Omaha, Nebraska! The birthplace of the Reuben sandwich, Raisin Bran cereal, the Ski Lift,
and indie-folk singer-songwriter Conor Oberst, is said to be one of the top places in the
country to raise a family. But while it might be a great place to live, it also makes for
an excellent vacation destination!
Drift down the Missouri river in a riverboat, visit what's been called the world's best
zoo, take a stroll through one of Omaha's many museums and art galleries, or simply
enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many fantastic restaurants and cafes downtown. Whatever you're
interests are, Omaha has most assuredly something right up your alley.
If you're planning a visit to Omaha for practically any length of time, you'll likely find yourself
at some point in downtown's Old Market district. This historic section of Omaha features many
shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Not only that, but several of Omaha's top attractions,
such as the Omaha Children's Museum and the Joslyn Art Museum, can also be found here.
Omaha is jam-packed full of many distinctly unique things to do. Brush up on your history
while venturing out of your comfort zone to experience a place that has a culture that
perfectly captures both of these things. Join Viewcation as we take a peek at some of the
top sights and attractions in the city that have been called the Gateway to the West.
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
This fantastic destination has an impressive 130 acres of exotic animals from all over
the globe. The zoo is so big that it's actually home to the largest indoor rainforests in
America. There you will find happy apes called gibbons swinging merrily from tree to tree.
The zoo's Hubbard Orangutan Forest is home to playful orangutans that enjoy hanging from
the beautiful banyan trees. After you've gotten your necessary dose of monkey time, head on
over to the largest indoor desert environment in the world to catch a glimpse of some truly
fascinating desert-dwelling creatures.
After journeying through the frigid polar bear exhibits and strolling through the shark
tunnel, you'll find yourself at the zoo's aquarium, where nature-lovers can get up close
and personal with hundreds of species of marine life.
Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is more than just a zoo – it's more like a biological park.
If you're interested in learning more about conservation, then this is a must-visit attraction
for anyone visiting the Omaha region.
Old Market
After spending the day at the zoo, you'll likely have worked up quite an appetite. There
is no better place in Omaha to satiate your hunger than over at the Old Market. Here you
will find many fine dining establishments such as the Boiler Room as well as more casual
cafes and fast-casual offerings.
Old Market is essentially the heart of Omaha. It's brick-paved streets are lined with popular
attractions like the Omaha Children's Museum and the Joslyn Art Museum. If you're planning
a romantic evening with your significant other, you can also take a relaxing horse-drawn carriage
ride through the area.
There are also a ton of shops, boutiques, and art galleries to visit as well – and
if you need a little pick-me-up, you can always grab a latte at one of the many independent
coffee shops that call Old Market their home.
If you do plan on visiting the old market – and we highly recommend that you do – it's
best to park your vehicle near Durham Museum and then walk through the area., as the cobblestone
streets can get a bit bumpy and finding a parking space can be a bit of difficult task.
Not to get too off-topic, but if you're enjoying this video so far, make sure you take a second
to show us a little love by giving us a like and by subscribing to Viewcation if you haven't
already. And don't go anywhere just yet. Stay tuned to see what else we think is worth checking
out in and around Omaha.
Joslyn Art Museum
Founded in 1931, the Joslyn Art Museum houses an impressive collection that includes over
11,000 pieces of art and relics. You'll see works by some of the more familiar names of
the art world as well as from lesser-known local artists from the region. Some of the
most popular exhibits feature art by masters like Jules Breton, Veronese, Claude Lorrain,
and Auguste Renoir.
On display at the museum are works of 18th and 19th-century American art, as well as
20th century and contemporary pieces. You'll also be pleased to see ancient art from all
over the planet. While there are many different permanent exhibits on display, special exhibits
are also regularly added for your viewing pleasure, so make sure you check with their
website before planning a visit to see what's new.
The Durham Museum
Found within one of Omaha's most unique and historically significant treasures, Union
Station, The Durham Museums gives guests a thought-provoking peek into the history of
the surrounding region and features a fairly broad range of traveling and temporary exhibits
that cover subjects like history and culture, industry, and the sciences.
It's highly regarded as one of the premier resources for historical preservation, entertainment,
and education in the Omaha area. And, it's a great spot to visit if you're traveling
with little ones, as there are numerous hands-on activities to keep them entertained while
also learning about history. Visitors can see exhibits that include model trains as
well as a streetcar from the 1940s.
The museum also has displays that include historical documents, a coin collection, and
photos and artifacts from the 1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exhibition.
Lauritzen Gardens
A visit to Omaha's beautiful botanical garden and arboretum, Lauritzen Gardens, will allow
you to appreciate a wide range of flowers, shrubs, trees, and other plant life. Animal
lovers will appreciate getting the chance to admire animals such as deer, rabbits, bears,
and even elephants.
There are many different events and performances held at the gardens, so it's always a good
idea to check their website to see what's coming up. If you're traveling with a dog,
you'll be able to give them a much-needed walk while exploring the grounds.
Come Christmastime, the gardens are illuminated with thousands of festive lights for its annual
Bright Nights event. So, if you're looking for something to bring you some of that holiday
cheer, you'll be in luck.
Omaha Children's Museum
Fun for the whole family can be found at the Omaha Children's Museum – one of the most
visited museums in Nebraska. The museum opened its doors in 1976, and ever since, it has
been providing a place for visitors to come and engage in wholesome, hands-on activities.
Children and the young-at-heart alike can explore the museum's many interactive permanent
exhibits, which are focused on themes like art, science, and early childhood educations.
Some of the most popular exhibits include a giant ball machine, a miniature kid-friendly
grocery store, a science and technology lab, and a maker space. The museum also regularly
features traveling exhibits in addition to hosting daily educational programs and special
events throughout the year. Don't forget to grab a souvenir at the gift shop on your way
out!
Fun Plex
Fun Plex is the perfect place to visit for thrill-seekers or those that are just trying
to cool off during the hot summer months. Located at the intersection of Q and 72nd
streets, Fun Plex offers amusement rides as well as a full-featured water park. Take a
ride on a roller coaster, race your friends out on the go-kart track or take a plunge
down one of the park's water slides – whatever summertime fun you're looking for, Fun Plex
probably has it.
Heartland of America Park
This 31-acre public park can be found in the middle of downtown on Douglas Street. There
is a paved trail that visitors can walk along as well as a lake where swans can be seen
soaking up the sun. The park also is home to three fountains, one of which shoots water
more than 300 feet and is beautifully lit up at night. There's also a gorgeous Waterworks
Fountain that dates back to the 1800s.
While this park might not seem like anything particularly special, it's a wonderful spot
to have a picnic or simply get a little reprieve from the hustle of the city. And every year,
it is also the site of the city's annual Taste of Omaha Festival, where dozens of local restaurants
come out to show off their finest grub.
Strategic Air and Space Museum
Located inbetween Lincoln and Omaha on I-80, this museum which opened its doors in 1959,
features 300,000 square feet of exhibits and event space. Its primary purpose is to preserve
and commemorate aircraft from the Strategic Air Command while supporting the nearby Offutt
Air Force Base. Visitors can see up-close dozens of aircraft and artifacts that are
related to the SAC history and its mission.
Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens
History buffs will appreciate this attraction. At 3202 Woolworth Avenue stands the house
where US President Gerald R. Ford lived for several weeks after his birth on July 14,
1913. The house belonged to his paternal grandparents Martha King and Charles Henry.
The site features a memorial dedicated to the United States' 39th president. Right next
door is the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center which was created by the Nebraska State Historical
Society to display memorabilia, documents, and items of historical significance related
to Ford and his legacy.
Well, that pretty much brings us to the end of this video. Hopefully, you've enjoyed embarking
on this little tour of Omaha with us.
What are you most excited to see on your next trip to Omaha? If you've already been before,
what are some of your personal favorite sights and attractions throughout the city and surrounding
area? Let us know in the comments section down below.
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Safe Travels!