Jess and I’ve household in Omaha, which suggests we’ve visited the town various instances through the years. In that point, we’ve visited a fantastic a lot of Omaha’s sights and points of interest. So we needed to place collectively a fast information to our favourite issues to do in Omaha, Nebraska.
Omaha is the biggest metropolis (by inhabitants) in Nebraska. It turned an necessary transportation hub within the nineteenth century and would finally entice individuals to remain for its railroad, meatpacking, and business jobs. Immediately this mid-sized Midwestern metropolis is dwelling to various cultural points of interest and performs host to widespread 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 may be to do in Omaha, this information is for you.
We’ll cowl the primary sights and points of interest, present tips about the place to remain, give 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 rather a lot to do in Omaha, from museums to historic sights to consuming and procuring. Listed below 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 virtually price visiting this museum for the constructing alone! That stated, the museum contained inside the constructing is one in every of our favourite points of interest in Omaha.
The Durham Museum focuses totally on the historical past of the area and Western America generally, overlaying historical past, tradition, science, and business. So whether or not you have an interest in transport and trains, Native American tradition, or wildlife, you will discover one thing fascinating. We notably loved the complete measurement prepare reveals on the decrease ranges, however the entire museum was wonderful to be sincere.
If you wish to study Omaha and this a part of the nation generally that is the very best place to go. If you will only one museum in Omaha, this could be our advice for most individuals.
There’s additionally an on-site museum store which is a superb place for souvenirs and the Soda Fountain and Sweet Store which is the unique Union Pacific soda fountain that serves phosphates, egg lotions, sundaes, soda, espresso, ice cream floats, snacks, sweet, and extra. Sandwiches, salads, and soups are additionally served right here throughout lunch hours.
When you keep for lunch, you may simply spend half your day having fun with this museum. In addition they typically have particular exhibitions and household occasions taking place.
There’s an admission payment for the museum and free parking on website. It can save you on admission with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack.
The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Rated as one of many world’s prime zoos, the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, also referred to as the Omaha Zoo, spreads throughout over 130 acres of land and is dwelling to over 962 animal species! It has been round for over 100 years as nicely, making it one of many oldest points of interest in Omaha on our listing.
The zoo is massive and there’s rather a lot to see, with totally different habitats showcasing totally different species. These embrace:
- the 28-acre African Grasslands space, dwelling to species together with African elephants, giraffes, rhino, lion, cheetah, meerkat, ostrich, and extra
- the 8-acre Asian Highlands space together with species such because the purple panda, Indian rhinos, snow leopard, and Siberian tiger
- the Desert Dome, which is without doubt one of the world’s largest indoor deserts. This 1 acre lined space has desert species from world wide together with the African wild cat, klipspringer, bobcat and larger 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 Night time, the world’s largest nocturnal animal exhibit, which additionally occurs to include the world’s largest indoor swamp! Inside you’ll discover every part 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 presents wonderful views over reveals together with the lions and cheetahs.
As you may see, there’s rather a lot to see and do on the Omaha Zoo. We suggest planning on spending a minimum of a half day right here, however ideally a full day.
There’s an entry payment, with free parking out there on website. 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 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 vital updates over the many years, together with the newest renovations which have been accomplished in late 2024.
Immediately, 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’s additionally a big space of contemporary 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 may be additionally free parking on website. Nevertheless, you ought to be conscious that the automotive park can replenish so be ready to attend, or discover parking close by (paid road parking can be out there).
Omaha’s Riverfront Space
Omaha’s riverfront space has undergone vital revitalization lately, turning it right into a vacation spot in its personal proper. Immediately, 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 decide and select relying in your pursuits. The entire riverfront improvement is unquestionably price a stroll although, particularly on a pleasant day. In case you are in search of a pleasant place to go for a stroll, have a picnic, loosen up on a bench, or take the youngsters out for some recent air, any of those can be a fantastic choice. Right here’s what you’ll discover in every space.
Lewis & Clark Touchdown & Customer Heart
Within the early nineteenth century, famed explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark journeyed throughout the huge expanse of land which america had bought from France as a part of the Louisiana Buy. They primarily adopted the Missouri River, which right this moment flows via and marks the japanese fringe of Omaha.
Immediately, there are a variety 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 Heart. 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 right this moment. 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 dwelling to an city seashore, volleyball courts, strolling trails, and a formidable playground which options zip-lines, rocket ship formed climbing towers, sand pits, and extra. You probably have 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 put up 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 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 may take boat rides on the Basic 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 if you happen to’re visiting Omaha with children, however adults are catered too as nicely. The truth is, there’s usually an adults solely occasion known as Night time Gentle on Thursday evenings.
Inside, you’re going to seek out greater than 100 hands-on reveals. From studying how physics works, to materials science, constructions, the human physique, expertise, math and geometry, you’re positive to seek out one thing to take pleasure in.
There’s free parking on website. There’s an entry payment, which is comparatively excessive, however we expect price it if you happen to plan to spend a minimum of half a day right here.
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Omaha sits proper on the japanese 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 visitors making it a well-liked choice for households with children to take pleasure in.
On the Omaha facet, the bridge begins close to the Nationwide Park Service Guests Heart. It takes you to the Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park on the Iowa facet. When you take pleasure in strolling or biking the bridge hyperlinks up with 150 miles of trails. So you may maintain 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 possible take pleasure in a go to to Omaha’s Museum of Shadows. That is dwelling to a wide range of haunted artifacts, with the museum itself additionally stated to be haunted.
Now, this expertise isn’t going to be for everybody, and evaluations are positively combined. Nevertheless, if you wish to expertise one thing a bit totally different and consider within the paranormal, it’s positively an choice.
There’s an entry payment, discover out extra right here. You should buy tickets on-line prematurely or on website in individual. Simply word this isn’t open every single day so remember to test opening days and hours earlier than you head right here.
The Outdated Market
One in every 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, workplaces, and extra.
Modifications in how groceries have been purchased and bought meant that by the Fifties the Outdated Market was now not fulfilling its authentic perform, and plenty of of its buildings have been prone to being condemned.
Fortunately, domestically born landowner Samuel Mercer noticed the potential of the world, and led the renovation efforts. Immediately, the Outdated Market district is the center of the eating and procuring expertise in Omaha. The outdated buildings and cobbled streets stay, now dwelling to shops, eating places, bars, espresso outlets, thrift shops, pubs, and residences. You’ll be able to even nonetheless take a carriage journey!
You’ll additionally discover that the Omaha Guests Heart is situated subsequent to the Outdated Market space on 306 S tenth Road. It’s usually open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm. They’ve workers who may help you intend your time, free vacationer brochures, and in addition native souvenirs and present for buy. In case you are within the Omaha Financial savings Pack, you’ll find out extra about it right here.
Lauritzen Gardens
When you take pleasure in inexperienced areas, Omaha has quite a lot 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 working all year long. We visited as soon as throughout a Japanese competition which was quite a lot 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 methods 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 working mannequin trains.
Talking of trains, proper subsequent to the Lauritzen Gardens is Kenefick Park. This overlooks Interstate 80 and welcomes individuals arriving from Iowa with the sight of two huge locomotives. Which you’ll stand proper subsequent to if you happen to go to Kenefick Park. This park is free and we actually loved visiting it.
Lauritzen Gardens cost an entry payment, and there’s free parking on website. It can save you on admission with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack.
Joslyn Fortress & Gardens
Once you go to Omaha, you’ll discover the identify “Joslyn” popping up right here and there, together with the Joslyn Artwork Museum and the Joslyn Fortress & Gardens. And also you would possibly marvel why that’s.
Nicely, George Joslyn and his spouse Sara moved to Omaha in 1880 and have become rich because of George Joslyn’s involvement within the printing business. They contributed a fantastic 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 goals. This resulted within the creation of their dwelling they known as Lynhurst and what’s right this moment often called Joslyn Fortress & Gardens. The home itself, accomplished in 1903, is a 4 story constructing constructed within the Scottish Baronial Revival architectural fashion. It mainly appears like a Scottish citadel within the coronary heart of Omaha. This price $250,000 to construct again in 1903, or round $9 million in right this moment’s cash.
The virtually 20,000 sq. foot home is open to the general public by guided tour solely, and we will positively suggest taking a tour if you happen to’d prefer to study extra about this uncommon property and the individuals who constructed it. We actually loved our tour right here, the guides have been extremely educated and the inside is simply gorgeous. This was positively our favourite guided tour we’ve taken in Omaha.
There’s a payment to take a tour and you may see the tour schedule and value right here. The excursions final about 90 minutes and I’d enable a minimum of 2 hours to your complete go to.
When you aren’t visiting on a tour day, or are comfortable to simply 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
When you like public artwork, then there are many places throughout Omaha the place you may take pleasure in public artwork without spending a dime. 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 exterior the CHI Well being Heart Enviornment. 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 evening for an additional colourful artwork set up
- The Pioneer Braveness Park sculptures by Utah sculptors Blair Buswell and Edward Fraughton may be discovered on Capital Avenue. They characteristic a wagon prepare continuing alongside a creek mattress, and need to be seen to be believed. There’s additionally one other set up on this sequence, the Spirit of Nebraska Wilderness sculptures discovered exterior the First Nationwide Financial institution of Omaha, which depict over 50 bigger than life Canada Geese. See particulars on each these parks right here. Two sculpture parks, Pioneer Braveness and Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness and The Transcontinental Railroad, have a good time the town’s pioneering historical past.
- Fertile Floor Mural by Meg Saligman. You’ll be able to’t speak about public artwork in Omaha with out together with the Fertile Floor Mural. At 70 ft tall and 465 ft lengthy that is the biggest public artwork challenge in Omaha and one of many largest murals within the USA. Discover it on 602 N thirteenth St within the Outdated Market space of city.
- The Chef Boyardee Statue exterior the Conagra constructing within the Heartland of America park. OK, so this is perhaps an oddball alternative, however if you happen to’ve ever eaten canned spaghetti within the USA as a toddler, you’re in all probability acquainted with the Chef Boyardee model. The statue is of the real-life chef behind the model, Italian immigrant Ettore Boiardi. He modified his identify to Chef Hector Boyardee to assist gross sales of his packaged spaghetti sauce and dinners and his identify 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
Once you’re in Omaha you will wish to eat, and there are just a few meals choices it’s best to positively attempt whenever you’re on the town. We suggest the next dishes and places:
- 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 which you could nonetheless have a Reuben Sandwich on the Blackstone Lodge, which has since turn 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 very best Reuben in Omaha. Actually, they have been each good. When you favor a extra formal eating expertise, then the Blackstone is the most suitable 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 truly makes quite a lot of sense as beef is Omaha’s largest business, and the town has been a meatpacking middle for the reason that center of the twentieth century. So that you would possibly wish to even have a steak if you are on the town. Choices to think about 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 widespread steak eating choice in Omaha is Gorat’s Steakhouse. However this restaurant is known for an additional purpose – 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 individual, however there’s a cardboard cutout of him which you could pose by if you happen to so want!
- If you wish to attempt extra native produce past steak, then you definitely’ll positively wish to embrace 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 widespread 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 dwelling to over 30 wineries so you might also have an opportunity to attempt some native wine.
- A domestically widespread 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 performed 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 Fortress & Gardens. This truly positioned first in a nationwide rating of ice cream places, so we’re not the one ones who assume it’s price a go to! They handmake their ice cream with native, recent 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 lots extra choices throughout the town.
Omaha Youngsters’s Museum
When you’re visiting Omaha with kids, then it’s best to positively take into account together with the Omaha Youngsters’s Museum in your to-do listing. This award profitable museum goals to stimulate children creativeness and excite them about studying new issues.
It does this via all kinds of everlasting and momentary reveals, the vast majority of that are interactive. These embrace 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 payment and there’s free parking on website. It can save you on admission with the free Omaha Financial savings Pack.
Purchasing
As with most cities, Omaha has a superb alternative of procuring choices. These vary from the usual massive field and malls that you simply’ll discover most all over the place, via to domestically owned places, which we’ll give attention to on this information.
- The Outdated Market space of Omaha is the place we’d suggest heading if you happen to’re in search of smaller, domestically owned outlets. You’ll discover every part from vintage outlets to sweet outlets, dwelling decor, books, classic clothes, jewellery and music. We will additionally suggest visiting the Artists Cooperative Gallery if you happen to’d prefer to peruse and purchase artwork from native artists. Naturally, the world 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 procuring vacation spot. Neighborhood outlets embrace Roger + Chris (dwelling decor), Albany and Avers (classic clothes) and Dundee Candle Co the place you may create and pour your personal candle.
- Nebraska Furnishings Mart. Based in Omaha in 1937, and right this moment owned by Berkshire Hathaway, that is an iconic Omaha dwelling furnishing retailer. With over 450,000 sq. ft of retail house, it’s secure to say that in case you are in search of furnishings, this can be a good choice. It’s additionally fairly an expertise wandering round reminiscent of huge retailer. Jess and I visited, and have been impressed on the vary of furnishings on supply, throughout a variety of budgets. And sure, they provide transport.
- For extra identify model retail remedy, you would possibly wish to head to one of many close by procuring retailers. These are largely situated exterior of Omaha, and embrace Nebraska Crossing (largest outlet mall in Nebraska), Village Pointe and Regency Purchasing Heart (extra upscale manufacturers). We as soon as did some coat procuring at Nebraska Crossing and located it to be a very nice outside outlet mall.
As you may see, there are many procuring 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 would possibly take into account 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 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 whenever you go to Omaha, you would possibly 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 if you happen to aren’t all for 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 extremely popular instances to go to Omaha, with lodging costs capturing up and widespread eating places reserving out. So if you happen to don’t intend on participating within the occasion, you would possibly 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 Might on the CHI Well being Heart Omaha Conference Heart and Enviornment.
- Style of Omaha – a three-day meals competition held each summer time within the Heartland of America park
- Maha Competition – a big music competition which usually takes place on the finish of July
- The Omaha Movie Competition, which takes place in March annually
- There are additionally quite a few performs, musical acts and different performances at venues throughout the town all year long, together with at The Rose Theater (kids’s theater), Orpheum Theater, Omaha Neighborhood Playhouse, The Ready Room and the CHI Well being Heart
- Plus in fact there are films, axe throwing, arcades, bowling, mini golf… the listing of actions in Omaha goes on!
For extra on what’s on in Omaha, and extra concepts on what to see and do generally, we extremely suggest popping into the Omaha Guests Heart within the Outdated Market space on 306 S tenth Road. The Go to Omaha web site additionally has data on occasions taking place within the metropolis.
Tips on how to Get to Omaha
Omaha is true in the course of the USA, and has cheap transport connections. We’ve visited Omaha by automotive, aircraft, and prepare! Listed below are the primary methods to get to the town.
- By automotive. Omaha is related by highway to the remainder of the U.S. by two major Interstates, I-80 which runs east all the way in which to New York by way of Chicago and west all the way in which to San Francisco by way of Salt Lake Metropolis. There’s additionally I-29 which runs north to Fargo, after which in the end to the Canadian border, and south to Kansas Metropolis.
- By aircraft. Omaha’s airport presents direct flights to over 30 locations in america, that means the town is comparatively 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 primary Amtrak route which runs between Chicago and San Francisco, the service often called the California Zephyr, which incorporates stops in Denver, Salt Lake Metropolis, and extra.
How Many Days Ought to I Spend in Omaha?
Yon can spend as little or as a lot time as you need in Omaha as there are many issues to do and see. You’ll be able to simply spend per week right here visiting all of the cultural points of interest, exploring the parks, gardens, and strolling paths, procuring, consuming at steakhouses, and taking in some night leisure.
However at a minimal we’d in all probability suggest a minimum of two full days and nights to get a superb style of the town.
Urged Two Day Omaha Itinerary
Right here’s a fast overview of a doable itinerary for 2 days in Omaha.
In your first day you would possibly 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 would possibly 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.
You probably have extra time, then I might undergo our listing 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 remember to take into consideration opening instances and days as many points of interest are closed a minimum of sooner or later per week.
In case you are visiting for the School World Sequence, Berkshire Hathaway Annual Assembly, or another massive occasion, it’s a good suggestion so as to add an additional day to your journey so you might have extra time to discover if doable.
The place to Keep in Omaha
Omaha has a variety of lodging choices, together with inns, house leases, motels, and extra. Costs vary from finances to high-end, and customarily the nearer you’re to downtown the upper the costs shall be. In case you are driving, most downtown inns 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 differ rather a lot 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 if you happen to aren’t planning on attending that you simply would possibly wish to keep away from these few days.
Listed below 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 lodge presents beautiful 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 lodge to the CHI Well being Heart (conference middle for various occasions and conferences within the metropolis), to which it’s related by way of a Skybridge, making it a superb choice if you happen to’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 vitally near the venue additionally.
- The Peregrine – this lodge is present in a historic native landmark constructing which dates from 1914. Immediately it’s a boutique lodge providing 4* lodging simply minutes stroll from downtown.
- The Farnam, Autograph Assortment – some of the extremely rated inns in downtown Omaha, this centrally situated 4* lodge presents 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* lodge is a revival of the enduring Blackstone lodge which was discovered on this location from 1916. This can be a lovely outdated lodge with all of the facilities you’ll want for a leisure or enterprise keep. When you keep right here, remember to attempt a Reuben! The lodge additionally has afternoon tea service on some Sundays.
- Hampton Inn Council Bluffs – if you happen to would favor a lodge with free parking, then the Hampton Inn in Council Bluffs Iowa is an efficient choice to think about. 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 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 listing of choices together with trip leases, motels and inns right here.
Tips on how 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 just a little farther from downtown, such because the Blackstone District, Joslyn Fortress, Lauritzen Gardens and so on., then you’ll want to use some technique of mechanized transport.
Public transport companies, primarily within the type of a bus system, function throughout the Omaha space. The system is called the Omaha Metro, and you’ll find dwell bus instances and routes on the My Journey web site and app. Fares for the Metro service must 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 technique of establishing a streetcar service which is meant to hyperlink downtown with the Blackstone district. That’s hoped to be working by 2027.
You too can 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 differ, and you may test the most recent parking data right here.
Journey share companies together with Uber, Lyft and zTrip are additionally out there, as are bike share and scooter rental companies.
Tips on how to 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 provided by the native tourism workplace, and presents reductions on among 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 cross and it’s all dealt with on-line. All you need to do is present your data and the cross shall 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 needed to share some extra sources we’ve put collectively that can assist you plan your journey to the town, and journey within the USA generally.
- Questioning how a lot a go to to Omaha may cost a little? Try our information to how a lot it prices to journey within the USA that can assist you plan your journey 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 quite a lot 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 would like 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 if you happen to’re in search of inspiration for the remainder of the USA, take a look at our USA part, which has heaps extra inspiration
Do you might have any questions on visiting Omaha? As all the time, we’re comfortable to reply any questions you may need, simply pop them within the feedback beneath and we’ll get again to you as quickly as we will.
