2020 OMAHA VISITORS GUIDE - World's Best Zoo A Year-Round Wild Kingdom Adventure
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I N S I D E R T I P S O N T H I N G S TO D O I N O M A H A 2020 OMAHA VISITORS GUIDE World’s Best Zoo A Year-Round Wild Kingdom Adventure Meet OMAR the Troll He’s Waiting For You Under Bob The Bridge Farm to Fork Food So Fresh You Can Taste The Sunshine
robrewery Mic Brew Pub
EXPLORE OMAHA’S HISTORIC
UNION STATION
ONE BLOCK SOUTH OF THE OLD MARKET
Sweet Traditions | Cherished Moments | Fascinating Exhibits
1
JOSLYN ART MUSEUM OFFERS FREE GENERAL ADMISSION.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm; late until 8 pm on Thursday.
Just west of downtown Omaha. Café, Museum shop, and free parking.
Featuring works from antiquity to the
present with an emphasis on
19th- and 20th-century European
and American art, Joslyn is a fun,
relaxing, and artful destination for all.
IMAGES (left to right, top to bottom): Edgar Degas’ Little Dancer, Aged
Fourteen; Rembrandt’s Portrait of Dirck van Os; Mickalene Thomas’ Din,
une très belle négresse 1, Karl Bodmer’s Mató-Tópe, Mandan Chief;
Jackson Pollock’s Galaxy; Grant Wood’s Stone City, Iowa
OPEN
2200 Dodge Street | Omaha, NE | (402) 342-3300 | www.joslyn.org
2
The place for
fun & memories
PERMANENT EXHIBITS
Art Smart Center S.T.E.A.M. Cave Most Visited Museum
Charlie Campbell Science Center Tinker Lab
in Nebraska
Imagination Playground Walker Tire Service Center
Zooland Sandy’s Splish Splash Garden 40,000 sq ft of Fun
Fantastic Future Me Bay Family Carousel and BNSF Train
Award Winning Exhibits
2020 SPECIAL EXHIBITS
Daily Programs & Shows
October 12, 2019 - April 11, 2020 May 23 - September 6, 2020
Muslim Cultures Near and Far
500 S. 20th Street ocm.org
January 18 - April 19, 2020 October 10 - April 11, 2021 WEST OF THE OLD MARKET 402-342-6164
3
1620 Dodge Street • Suite 1900
Omaha, NE 68102
402.444.4660 • 1.866.937.6824
Keith Backsen
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / PRESIDENT
Dean Miller
VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
Jodie Jordon
ACCOUNTING CLERK
Cindy Brickey
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Michele Hayes
VISITOR SERVICES MANAGER
Deborah Ward
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING
AND COMMUNICATIONS
Jasmyn Goodwin
DIRECTOR OF
MARKETING AND CONTENT
Tracie McPherson
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
06 Welcome 36 Fontenelle Forest 53 Breakfast & Brunch Erin O’Brien
38 59
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
08 Pins Outdoor Recreation Neighborhoods
40 60 Amy Cunningham
09 Locals Know Best Nightlife & Music Old Market GRAPHIC DESIGNER
10 Map of Omaha 42 Craft Brew 62 NoDo/Capitol
Lynn Mace
14 Events in Omaha 44 Day Trips 63 Midtown MARKETING COORDINATOR
19 Omaha’s Zoo 45 Shopping 64 Blackstone Cathy Keller
48 65
VICE PRESIDENT OF
22 Durham Museum Legendary Steak Benson SALES AND SERVICES
24 Historic Attractions 49 Raising Reuben 66 Aksarben Village Mark Rath
26 Joslyn Art Museum 50 Omaha Dives 67 Dundee DIRECTOR OF SALES
28 Artful Adventures 51 Farm-to-Fork Fresh 68 North O/Florence Mattie Scheeter
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
30 Children’s Museum 52 Sweet Treats 69 South Omaha
Matt Heck
32 Bob the Bridge NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
34 Lauritzen Gardens Lindsey Holmes
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Jessica Weishahn
TOURISM SALES MANAGER
CONNECT WITH US Sue Chevalier
RESEARCH ANALYST
Kristin Beglin
As Omaha’s official tourism authority, Visit Omaha NATIONAL SALES COORDINATOR
shares valuable information to help visitors build a
Erin Brungardt
jam-packed itinerary filled with memorable experiences. DIRECTOR OF
Go to VisitOmaha.com and sign up to receive CONVENTION SERVICES
information on events, attractions and special offers. Melanie Hegwood
Also, follow us on social media for up-to-date news. CONVENTION SERVICES
Share your Omaha experiences with #OmahaWeekend. AND HOUSING MANAGER
Maddie Miller
CONVENTION SERVICES
VisitOmaha COORDINATOR
VISITORS GUIDE PRINTED BY:
ON THE COVER: Image provided by @retrotones63
Heather from South Dakota captured this sweet image during her family’s visit to Omaha’s Zoo.
4
FROM THE PLAINS TO PARADISE, DISCOVER
FROM
THE THE PLAINS OF
TREASURES TO THE
PARADISE,
PLANTDISCOVER
WORLD
THE TREASURES OF THE PLANT WORLD
FROM THE PLAINS TO PARADISE, DISCOVER
FROM THE PLAINS TO PARADISE, DISCOVER
THE TREASURES OF THE PLANT WORLD
THE TREASURES OF THE PLANT WORLD
Explore 100 acres of inspiring indoor and
outdoor horticultural displays.
Explore 100 acres of inspiring indoor and
outdoor
Café • Gifthorticultural
shop • Librarydisplays.
• Seasonal Tram Tours
Explore 100
Café • Gift acres
shop of inspiring
• Library indoor
• Seasonal Tram and
Tours
OPEN YEAR-ROUND • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Explore
outdoor
Off
100 acres of inspiring
horticultural
Interstate displays.
80 at 100 Bancroft Street
indoor and
outdoor
(402)
OPEN horticultural
346-4002 displays.
• www.lauritzengardens.org
YEAR-ROUND • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Off Interstate 80 at 100 Bancroft Street Tram Tours
Café • Gift shop • Library • Seasonal 5
WELCOME
HISTORIC
HIGHLIGHTS
Dear Visitors,
Welcome to Omaha! I am very proud to serve
as Mayor of Omaha, a city with a reputation as
The territory that would become the City
a great place to live, work, play and visit!
of Omaha was acquired as part of the
Louisiana Purchase by Thomas Jefferson
in 1803. On behalf of our residents, we invite you to
discover all the city has to offer, from the
Native Americans were the first residents world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and
of the region. The word “Omaha” means Aquarium, exquisite museums and great
“against the current.” It is speculated that shops, to Omaha’s wonderful array of locally owned restaurants,
the Omaha Indians were referred to as such beautiful parks and unique entertainment venues.
due to their earlier, northward movements
against the current of the Mississippi River. You’ll find there is a lot to do here in Omaha.
Enjoy your visit and come back often.
In 1804, William Clark and Meriwether
Lewis landed on the shores of the Missouri
River, noting it would be a good place for a
Warmly,
trading outpost.
During their trek west, Mormons settled
in and around what’s now the Florence Jean Stothert, Mayor
neighborhood of Omaha, setting up City of Omaha
temporary quarters from 1846-1848. City of Omaha
Jim Suttle, Mayor
After the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska
Act, Omaha was officially incorporated on
February 2, 1857.
LOCATED IN Dear Friends:
DOUGLAS COUNTY
On November 17, 1863, President On behalf of our citizens, welcome to O
Abraham Lincoln declared that Omaha DISTANCE BETWEEN youMetro
Omaha to discover our City’s incredible d
Population:
would be the eastern terminus of the new OMAHA’S AIRPORT establishments. No matter what your
Just under
transcontinental railroad. AND DOWNTOWN
In 1879, Omaha lawyers John Lee Webster
and A.J. Poppleton took on the case of
4 miles 1 million
Enjoy your stay and be sure to come ba
Kind regards.
Chief Standing Bear, the landmark court Many Omaha hotels An average of
ruling gave Native Americans rights as offer complimentary
citizens. The lawyer’s office building still
stands and is home to the Omaha
shuttle service
directly to
212 Days
of sunshine per year
Visitors Center. and from
their Spring: Highs in the mid 60’s
Omaha appears on the balloon in The properties Lows in the 40’s
Wizard of Oz, some believe it was a Summer: Highs in the 80’s
reference to a Populist political movement NON-STOP AIRLINE Lows in the mid 60’s
that began in Omaha back in 1892. SERVICE TO
Fall: Highs in the 70’s
34 major
(We believe there’s no place like home.)
Lows in the 50’s
Attracting more than 2.6 million visitors Winter: Highs in the mid 30’s
over six months, the 1898 Trans-Mississippi
Exposition world’s fair was held in Omaha
and the city has been welcoming visitors
airports Lows n the mid-teens
SMOKE FREE BARS
ever since. AND RESTAURANTS
SALES
TAX IS 7% BARS CLOSE AT 2AM
6
GETTING AROUND OMAHA
Omaha city streets are set up on a grid system
OMA (OMAHA’S AIRPORT)
Omaha’s airport serves more than 5 million passengers a year and offers non-
and easy to navigate. Dodge Street divides the stop service to 34 of the nation’s largest airports. Ranked No. 1 in customer
city between north and south, and numbered service, you’ll find getting in and out of the airport is quick and easy. The
streets start at the Missouri River and increase airport is conveniently located 4 miles from downtown, so if you’re renting a
as you drive west. Taxis, Ubers and Lyfts are car, taking a cab, or hopping in an Uber, it will take you less than 10 minutes
available throughout the city. The majority to arrive at the hub of the city. If you’re departing from OMA, plan on arriving
of Omaha hotels offer complimentary direct at least 90 minutes before your departure time. This will ensure you have
shuttle service to and from the airport and sufficient time to check-in at the airline ticket counter and proceed through
within a specific mile radius of their property. the security checkpoint. Food service is available beyond the checkpoints.
306 South 10th Street
FINDING A HOTEL
With more than 15,000 hotel rooms in the
OMAHA VISITORS CENTER (near the Old Market District)
402-444-7762
Omaha area, there are a variety of options for Stop into the Omaha Visitors Center in the heart of downtown and talk with
your stay. Check out the PLAN YOUR STAY friendly Omaha experts who will help customize your Omaha experience. Learn
feature on VisitOmaha.com. You can search a about OMAR the Troll, find out how you can receive a free souvenir beer tasting
variety of Omaha hotel options all at once and glass, and win a “Bob the Bridge” T-shirt. The Visitors Center ambassadors will
book directly with the hotel of your choice. You even train you on how to become a marathoner – sticker and all. (Trust us, this
can also view hotel availability two months at is one marathon anyone can do.) Whether you’re looking for maps, something
a time and compare rates surrounding your unique to do, or trying to figure out where to eat, the Omaha Visitors Center
selected dates. is the place to start. Enjoy complimentary coffee and Wi-Fi. You will also find
helpful information at the two Visitor Information kiosks located at the airport.
BOOK A ROOM
7
WE’VE GOT YOUR FUN MAPPED OUT
Lake
Use this map to explore your options, then look for the giant
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LA VISTA CORNHUSKER RD Offutt A.F.B.When it comes to exploring
Omaha, locals know best.
Below, meet a variety of residents,
each with their own take on the city,
and then find tips from these locals
throughout the guide.
Bishop Michael and Camille Moten Nancy Berg
Longtime pillars of the community An Omaha native paralyzed in a
and active empty nesters, you car accident as a teenager, she’s
can often find them at top rated now known for finding accessible
restaurants on “Spontaneous adventures throughout the city.
Monday,” “Tumultuous Tuesday,” Married with children, she enjoys
“Therapeutic Thursday,” and “Date sharing her family’s experiences on
Night Friday,” which are all made up Instagram as @accessible402.
names to justify going out to eat.
Chad Chaney Natalie Tinsley
The General Manager of Brickway A high school warrior and track
Brewery & Distillery, Chad is uber star-in-training by day. Poolside
supportive of craft beer makers lifesaver, budding coffee snob,
throughout the city. The father of and lover of fluffy black cats
three has instant charisma … He’s at night.
like Sam from the TV show Cheers,
everybody knows his name.
Eli Rigatuso Noah McPherson
An avid LGBTQ+ advocate, This high school sophomore
Eli was born and raised in Omaha is passionate about reading,
and is passionate about local playing the violin and running.
off-the-beaten path experiences. One McPherson family tradition
His labor of love is Speaking of is to try a different, unique
Happy, a virtual outlet committed to restaurant at least once a month.
sharing uplifting stories about the
LGBTQ+ community.
Patrick and Marisol Hackman
Kim Reiner The fun-loving couple met during
Kim has two kids, works at Omaha college while he played basketball
Children’s Museum and has a and she sparkled on the soccer
passion for writing. She is one of field. Passionate about traveling
the most popular family bloggers and seeing the world together,
in Omaha. Her Oh My! Omaha site Patrick and Marisol also enjoy
is a parent’s guide to the city and living and dining here in Omaha.
beyond.
Marcos Mora Scott and Davina Schrier
Marcos comes from one of the The young professionals are avid
largest Mexican-American families music lovers who are into more
in Omaha—la familia Barrientos. He contemporary art than traditional.
is an accomplished musician with No surprise Davina works at the
over 30 years of experience in many Bemis Center for Contemporary
genres of music such as rock, blues, Arts, known in the art community
Latin and mariachi. for its edgy, urban vibe.
FOR MORE TIPS FROM LOCALS GO TO VISITOMAHA.COM/LOCALSKNOWBEST
936
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PAPILLION Bellevue, NE
Forest12
EVENTS WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OMAHA
February 28-29
STOMP
Orpheum Theater
This eight-member
troupe uses everything
but a drum.
__________________
February 28–March 22
Through August 20
INFLUENCE ONCE
KANEKO Omaha Community
Evolving exhibit Playhouse
exploring the results of January 18–May 10 Tony Award-winning
musical
living and collaborating NATURE CONNECTS® __________________
within a creative ART WITH
environment. February 28–March 15
LEGO® BRICKS
__________________
Lauritzen Gardens THE DIARY OF
January 14-19 See incredible sculptures ANNE FRANK
LES MISERABLES of endangered creatures The Rose Theater
Orpheum Theater __________________
built entirely from
__________________ LEGO® Bricks. March 3-8
January 17–February 9 __________________ OMAHA FILM
A RAISIN February 7 FESTIVAL
IN THE SUN JASON ALDEAN: Aksarben Cinema
Omaha Community WE BACK TOUR One of MovieMaker
Playhouse CHI Health Convention Magazine’s“50 Film
Center & Arena February 22–May 3 Festivals Worth the
February 15-17
__________________ ASICS PRESIDENTS’ PULITZER PRIZE Entry Fee.”
__________________
February 7 & 9 DAY CLASSIC PHOTOGRAPHS
THE ABDUCTION The Durham Museum March 5-8
CHI Health Convention
FROM THE SERAGLIO Center & Arena AND More than 80 large- POTTED POTTER
Orpheum Theater Union Bank & Trust format framed Omaha Performing
A witty new production of Sports Complex photographs, each Arts Center
Mozart’s situation comedy Nearly 450 of the best accompanied by a label All seven Harry Potter
by Opera Omaha. Junior Olympic athletes describing the story of books crammed into
__________________ from across the country how the moment 70 hilarious minutes.
February 8–May 10 will compete in one was captured.
FACT AND FICTION of the nation’s largest
January 18–April 19
volleyball events.
AMERICA TO IN CONTEMPORARY __________________
ZANZIBAR: PHOTOGRAPHY
February 15
MUSLIM CULTURES Joslyn Art Museum
OMAHA SYMPHONY:
NEAR AND FAR A collection of media
BATMAN (1989)
Omaha Children’s that subvert our
assumptions about Holland Performing
Museum
their subjects in Arts Center
First exhibit to explore __________________
the diversity of Muslim surprising ways.
__________________ February 15–March 8
cultures through five
major sections, including February 11-16 THE LITTLE ENGINE
Global Marketplace and A BRONX TALE THAT COULD
a Trade Routes area. Orpheum Theater The Rose Theater
February 23-29 March 11
OMAHA THE ILLUSIONISTS
FASHION WEEK Orpheum Theater
Omaha Design Center Be thrilled by hilarious
Designers, stylists, magic tricks, death-
photographers, artists defying stunts and acts
and models display their of breathtaking wonder.
__________________
talents at this semi-
annual event. March 13
__________________ ONE NIGHT
February 25-26 OF QUEEN
SHEN YUN Orpheum Theater
Orpheum Theater A tribute to superstar
5,000 years of civilization Freddie Mercury and
come to life on stage his band Queen.
with this crowd favorite.
14 Go to VisitOmaha.com for a complete list of events happening in Omaha.May 14
LAUREN DAIGLE
WORLD TOUR
CHI Health Convention
Center & Arena
__________________
May 14–June 14
A CHORUS LINE
Bluebarn Theater
__________________
May 17
OMAHA SYMPHONY
PRESENTS:
MOZART WITH
CONDOLEEZZA RICE
Holland Performing
Arts Center
__________________
May 20-24
BIG TEN BASEBALL
TOURNAMENT
March 14 March 20–April 5 April 3 & 5 April 15–May 10 TD Ameritrade Park
THE LUMINEERS III: ONE FESTIVAL THE CAPULETS AND DISNEY’S The legendary Big Ten
THE WORLD TOUR Various downtown THE MONTAGUES THE LION KING teams compete to return
CHI Health Convention locations Orpheum Theater Orpheum Theater to Omaha for the NCAA
Center & Arena Over 50 performances Bellini’s bel canto The world’s #1 musical College World Series.
__________________ will blend music, masterpiece is a lands in Omaha as part
__________________
March 17-22 theater, visual art, seldom-seen telling of the Broadway Series. May 29–June 28
dance and film, with __________________ THE COLOR PURPLE
DEAR EVAN of Romeo and Juliet;
HANSEN
numerous events at presented by Opera April 17-26 Omaha Community
Orpheum Theater
multiple venues. Omaha. OMAHA BEER WEEK Playhouse
__________________ __________________ __________________
A personal and Various Locations
profoundly modern April 2 April 7 Ten beer-packed days May 29-31
Tony Award-winning JEFF DUNHAM: ALICE COOPER of special events and TASTE OF OMAHA
musical about life and SERIOUSLY!? WITH LITA FORD unique celebrations. Elmwood Park
the way we live it. CHI Health Convention Orpheum Theater __________________ Taste some of Omaha’s
__________________ Center & Arena __________________ April 18 favorite restaurant dishes
March 20 April 2020 DAN + SHAY: THE with a side of live music
BLAKE SHELTON: JUNKSTOCK: (ARENA) TOUR and entertainment.
FRIENDS AND SPRING EDITION CHI Health Convention
HEROES TOUR Sycamore Farms Center & Arena
CHI Health Convention Shop vintage wares,
Center & Arena unique antiques,
__________________ handmade artisan
March 29 foods and goods at this
mega three-day event.
BILLIE EILISH: __________________
WHERE DO WE GO?
April 9-12
WORLD TOUR
CHI Health Convention BURLINGTON
Center & Arena CAPITAL May 1-3
INTERNATIONAL CINCO DE MAYO
OMAHA HORSE Historic South 24th St.
COMPETITION Celebrating 100 years
CHI Health Convention in Omaha, this vibrant
Center & Arena fiesta is filled with
World-class indoor authentic food, live
horse jumping and May 30–September 6
music, colorful costumes
dressage competition and the Midwest’s GUITAR: THE
with educational fun, largest parade. INSTRUMENT
shopping expo and __________________ THAT ROCKED
the InIt2WinIt Speed May 1-2 THE WORLD
Jumping Series finale.
OMAHA SYMPHONY: The Durham Museum
See over 60 guitars and
STAR WARS
100 historical artifacts
THE EMPIRE demonstrating the
STRIKES BACK history of the world’s
Holland Performing most recognized musical
Arts Center instrument.
Go to VisitOmaha.com for a complete list of events happening in Omaha. 15June 2-7 June 13-23/24
ANASTASIA NCAA COLLEGE
Orpheum Theater WORLD SERIES
__________________ TD Ameritrade Park
June 5-7 2020 marks the 71st
OMAHA SUMMER anniversary of the June 2020 July 9–September 19
ARTS FESTIVAL CWS in Omaha. HEARTLAND PRIDE ALL TOGETHER,
Mike Fahey Street Tailgate, watch the best PARADE & FESTIVAL AMONGST MANY:
135 artist from across the in college baseball, and The Old Market REFLECTIONS ON
country demonstrate and check out Fan Fest.
__________________
Entertainment District EMPATHY
showcase their work. & Baxter Arena Bemis Center for
__________________ June 2020 Omaha’s premier Contemporary Arts
June 5-21 JUNKSTOCK: LGBTQ celebration Curated by the Bemis
THE SOUND UNDERNEATH for all ages. Following Chief Curator and
THE STARS a parade, head to Director of Programs.
OF MUSIC the arena for outdoor __________________
The Rose Theater Sycamore Farms
__________________ A dreamy night event festivities, live July 11-12
entertainment,
June 6–September 6 featuring twinkle lights, RAILROAD DAYS
and more.
hot air balloons, a ferris Various Locations
RODIN: TRUTH wheel and a market of
__________________
Five area cultural
FORM LIFE and 100 vintage vendors. June – July attractions join forces to
RODIN: MUSES __________________ SHAKESPEARE offer railroad-inspired
SIRENS LOVERS June 21-28 ON THE GREEN fun at one special low
Joslyn Art Museum Young Park – 60th &
U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM price for families. August 7-8
An array of bronzes Dodge Streets __________________
showcase Auguste TRIALS - SWIMMING NEBRASKA
CHI Health Convention The power and beauty July 25
Rodin’s innovative BALLOON & WINE
artistic process. Center & Arena of classical theater in a FAIRYTALE BALL FESTIVAL
In Omaha for the fourth relaxing outdoor setting. Omaha Children’s
__________________ __________________ Ta Ha Zouka Park, Elkhorn
time! Watch as 1,400 Museum Toast to award-winning
June 10-12 top swimmers vie for July 7-12 Afterhours-event with
MAJOR LEAGUE wines and catch the
a spot on the 2020 JIMMY BUFFETT’S royal characters, dinner, spectacular hot air
BASEBALL DRAFT U.S. Olympic Team to ESCAPE TO horse-drawn carriage balloon launch and glow.
Holland Performing compete at August’s MARGARITAVILLE rides and fireworks. __________________
Arts Center 2020 Summer Olympics Orpheum Theater __________________
Omaha hosts the MLB August 2020
in Tokyo. Away from Musical comedy July 27–August 2
first-year player draft on MAHA FESTIVAL
the pool, check out featuring original PINNACLE Aksarben Village
the eve of the College the 100,000 sq. ft. USA
World Series.
songs and Jimmy BANK GOLF The industry’s hottest
Swimming Aqua Zone. Buffett classics. CHAMPIONSHIP national, regional and
The Club at Indian Creek local indie acts perform
Catch PGA action during a weekend full of
in Omaha with the food and activities.
Web.com Tour’s __________________
championship, featuring August 23-29
over 100 golfers.
__________________ OMAHA
FASHION WEEK
July & August Omaha Design Center
JAZZ ON THE GREEN One of the largest
Turner Park fashion weeks in the
at Midtown Crossing country featuring over
The ultimate outdoor 65 designers, 400
jam session Thursdays models and hundreds
throughout the summer. of creations.
16 Go to VisitOmaha.com for a complete list of events happening in Omaha.HOLIDAY EVENTS IN OMAHA
October 2020
JUNKSTOCK:
HARVEST EDITION
Sycamore Farms For a complete list of Omaha holiday events go to VisitOmaha.com
Vintage and repurposed
wares for sale from over November 22–December 31
150 “junk” vendors at HOLIDAY
this signature fall event.
__________________ POINSETTIA SHOW
Lauritzen Gardens
October 2020 Thousands of poinsettias
JAPANESE are a glowing tribute to the
AMBIENCE FESTIVAL holidays, with a 20-foot-
Lauritzen Gardens tall poinsettia tree as its
A salute to the beauty centerpiece.
of Japanese culture with __________________
the kickoff of the Fall November 26, 2020
Chrysanthemum Show. – January 1, 2021
__________________
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
September 12 October 3-4 FESTIVAL
FORT OMAHA HERITAGE DAYS Various Locations
INTERTRIBAL Fort Atkinson State Park A Thanksgiving lighting
POWWOW The 1800s way of life ceremony kicks off a month
Fort Omaha Campus celebrated through of performances, special
Be immersed in the hands-on learning events, ice skating and more.
culture and traditions of demonstrations, military Catch the fireworks to ring in
Native Americans at this reenactments, traditional the New Year.
outdoor celebration. foods and music. __________________
November 27, 2020
– January 3, 2021
CHRISTMAS AT
UNION STATION
The Durham Museum
Enjoy the region’s largest
indoor holiday tree,
traditions from around the
globe, visits from Santa and
more special programming.
__________________
November 29–December 22
SANTA’S MAGIC
Omaha Children’s Museum
September 11-20 October 3, 2020– A holiday tradition, Santa’s
OMAHA January 10, 2021 Magic is a short interactive
RESTAURANT WEEK THE JIM HENSON show with elves, the Snow
Various Restaurants EXHIBITION: Queen and a chance to visit
A celebration of Omaha’s IMAGINATION with Santa.
__________________
culinary scene with UNLIMITED
participating restaurants The Durham Museum November 29–December 22
offering exclusive fixed Puppets, sketches, ELF THE MUSICAL
price, three-course meals costumes, scripts and A fun-filled musical
at discounted prices more accompany this adaptation of the favorite
during Omaha’s 10 exhibition exploring holiday film that became an
tastiest days. Jim Henson’s instant classic.
groundbreaking work. The Rose Theater
__________________ __________________
October 3, 2020– December 2020
January 3, 2021 WINTER WONDERLAND
REVISITING AT SYCAMORE FARMS
AMERICA: Sycamore Farms
THE PRINTS OF Seventy vendors, makers and
CURRIER & IVES artisans come together in a
Joslyn Art Museum vintage winter wonderland.
A highlight of the
famous firm’s prints,
which were produced
from paintings by fine
artists as lithographs. December 17 & 19
__________________ NCAA® DIVISION I
October 10, 2020– WOMEN’S
September 25-26 April 11, 2021 VOLLEYBALL
RIVER CITY RODEO GAME ON CHAMPIONSHIP
CHI Health Convention Omaha Children’s CHI Health Convention
Center & Arena Museum Center & Arena
Fast-paced action Experience areas The best of the best will
as world champion inspired by a variety of compete for the NCAA
cowboys compete for games, from childhood championship title in
official entry into the classics to sports and college volleyball’s
National Finals Rodeo. carnival games. biggest event.
17GENERAL CROOK Omaha’s Largest Mineral
HOUSE MUSEUM and Fossil Store
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Weekdays: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Weekends: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Honoring and preserving Omaha’s storied
history, the General Crook House Museum was Great things for the whole family, and mom too!
built in 1879 on Historic Fort Omaha.
Conveniently located just off the interstate
5730 N. 30th St. #11b
Omaha, NE 68111
402-455-9990
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18WORLD’S BEST ZOO
Internationally known as one of the best
zoos in the world, Omaha’s Henry Doorly
Zoo and Aquarium is filled with year-
round wild kingdom adventures. Home
to the world’s largest indoor desert
and North America’s largest indoor
rainforest, get ready to experience an
immersive animal world jam-packed with
opportunities to engage with wildlife.
The best part is every visit to Omaha’s
Zoo means an animal, or even an entire
species, may be saved through the zoo’s
world-class conservation efforts.WORLD’S BEST ZOO Explore 160 acres of plants, animals and unique habitats
from around the world, right here in Omaha.
AFRICAN GRASSLANDS
Take a trip to Africa through this
28-acre outdoor experience featuring
breathtaking panoramic views and long
vistas teeming with African wildlife
like white rhinos, cheetahs, lions and
elephants. It includes North America’s
largest herd room featuring interactive
guest and keeper areas. TIP: Ride the
Skyfari for a spectacular unobstructed
view of this exhibit.
ASIAN HIGHLANDS
Journey from the grasslands of Northern
India through the Himalayan Mountains
to the forests of northeastern China.
Encounter red pandas, sloth bears, Amur
tigers, snow leopards and Indian rhinos
living among ancient ruins and canopy
trees. Foggy Forest is a natural valley
with mist blanketing the forest floor and
includes a series of foot paths with several
nature based play opportunities, including
boulders to climb and logs to cross. Most
of the animals in Asian Highlands are cold
tolerant, making it a year-round experience.
SCOTT AQUARIUM
Transverse the ocean floor and come
nose-to-nose with sea turtles as large
sand tiger, zebra and stingray sharks circle
above. The 70-foot shark tunnel inside the
Scott Aquarium provides a mesmerizing
underwater experience. From the ocean
depths to the frigid cold, the aquarium also
features ocean birds, including more than
85 penguins. Up to 20 tons of man-made
snow can be churned out in one day from
four snow machines.
LIED JUNGLE
Hike through North America’s largest
indoor rainforest with roaring waterfalls and
swinging gibbons in a tropical environment
that will transport you to the jungles of
South America, Asia and Africa. See more
than 90 animal species in their natural
habitats, from the forest floor to the highest
jungle canopy. Don’t miss the swinging
rope bridge, and take a picture from
lookout peak with a full view of silvered
leaf monkeys, ebony langurs, spotted-neck
otters and pygmy hippos.WORLD’S BEST ZOO
ALASKAN ADVENTURE
Kids will love this splash ground featuring
DESERT DOME 100 water jets and over 75 bronze sculptures
Explore the world’s largest indoor desert under the world’s largest glazed of jumping salmon, puffins, sea lions, orcas
geodesic dome, an Omaha landmark. The Desert Dome stands 13 stories tall and a tremendous 18-foot humpback whale.
and features a 30-foot tall sand dune containing 300 tons of red sand. Climbing
in and around the cliffs are klipspringers, rock wallabies, bobcats and meerkats.
Inside, enter Rattlesnake Canyon and encounter the world’s largest indoor
rattlesnake exhibit with 14 reptile species, including venomous snakes.
EXPEDITION MADAGASCAR
Home to some of the most amazing and
unique animals such as the aye-aye lemur
and the giant jumping rat.
KINGDOMS OF THE NIGHT
Underneath the Desert Dome, navigate nighttime in the world’s largest
nocturnal exhibit filled with creatures that surface only after dark. Travel through
a canyon, wind through a bat cave, and see the world’s largest indoor swamp.
CHILDREN’S ADVENTURE TRAILS
This fully immersive outdoor experience is
filled with climbing areas, raft races, waterfalls
OWEN SEA LION SHORES and creeks and ponds that invite kids to jump
Opening in fall 2020 is the new 275-thousand in, stay cool, and hunt for treasure.
gallon playground for sea lions, which
includes a three-story waterfall and 40-foot
long underwater viewing window perfect for
nose-to-nose experiences. A natural beach
area and rocks will provide sunning sites
for the animals. A pupping beach will allow
females to give birth on land and gradually
introduce their pups to the water. There will
be hidden spaces just for children to crawl
through to view the sea lions swimming and a
sandy beach area with four small streams for
kids to mix sand and water for playtime. BACKSTAGE EXPERIENCES
See what it takes to care for a giant Pacific
octopus, wander through the world’s largest
The Hackmans recommend going to the zoo in the winter. nocturnal exhibit with the lights on, get front
It’s not as crowded and the animals are typically more active. row seats to feeding time for more than 300
free flying bats, and much more.
Go to VisitOmaha.com/Zoo for more information. 21D
esignated as a National Historic Landmark in 2017, this treasured Omaha
HOP ABOARD HISTORY attraction is filled with an extraordinary array of permanent exhibits
AT AN ART DECO TRAIN showcasing the region’s history including restored train cars, 1940s store
fronts, informational displays, and historical artifacts of the region. Train
STATION-TURNED-MUSEUM. enthusiasts and history buffs alike will delight in The Durham Museum’s offerings.
THE DURHAM MUSEUM
22Step into a bygone era as you
enter the museum’s Great
Hall. Enjoy the same grandeur
that millions of rail travelers
experienced during the train
station’s heyday from 1931-1971.
From its terrazzo tile flooring to
the ceiling’s $10,000 gold leaf
decoration, the lobby is a sight to
behold. Life-like bronze statues of
couples, military men and children
placed throughout come alive with
travel stories of people who once
passed through the station.
Downstairs, experience Omaha’s
history through a variety of
permanent exhibits. Climb
aboard and stroll through
historic passenger trains from the
1940s and ‘50s, learn about the
fascinating culture of the Omaha
Native American Tribe by stepping
into a rawhide tepee or sitting by
the fire in a replica earth lodge
and peek into the home of blue Little ones will especially enjoy the model trains with interactive features and the
collar workers to experience the new STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) space.
way families lived over a 100 years
ago. View some of the rarest coins Temporary exhibits rotate in and out of the Museum, with 2020 exhibitions
and documents in the world in including Pulitzer Prize Photographs (February 22–May 3), ‘Guitar: The Instrument
the Byron Reed Collection, and That Rocked the World’ (May 30–September 6) and ‘The Jim Henson Exhibition:
walk through the Buffett Grocery Imagination Unlimited’ (October 3–January 10, 2021).
Store–a replica of the original store
operated by three generations of
the storied Buffett family from
1869 to 1969.
THE HOLIDAYS On the main floor, satisfy your hunger for both food and nostalgia at the train
Christmas at Union Station is a station’s original 1930s soda fountain. Enjoy a sandwich and an old-fashioned
magical way to celebrate the phosphate made with your favorite flavoring and soda water straight out of the
holiday season in Omaha. Marvel fountain dispenser; add some hand-scooped ice cream to make a luscious ice
at the region’s largest indoor tree, cream float. Malts, shakes and sundaes are also among favorites. The adjoining
and enjoy special events like the retro candy shop offers a variety of nostalgic, hard-to-find candies along with
annual tree lighting ceremony, fresh popped popcorn.
Ethnic Holiday Festival, a holiday
concert series, family nights with
Santa and Noon Year’s Eve.
History lovers should go to VisitOmaha.com for more information. 23Mormon Trail Center
HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
DISCOVER OMAHA’S RICH AND DIVERSE
HISTORY THROUGH A ONE-OF-A-KIND
BLEND OF MUSEUMS AND HISTORIC SITES.
At Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters,
experience what it was like to live in a makeshift cabin, pull
a handcart, and “travel” by covered wagon like families did
during the great Mormon exodus of the 1800s. Optional
guided tours; free admission.
World-renowned Boys Town, a National Historic Landmark
District, features chapels, statues and gardens, Hall of
History museum, Father Flanagan’s House* and the visitors
center – home to the world’s largest ball of stamps. Take the
QR code tour using your smartphone for instant access to
info and media of top attractions throughout the campus.
Free admission.
The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum,
a Smithsonian affiliate, is home to the nation’s largest
collection of Cold War aircraft and artifacts. The 300,000
square foot attraction houses an impressive collection of
prized and rarely displayed military aircraft, like the SR-71
Blackbird and nine bombers, like the B-36J “Peacemaker,”
B-17 ‘Flying Fortress’ and B-1A “Lancer.” Kids especially will
enjoy the flight simulator and Children’s Learning Center.
Soak up Omaha’s rich jazz heritage at Love’s Jazz & Art
Center, the region’s only African-American-based art center.
Their calendar features live performances and special
Love’s Jazz & Art Center
exhibits throughout the year.
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
24Boys Town
Get a glimpse into 19th Gerald R. Ford Birthsite
century life at General and Gardens features
Crook House Museum*. presidential mementos,
View period costumes, an informational kiosk and
furnishings and decorative a rose garden complete
arts and stroll the heirloom with a colonnade in honor
garden with more than 110 of former First Lady
varieties of flowers and Betty Ford.
plants. Visit in November
and December when this Another notable Omaha
living history museum birthsite is that of human
is decked out for the rights activist Malcolm X*.
holidays. Audio tours The 14-acre developing
available. memorial features an
educational site and plaza
Located in history-rich, with a historical marker
culturally diverse South commemorating where
Omaha, El Museo Latino* Malcolm X first lived with
is one of only 18 Latino his family.
museums in the country.
This intimate museum Head to nearby Council
offers temporary and Bluffs for hands-on fun at
permanent exhibits the Union Pacific Railroad
along with educational Museum*. Learn about
programming and a lively the development of the
events calendar. transcontinental railroad,
enjoy a passenger train
experience, ride in a
locomotive simulator and
more. Free admission.
*Listed on the National Register of Historic Places Go to VisitOmaha.com for more information. 25JOSLYN ART MUSEUM
CULTURE LOVERS AND ART NOVICES
ALIKE WILL LOVE THIS PINK MARBLE
MASTERPIECE WITH MORE THAN 11,000
WORKS OF ART INSIDE AND OUT.
T
he Joslyn Art Museum is a masterpiece serving as one of the finest
examples of Art Deco architecture. The pink marble exterior is
constructed of Etowah Pink (Georgia Pink) marble while the interior
is comprised of 38 different marbles from around the world.
Inside, admire Dale Chihuly’s monumental glass sculpture on your
way to the permanent collections of art ranging from ancient times to
the present. View works by iconic artists Rembrandt, Monet, Degas,
Pollock, Renoir and more. Major temporary exhibitions are displayed
throughout the year.
Unleash your little (and inner) artist at ART WORKS, 1,500 square
feet of interactive space complete with nine activity stations so you
may create your own masterpieces, like stop-motion animation and
high-tech paintings. Make your way outdoors to the garden galleries,
notably the colorful Discovery Garden, complete with 20 artworks.
Joslyn offers free admission year-round, as well as mobile and guided
tours. First, satisfy your appetite for art, then your hunger with lunch
or a snack at Café Durham, located in the Joslyn’s atrium. Before
leaving, stop in the Hitchcock Museum Shop and select from an array
of distinctive gifts and souvenirs.
Kim recommends allowing at least an hour (or two)
in ART WORKS, so the entire family has time to
create art together.
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