Things to do in Omaha

Don't be nervous when strangers say hello—they really are just being friendly. On top of its Midwest reputation, Omaha also offers a thriving downtown for a mid-sized city that you might not expect. It has renowned family-friendly attractions like a world-famous zoo and aquarium, an internationally recognized museum for its American West art collection and even a historic museum housed inside an old train station with top-notch art deco architecture. The city is nestled along the Missouri River with ample space for large-scale conventions, also making it a hotspot for business in the Midwest. Rest assured, you’ll see more than cornfields during your stay in Omaha.

Take a "Skyfari" around the Zoo

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is a must visit and remains one of the top-ranked zoos in the world. Explore 130 acres of grounds, complete with wildlife interactions and state-of-the-art animal habitats. Walk or take the tram, but the best ways to take in the zoo are the Skyfari, an open-air chairlift that takes you high over the grounds, and Omaha’s Zoo Railroad that zigzags throughout the park. When you want to see the wildlife up close, head to the Desert Dome for the world’s largest 3-desert indoor habitat under a geodesic dome, and Kingdoms of the Night exhibit of nocturnal animals. At the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, walk through a 70-foot shark tunnel and aquatic creatures from around the globe.

Where Conventions & Concerts Collide

The CHI Health Center and Mid-America Center serve as the region’s two biggest event and convention centers. Though the centers are only 15 minutes apart, they're divided by the Missouri River and in different states. CHI is in downtown Omaha, while Mid-America is just over the Iowa border in Council Bluffs. Check out schedules for both that coincide with your visit if you're a sports or music fan. Both venues host concerts from top musical acts, plus CHI’s 18,300-seat arena is home court for the Creighton University men's basketball team. Not into sports? Check out expos and events like craft and children's shows. CHI also serves as the Midwest’s convention destination, offering 194,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition space.

Wander Streets of Cobblestone

Don’t let the quaint name of the Old Market fool you, as it’s much more than a single store. This historic neighborhood on Omaha's eastside has brick buildings and cobblestone streets. It’s the city’s cultural epicenter where you can enjoy the thriving area while wandering into art galleries, antique stores and niche shops where local artisans sell their wares. You’ll also see street performance art by magicians and musicians. The Old Market is a prime spot for foodies to enjoy with its numerous restaurants and pubs. Finish your trip with a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. If you're visiting on a Saturday between mid-spring and mid-fall, shop the farmers market here.

See the American West on Display

Between its permanent collection and rotating exhibitions, the Joslyn Art Museum always has world-renowned works on display. Visit this museum to experience its eclectic collection spanning centuries, from classical antiquity artifacts, Renaissance and 19th-century French paintings to Impressionist masterpieces and diverse works from the 20th century. The museum is also recognized for its collection of artists and explorers of the American West. Check out the ancient Greek pottery and the paintings by Monet, Renoir and Pissarro. Introduce little finger-painters to the art world with a free Art Pack, a backpack filled with books, coloring projects and gallery-specific activities. You also won't want to miss ART WORKS, a space with nine free interactive stations where anyone can draw portraits, film stop-motion animation and color faux Greek pots.

Interactive Gardens Galore

Perched on a bluff just west of the Missouri River, the 100-acre Lauritzen Gardens features natural woods, rolling terraces and more than a dozen different gardens. You’ll feel world’s away while exploring its trails and waterfalls, although it's located just minutes from downtown Omaha. On select weekends throughout the summer, your kids can get a Discovery Bag filled with tools like a magnifying glass to help them interact and learn more about the surroundings. When you're done walking the garden trail, head across the parking lot—you can walk or take a tram—to Kenefick Park, where you'll see two massive locomotives that once traveled on the Union Pacific Railroad.

A Historic Look at Nebraska

The intriguing Art Deco architecture may be what draws you to the Durham Museum, but you’ll find plenty of reasons to stay once inside. The former Union Station was once one of the busiest train stations in America, but today it offers a regional history lesson. See how Nebraskans once lived—from the Omaha tribe’s rawhide teepees to the Worker’s Cottages of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Other attractions include a transportation exhibit displaying a streetcar and train cars dating back to the late 1800s. But, the best part of all may be the old-fashioned soda fountain. Simply have a seat, bite into a hot dog and sip a malt or classic bubbly drink. You'll feel like you're in the 1950s, but unfortunately, the prices are modern.