Weekend In Omaha: Everything You Need To Know For A Perfect Getaway

Omaha, Nebraska makes for a great Midwest weekend getaway!

From museums and art galleries to delicious restaurants and lots of sporting events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.

My family visits once a year over Thanksgiving weekend and I always look forward to our time spent in Omaha!

Read on for everything to know about spending a weekend in Omaha, Nebraska!

Table of Contents

Things To Do During Your Weekend In Omaha

Weekend In Omaha – Day 1

Missouri River / Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

The Missouri River runs along the eastern edge of Omaha and is the perfect place to begin your weekend!

Go for a walk or bike ride beginning at Heartland of America Park. The park has a large lake, walking paths, and great views of the Omaha skyline.

From here check out Lewis & Clark Landing, a 23-acre bluff overlooking the Missouri River. The park is home to interactive exhibits and a number of monuments. Lastly, follow the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge to stand at the Nebraska-Iowa state line!

This is an easy and fairly short walk or bike ride. If you wish to continue you can follow the path north along the western side of the river for another 15 miles. Otherwise, take the path back towards the Gene Leahy Mall Riverfront Park and into Old Market!

bob kerrey pedestrian bridge omaha nebraska — Bob Kerrey Bridge – a must-see during your weekend in Omaha

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 oft-used railroad which brought thousands of daily visitors through the city — leaving an impact which can still be felt today.

Old Market is characterized by its the historic buildings and charming cobblestone streets of the past. Today, instead of packinghouses and stockyards, you’ll find boutique shops, galleries, rooftop restaurants, and nightlife. It’s a very charming mix of old and new!

Exploring this area is one of my favorite things to do each time I visit Omaha.

Spirit Of Nebraska’s Wilderness & Pioneer Courage Park

Be sure to check out Pioneer Courage Park while exploring Old Market!

This is a huge sculpture garden recognizing the individuals who settled the land and it’s the largest installation of bronze and stainless steel art in the United States.

Pieces are scattered throughout the Old Market area so it’s hard to miss!

Note: Towards the bottom of this guide I’ve listed popular places to eat and nightlife ideas for your weekend in Omaha.

cobblestone streets and brick buildings in old market downtown omaha nebraska — Old Market in Omaha

old market downtown omaha nebraska cobblestone streets woman smiling — Old Market in Omaha

Weekend In Omaha – Day 2

Henry Doorly Zoo

The Henry Doorly Zoo is home to unique exhibits spread over a huge 160 acre facility. Among the park’s most famous 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 is North America’s largest indoor rainforest.

This is one of the top zoos in the country and Nebraska’s most popular attraction!

You could easily spend an entire day here, with it being one of the largest zoos in the world and all.

If you’re like me and max out around 3 hours at any attraction, you’ll want to do something different in the afternoon. Or if want to skip the zoo this time, check out these additional things to do in Omaha!

henry doorly zoo desert dome cactus omaha nebraska — The Dome Desert in Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo

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 thousands of artifacts with relics telling the story of the city from the perspective of Native Americans, pioneers, African Americans, and many others.

The large museum has a wide variety of displays, so you’re sure to find something you enjoy here!

You May Also Like: The Joslyn Castle or General Crook House.

durham-museum-passenger-terminal-statues-sitting-in-historic-pues-with-huge-geometrical-windows-and-a-massive-american-flag — Union Station in Durham Museum

durham museum union station omaha nebraska old market downtown — Union Station in Durham Museum

Visit The Great Plains Black History Museum

For 40 years, the Great Plains Black History Museum has been dedicated to honoring and preserving the achievements of the region’s African American heritage through permanent collections, exhibits, and community programs.

The small museum is free to everyone and offers self-guided or guided tours. You do need to reserve a time slot in advance.

The Joslyn Art Museum

The Joslyn Art Museum is the largest in Nebraska, making it one of the most popular things to do when visiting Omaha. The museum has over 11,000 displays representing artists and cultures from Antiquity to the present.

The building itself is also an incredible work of art, made completely of Fleuri and Etowah marble, unique in that it has a pink hue to it.

Omaha Children’s Museum

The Omaha Children’s Museum is a fantastic space for your little ones to learn while they play.

They have permanent exhibits designed to educate and inspire the next generation on subjects like outer space, science and technology, animals and nature, architecture, engineering, and even car care. There’s always something fun and adventurous happening here, so be sure to check their updated 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.

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 nearly 50 years, they’ve been providing community art programs for any and all who wish to partake.

The center has unique exhibits, public programs, and musical performances, all of which are free!

You May Also Like: KANEKO & Hot Shops Art Center

downtown omaha nebraska gene leahy mall bench swing — Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront

Fontenelle Forest

With 2,100 acres of land and 24 miles of trails, Fontenelle Forest provides a fun setting for an outdoorsy afternoon in Omaha.

Inside this expansive park you’ll find a nature center, ziplining course, hiking trail, and climbing park, definitely making this one of the most unique things to do in Omaha!

For more ideas check out: The Best Things To Do In Omaha, Nebraska

lush-green-trees-on-dirt-trail-with-sign-pointing-in-trails-direction-fontenelle-forest — Fontenelle Forest

Weekend In Omaha – Day 3

Lauritzen Gardens

For your final morning in Omaha check out the the Lauritzen Gardens! These botanic gardens provide an urban oasis with 3 miles of trails inside their 100 acre property.

The gardens are a living museum of unique four-season plant displays. You’ll find plants from around the world within their outdoor gardens and indoor conservatory.

The also have a great hour-long, narrated tram tour of the gardens for just $5 extra per person.

dramatic-greenery-in-indoor-conservatory-vines-growing-up-spiral-sculpture-Lauritzen-gardens — Lauritzen Gardens

State Parks Near Omaha

If a day spent outdoors appeals to you check out these nearby state parks! Omaha has excellent birding and a variety of lovely recreation-friendly lakes!

Two Rivers State Recreation Area
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Lake Manawa State Park (Council Bluffs, Iowa)
Platte River State Park (check out Stone Creek Falls!)
N.P. Dodge Park
Memphis Lake State Recreation Area
Carter Lake Park

Chalco Hills Recreation Area Sunset Omaha Nebraska — Omaha, Nebraska

Popular Restaurants In Downtown Omaha

When I visit Omaha we stay in the Old Market area, which has a huge concentration of delicious restaurants all within walking distance of each other. Some of my favorites here have been Twisted Fork, Upstream Brewing Company, and Kitchen Table.

Other delicious dining options in Old Market include La Buvette, Omaha Prime, Plank Seafood Provisions, The Boiler Room, and Le Bouillon Restaurant & Raw Bar.

Tip: Dundee is another neighborhood with lots of popular eateries.

Vegan Food In Omaha

Omaha also has a surprising number of vegan options, considering the city is well-known for steakhouses. Below are a few of my favorites (most of these restaurants serve meat and vegan options):

Kitchen Table
Veg.Edible
Benson Brewery
Block 16
Brick Oven Pizzeria
Clio

historic-brick-indoor-passageway-decked-out-in-green-plants-and-gold-string-lights — Old Market in Omaha

Things To Do In Omaha At Night

Omaha Performing Arts Center

Most weekends in Omaha you can find a variety of shows between the Orpheum Theater and Holland Performing Arts Center. If you wish to enjoy the Omaha Symphony, Off-Broadway productions, comedy show, or a popular band you’re sure to find something to your liking!

Sporting Events 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 college 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:

The Lancers – Junior Ice Hockey
Storm Chasers – Triple-A Baseball
Union Omaha – American Professional Soccer

iceskaters-lined-up-during-nationa-anthem-at-uno-hockey-game-baxter-arena — UNO Hockey Game

Casinos In Council Bluffs, Iowa

Located just across the river from Omaha is Council Bluffs, Iowa which offers three large casino’s: Horseshoe, Ameristar, and Harrah’s.

The largest is Caesars owned Horseshoe Council Bluffs which 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).

Tip: Check for free shuttles running between downtown Omaha and the casinos.

Go Bowling

Bowling is a much-loved day or nighttime activity in Omaha! My favorite bowling alley is Chop’s located in Old Market. It’s a small, no-fuss establishment with family-fun and cheap beers, perfect for a weekend night!

Hit The Bars

Old Market has plenty of casual nightlife options from breweries and speakeasies to wine rooms and dive bars, there’s something for everyone’s taste.

Also check out the Benson neighborhood which has a small strip of bars surrounding The Waiting Room, a popular music venue and even Beercade, an adult arcade hall with all the classics.

night time in old market omaha woman smiling — Night out in Old Market

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts

If visiting in summer keep an eye out for free concerts held in Old Market at the Bob Kerrey Bridge, Midtown Crossing’s Turner Park, and Stinson Park in Aksarben Village. These parks offer regular outdoor summer concerts and other events like Yoga in the Park or Jazz on the Green.

Visit Omaha has an events page showing both free and paid concerts, which is the best way to see who’s playing during your weekend in Omaha!

Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront christmas event omaha nebraska — Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront

Visit A Brewery

Omaha has tons of local breweries worth trying out with a variety of options from classic lagers to dark stouts and everything in between!

Below are just a few (there are many!) popular breweries in Omaha:

Brickway Brewery & Distillery
The Benson Brewery
Upstream Brewing Company
Pint Nine Brewing Company
Nebraska Brewing Company
Jaipur Brewhouse
Infusion Brewing Company

Tip: Request a free Omaha Craft Brew Penny Pack filled with “Buy 1, Get 1 for a Penny” coupons good at 13 featured breweries and make your own little brewery crawl — just don’t forget to arrange a ride!

upstream brewery old market omaha nebraska — Upstream Brewing Co.

My Weekend In Omaha Itinerary

I visit Omaha each year in winter so my weekend itinerary is normally catered toward winter-friendly activities. I’ve included some extra options below which are conducive for summer visits.

Day 1

Walk the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge and explore the riverfront park area.
Explore the shops and historic buildings in Old Market.
Check out the free art exhibits at KANEKO and Bemis Center of Contemporary Arts.
Dinner and drinks in Old Market.

Day 2

Visit Henry Doorly Zoo or the Joslyn Art Museum.
Afternoon ziplining in Fontenelle Forest.
Go for a brewery tour or attend a free outdoor summer concert.
Dinner and arcade games in Benson and/or hit the casinos in Council Bluffs.

Day 3

Visit the Lauritzen Gardens.
Hike Stone Creek Falls in Platte River State Park.
Dinner in Old Market.
Bowling at Chop’s.

chops bowling alley toddler bowling balls old market omaha nebraska — Weekend in Omaha itinerary

downtown omaha old market skyline omaha nebraska — Weekend in Omaha itinerary

Getting To Omaha

Omaha Eppley Airfield – 10 minutes from downtown (4.5 miles)

Lincoln Airport – 50 minutes (60 miles)

Getting into downtown from the Omaha airport couldn’t be easier! Simply arrange an Uber/Lyft/taxi or utilize a shuttle system, you’ll be downtown within a matter of minutes.

If arriving from Lincoln plan to rent a car or arrange a shuttle service in advance.

Looking for cheap flights? Be sure to sign up for Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to get cheap flight alerts delivered right to your inbox. It’s a free service I’ve used for years and couldn’t recommend more.

For those driving in, Omaha is located right off I-80 just 50 miles east of Lincoln and a few miles west of Council Bluffs, Iowa.

There are a number of major cities located just a few hours from Omaha including Kansas City, Des Moines, and Minneapolis, to name a couple!

Getting Around

If staying in the Old Market area, no car is needed, it’s small and easily walkable. Uber and Lyft are readily available if needed and many hotels offer free shuttle services.

If staying outside of downtown, you may consider a rental car as attractions will be more spread out.

Where To Stay In Omaha

Again, I favor the Old Market area especially if you’re only spending a weekend in Omaha. This is the central hub of the city and where you’ll find most attractions.

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 — anything near this area is good!

Some popular hotels in, and near, Old Market are:

If you’d prefer to stay elsewhere check out the Blackstone District and Dundee.

downtown omaha nebraska gene leahy mall waterfront park lounge charis — Omaha, Nebraska

As you can see Omaha makes a great weekend getaway! It’s a friendly city with tons of fun options to fill your weekend. I hope you’ve found this post helpful in planning your trip!

Any questions or additional ideas? Please leave a comment below.

Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Omaha guides below or head on over to Visit Omaha!