Omaha Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Omaha Travel & Tourism, Free Omaha Travel Guide Online

Omaha Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Omaha Travel & Tourism, Free Omaha Travel Guide Online

When you visit Omaha, Nebraska, prepare to be amazed You will find a riverfront that is a showplace, a downtown renaissance, a burgeoning metropolitan area, world-class entertainment, and a host of festive events taking place year round.

Located along the banks of the Missouri River at Nebraska's eastern border, Omaha is the state's largest city. Visitors can choose from a number of museums. The Joslyn Art Museum is Nebraska's only general art facility. Its collection includes selections ranging from western art to works of the Old Masters. The Joslyn is housed in an unusual building that is a hybrid combining art-deco and neoclassical design. The interior is truly impressive, with 38 different varieties of marble having been used in the construction of the floors and walls.

At the Durham Western Heritage Museum, there is much to see and admire. The art-deco building was once a railroad terminal, and is an attraction in itself. The chandeliers and murals inside bring to mind the lost glamour of rail travel. The museum's exhibits detail the development of Omaha and include an impressive collection of historic coins, maps and documents.

Interesting sections of the city include the historic Old Market, bounded by 10th, 13th, Harney and Jackson streets. Visitors and locals alike feel transported to the late 19th century as they stroll down the cobblestone streets. The area contains art galleries, boutiques, specialty shops, sidewalk vendors, pubs and restaurants. The Heartland of America Fountain and Park, east of the Old Market, lies on 31 acres of riverfront property.

In bold contrast to the city's stately, older buildings, Mutual of Omaha's Dome at 33rd and Dodge streets exemplifies the union of contemporary architecture with energy efficiency. As the corporate headquarters for such companies as Berkshire Hathaway Inc., ConAgra Foods, Gallup Organization, Mutual of Omaha and Union Pacific Corporation, the building bears witness to the city's diversified economic base. At nearby Offutt Air Force Base, the U.S. Air Force's Strategic Command (STRATCOM) guides military operations around the globe.

An ambitious new riverfront project will develop the 422-acre Qwest Convention Center and Arena, the National Park Service's Midwest headquarters, and a pedestrian bridge linking Omaha and Council Bluffs.

Just outside of Omaha's metropolitan area to the northwest are Standing Bear and Glenn Cunningham lakes. These lakes were formed by earthfill dams built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and offer a host of water sports activities. The 300-acre Neale Woods Nature Center overlooks the Missouri River Valley and contains 7.5 miles of wooded and prairie trails

Another memorable site is the legendary Boys Town, the residential program for underprivileged youth established by Father Edward Flanagan in 1917. A tour of the grounds includes the Hall of History which depicts the lifework of the founder.

Today, Boys Town is an incorporated village on a 1,300 acre site that serves as both home and learning center for over 500 boys and girls.

Don't miss the two perfectly preserved Navy vessels that are on display at Freedom Park: the USS Hazard (a minesweeper) and the USS Marlin (a submarine). You also should consider a trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo, home of the Lied Jungle and the Desert Dome, said to be the world's largest indoor rain forest and largest indoor desert, respectively. You can walk through the Lied Jungle at ground level and on an elevated walkway that runs through the treetops. The Desert Dome offers a 30 foot sand dune and a hummingbird canyon, along with habitats for a variety of creatures including monitor lizards, meerkats, prairie dogs and pumas. The zoo also contains the Scott Aquarium, with an underwater tunnel for viewing sharks up close, and an IMAX theater.

If you have an interest in the performing arts, Omaha presents many options. The Omaha Symphony season includes 12 Symphony performances, 12 Pops, and six Chamber concerts and is regarded as one of the finest regional orchestras in the nation.The Omaha Opera provides professional full-scale productions which have received favorable reviews in both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. The Omaha Broadway Theater regularly brings national touring casts for major Broadway and London West End productions to the Omaha stage.

Whether you enjoy walking along a trail, strolling through the galleries of a fine museum, or relishing a fine dining experience, this Nebraska city will satisfy. Known for covering the spectrum from quaint bistros to fine dining, Omaha has its share of innovative chefs serving up some of the most memorable cuisine in mid-America. Moreover, it is a delight to experience what the local residents often take for granted: fine Omaha beef.

Among the notable annual events on Omaha's calendar are the Omaha Quilters Guild Show each April, the NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium in June, and the September River City Roundup and Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Livestock Exposition & Rodeo.

With the beauty of its gently rolling hills along the Missouri River and its warm mid-western hospitality, a visit to Omaha will leave you with plans to return time and time again.

Omaha Attractions: Omaha Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Omaha Travel & Tourism, Free Omaha Travel Guide Online

Heartland of America Park

8th and Douglas Sts.

Omaha, NE 68102
402-444-6362

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
The Heartland of America Park is a 30 acre park adjacent to the Missouri River and connected to the Eugene Leahy Mall. The park features a 15 acre lake, a $1.5 million fountain which shoots water 300 feet in the air, two smaller fountains, a waterfall, walking paths, a performance deck and seasonal boat rides.


Henry Doorly Zoo
3701 South 10th St.

Omaha, NE 68107
402-733-8400

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
The Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the state's most popular tourist attractions, with attendance reaching 1.6 million annually. Henry Doorly Zoo has the second largest family membership in the United States. This world-class zoo sits on 130 acres and is home to over 600 species and more than 18,600 specimens. Among the numerous exhibits are the world's second largest free-flight aviary, a collection of rare white tigers, and the world's largest captive herds of gaur and Nile Lechwe. The zoo has a 1.5 acre indoor tropical rainforest, the Lied Jungle. The world's largest indoor rainforest features the jungle habitats of Asia, Africa, South America and Australia contains about 3,000 plant species and approximately 125 species of animals.

Scott Kingdoms of the Seas Aquarium

is located in the Henry Doorly Zoo and is the largest salt-water aquarium between Chicago and San Francisco. The area includes an enclosed, refrigerated area with water and snow for Antarctic penguins, and the nation's second largest tropical reef tank housing sharks, giant ray fish and other reef fish. Visitors can view the reef exhibit while walking through a clear, acrylic underwater tunnel, the largest and longest in the nation.

Every few years an exciting new exhibit unfolds at Nebraska's No. 1 visitor's attraction. The world's largest geodesic dome, the Desert Dome, is now open and waiting for you.

The zoo also has an IMAX 3D theater. Experience the thrills and adventure of the animal kingdom! View a variety of adventures on a screen that stands six stories tall and is accompanied by stereo surround sound. Feature presentations change approximately every 4 months with 3D features shown periodically.

The Old Market Association
Harney to Jackson Sts., 10th to 13th Sts.

Omaha, NE
402-342-1506

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
The Old Market, a unique eating, shopping and entertainment area, is located in Omaha's former fruit and vegetable warehouse and market district. One of Omaha's most popular tourist attractions, the Old Market is home to numerous specialty shops, cappuccino shops, a brewery, restaurants, taverns and galleries.

Nearby Attractions

River City Star

Berthed at Miller's Landing, less than once mile north of downtown Omaha on Abbott Drive.
402-342-STAR (7827)

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
A New Star on the River. Let the gentle current and soft breezes lull you into a separate time and place, as you cruise the Missouri River in the newly renovated River City Star. The Star is fully-equipped and staffed for fun; a cruise on the Star makes every gathering a truly unique and memorable event. Check out our web site for information about our public sight-seeing cruises, special events and private charters.

Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium

21502 West Hwy. 31

Gretna, NE 68028

Located approximately 21 miles southwest of Omaha
402-332-3901

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
The Ak-Sar-Ben aquarium is home to more than 50 species of fish, reptiles and amphibians native to Nebraska. It is located just west of Omaha at the Schramm State Recreational Area.


Historic Sites

Freedom Park Marina

2497 Freedom Park Road 1600 Abbott Dr.

Omaha, NE 68110
402-345-1959

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
The Freedom Park Marina features a riverfront collection of naval weaponry including the USS Hazard, a World War II warship, the USS Marlin, a training submarine and the USS LSM 45, a World War II amphibious ship.


General Crook House Metropolitan Community College
Fort Omaha Campus
30th and Fort Sts.

Omaha, NE 68111
402-455-9990

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
The General Crook House, a restored Victorian house and formal garden, is located in historic Fort Omaha. A library next door contains military exhibits and information on the history of Douglas County.


Gerald Ford Birth Site
3212 Woolworth Ave.

Omaha, NE 68105
402-444-5900

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
The Gerald Ford Birth site features an outdoor park, rose garden and museum highlighting memorabilia of the former President. Also located on the grounds, the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center, which was founded in 1995 and is the newest division of the Nebraska State Historical Society. The Center provides conservation services for historical, cultural, educational, private and corporate collections in the region.


Historic Florence
8502 North 30th St.

Omaha, NE 68112
402-453-4462

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
Historic Florence includes the Bank of Florence, a restored pioneer bank, a railroad depot containing relics of the late 1800's, and the oldest grist mill in Nebraska.


Kenefick Park
Abbott Drive & 6th St.

Omaha, NE 68110
402-444-5900 (Weekdays)

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
An outdoor exhibit of Union Pacific's famous steam engine, "Big Boy," as well as the largest diesel locomotive ever built. Audio facilities relay the story of the engines.


Mormon Pioneer Cemetery and Information Center
3215 State St.

Omaha, NE 68112
402-453-9372

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
The Mormon Pioneer Cemetery is a historic reminder of the suffering in Brigham Young's encampment in Omaha during the winter of 1846. Their story is vividly preserved on a large bronze monument, simple gravestones and through presentations at the information center.

Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's Botanical Center

100 Bancroft Street

Omaha, NE
402-346-4002

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
Lauritzen Gardens is an urban oasis of beauty and tranquility. This 100-acre botanical garden, comprised of many outdoor garden areas, creates a living museum of unique four-season plant displays, maintained to the highest standards consistent with environmental stewardship. The visitor and education center includes the 5,000-square-foot floral display hall, a café, gift shop, resource library, classrooms, banquet areas, and a community room.

Mallory Kountze Planetarium
68th and Dodge Sts.

Omaha, NE 68182
402-554-3722

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The Mallory Kountze Planetarium is located on the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus; offers regular planetarium shows and when weather permits, a rooftop observatory.

Boys and Girls Town

137th and West Dodge Rd.

Omaha, NE 68010
402-498-1140

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The late Father Flanagan's world-famous "City of Little Men," is an incorporated village on a 1,300 acre site located in West Omaha. Now open to both boys and girls, the town provides a home and education for over 500 youngsters annually. The Boys Town Hall of History chronicles the achievements and struggles of the organization. The Leon Myers Stamp Center houses an extensive collection of stamps, coins and currency. Among the other facilities open to the public are the Father Flanagan Historic House and Shrine, a Visitors' Center, Chambers Nativity Chapel and a gift shop.

Czechoslovak Museum

2021 U St.

Omaha, NE 68107
402-731-7567

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
Czech heritage and history are highlighted with fine hand-cut crystal, costumes, photographs, memorabilia and a gift shop of imported goods from the Czech Republic.


Durham Western Heritage Museum - Omaha's History Museum
801 South 10th St.

Omaha, NE 68108
402-444-5071

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
Omaha's museum of history is housed in an historic building, Union Station, a restored Art Deco Railroad station. Visitors are welcomed by 11 life-size interactive sculptures that tell the story of life in Omaha in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.
A spectacular, 85-foot-long model train layout of the city in the 1930s delights visitors. A multi-media presentation on the history of the Omaha area entertains visitors on the track level.
Six restored train cars, including a 1890s steam engine, are on display in an enclosed platform area. The museum also houses the Union Pacific Railroad collection. These permanent exhibits tell the story of Union Pacific and the history of Omaha. Traveling and temporary exhibits are featured year-round.


El Museo Latino
4701 South 25 St.

Omaha, NE 68107
402-731-1137

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
El Museo Latino features Latino art with exhibits, films and special lectures and workshops.


Great Plains Black History Museum
2213 Lake St.

Omaha, NE 68111
402-345-2212

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
The Great Plains Black History Museum, with over 10,000 permanent displays, is home to one of the most complete collections of black history west of the Mississippi River.



Nebraska Jewish Historical Museum
Jewish Community Center
333 South 132nd St.

Omaha, NE 68154
402-334-8200
Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The "Corridor of Jewish History" mini-museum is shown by appointment only. The Community Center, which is open to the public, houses the research library and numerous other exhibits.


Nearby Historic Sites and Museums

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Exit Hwy 30 off I-29

Missouri Valley, IA 51555

Located 28 miles north of Omaha
712- 642-2772

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
DeSoto features nature trails and a visitor center displaying the cargo of a Missouri River steamboat that sank in 1865. Mid-Fall, view thousands of migrating waterfowl.


Fort Atkinson State Historical Park
Highway 75

Fort Calhoun, NE 68023

Located 17 miles northwest of Omaha
402-468-5895

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
Fort Atkinson offers a replica of an 1820 military fort built on the site of Lewis & Clark's 1804 council bluff meeting.

General Dodge House

605 3rd St.

Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Located 10 miles east of Omaha
402-322-2406

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
General Dodge House in Council Bluffs, is the restored home of a Civil War general who was one of the founders of the Union Pacific Railroad. The Victorian house was built in 1870 and is restored with period furniture.

Historic Bellevue

2510 SAC Place

Bellevue, NE 68005

Located 11 miles south of Omaha
402-293-3080

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
Historic Bellevue includes the Bellevue Church (Nebraska's first house of worship), log cabin, bank, depot and cemetery.

Sarpy County Historical Museum

2402 Clay St.

Bellevue, NE 68005

Located 11 miles south of Omaha
402-292-1880
Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The Sarpy County Historical museum features exhibits from pioneer settlers, American Indians and fur traders.


Nebraska State Historical Society
15th and 'P' St.

Lincoln, NE 68501-2554

Located 27 miles southwest of Omaha
402-471-3270
Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The Nebraska State Historical Society collects artifacts and interprets the cultures of people who have lived in Nebraska and the Great Plains area in prehistoric and historic times.


Strategic Air & Space Museum
28210 West Park Hwy.

Ashland, NE 68003- 0070
402-944-3100 or 800-358-5029
Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The Strategic Air & Space Museum offers 33 aircraft, in a 300,000 square foot air-conditioned facility, as well as theaters, interactive exhibits, and too many displays to list. The entrance features a rare SR - 71 Blackbird poised in flight. The museum is located at exit 426, I - 80, adjacent to Mahoney State Park.

Sports

Baseball

Omaha Royals

402-734-2550

A farm team of the Kansas City Royals, take to the diamond at Rosenblatt Stadium each season. The Royals drew more than 400,000 people each season.
Big leaguers who have spent time on Rosenblatt's diamond include the likes of Willie Wilson, David Cone, Frank White, Paul Splittoroff, Lonnie Smith and future George Brett.

College Sports

Each June, Omaha hosts the NCAA College World Series. Fans from across the nation come to watch the winners of eight regional tournaments battle for the NCAA men's baseball championship.

Collegiate teams provide area sports fans something to cheer about throughout the year. "Big Red Fever" grips the state every fall when the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Omaha Mavericks football teams take the field. The Big 12 Huskers play their home games in Lincoln, while the NCAA Division II Mavericks play at Al Caniglia Field on the UNO campus.

The Civic Auditorium is the home court of the Creighton Bluejays and the Creighton Lady Jays of the Missouri Valley Conference. The UNO Mavericks and the UNO Lady Mavs compete in the North Central Conference and host their games at the UNO Field House. The UNO Mavericks Division I hockey team take the ice downtown at the Civic Auditorium. The universities also have excellent baseball, softball, soccer (Creighton) and wrestling (UNO) teams.

For additional information on these teams, call the following:

University of Nebraska at Omaha

402-554-MAVS

University of Nebraska at Lincoln

402-472-3111

Creighton University

402-280-5555

Hockey

Omaha Lancers (United States Hockey League)

402-556-7825

The Lancers play 24 home games in the Omaha metro area beginning each November and are a sure sell-out for each home game.

The UNO Mavericks

The Mavericks play Division I Hockey at the Civic Auditorium. The Maverick program was inaugurated in 1997-1998. In its first year, the Mavericks hockey program was second in the nation in attendance

Omaha Events: Omaha Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Omaha Travel & Tourism, Free Omaha Travel Guide Online

Annual Events

January

Annual Flower Festival: In Celebration of the Lewis & Clark Expedition

St. Ceceilia Cathedral
Omaha, NE

402-558-3100

Call for exact dates and additional information

February

Annual Home & Garden Expo

Omaha Convention Center

Omaha, NE
402-346-8003

Call for exact dates and additional information

Omaha's premier and most complete showcase of the latest home products.

Annual Orchid Show

Crossroads Mall, 74th & Dodge

Omaha, NE

402-734-4112

Hours: Usually Saturday 10:00am – 9:00pm, Sunday Noon – 6:00pm

Call for additional information

March

Annual Triumph of Ag Expo - Farm & Machinery Show

Omaha Convention Center

Omaha, NE

402-346-8003

Call for exact dates and additional information

May

Annual Rockbrook Village Spring Fever Craft Show

108th & West Center Road

Omaha, Nebraska

402-390-0890

Hours: Usually 10:00am – 5:00pm

Call for exact dates and additional information

Features the finest in regional crafts including quilts and antiques

Annual Omaha Wine Festival

Lewis & Clark Landing, riverfront downtown

Omaha, Nebraska

402-884-1214

Hours: Usually Noon – 8:00pm

Call for exact date and additional information

Enjoy a day of wine tasting, cooking demonstrations, live music and assorted vendors.

June

Annual Taste of Omaha - A Festival of Great Foods & Entertainment

Heartland of America Park, 8th & Farnam Streets

Omaha, Nebraska

402-346-8003

Call for exact dates and additional information

Admission Free

A showcase of foods and a mix of the area's best musicians. Also presenting national entertainment, amusement rides and a children's stage.

June and July

Nebraska Shakespeare Festival

Elmwood Park

Omaha, Nebraska

402-280-2391

Usually held weekends June and July

Call for exact dates and additional information
The festival is held annually in Omaha. Elmwood Park is transformed into a delightful setting for families to enjoy free productions of Shakespeare's plays performed by a professional company of artists from around the country. Twelve performances are held outdoors.

September

Rockbrook Village Annual Art Fair

108th & West Center Rd.

Omaha, Nebraska

402-390-0890

Hours: Usually Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm

Call for exact dates and additional information

Admission Free

Over 150 national, regional and local artists display and sell their one-of-a-kind art works.

Annual Omaha Corporate Cup Run

Civic Auditorium, 19th & Chicago Streets

Omaha, Nebraska

402-572-3030

Hours: Run usually held at 8:15am

Call for exact date and additional information

Admission Charged

River City Roundup and Rodeo

402-554-9610

Come fall at the AK-sar-ben Coliseum, the River City Roundup and Rodeo, with championship rodeo action, takes place as part of a regional event. This annual event is held the third week in September and features nearly a week of action-packed fun for all ages. The entire community joins in this celebration of the region's agricultural and western heritage. On Saturdays, events are centered downtown with a two-hour parade in the morning and free riverboat, canoe, stagecoach, pony, and other western rides. The rodeo and large 4-H show and livestock exposition offer a close up view of farm and ranch life.

October

Annual Fall Home & Garden Expo

Omaha Convention Center

Omaha, Nebraska

402-346-8003

Call for exact dates and additional information

Showcase of the latest products and services for the home, inside and out.

November – December

Annual Gingerbread Display

Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters, 3215 State Street

Omaha, Nebraska

712-646-2310

Usually held late November through Christmas

Hours: Usually 9:00am – 9:00pm

Call for exact dates and additional information

Admission Free

Breathtaking exhibit of over 300 gingerbread displays, 20 decorated trees and plenty of musical entertainment.

Arts and Entertainment

Dance

Omaha has a variety of dance companies performing on a regular basis. A variety of traveling performances are presented at the beautiful Orpheum Theater. Local universities and other companies offer traditional as well as avant guarde productions. Following is a list of Omaha area dance companies that perform regularly.

Call the individual venue for schedule and additional information

Creighton University

402-280-2509

Dance Theatre of Omaha

402-556-6709

Omaha Modern Dance Collective

402-551-7473

Central Dance Theater

402-934-6157

Omaha Symphony
Ticket Office
1605 Howard St.

Omaha, NE 68102
402-342-3560
Call for schedule and additional information

The Omaha Symphony performs more than 200 concerts from Sept. to May each season, including three main series: classical MasterWorks performances, intimate Chamber orchestra concerts, and star-studded SuperPops shows. The Symphony is regarded as one of the finest regional orchestras in the nation.

Opera Omaha
Box Office
1625 Farnam St.

Omaha, NE 68102
402-346-7372

Call for schedule and additional information

Opera Omaha presents professional full-scale opera productions in the historic Orpheum Theater, which are consistently included in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal reviews. The Omaha Broadway Theater Season is a joint venture which brings national touring casts for major Broadway and London West End productions to the Omaha stage annually.

John Beasley Theater & Workshop

3010 "Q" Street - at the LaFern Williams Center
P.O. Box 12154
Omaha, NE 68112-1215

402-444-3446

Call for additional information
The John Beasley Theater (JBT) was founded by actor Omaha's own John Beasley. John's vision for JBT is to create a venue in order to make the theater arts "come alive" for people who otherwise may never enjoy the magic of watching a live theater production that reflects their unique cultural experience. The theater encourages and facilitates a unique relationship between Greater Omaha and the Theater Arts by providing new opportunities for residents to experience and develop their interests and talents in theater arts and to build cultural bridges.


Omaha Community Playhouse
Reservation and Ticket Information
6915 Cass St., Omaha, NE 68132
402-553-0800

Call for additional information
The Omaha Community Playhouse is one of the largest community theaters in the country. Hosting over 125,000 theater-goers annually, the Playhouse presents ten productions plus the annual holiday favorite, "A Christmas Carol." The Playhouse also is home to the Nebraska Theater Caravan, a professional touring theater, and offers self-enrichment classes for all ages.


Omaha Theater Company for Young People
Box Office and Reservations
2001 Farnam St.

Omaha, NE 68102
402-345-4849

Call for additional information
Omaha boasts to having one of the nation's largest professional children's theater, the Omaha Theater Company for Young People. The theater presents a number of mainstage productions annually called the "Emmy Gifford Children's Classics." In 1995, the historic 1927 Astro Theater located in downtown Omaha underwent a $9.3 million renovation to become the company's headquarters and new performance space named the "Rose Blumkin Center for Performing Arts," or as it's more fondly called "The Rose.".


The Orpheum Theater
409 South 16th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
402-346-2323
Call for additional information

Built in 1927, the Orpheum is a 2500 seat multi-purpose proscenium theater and is home to the Omaha Symphony, Opera Omaha, touring Broadway productions, and other events. Come see a show at the Orpheum Theater to create a thrilling night "out on the town" and to experience theater at its best in the Omaha Area.

Omaha Facts: Omaha Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Omaha Travel & Tourism, Free Omaha Travel Guide Online

Population: 390,007

Elevation: 1060 feet above sea level

Land Area: 115.7 square miles

Location: Located along the banks of the Missouri River at Nebraska's eastern

border.

Time Zone: Central Time Zone (when it's noon in Omaha, its 1:00pm in New York

and 10:00am in Los Angeles. Omaha observes Daylight Savings

time April – October

Weather:

Climate:

Local Seasons

Making the most of Omaha is easy any time of the year. Summer is the time for outdoor activities, including the popular Omaha Zoo. Not only is it home to over 600 species of animals, it also houses one of the largest aquariums located between Chicago and California. With daytime temperatures in the mid 70's F, it's a great time for any outdoor activity. With temperatures dropping in the fall, the scenery changes daily and is a perfect time to experience a brisk walk after a good meal at one of the many great restaurants in town. Winters can be quite chilly with a good sprinkling of snow. During this time of year, a great way to spend a day is to visit some of the many historical sites, including the birthplace of Gerald Ford, museums or an evening at the theatre. With spring comes a rebirth of nature and a return to outdoor activities. The Annual Spring Fever Craft Festival is a popular way to see just some of the many unique crafts of the area. No matter what your interest, every time of year is a good time to visit this unique Nebraska city.

Getting There

By Air

Omaha Airport (Eppley Airfield)

4501 Abbott Drive

Omaha, Nebraska 68110

402-661-8000

Located four miles northeast of downtown Omaha

By Car

From Des Moines (125 miles; 2 hours 5 minutes)
Take I-80 West (121 miles); Merge into I-29 N via
Exit 1-A toward Sioux City (2.1 miles); Merge into US-
6W/I-480W to Omaha (.9 miles).

From Kansas City (181 miles; 2 hours 53 minutes)
Take I-29N (174 miles); Merge onto I-480W via the exit on the left
toward Omaha (7 miles)


From Denver (540 miles; 8 hours 15 minutes)
Take I-76E toward Ft. Morgan (182 miles); I-76E becomes I-80E to
Omaha (349 miles); Merge onto I-480E toward Eppley Airfield/Downtown 3.5 miles); Exit Dodge/Harney, turn right todowntown (1 mile)


From Sioux Falls (183 miles; 2 hours 47 minutes)
Take I-29S (173.7 miles); Merge onto I-480 W via exit number 53B
toward Omaha/Eppley Airfield/Carter Lake.

By Train

Amtrak

1003 S. Ninth St.

Omaha, Nebraska

402-342-1501 or 800-872-7245

By Bus

Greyhound

1601 JACKSON ST
Omaha NE 68102

402-341-1906

Getting Around Town

Metro Area Transit

2222 Cuming St.

Omaha, Nebraska

402-341-0800.

MAT transports passengers within the Omaha metro area by bus, including wheelchair accessible buses on regular routes.

Shared Mobility Coach

402-345-6640

Wheelchair transportation and assistance for people with disabilities operates six days a week within a 60-mile radius of Omaha.

Attire

Most of the residents and visitors dress casually when enjoying Omaha's recreation and entertainment offerings. A sweater or a jacket is recommended from October - November. A heavy coat, scarf and boots may be wise from December - March. April thru May and September thru October provide some of the best weather with pleasant days and crisp nights.

National Holidays

New Year's Day: Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day: 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day: 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day: last Mon. in May

Independence Day: July 4

Labor Day: 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day: 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve: Dec. 31

Omaha Kids Activities: Omaha Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Omaha Travel & Tourism, Free Omaha Travel Guide Online

Henry Doorly Zoo
3701 South 10th St.

Omaha, NE 68107
402-733-8400

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
The Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the state's most popular tourist attractions, with attendance reaching 1.6 million annually. Henry Doorly Zoo has the second largest family membership in the United States. This world-class zoo sits on 130 acres and is home to over 600 species and more than 18,600 specimens. Among the numerous exhibits are a magnificent free-flight aviary, a collection of rare white tigers, and one of the world's largest captive herds of gaur and Nile Lechwe. The zoo has a 1.5 acre indoor tropical rainforest, the Lied Jungle. The indoor rainforest features the jungle habitats of Asia, Africa, South America and Australia contains about 3,000 plant species and approximately 125 species of animals.

Scott Kingdoms of the Seas Aquarium

is located in the Henry Doorly Zoo and is one of the largest salt-water aquarium between Chicago and San Francisco. The area includes an enclosed, refrigerated area with water and snow for Antarctic penguins, and a tropical reef tank housing sharks, giant ray fish and other reef fish. Visitors can view the reef exhibit while walking through a clear, acrylic underwater tunnel.

Every few years an exciting new exhibit unfolds at this Nebraska attraction. One of the world's largest geodesic dome, the Desert Dome, is now open and waiting for you.

The zoo also has an IMAX 3D theater. Experience the thrills and adventure of the animal kingdom! View a variety of adventures on a screen that stands six stories tall and is accompanied by stereo surround sound. Feature presentations change approximately every 4 months with 3D features shown periodically.

Heartland of America Park
8th and Douglas Sts.

Omaha, NE 68102
402-444-6362

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
The Heartland of America Park is a 30 acre park adjacent to the Missouri River and connected to the Eugene Leahy Mall. The park features a 15 acre lake, a $1.5 million fountain which shoots water 300 feet in the air, two smaller fountains, a waterfall, walking paths, a performance deck and seasonal boat rides.

Gerald Ford Birth Site
3212 Woolworth Ave.

Omaha, NE 68105
402-444-5900

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
The Gerald Ford Birth site features an outdoor park, rose garden and museum highlighting memorabilia of the former President. Also located on the grounds, the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center, which was founded in 1995 and is a division of the Nebraska State Historical Society. The Center provides conservation services for historical, cultural, educational, private and corporate collections in the region.

Durham Western Heritage Museum - Omaha's History Museum
801 South 10th St.

Omaha, NE 68108
402-444-5071

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
Omaha's museum of history is housed in a historic building, Union Station, a restored Art Deco Railroad station. Visitors are welcomed by 11 life-size interactive sculptures that tell the story of life in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.
A spectacular, 85-foot-long model train layout of the city in the 1930s delights visitors. A multi-media presentation on the history of the Omaha area entertains visitors on the track level.
Six restored train cars, including a 1890s steam engine, are on display in an enclosed platform area. The museum also houses the Union Pacific Railroad collection. These permanent exhibits tell the story of Union Pacific and the history of Omaha. Traveling and temporary exhibits are featured year-round.

Strategic Air & Space Museum
28210 West Park Hwy.

Ashland, NE 68003- 0070
402-944-3100 or 800-358-5029

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
The Strategic Air & Space Museum offers 33 aircraft, in a 300,000 square foot air-conditioned facility, as well as theaters, interactive exhibits, and too many displays to list. The entrance features a rare SR - 71 Blackbird poised in flight. The museum is located at exit 426, I - 80, adjacent to Mahoney State Park.

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