I live in Lincoln, but Omaha is just up I-80 and it’s where my wife and I end up most weekends we’re looking for something to do. After years of poking around, here are 20 places I actually recommend when someone tells me they’re bored.
1. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Consistently ranked among the best zoos in the world. The Lied Jungle, Desert Dome, and Scott Aquarium alone are worth the trip. Plan on a full day.
2. The Old Market
Cobblestone streets and brick warehouses turned into shops, restaurants, and galleries. The most walkable district in Omaha and a good starting point if you’ve never been. Park once and wander.
3. Joslyn Art Museum
The pink marble building alone is worth a look, and general admission is free. The collection runs from European masters to a strong American West section.
4. Lauritzen Gardens
A hundred acres of botanical gardens right in town. The Model Railroad Garden is a kid magnet, and the rose garden peaks in June. Worth returning in different seasons.
5. Durham Museum
Housed in the old Union Station art deco building. Permanent exhibits cover the history of Omaha and the Plains, plus restored train cars you can walk through. The soda fountain in the main hall still works.
6. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
The “Bob” is a 3,000-foot S-curve footbridge across the Missouri River. Stand with one foot in Nebraska and the other in Iowa. Lit up nicely at night.
7. Heartland of America Park
Downtown park with a lake, fountain, and views of the river and skyline. Recently overhauled as part of the Riverfront redevelopment. Good place to walk off lunch from the Old Market.
8. Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
Out in Ashland, about 30 minutes from Omaha. Two enormous hangars full of aircraft, with the SR-71 Blackbird as the centerpiece. If you have any interest in Cold War history or aviation, don’t skip it.
9. Werner Park
Home of the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Cheap tickets, good sightlines, fireworks on Friday nights in summer.
10. Charles Schwab Field
Hosts the College World Series every June, which turns North Downtown into a baseball festival for two weeks. College and high school games run here outside CWS as well.
11. Omaha Children’s Museum
Hands-on exhibits aimed at kids roughly 2-10. The science section and the giant bubble area are the standouts. A solid bailout plan if the weather turns on you.
12. Boys Town
Father Flanagan’s village west of downtown is still an active campus, but the visitor center, Hall of History, and Flanagan’s restored home are open to the public. Free admission.
13. Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters
Free museum on the north side of town covering the 1846-47 winter encampment of the Mormon pioneers. Interactive exhibits and a knowledgeable staff.
14. Mahoney State Park
Twenty minutes southwest of Omaha. Lodge, observation tower, indoor pool, mini-golf, and trails. A good day-trip option when you want to be outside without real camping.
15. Westroads Mall and Village Pointe
Westroads is the traditional indoor mall on the west side; Village Pointe is the open-air shopping center a few miles further out. Village Pointe has solid restaurants if you’re shopping through lunch.
16. Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center
Free federal visitor center on the riverfront. Smaller than the Durham, but the exhibits do a good job explaining the expedition’s route through this area. Pairs well with a walk on the Bob Kerrey Bridge.
17. Gerald R. Ford Birth Site
Most people don’t realize the 38th president was born in Omaha. The original house burned down decades ago, but the site has a kiosk replica, a small museum, and a rose garden. Fifteen-minute stop.
18. Memorial Park
Sixty-five acres along Dodge Street with monuments honoring WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans. The rose garden here is one of the prettiest spots in the city.
19. Local Breweries and Restaurants
Steak is still the headline — Gorat’s, Brother Sebastian’s, and Mahogany are the classics — but check out the Blackstone District for newer spots. Nebraska Brewing, Upstream, and Lucky Bucket are good starting points for local beer.
20. Omaha Farmers Market
Saturdays in the Old Market and Sundays at Aksarben Village, May through mid-October. Local produce, baked goods, food trucks, and live music. Get there before 10 a.m. if you want to actually browse.
That’s the list. If I missed your favorite, drop a comment — I’m always looking for new spots myself.
