Things to Do in Omaha

Written by Administrator

While you're in Omaha for the your interview, check out some of the other great local attractions.

Fun In The Sun

AK-SAR-BEN Aquarium

See more than 50 species of fish that call Nebraska home, including the largest catfish on display in the US. Wildlife movies shown daily.
Handicapped Accessible.
Wed.-Mon. 10am-4:30pm; Closed Tues.
Admission: $1 adults/seniors; $.50 ages 6-15
I-80, Exit #432/six miles south, 21502 W Hwy. 31, Gretna, 68028
(402) 332-3901
http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Enjoy an indoor theater with live performances, swimming pool with slides, indoor activity center, miniature golf, driving range, tennis, horseback trail rides, paddle boats, fishing and hiking. Winter activities include crafts, indoor playground, cross-country skiing, sledding and toboggan runs, ice skating rink and ice fishing.
Open year-round.
Admission: $2.50/vehicle
I-80, Exit #426, 28500 West Park Hwy., Ashland, 68003
(402) 944-2523
http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

Explore 17 miles of trails through the 1,400-acre forest and floodplains along the Missouri River. Abundant wildlife. Look for hands-on educational activities, beautiful views and a gift shop.
Building available for rentals.
Handicapped Accessible.
Daily 8am-5pm
Admission: $7 adults; $6 seniors; $5 ages 3-11
1111 N Bellevue Blvd, Bellevue, 68005
(402) 731-3140
http://www.fontenelleforest.org/

Freedom Park, Inc.

Home of the USS Hazard (Minesweeper), USS Marlin (training submarine) and the LSM 45 amphibious landing ship, as well as other artifacts.
Partially Handicapped Accessible.
Apr. 1-Nov. 1 Mon.-Sat. 9am-6pm; Sun./10am-5pm
Admission: $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 ages 5-12
2497 Freedom Park Rd, 68110
(402) 345-1959

Fun Plex

Nebraska's largest water park and rides. Billiard Center open year-round. Rides available, weather permitting.
Handicapped Accessible.
Memorial-Labor Day, Daily 11am-9pm
7003 Q St., 68117
(800) 353-4180/(402) 331-8436

Gene Leahy Mall

10-acre park against historic and modern architecture in the heart of downtown. Lagoon and waterfalls, walking paths, gardens, playground, horseshoes, amphitheater and sculpture; connects to Heartland of America Park. Also the centerpiece for the annual Holiday Lights Festival.
Handicapped Accessible.
Daily 5am-11pm
Admission: Free
1302 Farnam on the Mall, 68102
(402) 444-5955 (weekdays)

Golf Anyone?

Omaha has more public golf courses per capita than any city with a population over 100,000. For a list of area golf courses, click here.

Heartland of America Park & Fountain

Catch the spectacular Heartland of America Fountain, with its 300-ft water jet and light show. New to the park are gondola rides by Heartland Gondola. Located across the street from the historic Old Market area.
Handicapped Accessible.
Fountain: May -Sept., Sun.-Thur. 11am-11pm; Fri.-Sat. 11am-midnight
Admission: Park Free
8th & Douglas Sts., 68102
(402) 444-PARK (7275)/(402) 444-6362

Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's Botanical Center

Solitude and beauty are found in 100 acres of outdoor gardens. 2,000 roses in a formal setting; a spectacular Victorian perennial garden, an indoor ever-changing Floral Display Hall; gift shop; cafe; and much more. Handicapped Accessible.
Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: $6 adults/seniors; $3 ages 6-12
100 Bancroft St., 68108
(402) 346-4002

Lewis and Clark Landing

Omaha's new riverfront beings on the original site of the Lewis and Clark landing in 1804. The 23-acre landing provides a variety of options to relax and enjoy the Missouri River. A boardwalk on the eight-foot high river wall leads to a restaurant featuring indoor/outdoor dining and live jazz nightly. A circular stairway leads down to the colorful river-level plaza filled with large umbrella tables and chairs. A walking trail winds along the river's edge and a bike trail runs west of 6th street. Lewis and Clark Historical Marker on site. 6th St on the Missouri River
(north of Heartland of America Park)
(402) 444-5900

Lozier IMAX® 3D Theater (Henry Doorly Zoo)

Experience IMAX, a screen as tall as four giraffes, as wide as seven rhinos with 12,000 watts of sound. It's like being there. Home of the world premiere of Lewis and Clark: Great Journey West.
Handicapped Accessible.
Daily 9:30am-5pm
Admission: $7 adults; $6 seniors; $5 ages 3-11
I-80, Exit #454/13th St S 3701 S 10th St., 68107
(402) 733-8401
http://www.omahazoo.com/

Memorial Park

Monuments honor men and women of the armed forces who were killed or missing during service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. A park favorite is the All-American Rose Society Garden. Handicapped Accessible.
Daily 5am-11pm
Admission: Free
6005 Underwood Ave., 68132
(402) 444-5955 (weekdays)
www.ci.omaha.ne.us/parks

Mt. Vernon Gardens

A site atop a Missouri River bluff was chosen for its panoramic view, similar to George Washington's Mount Vernon view of the Potomac. The Gardens are half the size of the Mount Vernon estate and a popular location for weddings.
Handicapped Accessible.
Daily 5am-11pm
Admission: Free
6011 S 13th St., 68107
(402) 444-5955 (weekdays)
www.ci.omaha.ne.us/parks

Neale Woods Nature Center

With Nebraska's largest observatory, the 550-acre nature center features nine miles of trails through hilltop forests, native prairies and woodlands along the Missouri River, offering an excellent opportunity to view wildlife and natural vegetation.
Mon-Sat 8am-5pm; Sun noon-5
Admission: $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 ages 3-11
14323 Edith Marie Ave., 68112
(402) 453-5615
http://www.fontenelleforest.org/

Nebraska Railroad Museum and Fremont And Elkhorn Valley Excursion Railroad

Enjoy an excursion in vintage rail coaches, diesel-powered. Nickerson 2 hrs, Hooper 3.5 hrs. Caboose charters available. Day Out with Thomas:May 30-31; June 1,6,7,8. Handicapped Accessible.
May-Oct. Nickerson/Sat., Hooper/Sun., 1:30-3pm
Admission: Sat/$8 adults; $6 children; Sun/$12 adults; $8 children; Free ages 2 and under
1835 N Somers St., Fremont, 68025
(402) 727-0615

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

Explore Kingdom's of the Night, the world's largest nocturnal desert. Experience the largest indoor desert and rainforest, a 70-foot underwater tunnel, IMAX® Theater, cats, bears, elephants and more! Three-acre Gorilla Valley open Spring 2004.
Handicapped Accessible.
Daily 9:30am-5pm
Admission: $9 adults; $7.50 seniors; $5.25 ages 5-11; Free 4 and under
I-80 Exit #454, 13th St. S/3701 S 10th St., 68107
(402) 733-8401

Papio Bay Aquatic Center

Five acres of swimming and outdoor recreation which includes a zero-depth swimming pool, watersides, diving boards, youth area with wading pools, sand volleyball, concessions and bath house. Corporate and group outings available.
Handicapped Accessible.
Memorial-Labor Day, Daily noon-8pm
Admission: $4.50 adults; $3.50 ages 3-16
815 E Halleck St., Papillion, 68046
(402) 597-2055

Randall Schilling Wildlife Refuge

State wildlife management area. Controlled hunt, Nov 1-Dec 15, $5 per person. Fishing access to Platte and Missouri River during summer. Handicapped Accessible.
Apr. 1-Oct. 15, Daily 7am-9pm
Admission: Free
17614 Schilling Refuge Rd., Plattsmouth, 68048
(402) 296-0041

River City Star

Cruise the Missouri River in style. The River City Star offers both public sightseeing cruises as well as private charters for your special occasion. Call for reservations and information.
Handicapped Accessible.
Apr.-Oct.; Daily 10am-1am
Admission: $10 adults, $8 seniors; $5 4-12; Free 3 and under
1515 Abbott Dr./Freedom Park Rd., 68110
(866) 227-STAR(7827)/(402) 342-STAR(7827)

The Great Plains Hat Company

One of the few remaining hatmakers in the US. Custom handmade cowboy hats, bowlers, derbys, fedoras and more on the original 1800s equipment. This shop is an educational visit to a legendary trade from yesteryear.
Mon-Fri 5-7pm, Call for reservations Admission: Free/Donations Accepted
2245 Franklin St., Bellevue, 68005 (402) 292-6018

Walking Trails

Want some exercise? Stretch your legs? There are more than 67 miles of paved, interconnected walk and bike trails are available in the metro area. Find out where they are and how to get a map by clicking here.

Wildlife Safari (Operated by Henry Doorly Zoo)

A drive-through wildlife adventure! Explore miles of scenic prairies and wetlands and North American wildlife like Lewis and Clark saw. Stretch your legs on a hiking trail and spot wolves, bears, birds and more!
Handicapped Accessible.
Apr.-Oct., Daily 9:30am-5pm
Admission: $10 per car
I-80, Exit #426, Ashland, 68003
(402) 944-WILD (9453)/(402) 733-8401

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Museums

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Artist-in-residency program located in the historic Old Market area. Artists from around the world live and work in our second-floor studios. Three galleries feature contemporary art exhibitions.
Handicapped Accessible.
Wed.-Sat. 11am-5pm
Admission: Free/donations
724 S 12th St., 68102
(402) 341-7130

Czechoslovak Museum

Omaha's only Sokol and Czechoslovak Museum. Rich with Czech heritage and history, highlights include fine hand-cut lead crystal, costumes, photographs, showcases of memorabilia, a Czech/English Reference Library and a gift shop. Gift shop items are all imported from the Czech Republic. Handicapped Accessible.
By appointment
Admission: Free
2021 U St., 68107
(402) 291-2893.

Durham Western Heritage Museum

Visit impressive Union Station, a beautifully restored art deco landmark. Explore history 50,000 sq. ft. of exhibitions showcasing train cars, a tepee and earth lodge, early city homes, a covered wagon, exciting traveling displays, And much more. Be sure to stop by the authentic soda fountain for a treat! Handicapped Accessible.
Tue.-Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 1-5pm
Admission: $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3.50 ages 3-12
801 S 10th St., 68108
(402) 444-5071

El Museo Latino

First Latino art and history museum, and cultural center in the Midwest. View permanent and traveling exhibitions featuring local, national and international Latino art and culture. Bilingual educational programs offered with exhibits, including workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and the resident dance company, "CHOMARI" Ballet Folklorico Mexicano.
Handicapped Accessible.
Mon., Wed., Fri. 10am-5pm; Tue. 1-7pm; Thur. 1-5pm; Sat. 10am-2pm.
Admission: $5 adults; $4 college students; $3.50 seniors/k-12
4701 S 25th St., 68107
(402) 731-1137
http://www.elmuseolatino.org/

Joslyn Art Museum

Nebraska's premier center for the visual arts featuring works from antiquity to the present. Emphasis is on art from 19th and 20th-century Europe and America. Extensive art collection of art of the American West.
Handicapped Accessible.
Tue.-Sat. 10am-4pm; Sun. noon-4pm;
Admission: $6 adults; $4 seniors/college students; $3.50 ages 5-17; Free ages 4 & under and Joslyn members, Free general admission Sat 10am-noon. Extended hours and increased admission for some special exhibitions.
2200 Dodge St., 68102
(402) 342-3300
http://www.joslyn.org/

Joslyn Castle

On National Register of Historic Places, first historic landmark Arboretum of Nebraska. This 1903 Scottish four story, 35-room house designed by John McDonald on original plated 5.5 acre. Conservatory designed by Jens Jensen. Handicapped Accessible.
1st & 3rd Sun. each month 1-4pm; other times by appointment;
Admission: $6 adults; $4 seniors/students; $3 ages 5-16
3902 Davenport St., 68131
(402) 595-2199

Nebraska Jewish Historical Society & Riekes Museum

The museum is a recreation of a neighborhood ‘shul,' plus a timeline and history of Nebraska Synagogues. Also several photographic exhibits and installations in the JCC corridors. Closed on Jewish holidays. Handicapped Accessible.
Mon.-Thurs. 10am-4pm, Fri. 10am-2pm;
Museum showing by appointment only
Admission: Free
Jewish Community Center
333 S 132nd St., 68154
(402) 334-6441

Omaha Children's Museum

Experience learning and fun, wrapped up in one! Enjoy hands-on exhibits in the sciences, arts and humanities. Changing exhibitions and daily programming offer something new and different each time you visit.
Handicapped Accessible.
Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. noon-5pm.
Closed major holidays
Admission: $4 adults/children; $3 seniors
500 S 20th St., 68102
(402) 342-6164

"Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit", May 15-September 6

"Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit," an internationally-acclaimed tribute to the tragic ocean liner featuring artifacts recovered from the ocean bottom, is making its Nebraska debut this summer at the Omaha Children's Museum. The exhibit, which has been viewed by more than 14 million people around the world, features hundreds of artifacts from the wreckage site, authentically recreated first and third-class ship rooms, and an "iceberg" that allows guests to experience the temperate of the water the night the ship sank.
http://www.ocm.org/

Sarpy County Historical Museum

Native American artifacts, tools and furnishings from the early days, old legal records and newspapers. Maintained by volunteers from the Sarpy County Historical Society
Handicapped Accessible.
Tue.-Sun. 9am-4pm
Admission: $2 adults; $1 seniors; $.50 students
2402 Clay St., Bellevue, 68005
(402) 292-1880

Strategic Air & Space Museum

See history come alive with 300,000 sq. ft. of space, including WWII and Cold War aircraft and artifacts, as well as traveling exhibits, library, children's gallery, theater, flight simulator, snack bar and more. Handicapped Accessible.
Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: $7 adults; $6 seniors; $3 ages 5-12
I-80, Exit #426, 28210 West Park Hwy., Ashland, 68003
(800) 358-5029/(402) 827-3100

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Historical Sites

Fremont Dinner Train

Take a trip back in time as you ride and dine while you travel through the Elkhorn Valley aboard restored 1940 era cars. Live entertainment options are frequently available.
Fri.-Sat. 7:30-11pm, Sat. (Nov.-Apr.) 6:30-10pm, Sun. 1:30-5pm
Admission: $64.75-$39.75 adults; $25-$20 ages 9-12
650 N H St., Fremont, 68025
(800) 942-7245/(402) 727-8321

General Crook House

Authentically restored home of frontiers man General Crook, Commander, Dept. of the Platte, who defended Ponca Chief Standing Bear in a landmark 1879 trial. National Register, Italianate, 19th Century furnishings. Heirloom garden, museum shop, exhibits, holiday features. Handicapped Accessible.
Mon.-Fri. 10am-4pm; Sat. and Sun. 1-4pm
Private use by appointment
Admission: $5 adults; $4 students; $3 ages 6-11
30th & Fort Sts 68111-1657
(402) 455-9990

Florence Mill

On National Register. Under renovation, the original Winter Quarters mill timbers date from 1846 and the Mormon Trail. The mill was re-established by a Gold Rusher passing through Nebraska Territory. The Florence Mill embodies the evolution of the grain industry with many technological changes from pioneer times. Mon.-Sat. 1-5pm, Memorial-Labor Day
Admission: $2 adults; $1 children
9102 N 30th St., 68112
(402) 551-1233

Gerald R. Ford Birth Site & Gardens

Memorial to the 38th President of the United States, born in Omaha. A kiosk modeled after the original house's turret contains birth site information and presidential mementos. A colonnade and Rose Garden modeled after the White House's complete the site. Handicapped Accessible.
This facility can be reserved for weddings.
Daily 7:30am-9pm
Admission: Free
32nd & Woolworth Ave., 68105
(402) 444-5955 (weekdays)

Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center

Adjacent to the Gerald R. Ford birth site, the center is a division of the Nebraska State Historical Society and features a permanent exhibit gallery dedicated to former President Ford.
Handicapped Accessible.
Exhibit Gallery open by appointment only Mon.-Fri.
Groups are advised to call one week prior to visit.
Admission: Free
32nd & Woolworth Ave., 68105
(402) 595-1180 (weekdays)

Girls and Boys Town (Father Flanagan's Boys Home)

National Historic Landmark. Visit the Hall of History, Visitors Center and the Father Flanagan House to get a first-hand look at the world-famous Father Flanagan's Boys Home. Handicapped Accessible.
Mon.-Sat. 8am-5pm; Sun. noon-5pm
Admission: Free
137th & W Dodge Rd., Boys Town, 68010
(800) 625-1400/(402) 498-1140

Historic Florence Bank & Depot Museums

Oldest bank in Nebraska (1856) displays on early Florence history and bank managers living quarters upstairs. Depot is from 1888 with 1890 caboose and railroad displays.
Memorial-Labor Day Daily 1-5pm; other times by appointment;
Admission: $2 adults; $1 children
8502 N 30th St/29th & Dick Collins Rd., 68112
(402) 453-4280/457-6190

Historic Sites of Bellevue

Presbyterian church, log cabin, Fontenelle Bank, railroad depot, Pioneer Cemetery - all dating from mid-19th Century. Call for guided tours.
Some locations Handicapped Accessible.
Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm
Admission: Free
112 W Mission St., Bellevue, 68005
(800) 467-2779/(402) 593-4354

Malcolm X Birth Site

The state of Nebraska has honored Malcolm X by erecting an official marker on the site of his birth. The 12-acre developing site is open to the public. Daily dawn to dusk;
Admission: Free
3448 Pinkney St., 68111
(402) 455-5253

Memorial Park

Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters

Relive an 1846-47 pioneer adventure on the Mormon Trail while taking a guided tour through numerous artifacts, including a full size covered wagon with ox team, log cabin, handcart with electronic and fiber optic exhibits. Select from 18 DVD movies. Adjacent Winter Quarters cemetery and temple.
Handicapped Accessible.
Daily 9am-9pm
Admission: Free
3215 State St., 68112
(402) 453-9372

Old Avoca Schoolhouse

Events are hosted by Greenblatt & Seay: workshops and lessons on fiddle, harmonica, dulcimer, song-writing and recording. Performances by Master Artists Greenblatt & Seay on stage in the old auditorium are available. By appointment only; Admission: $20/hour, group admission starts at $50
504 Garfield St., Avoca, 68307
(402) 275-3221

Prospect Hill Cemetery

Omaha's pioneer cemetery (1858). Here lie many who gave their names to Omaha streets, Nebraska towns and counties, etc. The famous and infamous. Many interesting monuments. Special section for soldiers from Fort Omaha. Walking tour pamphlet available with prearrangement.
Daily dawn to dusk
Admission: Free
3202 Parker St., 68111 (North of 30th & Hamilton Sts)
(402) 556-6057

Sarpy County Historical Museum

Shopping

There are more than 280 shopping and retail centers throughout the metro area. From the to regional malls like, and Regency Fashion Court, to great bargains at the Nebraska Crossing Outlet, you can find whatever you're looking for. Plus Omaha is the home to one of the nation's largest furniture stores, Nebraska Furniture Mart. and to Borsheim's, the nation's largest single jewelry retailer.

Old Market

Unique shops, boutiques, pubs, restaurants and entertainment in a historic neighborhood. Shop bookstores to bakeries, art galleries to antiques, clothing to collectibles, then dine in one of more than 30 Old Market restaurants.
Handicapped Accessible.
Shops: Hours vary by store. Most open daily 11am-9pm; Dining: daily 11am-11pm, some closed Sun.; Pubs: daily until 1am
Harney to Jackson Sts., 10th to 13th Sts., 68102
(402) 341-1877
http://www.omahaoldmarket.com/

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Free Events

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Czechoslovak Museum

Gene Leahy Mall

10-acre park against historic and modern architecture in the heart of downtown. Lagoon and waterfalls, walking paths, gardens, playground, horseshoes, amphitheater and sculpture; connects to Heartland of America Park. Also the centerpiece for the annual Holiday Lights Festival. Handicapped Accessible.
Daily 5am-11pm;
Admission: Free
1302 Farnam on the Mall, 68102
(402) 444-5955 (weekdays)

Gerald R. Ford Birth Site & Gardens

Girls and Boys Town (Father Flanagan's Boys Home)

Heartland of America Park & Fountain

Catch the spectacular Heartland of America Fountain, with its 300-ft water jet and light show. New to the park are gondola rides by Heartland Gondola. Located across the street from the historic Old Market area.
Handicapped Accessible.
Fountain: May-Sept., Sun.-Thur. 11am-11pm; Fri.-Sat. 11am-midnight;
Admission: Park Free
8th & Douglas Sts., 68102
(402) 444-PARK (7275)/(402) 444-6362

Historic Sites of Bellevue

Joslyn Art Museum

Lewis and Clark Landing

Omaha's new riverfront beings on the original site of the Lewis and Clark landing in 1804. The 23-acre landing provides a variety of options to relax and enjoy the Missouri River. A boardwalk on the eight-foot high river wall leads to a restaurant featuring indoor/outdoor dining and live jazz nightly. A circular stairway leads down to the colorful river-level plaza filled with large umbrella tables and chairs. A walking trail winds along the river's edge and a bike trail runs west of 6th street. Lewis and Clark Historical Marker on site. 6th St. on the Missouri River
(North of Heartland of America Park)
(402) 444-5900

Malcolm X Birth Site

Memorial Park

Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters

Mt. Vernon Gardens

Nebraska Jewish Historical Society & Riekes Museum

The museum is a recreation of a neighborhood ‘shul,' plus a timeline and history of Nebraska Synagogues. Also several photographic exhibits and installations in the Jewish Community Center corridors. Closed on Jewish holidays. Handicapped Accessible.
Mon.-Thurs. 10am-4pm, Fri. 10am-2pm;
Museum showing by appointment only
Admission: Free
Jewish Community Center
333 S 132nd St., 68154
(402) 334-6441

Prospect Hill Cemetery

Randall Schilling Wildlife Refuge

State wildlife management area. Controlled hunt, Nov. 1-Dec. 15, $5 per person. Fishing access to Platte and Missouri River during summer. Handicapped Accessible.
Apr. 1-Oct. 15, Daily 7am-9pm
Admission: Free
17614 Schilling Refuge Rd., Plattsmouth, 68048
(402) 296-0041

The Great Plains Hat Company

One of the few remaining hatmakers in the U.S. Custom handmade cowboy hats, bowlers, derbys, fedoras and more on the original 1800s equipment. This shop is an educational visit to a legendary trade from yesteryear.
Mon.-Fri. 5-7pm, Call for reservations Admission: Free/Donations Accepted
2245 Franklin St., Bellevue, 68005
(402) 292-6018