Disclosure: Visit Omaha sponsored this post; however, all opinions and photographs are mine.
Are you seeking to visit an affordable Midwestern city where you never run out of things to do? Travel to Omaha, Nebraska.
Because of its grid system, the city is easy to navigate, and visitors appreciate its accessibility and on-trend downtown scene.
Omaha is dotted with historic neighborhoods. We stayed in the Midtown Crossing area, which is within minutes of the Old Market district, the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, and the Blackstone District (an ultra-hip area for those who appreciate supporting local eateries).
CAN’T MISS ATTRACTIONS
HENRY DOORLY ZOO & AQUARIUM
This isn’t your typical zoo. The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium’s exhibits are world-famous! It is known for its indoor Desert Dome and North America’s largest indoor rainforest, but if you ask me, one of the ultimate stops within the park is the Antarctic penguin area!
Dress comfortably for the season you’re visiting the zoo. You’ll be doing a lot of walking unless you traverse the park by train or Skyfari.
While walking through the Lied Jungle you will be able to observe over 90 species of animals and towering waterfalls. Crossing a rope swing bridge takes you to a new area of the jungle while winding paths lead you to an abundance of tropical flowers and seating areas. Bring your camera. You’re going to want to capture the bright colors (and sounds!) of the jungle.
When visiting the zoo, you can expect to see plants and animals from all parts of the world. Fun Fact: You can sign up for Backstage Tours that take you behind-the-scenes at the zoo.
Ask about how to gain an all-access pass.
I think visitors will need a minimum of three hours to tour the zoo and aquarium, a swift look at many of its best features but certainly not enough time to enjoy the behind-the-scenes opportunities or animal feeding sessions.
The Desert Dome can be seen from the road as you enter the zoo’s parking lot. It’s mammoth! Get ready to be transported to another climate as you walk red dirt paths to view reptiles, meerkats, bobcats, and much more.
Again, you’re going to want to plan your journey since the park features seven indoor exhibits and eight acres of African Safari. My second favorite area to observe the animals was inside the Cate Giraffe Herd Rooms. A female giraffe was born only weeks before our visit, and we were able to see it resting while her mother ate nearby.
Is this the closest you’ve been to a giraffe? Get a closer view by heading inside the giraffe herd rooms or you can even sign up to feed them.
Pro Tip: Secure round-trip tickets for the Skyfari that takes you above and across the zoo. The slow-moving rail system is the perfect way to observe animals in their habitats without fighting the crowds. I don’t recommend taking the tram, which stops way too often along its trail and you’ll find yourself sitting and waiting for passengers to board rather than moving on to your next stop. Prefer the train? It winds through the top half of the park.
If you ride the Skyfari, you get an unobstructed view of the entire park and directly above the African Grasslands.
A steam locomotive features 11 open-air coaches and a caboose, an ideal choice for those who want to see almost the entire zoo without walking it.
You’re going to want to make a trip to the zoo in the early morning hours. We scored a great parking spot close to the entrance because we arrived at 9 am. However, the lot was beyond capacity by the time we left the park three hours later. And it’s a HUGE parking lot!
If you want to plan your experience prior to arriving at the zoo and aquarium, you can download their free app. You can even purchase your tickets via the app! The park is open year-round except on Christmas Day.
THE DURHAM MUSEUM
Dripping with history and filled with interactive exhibits, The Durham Museum is a must-stop during your visit to Omaha. The building was originally opened in 1931 as Union Pacific’s train station but today it is the home of permanent, interactive exhibits highlighting the city’s story.
The Union Station lobby is a photographer’s dream. If you appreciate taking photos of architecture and design, you’ll easily spend upwards of thirty minutes shooting images of the restored railroad station.
Kids (and adults!) will enjoy walking through restored locomotives and viewing the model trains, pretending to be a shopper in the Buffett Grocery Store, and exploring a life-size tipi when learning about Native American history.
Do you appreciate diving deep into the history of a location you’re visiting? Step inside the Mutual of Omaha Theater to watch a film detailing the history of Omaha.
Perhaps you prefer perusing professional photography. Don’t miss the museum’s expansive photo gallery and make a special stop at their photography archive open to the public Tuesday-Friday only.
I enjoyed the locomotive exhibits and the history of the steam train the most since I come from a railroad family.
Visitors of all ages will appreciate the meticulous restoration of the commuter trains on-site. You’ll feel like you’re a passenger traveling from Omaha to Kansas City while sitting inside the train!
Pro Tip: Be sure to save time to visit the soda fountain and candy counter located adjacent to the museum’s main entrance. You’ll love stepping back in time to the early ’30s while enjoying an old-fashioned phosphate or sundae!
The museum is open six days a week. Another bonus? Parking is free on the 10th Street bridge located across from the main entrance. There are two levels for parking, so it shouldn’t be an issue.
DELECTABLE DINING
MULA
When you think of Omaha, you don’t necessarily think of tacos, oysters, or duck salad. You’d be wrong! Dining options in Omaha are vast and on any given day you can find meals that appeal to every palette.
When visiting the Blackstone District, a renovated neighborhood near Midtown Crossing, we dined on tacos at Mula, a Mexican Kitchen & Tequileria. If you love tequila, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store thanks to over 150 tequilas listed on the menu! The staff is well-versed in the history and production of tequila.
We enjoyed the homemade House Guac as an appetizer to accompany our drinks (a Michelada and a Cucumber Margarita). Later, we dined on delicious tacos made with flavorful grilled meats and fresh produce. I highly recommend the Carne Asada Taco and the Baja Fish Taco. (Each taco is sold individually.)
Eventually, I ordered a warm plate for freshly fried Churro Bites covered in cinnamon and sugar – so yummy I nearly finished them all on my own!
Pro Tip: Dining with eight or more people? You’ll need a reservation. If you have a party of four or less people, ask for a table near the window for an open-air dining experience that allows you to dine while people watching the neighborhood.
CRECENT MOON
When in Omaha, you have to dine on the classic “Blackstone Reuben” sandwich at Crecent Moon. “Originally created at the famous Blackstone Hotel (just a few steps away) with slow-cooked corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss and 1000 island dressing, plus a couple of our secret ingredients, grilled on marble rye. This is one Reuben you’ll rave about.”
We ate every bite while enjoying the laid-back, dive bar atmosphere.
PLANK PROVISIONS
Another remarkable place to dine is Plank Provisions, located in the Old Market district. We snuck in just in time for their “Coastal Happy Hour in the Heartland” from 3 pm-6:30 pm on a Saturday and took advantage of the discounted menu options, including $1 oysters and a plate of loaded fries covered in clam chowder.
We sipped on cold wine and beer to our heart’s delight while bellied up to the Edison-lit bar.
M’S PUB
Hours later we found ourselves hungry for dinner. Despite our efforts to find an affordable steak house in the Old Market district that didn’t require a reservation (or that didn’t have an 1.5 hour wait), we were drawn to the outdoor patio at M’s Pub.
Someone waiting for the hostess told us that we needed to book a reservation, but we were sat within minutes without one and happily dined on premium dinner entrees including this warm duck salad drizzled with warm bacon vinaigrette.
Pro Tip: Why wait in line for a table? Opt for patio dining or sit at the full-service bar! Sometimes you actually score faster, better service.
Trust me, you’re going to be glad you visit Omaha, Nebraska. The city welcomes you with open arms and they make it hard to leave.
Are you considering extending your trip? Drive about an hour to the state’s capital city, Lincoln. Plan your trip using my post including insider pro tips for a delightful overnight experience.
