 may’t speak about public artwork in Omaha with out together with the Fertile Floor Mural. At 70 toes tall and 465 toes lengthy that is the most important public artwork challenge in Omaha and one of many largest murals within the USA. Discover it on 602 N thirteenth St within the Outdated 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 for those who’ve ever eaten canned spaghetti within the USA as a toddler, you’re in all probability accustomed to 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 may see tons 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
Whenever you’re in Omaha you will need to eat, and there are a number of meals choices it is best to positively attempt while you’re on the town. We suggest the next dishes and areas:
- 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 which you can 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 most effective Reuben in Omaha. Truthfully, they had been each good. When you favor a extra formal eating expertise, then the Blackstone is the best choice. When you favor a pub fashion setting with a beer, then go together with the Crescent Moon choice.
- It’s arduous to say meals in Omaha with out speaking about steaks. There’s actually a entire firm devoted to the idea! This really makes a number of sense as beef is Omaha’s largest trade, and the town has been a meatpacking middle because the center of the twentieth century. So that you may need to even have a steak when you are on the town. Choices to contemplate 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 well-liked steak eating choice in Omaha is Gorat’s Steakhouse. However this restaurant is known for one more cause – it’s the favourite steakhouse of legendary investor Warren Buffet who’s head of Berkshire Hathaway. He’s eaten right here many occasions, 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 which you can pose by for those who so want!
- If you wish to attempt extra native produce past steak, then you definitely’ll positively need to embody corn in your listing of meals to attempt in Omaha. Corn is the primary crop grown within the state so we positively can suggest having an ear of corn right here when its in season. Different well-liked crops and produce embody milk and dairy merchandise, beans (Nice Northern, pinto, and so on.), pork, poultry, eggs, sugar beets, apples, and honey. Nebraska can be house to over 30 wineries so you may additionally have an opportunity to attempt some native wine.
- A regionally well-liked 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 positively higher than it sounds.
- When you like ice cream (who doesn’t like ice cream?), then we extremely suggest 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 areas, so we’re not the one ones who assume it’s price a go to! They handmake their ice cream with native, contemporary elements, 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 loads extra choices throughout the town.
Omaha Youngsters’s Museum
When you’re visiting Omaha with youngsters, then it is best to positively take into account together with the Omaha Youngsters’s Museum in your to-do listing. This award successful museum goals to stimulate youngsters 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 middle the place experimentation is inspired, a kid-sized hospital with interactive “x-ray” machines, an interactive kid-friendly financial institution department, and masses extra.
The museum has an entry charge and there’s free parking on web site. 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 huge field and malls that you just’ll discover most in all places, via to regionally owned areas, which we’ll deal with on this information.
- The Outdated Market space of Omaha is the place we’d suggest heading for those who’re in search of smaller, regionally owned outlets. You’ll discover the whole lot from vintage outlets to sweet outlets, house decor, books, classic clothes, jewellery and music. We are able to additionally suggest visiting the Artists Cooperative Gallery for those who’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 superb purchasing vacation spot. Neighborhood outlets embody Roger + Chris (house 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 immediately owned by Berkshire Hathaway, that is an iconic Omaha house furnishing retailer. With over 450,000 sq. toes of retail area, it’s protected to say that in case you are in search of furnishings, it is a good choice. It’s additionally fairly an expertise wandering round equivalent to huge retailer. Jess and I visited, and had been impressed on the vary of furnishings on supply, throughout a variety of budgets. And sure, they provide delivery.
- For extra title model retail remedy, you may need to head to one of many close by purchasing retailers. These are largely positioned outdoors of Omaha, and embody Nebraska Crossing (largest outlet mall in Nebraska), Village Pointe and Regency Buying Middle (extra upscale manufacturers). We as soon as did some coat purchasing at Nebraska Crossing and located it to be a very nice outside outlet mall.
As you’ll be able to see, there are many purchasing choices in Omaha, no matter you have an interest in shopping for!
Enjoyable Plex Waterpark and Rides
If you’re visiting Omaha within the scorching summer time months with household, then you definitely may take into account a visit out to the Enjoyable Plex Waterpark and Rides. That is about seven miles from downtown, and is the most important amusement park in Nebraska.
The park has a lot of common rides for each adults and youngsters, 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 in search of a bit extra grownup enjoyable.
The Enjoyable Plex is generally open from late Might 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, 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 provide you an thought of what to anticipate.
Even for those who aren’t considering 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 may be highly regarded occasions to go to Omaha, with lodging costs taking pictures up and well-liked eating places reserving out. So for those who don’t intend on collaborating within the occasion, you may need to keep away from city at the moment!
- School World Sequence, a baseball match held in Omaha each June since 1950,. at the moment going down on the Charles Schwab Area
- Berkshire Hathaway Annual Assembly, the annual assembly for Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. Usually held in early Might on the CHI Well being Middle Omaha Conference Middle and Area.
- 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 Neighborhood Playhouse, The Ready Room and the CHI Well being Middle
- Plus in fact there are films, axe throwing, arcades, bowling, mini golf… the listing 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 suggest popping into the Omaha Guests Middle within the Outdated Market space on 306 S tenth Road. The Go to Omaha web site additionally has data on occasions occurring within the metropolis.
The right way to Get to Omaha
Omaha is true in the midst of the USA, and has cheap transport connections. We’ve visited Omaha by automotive, airplane, and practice! Listed below 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 important 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 finally to the Canadian border, and south to Kansas Metropolis.
- By airplane. Omaha’s airport provides direct flights to over 30 locations in the US, which means the town is comparatively simple 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 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 may simply spend every 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 suggest at the least two full days and nights to get a superb style of the town.
Steered Two Day Omaha Itinerary
Right here’s a fast overview of a potential 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 Outdated 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 time out after which have dinner that night at a neighborhood steakhouse.
In case you have extra time, then I’d undergo our listing 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 make sure you take note of opening occasions and days as many points of interest are closed at the least in the future every week.
If you’re 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 have got extra time to discover if potential.
The place to Keep in Omaha
Omaha has a variety of lodging choices, together with lodges, condominium leases, motels, and extra. Costs vary from finances to high-end, and usually the nearer you’re to downtown the upper the costs shall be. If you’re driving, most downtown lodges will supply valet parking, though road parking can be typically an choice (simply keep in mind to pay the meter!).
It’s additionally price noting that pricing can fluctuate loads 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 for those who 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 courting from 1930, this Artwork Deco styled 4* boutique lodge provides 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 latest go to to Omaha and loved it.
- Hilton Omaha – That is the closest lodge to the CHI Well being Middle (conference middle for a lot of occasions and conferences within the metropolis), to which it’s linked through a Skybridge, making it a superb choice for those who’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 a superb lodge choice for the School World Sequence 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 – one of the extremely rated lodges in downtown Omaha, this centrally positioned 4* lodge provides comfy 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 long-lasting Blackstone lodge which was discovered on this location from 1916. It is a lovely outdated lodge with all of the facilities you’ll want for a leisure or enterprise keep. When you keep right here, make sure you attempt a Reuben! The lodge additionally has afternoon tea service on some Sundays.
- Hampton Inn Council Bluffs – for those who would favor a lodge with free parking, then the Hampton Inn in Council Bluffs Iowa is an efficient choice to contemplate. It’s only a few 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 web site and breakfast is included. It’s additionally solely a brief drive from downtown Omaha
Naturally there are lots of extra lodging choices in Omaha. See a full listing of choices together with trip leases, motels and lodges right here.
The right way to 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 only a few minutes stroll aside. For locations slightly farther from downtown, such because the Blackstone District, Joslyn Citadel, Lauritzen Gardens and so on., then you’ll want 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 named the Omaha Metro, and you will discover stay bus occasions 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 do this right here.
Omaha can be within the means of setting up a streetcar service which is meant to hyperlink downtown with the Blackstone district. That’s hoped to be operating by 2027.
You may as well drive simply round Omaha, which is what we usually find yourself doing. Road parking is on the market throughout the town for cheap charges, and you may pay utilizing the Park Omaha or ParkMobile app for smartphones. Charges fluctuate, and you may test the newest parking data right here.
Trip share providers together with Uber, Lyft and zTrip are additionally obtainable, as are bike share and scooter rental providers.
The right way to Save Cash in Omaha
Whereas Omaha doesn’t have a metropolis attraction move 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 provides reductions on a few of the hottest points of interest within the metropolis.
This consists of locations just like the Durham Museum, Lauritzen Gardens, the Zoo, Omaha Youngsters’s Museum, and extra.
It’s free to get the move and it’s all dealt with on-line. All you need to do is present your data and the move shall be despatched to your telephone. You may see extra and join 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 sources 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 a little? 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 ideas for driving within the USA to assist get you occurring the highway!
- We’ve visited a number 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 Highway Journey, Route 66 Highway Journey and Pacific Coast Freeway Highway Journey
- And for those who’re in search of inspiration for the remainder of the USA, take a look at our USA part, which has tons extra inspiration
Do you have got any questions on visiting Omaha? As at all times, we’re glad 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.
