Things to do & places to visit in Omaha, Nebraska, United States

Omaha is home to the world’s largest indoor desert under the world’s largest geodesic dome above the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit next to one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests! Climb aboard history at The Durham Museum, explore 100 acres at Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center and discover priceless works of art at the Joslyn Art Museum. Explore the Old Market, Omaha’s historic entertainment district, where boutiques, antique stores and restaurants line cobblestone streets.

Omaha city in Nebraska, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 8:23.

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 College World Series (35 reviews)
- Classic college sports experience
Sporting Events

I did not pick the right CWS to attend. The heat index was over 100 degrees and my team got blown out in historic fashion. Still, the CWS is a fun event. All the teams have fans here but it's a less competitive atmosphere compared to football or basketball. Since Omaha has always been the home of the CWS, there's a sense that it's a destination event like the Rose Bowl. The stadium itself is also a good one for the event. Modern with a nice downtown view and large enough, with good sightlines from most of the seats. See more..
4.5 Henry Doorly Zoo (5.942 reviews)
- What an experience!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Theaters • Zoos • Aquariums

This world-class zoo is famous for its involvement with breeding endangered species from around the world. See more..
4.5 Old Market (2.564 reviews)
- An Eclectic Delight!
Neighborhoods

Omaha preserves its historic place in time in this historic section of town where visitors can stroll along the cobbled streets and explore the many preserved buildings. See more..
4.5 Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (1.465 reviews)
- Impressive structure
Bridges

We had a little time to kill so checked out the Pedestrian Bridge as a potential place to take family in the future. It was beastly hot so not as enjoyable as it could be. The bridge is impressive, even during the daylight. We will try it at night sometime to see the lights. From the bridge we saw an assortment of animal tracks as well as some birds (including the Green Heron). It was a leisurely walk, pausing to take pictures of the grandkids sitting half in Iowa and half in Nebraska. The bridge actually moves and the cables visibly vibrate in the wind. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, at the base of the bridge in Omaha, is also excellent. See more..
4.5 The Durham Museum (1.213 reviews)
- Totally worth it!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Beautiful architecture blends with memories of a time gone by at the historic Durham Museum. Opened in 1931, Union Station was built by Union Pacific Railroad as the showpiece to the city of its headquarters. Considered one of Omaha’s most unique treasures, and now an official National Historic Landmark, the station is one of the best examples of art deco architecture in the country. The Durham Museum offers unique, hands-on learning for people of all ages. Enjoy an extraordinary array of permanent exhibits including restored train cars, 1940’s storefronts, HO Model trains, numerous artifacts showing the history of the region and the Byron Reed collection, which includes some of the world’s rarest coins and documents. During your stay be sure to stop by the authentic soda fountain and enjoy a phosphate or malt. See more..
4.5 Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center (1.137 reviews)
- Several Gardens to enjoy
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

We were in town for a wedding and decided to visit these gardens as they came highly recommended to us. Luckily, we went early, as it was very hot the day we were there. There is a lot of construction happening at the gardens, so they have decided to offer the shuttle as a free service as it is the only way to actually get to the center gardens. There were quite a variety of gardens to enjoy, my favorite being the Railroad Gardens: six hobby train lines nestled among the trees. Quite unique. But they only run the trains in the summer, I was told. The Conservatory is filled with some unique plants and beautiful fountains, and well worth walking through. There is a reasonably priced cafe inside the visitor center. See more..
4.5 Joslyn Art Museum (900 reviews)
- Beautiful, fun for little ones
Monday: Art Museums

Beautiful and fun, from the outdoor space to inside. Our kids (1 and 5) as well as s enjoyed it very mischievous. Our favorite is the lower level art interactive room, very thoughtful and fun activities, some even 1 yr-old can engage, made us very happy. Also very good in preventing COVID, such as requiring hand-sanitizer before entering the room of interaction and having a staff sanitizing there all the time See more..
4.5 Omaha Children's Museum (495 reviews)
- Little Kids loved it
Monday: Spent More than 3 hours Children's Museums

Omaha Children's Museum is a hands-on museum that provides an ever-changing series of interactive traveling and permanent exhibits, science shows, and special events. It's Nebraska most-visited museum, and serves families with children primarily ages 8 and younger. Permanent exhibits include the Imagination Playground, a science center, Arts Smart Center, Zooland, Susie's Station, and the Grass Patch. Omaha Children's Museum is a member of the Association of Science -Technology Centers. Parking is free in the two lots south of the museum building. Parking on the weekends is free at the elementary school across St. Mary Avenue. There is also meter parking along the street. See more..
4.5 CHI Health Center (356 reviews)
- great sports venue
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Convention Centers

Attended the 2022 NCAA Women's Volleyball Final Four. State of the art arena and facility: a great venue in a small city. Plenty of parking, downtown location, not far from hotels, restaurants. The center itself is commodious, modern, neat as can be. Arena seats are actually comfortable, important to me since I have a bad back. Concessions and restrooms are close-by: the latter are very clean. I can't speak to the food, but the popcorn was good. The staff is friendly and helpful, taking the initiative and asking if they can be of assistance. I'd been there a couple times before for a show, but this was the first time for a sports event. The only thing I didn't like was all the techno-pop music between every serve. Ear-shatteringly loud & unnecessary. Let the school bands play. Isn't that why they are there? But overall a great experience for any college volleyball fan! See more..
4.5 Charles Schwab Field Omaha (298 reviews)
- Gorgeous Ballpark
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Arenas & Stadiums

We attended the 2021 College World Series and sat on the Club Level, section 211. The outdoor seats were wide and comfy. For a day game in Club 211 try to sit in the last two rows if you want to be in the shade by 2 pm. The bar and air conditioning in the Club were very good. A modest cup of Kendall Jackson was $9 and an enormous Diet Pepsi in a CWS cup was $4.50. We shared a taco bowl salad with smoked (pulled) chicken for $14, and it was very good except for the pasty-tasting shell itself. The staff was unfailingly polite and helpful. The ballpark, about 10 years old now, is a beauty. Great venue. See more..
4.5 Heartland of America Park (289 reviews)
- Awesome park, cool fountain, nice views!
Parks

This 31-acre park runs through the heart of Omaha along the Missouri River. See more..
4.5 First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park (239 reviews)
- Oregon Trail sculpture
Parks

Anyone who played the video game Oregon Trail will appreciate this impressive multi-block sculpture group with wagons, horses, oxen and settlers occupying a full block in Omaha. The work actually extends to another park a block away with running bison and birds in flight, the idea of the sculpture being that the settlers came to found Omaha and the wildlife left. It’s an interesting sculpture that both celebrates the march of progress while recognizing the environmental consequences. It’s pleasantly integrated into the urban Omaha environment (one bison is literally embedded in a building corner). See more..
4.5 St. Cecilia's Cathedral (163 reviews)
- Fantastic Spanish Renaissance Style Cathedral
Religious Sites

Guided tours are available through this Spanish Renaissance-style cathedral, which contains stained-glass windows from the 16th century. See more..
4.5 Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters (154 reviews)
- Pioneer History
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

We visited the Trail Center at Winter Quarters when we were passing through Omaha. The missionary couple working that day greeted us warmly and gave us a wonderful personal tour ( we were the only people ). It is interesting to see how the early pioneers lived and basically survived while at Winter Quarters. The grounds are very nice as well. You can see actual pioneer graves and there are many statues depicting the struggles these pioneers endured. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints owns and runs the property and there is also a small temple. I would recommend stopping by for a visit if you belong to the church or not. We had a great visit. See more..
4.5 Zorinsky Lake and Recreation Area (136 reviews)
- just a nice little get away spot for walking or running.
Bodies of Water • Parks

went here with my wife and had a great time. its calming, and nice not busy or hectic, easy parking and nice scenery. See more..
4.5 Kenefick Park (126 reviews)
- Big Toys
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Trams • Parks

I love trains and this was awesome! Never seen a Big Boy or a Centennial Locomotive up close. This really does make you feel small. UP has done a good job presenting both Locomotives and dedicating it all to Mr. Kenefick, I am left with a new respect for UP and even those these are static displays I think anyone that loves trains from young to old will enjoy. See more..
4.5 Hot Shops Art Center (95 reviews)
- Great experience
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Highly recommend signing up to learn about the process to make a glass paperweight. Vicky did a wonderful job teaching us about the process and assisting us in making our own. We got to pick the shape and the colors and participate in the process. See more..
4.5 General Crook House Museum (83 reviews)
- A Very Welcoming Museum!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums

The Museum is the authentically restored home of General George Crook. It was constructed in 1879 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is an Italianate style, which represented the no-nonsense grandeur of the military frontier. The furnishings are from the 1880 Victorian period. Monday-Friday 10am-4pm; Sat-Sun 1pm-4pm; Adults $5($6 holidays); Students $4; 6yrs-12yrs $3.Directions to General Crook House Museum - If you are heading North on highway 75, merge onto North 30th Street. Take a left (or turn West) onto Fort Street, which is the main entrance for MCC. Once on campus, head straight West through campus until you come to a "T" in the road with a stop sign, turn right (or North) - The General Crook House is the 6th house on the left (or West) side of the road. We are the only house with a large American flag hanging on the front porch. See more..
4.5 Chalco Hills Recreation Area (74 reviews)
- Really nice park
Bodies of Water • Biking Trails • Hiking Trails

Beautiful natural great plains park. Tall grasses, not a whole lot of trees but enough. boat ramp and lot of walking trails. Like to go there to relax - you can always find a place where you can be alone. Deer, turkeys, lots of birds and critters. Don't have little ones but plenty of playgrounds. well kept and clean (even the potties). See more..
4.5 OPPD Arboretum (74 reviews)
- Excellent picture spot!
Parks

Got my engagement pictures here and took my daughter's pictures here in the fall. All of them turned out great! It's such a great picture spot and also a great spot just to enjoy the beauty. The best time to take pictures here I would say is in the fall - about mid October. See more..
4.5 Elmwood Park (57 reviews)
- Shady and wonderful!
Parks

Elmwood is my favorite park in Omaha. Shady, peaceful, and plenty of spaces to stretch out. I run around the park at least twice a week and always look forward to the solitude it provides while being in the middle of town. See more..
4.5 Father Flanagan's Historic House (37 reviews)
- Iconic landmark
Historic Sites

Father Flanagan affected so many children and improved their lives. Definitely worth a visit and something that would make anyone proud. See more..
4.5 Heron Haven (33 reviews)
- What a great place to relax.
Nature & Wildlife Areas

One of my favorite places to spend an hour or half a day. It is quiet, usually very few people and those you meet share a love of nature. Beautiful butterfly garden, a pier out into the small lake/pond, and two blinds from which you can usually get good pictures of several species of birds, including ducks, geese, herons, etc. Did I mention it is free? See more..
4.5 Artists' Cooperative Gallery (21 reviews)
- Interesting Local Art
Monday: Art Galleries

I started purchasing art from the COOP Gallery during the 1970s. My older brother and I were students at Creighton and we would buy our parents Christmas gifts from the COOP. I have continued to purchase their art over the years and have several pieces in my flat. If your looking for art made by locals, visit the COOP in The Old Market. There are works that suit many sensibilities. See more..
4.0 Gene Leahy Mall (253 reviews)
- Omaha - interesting activities for all ages
Parks

Omaha is a lovely city. The downtown area is going through some nice renovation and the Leahy park that runs along the river is thoughtfully constructed for active civic engagement - with a beautiful dog park, a beautiful playground for kids, big swings for adults and an amphitheater. The old town area has some nice restaurants and shops. My favorite spot is Hot Shops - working artist studios in an old mill building. The Omaha zoo is not to be missed! See more..
4.0 Lewis & Clark Landing and Riverfront Park (153 reviews)
- Lewis and Clark, lead refinery and beer
Parks

The Omaha Riverfront is worth visiting, with a walk across the Bob Kerrey pedestrian bridge over to Council Bluffs, Iowa. You may stand in two states at once on the bridge. The National Park Service headquarters for the Lewis and Clark Trail is located near the bridge. It has exhibits, a store and a short Ken Burns film.The Storz Trophy Room restaurant is located on the landing, with good food and drinks. Storz is an old Omaha brewery. The area is paved with concrete because the landing is the site of the old Asarco lead refinery, and a superfund cleanup site. There's a great sculpture honoring the lead refinery workers. For good walkers, you can go from the Con Agra park and small lake near Omaha's Old Market over to the landing and pedestrian bridge. Lewis and Clark camped near here in August, 1804, and saw the collapsed earth lodge homes of an old Otoe Indian Village in today's downtown Omaha. See more..
4.0 Joslyn Castle (131 reviews)
- One of the highlights of Omaha
Monday: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Historic Sites

The estate of entrepreneur George Joslyn and his wife Sarah. See more..
4.0 Fun Plex (89 reviews)
- Pretty good waterpark, but pricy.
Amusement & Theme Parks

If $$ isnt a concern, then this is the best waterpark in the omaha area. Several slides, a wave pool, lazy river, etc. The only problem is it is expensive, especially if you have several children. If you want to spend the money though, you will have a fun day with the family. See more..
4.0 Freedom Park Navy Museum (57 reviews)
- I am so sad
Military Museums

Freedom Park, a USN Museum, rests on the Missouri River just north of downtown Omaha. Major exhibits are the USS Marlin SST-2 and the USS Hazard AM-240. Through the City of Omaha, taxable donations can be received for the park. See our updated pictures and info on Facebook under Freedom Park, Omaha, NE. Tempoarily closed due to flooding of the Park. We hope to open again this Fall (2011). See more..
4.0 Union Pacific Railroad Center (32 reviews)
- Great place for lunch
Speciality Museums • Architectural Buildings

The dining room is a great place to stop for a downtown lunch. UP's company store is also open to the public. See more..