Omaha, Nebraska Free Attractions

What does Omaha, Nebraska have to offer families looking for economical vacations? When you are finished reading this article, you will have the answer to that question. Omaha has a lot of free fun attractions for families.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Art is located in the heart of Omaha's arts district, just south of the downtown Old Market area at the corner of 12th St. and Leavenworth. The Bemis Center is unique in its offering of residencies and mentoring to local artists. The Center offers a changing schedule of shows so check out the website below to see what is showing at the center during the time of your visit. http://www.bemiscenter.org/art/index.html

Old Market

No trip to Omaha would be complete without a stroll through the Old Market - Omaha's entertainment and arts district. The Old Market has kept the paved brick streets which were a part of it's character at the turn of the century. You may see horse-drawn carriages clopping around the area and walk under covered sidewalks. All left from an earlier time. There are plenty of places to eat and shop in the Old Market but just taking in the sight of a place set back in time, is a memorable experience for anyone. Don't be surprised to find street performers, artists and vendors on the brick paved streets of Old Market.

Gene Leahy Pedestrian Mall and Heartland Park

What fun you will have walking along the Gene Leahy Pedestrian Mall. This is a 10 acre park that has been built to nestle in and among the historic and modern architecture that can be found in the Omaha downtown area. On your walk you will see a lagoon and waterfalls, walking paths, gardens, a playground, a place to play horseshoes, and an amphitheatre. The Pedestrian Mall intersects and connects with Heartland Park making your stroll even potentially longer.

While in Heartland Park you must find the $1.5 million dollar computerized waterfall that shoots water over 300 feet into the air. If you stay long enough and it gets dark, you will be dazzled by the nighttime light show put on at the fountain.

First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park

This Omaha attraction is the combination of two sculpture parks which have come together to form the LARGEST bronze sculpture in the world. The first sculpture you will see is a wagon train heading west. The progress of te wagon train is creating a stampede of bison or buffalo. The bison eventually emerge onto Dodge Street and flush or startle a flock of geese, spectacular!!

Gerald R. Ford Birth Site and Gardens

Located in Omaha is the birth-site of the 38^th president of the United States, Gerald R. Ford. You will be able to see a kiosk which is modeled after the original house where the president lived for 16 days following his birth. You will also be able to see a beautiful rose garden that has been modeled after the Rose Garden located at the white House.

Seasonal Festivals

If you are flexible and organized, you can plan to be in Omaha during one of it's many parades and/or festivals. Some of the traditional festivals include: Jazz on the Green in July and August, Earth Day, Florence Days, Santa Lucia Festival, Taste of Omaha, Greek Festival and the Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow. You can participate in local parades celebrating Cinco de Mayo, Florence Days, Millard days and Septemberfest. Be sure and check out this website to get up-to-date information on schedules. http://www.visitomaha.com/

Does this list of Omaha activities spark a desire to visit and vacation in Omaha? It sure ought to. Omaha is a great, cheap place to have fun.