Heartland of America Park 8th and Douglas Sts.

Omaha, NE 68102 402-444-6362

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged The Heartland of America Park is a 30 acre park adjacent to the Missouri River and connected to the Eugene Leahy Mall. The park features a 15 acre lake, a $1.5 million fountain which shoots water 300 feet in the air, two smaller fountains, a waterfall, walking paths, a performance deck and seasonal boat rides. Henry Doorly Zoo 3701 South 10th St.

Omaha, NE 68107 402-733-8400

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged The Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the state's most popular tourist attractions, with attendance reaching 1.6 million annually. Henry Doorly Zoo has the second largest family membership in the United States. This world-class zoo sits on 130 acres and is home to over 600 species and more than 18,600 specimens. Among the numerous exhibits are the world's second largest free-flight aviary, a collection of rare white tigers, and the world's largest captive herds of gaur and Nile Lechwe. The zoo has a 1.5 acre indoor tropical rainforest, the Lied Jungle. The world's largest indoor rainforest features the jungle habitats of Asia, Africa, South America and Australia contains about 3,000 plant species and approximately 125 species of animals. 

Scott Kingdoms of the Seas Aquarium

 is located in the Henry Doorly Zoo and is the largest salt-water aquarium between Chicago and San Francisco. The area includes an enclosed, refrigerated area with water and snow for Antarctic penguins, and the nation's second largest tropical reef tank housing sharks, giant ray fish and other reef fish. Visitors can view the reef exhibit while walking through a clear, acrylic underwater tunnel, the largest and longest in the nation.

Every few years an exciting new exhibit unfolds at Nebraska's No. 1 visitor's attraction. The world's largest geodesic dome, the Desert Dome,  is now open and waiting for you.

The zoo also has an IMAX 3D theater. Experience the thrills and adventure of the animal kingdom! View a variety of adventures on a screen that stands six stories tall and is accompanied by stereo surround sound. Feature presentations change approximately every 4 months with 3D features shown periodically.

 The Old Market Association Harney to Jackson Sts., 10th to 13th Sts.

Omaha, NE 402-342-1506

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged The Old Market, a unique eating, shopping and entertainment area, is located in Omaha's former fruit and vegetable warehouse and market district. One of Omaha's most popular tourist attractions, the Old Market is home to numerous specialty shops, cappuccino shops, a brewery, restaurants, taverns and galleries.

Nearby Attractions

River City Star Berthed at Miller's Landing, less than once mile north of downtown Omaha on Abbott Drive. 402-342-STAR (7827)

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged A New Star on the River. Let the gentle current and soft breezes lull you into a separate time and place, as you cruise the Missouri River in the newly renovated River City Star. The Star is fully-equipped and staffed for fun; a cruise on the Star makes every gathering a truly unique and memorable event. Check out our web site for information about our public sight-seeing cruises, special events and private charters.  

Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium 21502 West Hwy. 31

Gretna, NE 68028

Located approximately 21 miles southwest of Omaha 402-332-3901

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged The Ak-Sar-Ben aquarium is home to more than 50 species of fish, reptiles and amphibians native to Nebraska. It is located just west of Omaha at the Schramm State Recreational Area. Historic Sites

Freedom Park Marina 2497 Freedom Park Road 1600 Abbott Dr.

Omaha, NE 68110 402-345-1959

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged The Freedom Park Marina features a riverfront collection of naval weaponry including the USS Hazard, a World War II warship, the USS Marlin, a training submarine and the USS LSM 45, a World War II amphibious ship. General Crook House Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha Campus 30th and Fort Sts.

Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-9990

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged The General Crook House, a restored Victorian house and formal garden, is located in historic Fort Omaha. A library next door contains military exhibits and information on the history of Douglas County. Gerald Ford Birth Site 3212 Woolworth Ave.

Omaha, NE 68105 402-444-5900

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged The Gerald Ford Birth site features an outdoor park, rose garden and museum highlighting memorabilia of the former President. Also located on the grounds, the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center, which was founded in 1995 and is the newest division of the Nebraska State Historical Society. The Center provides conservation services for historical, cultural, educational, private and corporate collections in the region. Historic Florence 8502 North 30th St.

Omaha, NE 68112 402-453-4462

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged  Historic Florence includes the Bank of Florence, a restored pioneer bank, a railroad depot containing relics of the late 1800's, and the oldest grist mill in Nebraska. Kenefick Park Abbott Drive & 6th St.

Omaha, NE 68110 402-444-5900 (Weekdays)

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged An outdoor exhibit of Union Pacific's famous steam engine, "Big Boy," as well as the largest diesel locomotive ever built. Audio facilities relay the story of the engines. Mormon Pioneer Cemetery and Information Center 3215 State St.

Omaha, NE 68112 402-453-9372

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged The Mormon Pioneer Cemetery is a historic reminder of the suffering in Brigham Young's encampment in Omaha during the winter of 1846. Their story is vividly preserved on a large bronze monument, simple gravestones and through presentations at the information center.  

Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's Botanical Center 100 Bancroft Street

Omaha, NE 402-346-4002

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged Lauritzen Gardens is an urban oasis of beauty and tranquility. This 100-acre botanical garden, comprised of many outdoor garden areas, creates a living museum of unique four-season plant displays, maintained to the highest standards consistent with environmental stewardship. The visitor and education center includes the 5,000-square-foot floral display hall, a café, gift shop, resource library, classrooms, banquet areas, and a community room.

Mallory Kountze Planetarium 68th and Dodge Sts.

Omaha, NE 68182 402-554-3722

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The Mallory Kountze Planetarium is located on the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus; offers regular planetarium shows and when weather permits, a rooftop observatory.  

Boys and Girls Town 137th and West Dodge Rd.

Omaha, NE 68010 402-498-1140

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The late Father Flanagan's world-famous "City of Little Men," is an incorporated village on a 1,300 acre site located in West Omaha. Now open to both boys and girls, the town provides a home and education for over 500 youngsters annually. The Boys Town Hall of History chronicles the achievements and struggles of the organization. The Leon Myers Stamp Center houses an extensive collection of stamps, coins and currency. Among the other facilities open to the public are the Father Flanagan Historic House and Shrine, a Visitors' Center, Chambers Nativity Chapel and a gift shop.  

Czechoslovak Museum 2021 U St.

Omaha, NE 68107 402-731-7567

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged Czech heritage and history are highlighted with fine hand-cut crystal, costumes, photographs, memorabilia and a gift shop of imported goods from the Czech Republic. Durham Western Heritage Museum - Omaha's History Museum 801 South 10th St.

Omaha, NE 68108 402-444-5071

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged Omaha's museum of history is housed in an historic building, Union Station, a restored Art Deco Railroad station. Visitors are welcomed by 11 life-size interactive sculptures that tell the story of life in Omaha in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. A spectacular, 85-foot-long model train layout of the city in the 1930s delights visitors. A multi-media presentation on the history of the Omaha area entertains visitors on the track level. Six restored train cars, including a 1890s steam engine, are on display in an enclosed platform area. The museum also houses the Union Pacific Railroad collection. These permanent exhibits tell the story of Union Pacific and the history of Omaha. Traveling and temporary exhibits are featured year-round. El Museo Latino 4701 South 25 St.

Omaha, NE 68107 402-731-1137

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged El Museo Latino features Latino art with exhibits, films and special lectures and workshops. Great Plains Black History Museum 2213 Lake St.

Omaha, NE 68111 402-345-2212

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged The Great Plains Black History Museum, with over 10,000 permanent displays, is home to one of the most complete collections of black history west of the Mississippi River.   Nebraska Jewish Historical Museum Jewish Community Center 333 South 132nd St.

Omaha, NE 68154 402-334-8200 Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The "Corridor of Jewish History" mini-museum is shown by appointment only. The Community Center, which is open to the public, houses the research library and numerous other exhibits. Nearby Historic Sites and Museums

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge Exit Hwy 30 off I-29

Missouri Valley, IA 51555

Located 28 miles north of Omaha 712- 642-2772

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged DeSoto features nature trails and a visitor center displaying the cargo of a Missouri River steamboat that sank in 1865. Mid-Fall, view thousands of migrating waterfowl. Fort Atkinson State Historical Park Highway 75

Fort Calhoun, NE 68023

Located 17 miles northwest of Omaha 402-468-5895

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged Fort Atkinson offers a replica of an 1820 military fort built on the site of Lewis & Clark's 1804 council bluff meeting.

General Dodge House 605 3rd St.

Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Located 10 miles east of Omaha 402-322-2406

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged General Dodge House in Council Bluffs, is the restored home of a Civil War general who was one of the founders of the Union Pacific Railroad. The Victorian house was built in 1870 and is restored with period furniture.  

Historic Bellevue 2510 SAC Place

Bellevue, NE 68005

Located 11 miles south of Omaha 402-293-3080

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged Historic Bellevue includes the Bellevue Church (Nebraska's first house of worship), log cabin, bank, depot and cemetery.

Sarpy County Historical Museum 2402 Clay St.

Bellevue, NE 68005

Located 11 miles south of Omaha 402-292-1880 Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The Sarpy County Historical museum features exhibits from pioneer settlers, American Indians and fur traders. Nebraska State Historical Society 15th and 'P' St.

Lincoln, NE 68501-2554

Located 27 miles southwest of Omaha 402-471-3270 Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The Nebraska State Historical Society collects artifacts and interprets the cultures of people who have lived in Nebraska and the Great Plains area in prehistoric and historic times. Strategic Air & Space Museum 28210 West Park Hwy.

Ashland, NE 68003- 0070 402-944-3100 or 800-358-5029 Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The Strategic Air & Space Museum offers 33 aircraft, in a 300,000 square foot air-conditioned facility, as well as theaters, interactive exhibits, and too many displays to list. The entrance features a rare SR - 71 Blackbird poised in flight. The museum is located at exit 426, I - 80, adjacent to Mahoney State Park.

  Sports

Baseball

Omaha Royals

402-734-2550

A farm team of the Kansas City Royals, take to the diamond at Rosenblatt Stadium each season. The Royals drew more than 400,000 people each season. Big leaguers who have spent time on Rosenblatt's diamond include the likes of Willie Wilson, David Cone, Frank White, Paul Splittoroff, Lonnie Smith and future George Brett.

College Sports

Each June, Omaha hosts the NCAA College World Series. Fans from across the nation come to watch the winners of eight regional tournaments battle for the NCAA men's baseball championship.

Collegiate teams provide area sports fans something to cheer about throughout the year. "Big Red Fever" grips the state every fall when the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Omaha Mavericks football teams take the field. The Big 12 Huskers play their home games in Lincoln, while the NCAA Division II Mavericks play at Al Caniglia Field on the UNO campus.

The Civic Auditorium is the home court of the Creighton Bluejays and the Creighton Lady Jays of the Missouri Valley Conference. The UNO Mavericks and the UNO Lady Mavs compete in the North Central Conference and host their games at the UNO Field House. The UNO Mavericks Division I hockey team take the ice downtown at the Civic Auditorium. The universities also have excellent baseball, softball, soccer (Creighton) and wrestling (UNO) teams. For additional information on these teams, call the following:

University of Nebraska at Omaha

402-554-MAVS

University of Nebraska at Lincoln

402-472-3111

Creighton University

402-280-5555

Hockey

Omaha Lancers (United States Hockey League)

402-556-7825

The Lancers play 24 home games in the Omaha metro area beginning each November and are a sure sell-out for each home game.

The UNO Mavericks

The Mavericks play Division I Hockey at the Civic Auditorium. The Maverick program was inaugurated in 1997-1998. In its first year, the Mavericks hockey program was second in the nation in attendance