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Famous Landmarks in Omaha

Famous Landmarks in Omaha

Omaha Nebraska, USA Travel Guide

Iconic Landmarks

Omaha boasts several iconic landmarks that draw visitors worldwide. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium stands out for its groundbreaking exhibits and conservation efforts.

The Old Market district offers historic charm with its cobblestone streets and local businesses. The Durham Museum, located in a magnificent Art Deco Union Station, preserves regional history. The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge connects Nebraska and Iowa, offering unique river and city views.

Must-Visit Sites

  • Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: Internationally recognized for its exhibits.
  • Old Market: Historic zone with shops, galleries, restaurants, and lively nightlife.
  • Durham Museum: Art Deco Union Station preserving regional history.
  • Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge: Spans the Missouri River, linking Nebraska and Iowa.

Visitor Information & Tips

Landmark Details

  • Henry Doorly Zoo: Hours differ depending on the season (generally 9 AM - 5 PM). Fees: Adults $28-33, Children $21-26. Group tours available.
  • Durham Museum: Tue-Sat 10 AM - 4 PM, Sun NOON - 4 PM. Fees: Adults $17, Seniors $14, Children $10. Docent-led tours available.
  • Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge: Open 24/7. Free access. No guided tours, self-guided info.
  • Old Market: Historic district, no specific opening/closing fees; retailers and restaurants have individual hours.
  • Photo Tip (Zoo): Arrive early to avoid crowds. Use Skyfari for unique aerial views.
  • Photo Tip someone (Bridge): Sunset views of the skyline and river are notably striking.

Insider Tips & Less Crowded Times

  • Less Crowded Times: Weekdays, especially mornings, or during shoulder/low seasons.
  • Secret Viewpoint (Downtown): Observation deck at First National Bank Tower (check public access).
  • Secret Viewpoint (Park): Top of Memorial Park offers good city views.
  • Old Market Exploration: Visit in late afternoon for daylight charm transitioning to evening vibrancy.

Consider booking tickets for popular attractions or tours in advance to secure your spot and potentially save time. GetYourGuide offers various options.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

  • Joslyn Art Museum: Western, Native American, European, American art (check website for reopening after renovation).
  • Durham Museum: Regional history, railroads, and restored Union Station.
  • Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum (Ashland): Cold War airput together and aviation history.
  • Art Galleries: Old Market, Kaneko-UNO Gallery, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts.

Historical Sites

  • Historic Districts:

    Old Market (19th-century commercial architecture), Gold Coast Historic District (Gilded Age mansions), Florence Historic District (original settlement site).

  • Religious Sites:

    St. Cecilia Cathedral (Spanish Renaissance architecture), Temple Israel (historic synagogue).

  • Memorials:

    Memorial Park (war veterans), Lewis & Clark Landing, Pioneer Courage Park (bronze sculpture park).

  • Industrial/Military:

    Union Pacific Railroad Museum (Council Bluffs), Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum (Ashland).

  • Archaeological:

    No prominent sites directly within city limits.

Natural Attractions

Omaha provides numerous parks, gardens, and natural areas for outdoor enjoyment.

Parks, Gardens & Waterways

  • Lauritzen Gardens

    Omaha's Botanical Center with 100 acres of different outdoor and indoor gardens.

  • Fontenelle Forest

    A large urban forest (Bellevue) offering miles of hiking trails, boardwalks, and a nature center.

  • Chalco Hills Recreation Area

    A large park featuring a lake, trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

  • Zorinsky Lake Park

    Another large urban park with a lake, trails, and playgrounds, popular for recreation.

  • Local Lakes & Missouri River

    Zorinsky, Standing Bear, Cunningham lakes offer fishing and non-motorized boating. Missouri River mainly for going out on a boat/fishing.

  • Scenic Viewpoints

    Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge offers city/river views; overlooks along the Missouri River provide scenic vistas.

Wildlife at Zoo

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is the premier destination for diverse wildlife viewing, showing animals from around the globe in impressive habitats.

Wildlife in Nature

Fontenelle Forest provides chances for bird watching and observing local wildlife like deer and small mammals in their natural habitat, offering a serene experience.

Wildlife in Parks

Chalco Hills Recreation Area attracts waterfowl and various bird species, especially during migration, along with deer, serving as an approachable spot for nature enthusiasts.

Geological Features

Omaha lacks prominent unique geological features. The Missouri River valley itself represents a significant geographical feature, shaping the landscape and providing unique riverine ecology.

  • Missouri River Valley: A significant geographical feature that defines the local landscape.
  • River Bluffs: The bluffs along the Missouri River offer elevated perspectives of the city and surrounding areas.
  • Man-made Lakes: Features like Zorinsky Lake contribute to recreational landscapes rather than natural geology.

Hidden Gems

Explore these lesser-known spots for unique experiences away from the main tourist paths.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

Discover one-of-a-kind attractions that offer cultural insights or historical glimpses away from typical tourist routes.

Unique Finds

  • Pioneer Courage Park: Massive bronze sculpture park depicting a 19th-century wagon train downtown.
  • El Museo Latino: The first Latino the art and history museum in the Midwest.
  • General Crook House Museum: Restored Italianate Victorian home offering 19th-century life insights.

Local Favorites & Emerging Destinations

Explore spots cherished by locals and areas undergoing exciting revitalization.

Insider Recommendations

  • Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts: Features compelling contemporary art exhibitions and artist residencies.
  • Little Bohemia: A historic Czech neighborhood undergoing revitalization with fresh shops and restaurants.
  • Unique Photo Ops: "Bob the Viaduct" (one foot in NE/IA), Pioneer Courage Park sculptures, St. Cecilia Cathedral interior, Old Market/Benson street art.

Museum Highlight: Durham Museum

The Durham Museum conserves the history of Omaha and the Trans-Mississippi West within the iconic Art Deco Union Station. It features exhibitions on trains, local history, and a beautifully restored concourse.

Durham Museum Details

  • Situated in a stunning Art Deco Union Station.
  • Exhibitions on trains, local history, and westward expansion.
  • Beautifully restored concourse, a highlight for architecture enthusiasts.

Visit at opening or closing for the best photo opportunities of the main concourse with fewer crowds.

Durham Museum: Great Hall

The Great Hall of the Durham Museum, formerly the Union Station concourse, showcases stunning Art Deco architecture and provides a magnificent setting for historical exhibits.

Visual Insight

  • Captures the grandeur of early 20th-century travel.
  • A striking space for photography plus historical reflection.

Joslyn Art Museum Renovation

The Joslyn Art Museum, renowned for its diverse collections, is currently undergoing a significant renovation project. Visitors should consult their official website for current reopening details and exhibition schedules.

Important Update

  • Currently under renovation, check status.
  • General admission will be free upon reopening.
  • Consult the official website for reopening dates and current exhibitions.

Consider alternative art experiences like those in the Old Market or the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts during this period.

Cultural Centers & Performance Venues

Holland Performing Arts Center

Home to the Omaha Symphony and Opera Omaha, also hosts touring Broadway shows and concerts.

Orpheum Theater

A historic theater featuring touring Broadway productions, concerts, and comedy acts in an elegant setting.

Omaha Community Playhouse

One of the largest community theaters in the U.S., offering a range of diverse productions throughout the year.

Enhance Your Exploration

To enhance your sightseeing, check local events calendars for festivals or special museum programming during your visit. GetYourGuide can offer curated experiences for many attractions.
Famous Landmarks in Omaha. Attractions, Monuments, Sightseeing