Visit Omaha: Sights and Attractions

Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska with a population of just under 400,000 this city has all the great things you find in a large metropolitan area such as local boutiques, great restaurants, art and interesting local history without some of the major attractions such as high crime rates or notorious traffic jams.

Located in eastern Nebraska on the Missouri river Omaha has a beautiful riverfront with River City Star Cruise Boats which has seasonal tours on the river, Rick's Boatyard Café, Lewis and Clark exhibit, marina,

Sculptures, river walk and the new Bob Kerrey pedestrian bridge which opened in the fall of 2008. Named after the former Nebraska senator the footbridge is free and open to the public.

Also outdoors and free is the Pioneer Courage sculptures located at the intersection of 14th and Capitol streets. Fantastic life size art depicts those who braved the wagon trains to head west.

This is in the downtown area where you can also find the Omaha Children's Museum at 500 South 20th street. Their website is http://www.ocm.org to check hours and admission prices. Younger kids love it. Innovative , hands on exhibits keep kids interested while learning. For a calmer experience the Joslyn Art Museum at 2200 Dodge Street is Nebraska's largest art museum. They offer tours, kids connection, café, museum shop, classes and lectures. More information about the Joslyn can be found at http://www.joslyn.org .

A must see when visiting Omaha is the Old Market District. Brick paved streets welcome you to the neighborhood of fascinating stores, fabulous restaurants of nearly every cuisine, hotels and galleries. Carriage rides are also available.

Omaha is also the birth place of former President Gerald Ford, Malcom X, Boys Town and the Enola Gay.

The Henry Doorly Zoo can be found at 3701 South 10th Street and is sure to delight tourists and natives alike. Featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits, an Imax theater , café and educational programs the zoo is a great destination. Hours and admission information as well as exhibit information can be seen on their website http://www.omahazoo.com.

Omaha's Lauritzen Gardens is not far from the zoo at 100 Bancroft Street. Open year round the botanical gardens are beautiful as well as educational. Whether it is a calm stroll or a place to let the kids run a bit this is a must see for the Omaha area. There is also a café and a lovely gift shop to enjoy. Exhibits vary throughout the year so be sure to visit the website first for hours and admission. https://www.omahabotanicalgardens.org

There is a host of concert and theater venues in Omaha as well such as the Qwest Center, The Rose theatre, Orpheum Theatre and many others. For ticket and show information and the chance to see a great performance check the calendar at http://www.omahaperformingarts.org.

My favorite attraction in Omaha is the Durham Museum. http://www.durhammuseum.org. A fascinating museum housed in Union Station has free parking, old fashioned soda fountain and exhibits that will hold the attention of young and old alike. The old art deco train station has something for everyone to enjoy.

The Chamber of Commerce offers a free visitors guide that you can obtain here http://www.visitomaha.com/visitorsguide.

Don't just take my word for it. Visit Omaha and see the best for yourself.