Top 20 Things To Do In Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha is a fun Midwest city with a deep railroad and pioneer history. The city sits on the Missouri River, just across the way from Iowa.
Planning a visit to Omaha and wondering what to do? From exploring the Old Market District, attending sporting events, and browsing museums, there’s a lot to do here.
I spend a week in Omaha every year, and I think it’s a really underrated city. These are some of the top things to do in Omaha!
The Best Things To Do In Omaha, Nebraska
Old Market
Old Market is the core of downtown Omaha. The area was developed around the turn of the 20th century, largely thanks to the railroad which brought thousands of daily visitors through the city.
Old Market displays the historic buildings and charming cobblestone streets of the past. However today, instead of stockyards and packinghouses, you’ll find boutique and vintage shops, galleries, record stores, rooftop restaurants, and nightlife. Exploring this area is one of my favorite things to do in Omaha
Old Market is bordered by S. 10th Street to the east & 13th Street to the west, along with Farnam Street to the north & Jackson Street to the south.
Tip: Be sure to check out the free Pioneer Courage Park while exploring Old Market.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country and Nebraska’s most popular attraction.
The zoo is home to unique exhibits spread out over a huge 160-acre facility. Among the park’s best features are the Dome Desert and Lied Jungle. The Dome Desert is known for being the largest indoor desert in the world, and the Lied Jungle, North America’s largest indoor rainforest.
Since a large number of exhibits are indoor (like the famous desert dome!), this is a great activity any time of year.
Fontenelle Forest
Looking to spend time outdoors in Omaha? Check out Fontenelle Forest.
The park is located along the Missouri River, just south of downtown and with 2,100 acres of land and 24 miles of trails, it’s a perfect setting for all things outdoors.
Inside this expansive park you’ll find a nature center, zip lining course, hiking trail, and climbing park. It’s perfect for the whole family.
Durham Museum
In 1931 Omaha’s Union Station was one of the busiest in the nation, seeing an average of 10,000 passengers a day. Today the beautiful art deco building has been restored to its original glory and is now a museum showcasing the history of the region.
This Smithsonian Institution Affiliate has 1,000’s of artifacts telling the story of the city’s deep history from the perspective of Native American’s, pioneers, African American’s, and many others.
Tip: The beautifully decorated passenger terminal is especially popular during the holiday season.
Lauritzen Gardens
The Lauritzen Gardens provide an urban oasis with 3 miles of trails inside a 100 acre property.
The gardens are a living museum of unique four-season plant displays. You’ll find plants from around the world within outdoor gardens and an indoor conservatory.
If you’re not up for a walk, take the hour-long narrated tram tour of the gardens. The tram costs just $5/ person and is definitely one of the most fun things to do here!
Visit The Birthplace of Malcolm X
Did you know Malcolm X was born in Omaha?
On May 19, 1925 this civil rights activist was born in a now-demolished house in the suburbs of Omaha. As a civil rights leader and Muslim minister, he was a vocal advocate for Black empowerment and the promotion of Islam within the Black community.
Malcolm’s family only lived here a short while, as racial tension was high. They eventually left for Michigan with hopes for a better life.
Today, the home rebuilt here is one of many historical sites you can see on the National Park System’s “We Shall Overcome” itinerary.
The home is located at 3448 Pinkney Street and is open to the public.
Bike The Riverfront Trail Along The Missouri River
Biking along the Missouri River is one of the best things to do in Omaha. Start your bike tour downtown at Heartland of America Park where you’ll find a large lake, walking paths, and great views of the Omaha skyline.
From there, check out Lewis & Clark Landing, a 23-acre landing overlooking the Missouri River. The park is home to interactive exhibits and a number of monuments. Last, follow the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge to stand at the Nebraska, Iowa state line.
The above portion is easy for all skill levels, including kids. If you wish to go for a longer bike ride continue north, where you can follow the trail for another 15 miles.
Did You Know? Bob is the first walking bridge in the United States to connect two states.
Omaha Symphony
The Omaha Symphony offers a wide variety of shows each weekend from the Holland Performing Arts Center and Joslyn Art Museum.
The symphony was founded in 1921, while it’s seen many changes since, it still brings the power and beauty of live orchestral music to Omaha’s residents today.
Visit The Omaha Symphony website for an event calendar and tickets.
Gerald R. Ford Birth Site
While visiting Omaha be sure to check out the Gerald R. Ford Birth Site Gardens. The park honors the 38th president who was born at this site in summer of 1931.
The site was formerly a home which burned down in 1971, today a garden stands in place of the home.
Catch A Sporting Event In Omaha
Sports are a way of life in Nebraska and while the state has no professional teams, it has plenty of minor league affiliates and collage games worth attending.
Check out the University of Nebraska at Omaha or Creighton University for a wide variety of college athletics.
The city’s minor league affiliates include a Junior Ice Hockey team, The Lancers, a Triple-A Baseball team, Storm Chasers, and an American Professional Soccer team, Union Omaha.
No matter the time of year, you’re sure to find a game.
Attend The College World Series
If visiting Omaha in June, you must attend the College World Series.
Omaha has hosted the hugely popular event every year since 1950. The spectacle is one of the city’s most fun events, drawing in over 100,000 visitors from around the country.
Omaha Children’s Museum
The Omaha Children’s Museum is a great place for your little ones to learn while they play.
The museum has permanent exhibits designed to educate and inspire the next generation on subjects like animals and nature, space, science and technology, architecture, engineering, even car care!
There’s always something fun and adventurous happening here, so be sure to check their calendar of events.
Visiting Omaha with kids? They may also like the Locomotives at Kenefick Park or Freedom Park which has a number of decommissioned ships, submarines, and fighter jets on display. Both parks are free for all visitors.
Heron Haven Nature Center
The Heron Haven is another great outdoor space in Omaha. It’s dedicated to the restoration and preservation of a natural wetland, providing a home (or stopover space) for over 100 species of birds and a variety of small mammals.
Nebraska is home to 8 different heron species, so you’re quite likely to spot at least one here.
Come appreciate the natural beauty of the wetland flora and fauna while hiking through the area or participating in one of their Education Center’s free courses!
Joslyn Art Museum
The Joslyn Art Museum is the largest museum in Nebraska.
The building alone is an astonishing work of art, made completely of Etowah and Fleuri marble, unique in that it has a pink hue to it. The building is so unique, in fact, in 1938 Joslyn Art Museum was listed among the 100 finest buildings in America.
The museum has over 11,000 displays representing artists and cultures from Antiquity to the present and is free to all visitors.
Hit The Casinos Across The River In Council Bluffs, Iowa
Located just across the river from Omaha is Council Bluffs, Iowa. It may not be Vegas, but Council Bluffs offers three large casino’s: Horseshoe, Ameristar, and Harrah’s.
The largest is Horseshoe Council Bluffs which is owned by Caesars and has over 1,300 slot machines, a full floor of table games, a sports book, poker room, two restaurants, and multiple bars (one of which has a concert venue).
If you’re up for some gambling or fun nightlife, head across the river.
Live Music At Turner Park In Midtown Crossing
Live music at Turner Park is a favorite summer activity in Omaha, and best of all, it’s free for everyone!.
Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, snacks and enjoy local musicians as the sun sets. Be sure to arrive early, the free concerts can get very crowded!
The community does a great job presenting a wide variety of fun and free events. Turner Park also hosts Jazz on the Green, Turner Park Night Market, outdoor movies, Yoga in the Park, Playing with Fire and much more!
Can’t attend an event? There’s a number of public art displays and lots of green space making this one of the best places to explore in Omaha.
Tip: You can also find free outdoor summer concerts in Stinson Park at Aksarben Village or in Old Market under the Bob Kerrey Bridge and don’t forget the annual Memorial Park Concert which is free as well!
Joslyn Castle
The home of George & Sarah Joslyn was built in 1903 and designed by John McDonald. The 35-room Scottish Baronial-style home is built entirely of limestone which had to be cut on site. The elaborate home includes a reception hall, music room, ballroom, a library, and gold drawing room.
Joslyn Castle is open for tours which not only showcase the beautiful home, but tells the story of the couple who built it. The Joslyn’s deep philanthropic influence can still be felt around Omaha today.
Note: The exterior grounds and gardens are always free to anyone who wishes to visit.
Bemis Center Of Contemporary Arts
If art is what you seek, Bemis Center Of Contemporary Arts is the place for you! A non-profit in Omaha for 40 years they’ve been providing community art programs for any and all who wish to be a part.
The center has unique exhibits, public programs, and musical performances all of which are always free.
This is a really lovely program and one I’d definitely recommend utilizing!
You May Also Like: KANEKO & Hot Shops Art Center
Omaha is an fun city to visit with a wide variety of things to do. I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your trip and have the best time!
If you’d like to follow along with my travels in real time, check out @seen.by.amy on Instagram or @seenbyamy on TikTok!
Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Omaha guides or head on over to Visit Omaha!
More Information For Your Omaha Vacation:
- The Best Free Things To Do In Omaha, Nebraska
- Weekend In Omaha: Everything You Need To Know
- Winter Things To Do In Omaha, Nebraska
- Christmas In Omaha: Top Things To Do
More Information For Your Trip To Nebraska
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The Joslyn Castle is stunning. I would have never pictured this in Omaha. It’s good to know there are so many great things to do there :-).
Crazy isn’t it?! Thanks for reading