55 Best Things to do in Omaha!

Located along the Missouri River, Omaha is Nebraska’s largest city and a hidden gem in the Midwest. Known for its vibrant arts scene, rich history, and welcoming community, Omaha offers something for every traveler. From world-class museums and scenic parks to delicious cuisine and unique attractions, this city promises an unforgettable experience. In this comprehensive guide, we showcase best things to do in Omaha during your visit to Nebraska.

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1. Historic Attractions

Joslyn Castle & Gardens

Built in 1903 for George and Sarah Joslyn, Joslyn Castle & Gardens is a historic home designed in the Scottish Baronial style with 35 rooms, including a ballroom for gatherings, a music space, and a glass conservatory. The grounds cover about 5.5 acres and has a garden and walking paths. The Castle and its carriage house were built using limestone from Kansas. Today, it is open to the public for guided tours, special events, and educational programs for families. Visitors can explore the story of the Joslyn family, learn more about the home’s unique design, and understand its place in Omaha’s history.

Old Market Historic District

In downtown Omaha, Old Market Historic District stands out with its cobblestone streets, and several vintage buildings. It was once a place where goods were sold and stored, but today it’s filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Visitors can walk along cobblestone streets, see street performers, and stop by unique stores that sell books, clothes, gifts, and handmade items. Local artists show their work in small galleries, and there are places to enjoy live music or grab a coffee. The district hosts plenty of special events throughout the year, including art walks, farmers markets, and holiday lights.

Douglas County Historical Society

The Douglas County Historical Society helps people learn about the area’s past through exhibits, programs, and research. It is located at Fort Omaha in the General Crook House, a historic home built in the 1870s. Inside the house, there are displays of old furniture, clothing, and photos that tell stories about the people who lived in Douglas County. The Archives Center is also a part of the historical society and can be visited by setting up an appointment in advance. It runs programs like live workshops, guest talks, and events to help people explore the area’s history and what life was like in the past.

General Crook House Museum

The General Crook House Museum is a historic two-story home built in 1879 for General George Crook during his time as Commander of the Department of the Platte. It is the oldest residence in Omaha constructed as a private home and is now managed by the Douglas County Historical Society. Visitors are welcome to tour the historic home, either on their own or with a help of guide. Inside, visitors can see rooms filled with period-style furniture from the 1880s, giving a glimpse of how people lived during that time. It also has displays about local history, vintage clothing, and arts from the region.

Historic General Dodge House Museum

Built in 1869, Historic General Dodge House was once the home of General Grenville Dodge, who played a major role in the Civil War and helped lead the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, also once lived in the house. It was built on a hill and designed by William Boyington, an architect from Chicago. It had modern features for its time, like central heating and running water. Inside, visitors can see rooms filled with furniture that match the late 1800s, helping people understand how families lived back then. The museum hosts programs and special events that share about the region’s history.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Hiking & Nature Trails

Omaha offers many simple and pleasant places to enjoy nature through walking and hiking. Fontenelle Forest in nearby Bellevue is one of the biggest nature spots, with about 17 miles of trails and a long boardwalk that works well for strollers and wheelchairs. Neale Woods has around 7 miles of trails through quiet hills and meadows, offering nice views of the Missouri River. In northwest Omaha, Standing Bear Lake has a 3 miles loop around the water where people can walk, bike, or fish.

Chalco Hills Recreation Area includes Wehrspann Lake, with paved trails and spots to rest. Zorinsky Lake features a nearly 7 miles loop that’s popular with walkers and cyclists. The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge gives visitors a short but fun walk over the Missouri River, where they can stand in both Nebraska and Iowa. Hummel Park has wooded paths where visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk, and it also has a small nature center that hosts activities for kids and adults throughout the year.

Boating & Kayaking

In Omaha, Zorinsky Lake is a popular place with a gravel beach near the boat ramp, making it simple to launch a kayak and enjoy birdwatching or spotting turtles. Lake Cunningham has several launch areas, a marina, and kayak rentals from nearby vendors. Standing Bear Lake is another good option, with quiet waters for a short paddle. For those looking to float longer, the Platte and Elkhorn Rivers provide slow-moving routes ideal for beginners and families, with chances to see birds. Neighborhood Offshore rents kayaks at lakes like Flanagan and Cunningham and offers basic lessons for new paddlers.

TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest

The TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest is an outdoor ropes and zipline park in Bellevue, where visitors can experience the forest in a fun and active way. Covering about 6 acres and has two separate areas: one for kids and another one for 7 and older. It has seven trails with over 100 challenges, like rope bridges, swinging steps, and more than 10 zip lines, some reaching up to 55 feet high. Trails are color-coded by difficulty so guests can pick one that matches their comfort level. The park is next to the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, so visitors can enjoy walking trails and nature programs.

Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park

The Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park is located between Omaha and Lincoln and offers a fun way for people to enjoy the outdoors through climbing, swinging, and ziplining in trees. The Treetop Adventure has rope bridges, Tarzan swings, and long ziplines — some up to 440 feet, spread across more than 40 challenges on high platforms. The Treetop Journey is a beginner-friendly course with about 25 obstacles and smaller ziplines set up to 25 feet above the ground. There’s a special night course called Nights at Height, where visitors go through the course after dark using lights to guide their way.

Golfing Courses

In Omaha, Stone Creek Golf Club is a public 18-hole course with wide fairways and bent grass greens, located in northwest Omaha. Tiburon Golf Club, found in southwest Omaha, has three 9-hole courses — Mako, Hammerhead, and Great White, these courses are semi-private and offer carts, rentals, and space for events. Johnny Goodman Golf Course is another public 18-hole course known for its long fairways and simple layout, making it a favorite for local players. Nearby University of Nebraska, Elmwood Golf Course is one of the city’s oldest courses and has a design that’s great for a fast game.

Elmwood Park

Started in 1889, Elmwood Park is one of Omaha’s oldest parks, covers over 200 acres filled with walking trails, picnic spots, a public pool, and a baseball field where people can enjoy outdoor activities. The park also ha s a public 18-hole golf course that has been updated over time with new greens and tee boxes. One of the special areas in the park is the Grotto, which still has the charm of the old spring that once flowed there. The park’s old pavilion is often used for events, outdoor plays, and seasonal festivals. Families come here for weekend outings, birthday parties, or just to enjoy time together.

Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park

The Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park is an outdoor area in Council Bluffs, just across the river from Omaha, and is connected to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, making it easy for people to walk or bike between the two cities. The park stretches about 90 acres and includes a 5 acres of open lawn that’s often used for concerts, festivals, and events. Visitors enjoy walking along wide paths, and enjoying the views of the Omaha skyline across the river. The park makes it easy to explore other parts of Council Bluffs on foot or bike. A small amphitheater offers space for performances and public gatherings.

Carter Lake Park

The Carter Lake Park sits beside Carter Lake, a 315 acres of oxbow lake formed by a change in the Missouri River’s path in the late 1800s. The lake is shared by both Omaha, Nebraska, and the city of Carter Lake, and it’s where the Iowa lies west of the Missouri River. The park is part of Levi Carter Park and offers a mix of open land and water access. People often come here to fish, take a boat out on the water, or walk along the edge of the lake. There is a public boat ramp, and small boats are allowed on the lake. The park also has picnic areas, that makes it a good spot for families and group outings.

Fontenelle Park

covering 108 acres, Fontenelle Park is a large public park and has been serving the community since the late 1800s. It used to have a golf course, but that space has been changed into more open areas for walking, sports, and family fun. A 1.5 mile trail loops through the park and is used for walking, jogging, and enjoying the outdoors, with benches placed along the path. There’s also a lagoon, a playground, and a splash pad for children to enjoy during warmer months. The Joe Edmondson YMCA is located in the park’s pavilion and offers different programs and events for people to gather around.

Hanscom Park

The Hanscom Park is one of the city’s oldest green spaces, and has been part of Omaha’s history since the late 1800s. It was given to the city in 1872 by Andrew J. Hanscom and James Megeath, and later Omaha’s first Park Commission added extra amenities. Covering 50 acres, the park includes wide green lawns, tree-lined paths, and space for people to walk, relax, or gather with families. There are basketball courts, a playground, and picnic areas that are used by locals on weekends. Many of the original design features, like the flower beds and tree arrangements, have been kept over the years.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Freedom Park Navy Museum

The Freedom Park Navy Museum is an open-air museum featuring two unique Navy ships — the USS Marlin, a training submarine from the Cold War era, and the USS Hazard, a minesweeper from World War II. Visitors can explore both ships, which are among the last of their kind still open to the public. The museum also includes military helicopters, jets, and rockets, as well as large equipment like anti-aircraft guns and ship anchors. Guided tours offer visitors a chance to learn from signs and displays around the park and explain the history of the equipment and the roles they played in past wars.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is a long footbridge that connects Omaha to Council Bluffs in Iowa, by stretching across the Missouri River. Opened in 2008, it is about 3,000 feet long and is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the country that links two states. Its curved shape and cable-stayed design make it stand out, and it has become a favorite spot for taking photos. In the middle of the bridge, many visitors like to stand with one foot in Nebraska and the other in Iowa — a fun tradition called “Bobbing.” The bridge connects to River’s Edge Park on the Iowa side, which has trails and open space.

The Durham Museum

Opened in 1975, Durham Museum is located in Omaha’s old Union Station and shares the city’s history through exhibits and preserved features of the building. Once a busy train station, it now holds displays about Omaha’s past, including restored train cars, early storefronts, and local industries. It showcase exhibits that cover topics like science, culture, and everyday life. One highlight is the Byron Reed Collection, which features rare coins, documents, and books. The building keeps much of its original art deco design, with marble floors, and ceilings that show what train travel looked like in the 1930s.

Joslyn Art Museum

The Joslyn Art Museum holds more than 12,000 works of art from around the world, covering 5,000 years of history, and features paintings, sculptures, and prints from American, European, Native American, and Asian cultures. A newer highlight is the Phillip G. Schrager Collection, which showcases both contemporary and modern artwork in an engaging way for visitors. Signs throughout the museum help explain the art in simple terms, making it easy for people to learn. The museum is a popular spot for school field trips and families, offering an educational experience to learn and explore the art.

Kiewit Luminarium

Opened in 2023, Kiewit Luminarium is a hands-on science and learning center, holds more than 100 interactive exhibits focused on science, math, and how things work. The space is made for all ages, with areas where visitors can explore topics like physics, biology, and patterns using tools like pendulums, chain reactions, and microscopes. The building itself is also part of the experience, with see-through walls and exposed systems that show how everyday things are built. One special area called The Grid helps people learn more about tools, repairs, and how to care for homes and neighborhoods.

Union Pacific Railroad Museum

The Union Pacific Railroad Museum tells the story of how the railroad helped build the nation. Housed in the city’s old Carnegie Library from 1904, it has exhibits about the transcontinental railroad, early train travel, and the people who worked on the rail lines. One area lets visitors try a train simulator, while another shows how train travel changed life in the 1900s. There’s also a section on President Abraham Lincoln and his part in starting the railroad system. Families and school groups come here to learn about railroad history through old photos, documents, and objects to help tell the story.

Bemis Center For Contemporary Arts

Located at Omaha’s Old Market district, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts shows work by artists from around the world and offers free admission to all visitors. It has exhibits that include paintings, sculptures, videos, and other types of art. The center also runs an artist residency program, where artists live and work on-site while creating new projects. Visitors can sometimes meet these artists during special events, live workshops or open studio days. The building also includes gallery spaces and a music venue called LOW END, where live shows feature sound artists and experimental musicians.

Pioneer Courage Park

The Pioneer Courage Park is a public sculpture park in downtown Omaha, built to honor the brave pioneers who traveled west in the 1800s. The park has more than 100 bronze statues spread across six city blocks, showing detailed scenes of covered wagons, families, oxen, and more, all in life-size form. As visitors walk through, they see the story unfold — a wagon train moving west, startling a herd of bison, which then cause a group of geese to rise up and fly across the street. These sculptures are spread out to help people picture what life was like during those long journeys across rough land.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Covering around 160 acres, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of the largest zoos in the country, showcasing a wide range of exhibits that visitors can enjoy in every season. One of the most visited exhibit is the Lied Jungle, the largest indoor rainforest in the U.S., where guests walk through tree-covered paths with monkeys, birds, and waterfalls around them. The Desert Dome, the biggest indoor desert in the world, shows life in dry regions with animals and plants from deserts across the globe.

Visitors can also explore the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, which includes a walk-through tunnel where sea turtles, sharks, and rays swim overhead. Kingdoms of the Night is another highlight and houses nocturnal animals in dark, quiet spaces. The zoo includes Gorilla Valley, Orangutan Forest, and Expedition Madagascar, each focused on animals from those parts of the world. Families can explore the grounds using the zoo’s train, tram, aerial tramway, or carousel.

Omaha Children’s Museum

The Omaha Children’s Museum is a hands-on learning place where kids and families play and explore together. The museum has fun exhibits like a pretend grocery store, a science lab, a big ball machine, and a workshop where kids can learn how tools and machines work. Children can also explore an auto shop area, dress up in costumes, or paint and build in the art space. The museum changes its special exhibits often, so there’s always something new to try. Daily programs has short science shows, craft activities, and interactive story time, which keep visitors busy and learning throughout the day.

Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium

The Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums found inside a zoo anywhere in the world. It lets visitors walk through a 70 foot-long tunnel where sharks, sea turtles, and many kinds of fish swim all around and above. The aquarium is set up in sections that show life in different kinds of water — from coral reefs to cold ocean regions and even the Amazon River. Guests can see penguins, jellyfish, rays, and many colorful fish as they move from one display to the next. The tanks are large, and the walls are made of curved glass to help people feel like they’re really underwater.

Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum

The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum shares the story of the U.S. Air Force with a focus on the Cold War and space history. It is housed in a 300,000 square-foot of building, that features two big hangars for aircraft, a theater for shows and presentations, and a tall glass atrium. Visitors can see aircraft like the SR-71 Blackbird and other historic planes and missiles up close. The museum has displays about space travel, nuclear defense systems, and the people who served in the Strategic Air Command. There are exhibits that explain science, flight, and U.S. military history in simple terms.

Wildlife Safari Park

Nearby Omaha, Wildlife Safari Park gives visitors a chance to see animals in wide open spaces from the comfort of their own car. The park covers 4 miles of drive-through roads where guests can s pot elk, bison, deer, and other North American animals. There are also 2 miles of walking trails that lead to places like Wolf Canyon and the Eagle Aviary. As visitors explore, they can enjoy a meal at one of the picnic spots, or take breaks at scenic overlooks nearby. The park also hosts special programs like day camps, guided nature programs, and even overnight campouts for families and school groups.

House of Conundrum

The House of Conundrum is an escape room experience, where groups work together to solve puzzles and unlock clues within 60 minutes. Each themed room has a different story, such as saving President Lincoln, escaping a haunted setting, or navigating a trapped submarine, and groups are private, meaning only your team plays during the time slot. Rooms vary in size, with some made for four people and others fitting larger groups up to 18, making it a fun option for families, friends, or office outings. Each area include unique puzzles, hidden hints, and a mission to complete before time runs out.

Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides

The Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides is the state’s biggest waterpark and a favorite summer spot for families and groups. It has a mix of water attractions and amusement rides, including the Motion Ocean Wave Pool, the slow-moving Lazzzy River, and water slides like Rockin’ Rapids, Typhoon Falls, and the newer Shipwreck Chutes. For kids, there’s Makana Splash with water jets and a large tipping bucket, plus the Lil’ Lagoon splash zone. For those looking for relaxing, Breaker’s Bay is the first swim-up bar in Nebraska. Visitors can enjoy go-karts at the Fun-Plex Speedway, Tilt-a-Whirl, and classic kiddie rides.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

The Sky Zone Trampoline Park offers a fun indoor space where people can jump, play, and stay active. The park has many areas to explore, including the Main Court for free jumping, the Foam Zone for soft landings, and the Ultimate Dodgeball court for team games. There’s a Warrior Course, SkySlam basketball, and a toddler zone for kids. Guests can try climbing challenges, balance games, and activities that help build strength and coordination. Jump times can be booked in 60, 90, or 120 minutes sessions, and visitors must wear SkySocks, which are designed to keep everyone safe while jumping.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

The Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park offers a large indoor space where people of all ages can jump, climb, and play. It has attractions like trampolines, climbing walls, bumper cars, a ropes course, dodgeball, and the Drop Zone, which is a soft landing area for jumps. There’s also a Warrior Course and a section made just for children. Guests can choose tickets based on which activities they want to try, and special Urban Air socks are needed for jumping. Families come for parties, school outings, or just a fun day indoors. Urban Air also offers birthday packages with party rooms and snacks.

5. Entertainment Attractions

CHI Health Center

Opened in 2003, CHI Health Center is a large arena and convention center located in downtown Omaha, and is managed by the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority. The center has a 19,000 seat arena, a 194,000 square-foot exhibit hall, and over 60,000 square feet of meeting space. The center regularly hosts trade expos, live music performances, basketball games, and large-scale meetings. The arena is home to Creighton University’s men’s basketball team and has also been used for NCAA tournaments, Olympic swim trials, and the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting.

Charles Schwab Field Omaha

Opened in 2011, Charles Schwab Field Omaha is a baseball stadium in downtown Omaha, and is owned by the City of Omaha and managed by the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority. It has a seating capacity of 24,000, which can be expanded to 35,000 for big events. The stadium is best known as the home of the NCAA Men’s College World Series, which has been held in Omaha since 1950. It is also the home field for Creighton University’s baseball team. It has hosted other events too, like the Big Ten baseball tournament and has a large video screen for replays and event highlights.

Omaha Performing Arts

The Omaha Performing Arts, also known as O-pa, is a nonprofit group that brings live shows, music, and learning programs to people in Omaha. It runs several venues, including the Orpheum Theater, Holland Performing Arts Center, Steelhouse Omaha, and the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement. These places host Broadway shows, concerts, dance, comedy, and other live events throughout the year. O-pa also works with schools and the people to offer classes, workshops, and live performances. Since 2005, the venue has reached over a million people through its education and outreach efforts.

Prairie Flower Casino

Owned by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Prairie Flower Casino has nearly 600 slot machines and also offers electronic versions of table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker. The gaming floor is clean and calm, with staff who help make the experience simple and welcoming. Players can join the free Players Club to earn points and enjoy deals through the Prairie Perks program. The casino has three food and drink spots inside — Bar 1031, SKY Bar & Grill, and River’s Edge Café, serving meals, and drinks. There are often giveaways and special events like live concerts are hosted throughout the year.

WarHorse Casino Omaha

The WarHorse Casino Omaha is the first permanent casino in the city, open 24 hours a day and built through a partnership between WarHorse Gaming and the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. It opened in August 2024 and has a 58,000 square-foot gaming floor with about 800 slot machines and 19 live table games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps. There’s also a sportsbook where guests can place bets on different sports throughout the day. You’ll find several places to eat, like Trifecta Food Hall, Sweetwater, and Nebraska Ale Haus, each serving meals and drinks.

6. Natural Attractions

Lauritzen Gardens

Covers 100 acres, Lauritzen Gardens is a peaceful green space where visitors can walk, relax, and learn about plants. It has outdoor gardens, woodland trail, and a floral display hall, and the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory. Kids can enjoy Sofia’s Play Garden, and there’s a model railroad garden t hat many families like. Visitors can join events like yoga sessions, dog-friendly nights, and special art or plant shows throughout the year. Narrated tram rides are available to learn more, and guests may need to bring their own food to eat in marked picnic areas near the front ponds and Kenefick Park.

Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront

The Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront is a public space offering green areas, walking paths, and fun features for people. The park sits close to the Missouri River and it also has a man-made lake along with Farnam Pier, where visitors can enjoy scenic views of the water and city’s skyline. It has a lakeside amphitheater for small shows and a Skate Ribbon that turns into an ice rink in winter and a roller skating area during warmer months, with several rentals nearby. There’s also a small playground for kids with swings and slides, along with larger swings and hammocks for adults to enjoy.

Zorinsky Lake Park

Covers over 1,000 acres, Zorinsky Lake Park has a 255 acres of lake where visitors can enjoy fishing, and boating. The lake is filled with fish such as bass, walleye, and catfish, and there’s a boat ramp on the east side, though only low-speed boating is allowed. A 7.4 miles paved trail circles the lake, perfect for hiking or biking, with distance markers along the way to help track your progress. There are two playgrounds, sports fields for baseball, and football, and picnic spots with shelters. One special area is the Bauermeister Prairie, which preserves native tallgrass and supports native plants and animals.

Platte River State Park

Nearby Omaha, Platte River State Park has cabins, teepees, and campsites for overnight stays, along with picnic areas, and shaded spots for relaxing. There are scenic trails for hiking and biking, including paths that lead to a small waterfall and two towers where visitors can look out over the river valley. The park has an archery range, a shooting range, and guided horseback riding for visitors. Kids enjoy the spray park in the summer and Crawdad Creek, where they can wade in shallow water. The nature center hosts events like nature-themed programs about wildlife and plants found in the park.

Fontenelle Forest

The Fontenelle Forest covers more than 1,500 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and prairie, offering about 17 miles of trails for walking and nature watching. One of the most popular paths is a one-mile boardwalk that gives peaceful views of the forest and Missouri River. The nature center has educational exhibits, a gift shop, and a hands-on play area for kids. Guests can also visit the Raptor Woodland Refuge, where birds of prey that cannot return to the wild live in large enclosures. The forest hosts events like guided hikes, birdwatching walks, nature talks, and family programs throughout the year.

Hitchcock Nature Center

The Hitchcock Nature Center sits in the Loess Hills, a rare landform known for its steep ridges and unique soil. There are more than 10 miles of trails that go through prairie, woodland, and hilltop areas, with some paths offering views of the Missouri River valley. The Loess Hills Lodge at the top of the park has restrooms, a small gallery, and a welcome desk where visitors can get maps. The park also has an archery range, picnic areas, and a campground with both modern and backcountry sites. The park is also part of the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway and is a popular spot for fall hawk migration.

Standing Bear Lake

The Standing Bear Lake gets its name from Chief Standing Bear, a respected leader of the Ponca Tribe. The park covers about 396 acres and includes a 135 acres of lake that was first built for flood control. Today, it’s a place for outdoor fun like fishing, walking, and boating. The lake is filled with variety of fishes and there’s a boat ramp for no-wake boating. A trail loops around the lake for hiking or jogging, and a floating boardwalk connects parts of the path. The full loop is about 3.3 miles long and visitors can see a wind organ sculpture near the trail that makes sound when the wind blows through it.

Walnut Creek Recreation Area

Covering 450 acres in Papillion, Walnut Creek Recreation Area has a 105 acres lake at the center of the park, where people enjoy fishing, no-wake boating, and a leisure walks along the paved trail. A paved trail loops around the lake for about 3.1 miles and connects to other city trails, making it a good spot for hiking or biking. There’s also a handicapped-accessible fishing pier and an island that visitors can reach by trail. For those who enjoy horseback riding, the park has 5 miles of grass trails. For those staying overnight, there are 44 RV sites with electric hookups, and well-maintained paved pathways.

Lake Manawa State Park

Covering more than 1,500 acres, Lake Manawa State Park is one of the most visited outdoor spots in the area, which includes a large lake that was formed after a Missouri River flood in 1881. Visitors come here for boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and relaxing by the water. Boats are welcome on the lake, and you’ll find launch ramps on the north, south, and west sides for easy access. In summer, visitors can rent kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, and tubes for having a fun day on the water. The lake area also has a fishing pier, spots along the shore for casting a line, and a station for cleaning your catch.

7. Day Trips & Excursions

Indian Cave State Park

The Indian Cave State Park is about 1.5 to 2 hours southeast of Omaha and makes a great day trip who enjoys nature, hiking, and quiet views. The park covers over 3,000 acres along the Missouri River and is named after a large sandstone cave that features ancient Native American carvings. There are more than 20 miles of trails that go through hills, forests, and open areas, with some paths offering views of the river. A unique feature of the park is the old ghost town of St. Deroin, and it hosts living history events with people dressed in old-style clothing, and buildings that shows how life used to be.

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

The Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is about a 30 minutes drive from Omaha and has many things to do, including an outdoor aquatic center with water slides, a wave pool, and a splash area for kids during summer. The park also has an indoor center that includes a climbing wall, an ice skating rink during the winter months, and a play area for children. Visitors can walk or bike on paved trails, enjoy mini golf, or try the ropes course. The park has horseback trail rides, and pony rides for younger kids. The nature center has live animal displays, watch live shows, and a greenhouse with tropical plants.

Homestead National Monument of America

Taking a day trip to Homestead National Monument of America is about 1.5 hours drive from Omaha, that tells the story of the Homestead Act of 1862, a law that gave land to people who were willing to live on it and farm it. The park has Heritage Center, which has a modern museum with exhibits, videos, and even computers where you can search for homesteaders in your family. There’s also the Education Center with seasonal displays and a room full of old far m tools. Outside, you can walk through a restored tallgrass prairie and visit the Palmer-Epard Cabin, a small log home built in the 1800s.

Lincoln

Planning a day trip to Lincoln, takes about an hour drive from Omaha, and offers a mix of fun, learning, and spots to relax. One good place to start is Hurts Donut, where you can try different kinds of donuts with fun toppings. After that, head to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, which has over 400 animals, and kids can feed the giraffes, ride a small train, and play in nature-themed areas. A good place to relax is the Sunken Gardens, where you’ll find native flowers, small ponds, and paved paths to walk and enjoy the surroundings. Next, the Nebraska State Capitol let guests to learn about the state’s history.

Des Moines, IA

From Omaha, a day trip to Des Moines in Iowa, takes nearly 2 hours drive and offers a mix of fun stops and places to explore. One good place to start is the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, which has large outdoor art pieces and open space to walk around. Nearby, the Des Moines Art Center displays a huge variety of traditional and modern artwork. If you love animals, the Blank Park Zoo has variety of exhibits, while the Science Center of Iowa has hands-on exhibits and a planetarium. The Iowa State Capitol offer guided tours where you can learn about the state’s history and see the gold dome up close.

Kansas City, MO

Start a day trip from Omaha, and take a drive for 3 hours to reach Kansas City in Missouri, making it a fun getaway. Start your visit at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, where you can learn about history and see the city from the top of the Liberty Memorial Tower. Then head to the Country Club Plaza, a shopping and dining area with Spanish-style buildings and fountains. For lunch, try Kansas City-style barbecue at places like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que or Gates Bar-B-Q. After eating, visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which holds several art displays and a large outdoor sculpture garden.

How to Reach Omaha

Omaha is easy to reach by air, road, train, or bus, making travel simple from many parts of the country. Eppley Airfield (OMA) is the city’s main airport and sits just a few miles from downtown, offering many daily direct flights from cities like Des Moines, Indianapolis, Nashville, and more. Once you land, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or rideshare to reach your destination. For those driving, Interstates 80 and 29 both run through or near Omaha, providing easy access from the east, west, and surrounding states.

Bus services like Greyhound and Megabus also operate in the area, with a downtown station close to hotels and attractions. Amtrak’s California Zephyr line stops in Omaha and connects Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area, giving travelers a scenic rail option right into the heart of the city. Once you’re in Omaha, visitors can find trolleys, public buses, and plenty of taxis and rideshare options. Whether you’re flying in, arriving by bus or train, or coming by car, Omaha is well connected and easy to explore.

Local Transportation

Getting around Omaha is simple, thanks to its public transport system and other easy travel options. The main bus service is called Metro, which runs local buses across the city with over 2,000 stops. Metro’s rapid bus service, called ORBT, runs along Dodge Street between Westroads Mall and downtown area. ORBT buses come more often and stop at fewer places, making the ride faster. These buses have raised platforms, free Wi-Fi, and space for bikes.

A ride costs $1.25, and students from kindergarten through 12th grade can ride for free. For people with disabilities, Metro offers a service called MOBY, which provides door-to-door rides if booked in advance. Omaha also offers park-and-ride locations, and many buses come with bike racks for easy travel. If you prefer not to use the bus, taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are easy to find. The MyRide OMA app helps riders plan trips, track buses, and get alerts about delays.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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