Eppley Administration Building of the University of Nebraska, Omaha

Things to do in  Omaha

The cool side of the Great Plains

Omaha has been quietly bubbling with cool for a while now. Your grandparents may know it for Omaha Steaks, as headquarters of the Union Pacific Railroad, or even for the Lewis and Clark Trail. Today, this Nebraskan city also offers outdoor adventure and college sports in spades, one of the country's best zoos, and great steaks. If you’re new to the Great Plains, you might be surprised at the caliber of things to do in Omaha—if you’re a seasoned Cornhusker, you’ve been in the know all along.

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Explore Omaha by interest

Top activities in Omaha

Outstanding Omaha Scavenger Hunt

Outstanding Omaha Scavenger Hunt

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From
$27.00
Omaha City Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest

Omaha City Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest

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$10.00
Omaha Puzzling Adventure

Omaha Puzzling Adventure

From
$34.95
per group
Omaha Bar Hunt: Oh My Omaha!

Omaha Bar Hunt: Oh My Omaha!

From
$12.31
Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Omaha by Wacky Walks

Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Omaha by Wacky Walks

From
$10.00
Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Omaha by Zombie Scavengers

Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Omaha by Zombie Scavengers

From
$20.00
per group
Omaha Scavenger Hunt: The West’s Glorious Gateway

Omaha Scavenger Hunt: The West’s Glorious Gateway

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From
$12.31
Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Omaha with Holly Jolly Hunt

Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Omaha with Holly Jolly Hunt

From
$20.00
per group
Private Luxury Muscat Airport Transfer

Private Luxury Muscat Airport Transfer

From
$93.00
per group
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All about Omaha

When to visit

Like the rest of the Great Plains, Omaha experiences cold winters, hot summers, and mild weather between seasons—most visitors prefer to visit between May and October to avoid packing a parka. Spring and fall can be lovely for mornings spent at museums and attractions (like the epic Henry Doorly Zoo) and afternoons spent outdoors, like at Lauritzen Gardens. In summer, catch the College World Series, or get on the Missouri River like Lewis and Clark.

Getting around

Omaha is a driving city—you’ll want your own wheels if you plan to explore beyond downtown. However, many hotels offer complimentary shuttles within a specific mile radius (and to the airport). If that’s your situation, you could go without a rental car by throwing a few taxis or rideshares into the mix. It’s a sprawling city, but if you stay close to downtown, you’ll be near most of Omaha’s list-topping attractions.

Traveler tips

If you’ve never been to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, you’re in for a treat. At one of the nation's best zoos, humans wander an enclosed walkway while the animals roam a combined 160 acres (65 hectares); the onsite aquarium is impressive, too. Plan to spend a half-day at the zoo, slowly exploring the Asian highlands, African grasslands, desert dome, and other habitats. If you have more time, that’s even better.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
CDT (UTC -6)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
0
Tours
9
Reviews
2
EN
15e788d1-1172-4ad7-93c8-bc1b9ed4b109
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People Also Ask

Is Omaha Nebraska worth visiting?

Yes, Omaha is worth visiting. The city has one of the nation's best zoos and attractions like the Joslyn Castle and Gardens, the Old Market historic entertainment district, and the 3,000-foot-long (914-meter-long) Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, connecting to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center.

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Is Omaha known for anything?

Yes. Omaha, Nebraska, is known for lots of things. It’s where Union Pacific Railroad built its headquarters, eventually connecting America. There’s Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha Steaks, the College World Series, Mutual of Omaha, the University of Nebraska (go Cornhuskers!), and Omaha’s role as a stop for Lewis and Clark.

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Why is Omaha so famous?

As a gateway to the American West, a lot of history happened in Omaha. Sitting on the Missouri River, the city blossomed into one of the region’s largest, becoming a railroad hub, home to the University of Nebraska, and a stop on the Lewis and Clark expedition.

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Where to go out in downtown Omaha?

Where to go out in downtown Omaha depends on your vibe, but you’re spoiled for choice. Try Wicked Rabbit for plush saloon vibes, The Tavern or Dubliner Pub for something laid-back, The Berry & Rye for a bar lined with fuschia armchairs, and Billy Frogg’s for when the munchies strike.

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Does Omaha have nightlife?

Yes, Omaha has nightlife—with two universities (including a state flagship), this corn-huskin' town knows how to party. Check out downtown's Old Market District for a plethora of post-sunset spots, including taverns, cocktail joints, and clubs. Don’t skip over live-music venues like The Slowdown or The Waiting Room Lounge.

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Is downtown Omaha walkable?

Yes. The historic Old Market District in Downtown Omaha is walkable. With cobblestone streets, sidewalks, benches, and outdoor seating, this neighborhood—with brick buildings, shops, restaurants, and bars—is all about pedestrians. Old Market abuts the Gene Leahy Pedestrian Mall at The RiverFront, a trail-lined green space leading to the Missouri River.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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