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Things to Do in Omaha

Things to Do in Omaha

Omaha Nebraska, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Embrace the natural beauty of Omaha through various outdoor activities, from serene walks to adventurous pursuits.

Trails & Water Sports

Hiking and Trekking Routes

Explore Fontenelle Forest (over 20 miles of trails, easy to moderate), Chalco Hills (paved and unpaved, simple to medium), and the comprehensive paved Keystone Trail/Papio Trails network.

Water Sports and Activities

Enjoy kayaking/canoeing on Zorinsky Lake and Walnut Creek Lake (seasonal rentals often available). Fishing is permitted in local lakes and the Missouri River with a Nebraska fishing license. Boating is allowed on larger lakes.

Cycling Routes

Omaha boasts an extensive paved trail system including the Keystone, Papio, and Riverfront trails, ideal for road biking and casual cycling. Mountain biking options are limited, with some rugged terrain available in Fontenelle Forest.

Adventure & Wildlife Encounters

  • Adventure Sports: Indoor bouldering gyms cater to various skill levels.
  • Adrenaline Experiences: Go-kart tracks offer speed and competition for thrill-seekers.
  • Henry Doorly Zoo: Premier destination for diverse wildlife, demonstrating animals globally.
  • Natural Wildlife: Fontenelle Jungle and Chalco Hills Recreation Area offer birdwatching and observation of local deer and small mammals.

Fontenelle Forest

  • Over 20 vast stretches of hiking trails.
  • Boardwalks for easy accessibility.
  • Opportunities for birdwatching.
  • Nature center for educational insights.

Keystone Trail

  • Extensive paved multi-use trail.
  • Suitable for all levels of cyclists.
  • Ideal for casual cycling and road biking.
  • Connects to other city trailway networks.

Zorinsky Lake

  • Offers kayaking and canoeing.
  • Popular spot for fishing.
  • Trails for walking and running.
  • Family-friendly recreation area.

Safety Tip: Water Activities

When engaging in water sports on lochs or the Missouri River, always wear a life vest. Check weather conditions and local regulations before heading out. A Nebraska fishing license is mandatory for fishing.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Omaha's cultural scene through workshops, performances, and local community initiatives.

Workshops & Performances

  • Creative Workshops: Hot Shops Art Center offers glassblowing, pottery, and painting classes for hands-on creative experiences.
  • Cultural Performances: Omaha Symphony, Opera Omaha, and Omaha Community Playhouse host professional shows year-round.
  • Ethnic Centers: El Museo Latino hosts events and performances celebrating diverse heritages.
  • Language Learning: Local community colleges or language schools provide opportunities to learn new languages.

Community Engagement & Festivals

Community-Based Tourism

While no formal programs exist, supporting local businesses in neighborhoods like Benson, Dundee, or Little Bohemia provides direct community engagement and helps sustain local culture.

Cinco de Mayo Festival

Celebrates Mexican-American society with music, traditional food, and lively dance performances, offering a vibrant cultural experience.

Omaha Greek Festival

Showcases Greek culture, authentic food, traditional music, and dance, providing a festive atmosphere for all visitors.

Maha Music Festival

A multi-genre music festival that draws both local and national acts, celebrating contemporary music in a outdoor setting.

Relaxation & Wellness

Omaha offers various options for unwinding and rejuvenation, from city spas to local yoga studios. Natural hot springs are not available in the area.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Explore Omaha's an exciting nights, from live music venues and theaters to bustling bar districts and late-night entertainment.

Shopping & Markets

Discover unique souvenirs, artisan crafts, and local goods across Omaha.

Local & Artisan Markets

  • Omaha Farmers Market: Seasonal market in Old Market and Aksarben Village offering fresh produce, local goods, and artisan crafts.
  • Hot Shops Art Center: Houses artists' studios and galleries, offering special handmade items like glassblowing, pottery, and paintings for sale.
  • Old Market Boutiques: Independent galleries and boutiques in this district feature local artisan work including jewelry, ceramics, and paintings.
  • Ethical Shopping Tip: Look for "Originating from Nebraska" or "Support Local" labels to benefit local artisans and businesses directly.

Souvenirs & Shopping Areas

Recommended Souvenirs

Local apparel (Nebraska/Omaha themed), Runza merchandise, "Bob the Bridge" items, local craft beer, and items from the Henry Doorly Zoo Gift Shop.

Luxury and Boutique Shopping

Locate independent boutiques in the Old Market, Dundee, and Aksarben Village. For upscale department stores and national brands, visit Village Pointe and Westroads Mall.

Shipping & Customs

Standard U.S. Postal services (USPS) and private carriers (UPS, FedEx) are available. International visitors should be aware of home country customs regulations for shipped items.

Featured Experience: Old Market Nightlife

Atmosphere

The Old Market comes alive at night with numerous bars, pubs, and breweries, offering a lively and energetic ambiance for evening entertainment.

Walkable District

Its concentrated region and pedestrian-friendly streets make it ideal for pub crawls and exploring different venues on foot.

Diverse Options

From venues with live music to clubs with DJs and dance floors, there's a variety of choices to suit different preferences for late-night enjoyment.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Omaha's evenings sparkle having different entertainment options, from intimate music venues to bustling bar scenes and casino thrills just across the river.

Live Music & Theatre

  • Slowdown: A popular venue for independent and national music acts.
  • Waiting Room Lounge (Benson): Hosts local, regional, and national acts in an intimate setting.
  • Old Market/Benson Bars: Smaller bars frequently feature area bands and open mic nights.
  • Orpheum/Holland/Community Playhouse: Host larger concerts, classical performances, touring Broadway, plays, and musicals.

Bar Districts & Late Night

Old Market Nightlife

Features numerous pubs and clubs with DJs and dance floors. Popular spots include Parliament Pub and Mr. Toads, offering a lively atmosphere.

Benson Bar Scene

Has a and eclectic mix of smaller, more intimate bars, many offering live music or DJ nights, appealing to a diverse crowd.

Casinos & Late Hours

Harrah's Council Bluffs and Ameristar Casino are just across the river in Iowa, offering gaming and entertainment. Restaurants and bars in Old Market and Benson typically open until 1-2 AM on weekends.

Nightclubs

The Old Market and Benson districts offer a variety of nightclubs and bars with atmospheres plus possibilities for dancing.

Bar Districts

The Old Market's concentrated bar scene and Benson's eclectic mix are perfect for pub crawls, with options catering to various tastes.

Late-Night Fun

Beyond bars, nearby casinos in Council Bluffs provide gaming and entertainment for those seeking late-night excitement.

Age Restriction

The legal drinking age in Nebraska (and Iowa for casinos) is 21. Venues strictly enforce this, so carry valid ID. Underage drinking is not allowed under any circumstances.

Wellness & Outdoor Highlights

Find tranquility or adventure with Omaha's wellness amenities and exciting outdoor spaces. GetYourGuide offers various local experiences.

Relaxation & Rejuvenation

  • Spa and Wellness Centers: Numerous day spas and wellness centers are available city-wide.
  • Luxury Hotel Spas: Some luxury hotels, like The Magnolia Omaha, feature spas offering a range of treatments.
  • Yoga & Meditation: Local yoga studios provide regular classes and occasional workshops for mind and body wellness.
  • Pool Clubs: Many hotels offer indoor or exterior swimming pools. City-operated public pools and splash pads operate seasonally.

Outdoor Adventure Snapshot

Hiking Trails

Fontenelle Forest, Chalco Hills Recreation Area, and the Keystone Trail offer diverse options for walkers and hikers of all levels.

Water Activities

Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are popular on local lakes and the Missouri River, providing refreshing outdoor options.

Wildlife Encounters

The Henry Doorly Zoo and various nature parks provide exceptional opportunities for observing diverse animal life.

Pool & Water

  • Hotel pools for guests.
  • Seasonal public pools and splash pads.
  • Lakes for non-motorized boating.
  • Missouri River for recreational activities.

Mindfulness

  • Local yoga studios.
  • Occasional wellness workshops.
  • Nature walks in serene parks.
  • Quiet spots for reflection.

Green Spaces

  • Lauritzen Gardens botanical center.
  • Numerous urban parks.
  • Fontenelle Forest's expansive trails.
  • Chalco Hills Recreation Area.

Cultural Immersion Takeaways

Engage Directly
  • Participate in workshops at Hot Shops Art Center.
  • Support local businesses in Benson or Little Bohemia.
  • Attend cultural festivals like Cinco de Mayo or Greek Festival.
Performance & Art
  • Catch a show at Holland Live Performance Center or Orpheum Theater.
  • Explore contemporary art at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts.
  • Experience the national and local acts at the Maha Music Festival.

Maximize Your Experience

To fully appreciate Omaha, consider blending its outdoor charm with its rich cultural experiences available.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor & Adventure Activities

  • Take a long walk or bike the extensive trails at Fontenelle Forest or Keystone Trail.
  • Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or fishing on local lakes like Zorinsky.
  • Experience diverse wildlife at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
  • Explore scenic views from the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

Cultural & Entertainment Experiences

  • Visit the historic Old Market for dining, shopping, and nightlife.
  • Immerse yourself in history at the Durham Museum.
  • Attend a performance at the Holland Performing Arts Center or Orpheum Theater.
  • Discover local art and crafts at Hot Shops Art Center.