Omaha, NE Road Trips

It is on the Missouri River border with Iowa, along Interstates 29 and 80. Omaha has some unusual traits, as it has the most millionaires per capita in the nation, and is also home to billionaire Warren Buffett, one of the world's richest and most famous investors. Conversely, it also has one of the highest rates of African Americans living under the poverty line. It is still quite racially divided, with the affluent west side and Midtown being predominantly white, the south side Latino, and the northeast side African American. Residents are friendly and polite, and Omaha has a well-deserved reputation for hospitality. 1 Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1001 Farnam Street (in Downtown Omaha near the Old Market, at the southwest corner of 10th and Farnam Streets), ☏ +1 402-444-7762. The official resource for events, attractions, hotels, restaurants, transportation, meetings and conventions and the film office. Pick up a copy of the Omaha Visitors Guide. The climate of Omaha is continental with hot and humid summers and winters with cold and snow. Average heat indices in the summer are 92 °F (33 °C) during the day and 68 °F (20 °C) at night. It's not unheard of for heat indices to reach or exceed 106 °F (41 °C) and not go below 77 °F (25 °C) on exceptionally hot and sweltering days.

1 Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, 3701 S 10th St (take Exit 454 on I-80, for 13th St South toward Stadium-Zoo), ☏ +1 402-733-8401. 9AM-5PM. This nationally renowned zoo is Nebraska's number one paid attraction. It features an expansive and aquarium, "Kingdoms of the Night" (world's largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp), the Lied Jungle (world's largest indoor rainforest), and the "Desert Dome" (world's largest indoor desert). $29.95 adults, $22.95 children, $28.95 seniors and military. (updated Sep 2023) The Zoo also runs a 2 Wildlife Safari Park near the city of Ashland that has elk, wolves, eagles, buffalo, and other native animals. Omaha has quite a few museums and art galleries: 3 Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St, ☏ +1 402-342-3300. Tu W F-Su 10AM-4PM; Th 10AM-8PM. Has works by El Greco, Degas, Monet and Renoir and an extensive ancient Greek pottery display. The Joslyn also has a glass sclupture by Dale Chihuly hanging in the atrium. Free. 4 Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 South 12th St, ☏ +1 402-341-7130, [email protected]. Tu-Sa 11AM-5PM. A nationally recognized artist-in-residence program and art gallery that consists of three galleries in a warehouse-style studio. Tours are available by reservation and parking is free. Free. Various other Old Market and Benson galleries. Omaha has a "First Friday" gallery crawl through both neighborhoods every first Friday of each month. 5 Omaha Children's Museum, 500 S 20th St, ☏ +1 402-342-6164, [email protected]. Tu-F 10AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM, longer hours in summer.

Many parks and recreational areas are scattered throughout Omaha. 1 The RiverFront. Urban park and greenspace stretching from 13th Street to the Missouri River, between Douglas and Farnam Streets. Completed in 2023, it replaced the Gene Leahy Mall and Heartland of America Park. Includes a concert/ performing arts stage, roller skate rink, and an observation deck with views of Iowa and the Missouri River. The park hosts concerts and plays in the warmer months and allows pedestrians easy access to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and Lewis and Clark Landing to the north. Free. (updated Aug 2024) 2 Heartland of America Park. Runs along the riverfront and has two fountains. The Heartland of America fountain shoots water 300 ft (91 m) into the air and has a colorful nighttime show. There are also boat rides for a quarter per person. (updated Sep 2017) 3 Memorial Park (in the Dundee-Happy Hollow area). A playground, a baseball field, paths, trails, and plenty of open space. The park is unique because of its floral displays and historical monuments. (updated Sep 2017) 4 Elmwood Park. Adjacent to Memorial Park. Has an 18-hole golf course, two baseball fields, a swimming pool, and many other things. (updated Mar 2019) 5 Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St (take exit 454 off I-80 and head north on S 13th St, turn right on Bancroft St), ☏ +1 402-346-4002. M-Tu 9AM-8PM, W-Su 9AM-5PM. This 100 acres (40 hectares) botanical garden and arboretum boasts plants from all over the world, situated in exhibits designed to represent their natural habitat.

It's said that Omaha has more restaurants per capita than almost anywhere else in the world. Omaha and much of Nebraska are known for high quality corn-fed beef. Smoking is illegal inside all restaurants in Nebraska. Smoking on outdoor patios is legal, but is rare and usually prohibited. Below are a selection of locations to eat in Omaha. 1 California Tacos and More, 3235 California St (from US-6/Dodge St, head north on 33rd St), ☏ +1 402-342-0212. M-Sa 11AM-9PM, closed Su. Specializing in fried "puffy-shell" tacos, this small taco place offers filling Mexican food, quick and cheap. Tables get scarce in the afternoon. Happy hour is 4PM-5PM. (updated Apr 2021) 2 Chopsticks House, 5522 N 103rd Street, ☏ +1 402-965-3333. 11AM-9PM. A small, family-run Chinese restaurant. Serves some more exotic dishes alongside the usual fare of Chinese food. Very friendly staff. (updated Apr 2021) 3 Coneflower, 3921 Farnam Street (from US-6/Dodge St, turn south onto 42nd St, then left onto Farnam), ☏ +1 402-913-2399. Tu-Sa noon-10PM, Su 11AM-8PM. Local artisanal ice cream. Offers both traditional and experimental flavors. (updated Jun 2021) 4 Dinker's Bar, 2368 S 29th St, ☏ +1 402-342-9742. M-Sa 11AM-1AM. Since 1965, this bar and grill has been serving up high class burgers and beer. A great place to relax after a long day. (updated Apr 2021) Feta's Greek Restaurant (2 locations). M-Th 11AM-8PM, F 11AM-8:30PM. Serving homestyle Greek food. Gyros, kebobs, and baklava are all made in house. They also sell their in-house dressing at local grocery stores.

All restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in Omaha are smoke-free indoors. Smoking on outdoor patios is legal, though rather uncommon. All bars in Omaha must close by 2AM. Beer, wine, and liquor can be purchased in grocery stores. Hard liquor cannot be served or sold before noon on Sunday. 1 The Crescent Moon, 3578 Farnam St, ☏ +1 402-345-1708. Tu-Th 11AM-1AM, F Sa 11AM-2AM, Su M 11AM-11PM. A large pub with a German Bier Hall down below. Checkout Max and Joe's tasting room next door. If you find a drink you like, stop in Beertopia to grab a six-pack of it, or any other craft beer you'd like, both owned by the same people. A must visit for all lovers of beer. (updated Apr 2021) 2 The Homy Inn, 1510 N Saddle Creek Rd, ☏ +1 402-554-5815. 1PM-2AM. Champagne on tap. This cozy bar is decorated with collectibles and memorabilia from yesteryear. Friendly atmosphere and a relaxed place to kick back. (updated Apr 2021) 3 The Max, 1417 Jackson St, ☏ +1 402-346-4110. Daily 4PM-2AM. Ostensibly the region's largest dance club and gay bar. Two dance floors (electronica on one, hip-hop on the other), three bars, and a huge courtyard. On the weekends it's mostly straight people and expect a $5 cover. 4 The Down Under Lounge, 3530 Leavenworth St. Eclectic bar with unique, quality cocktails. Be prepared to wait a few minutes while the bartenders mix them. Free live music W-Sa. Diverse and agreeable crowd. Before 9PM, order take-out from Mother India just a block west. 5 Upstream Brewery, 514 S 11th St, ☏ +1 402-344-0200, fax: +1 402-344-0451. In the Old Market.

1 Best Western Plus Midwest Inn, 4706 South 108th St, ☏ +1 402-339-7400. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: Noon. Beautifully remodeled award-winning hotel with spacious sleeping rooms that include free high-speed internet, microwaves, refrigerators, 37' flat screen TV, free local calls, iron/ironing boards, hairdryers, indoor water playland, exercise room, meeting space and Perkins Restaurant. Pets are welcome. 2 Old Mill Inn, 650 North 109th Ct, ☏ +1 402-431-1246. 3 Wyndham Omaha/West Dodge, 655 North 108th Ave, ☏ +1 402-496-0850. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 4 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Omaha Downtown, 1616 Dodge St, ☏ +1 402-346-7600. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: Noon. 5 Element Omaha Midtown Crossing, 3253 Dodge St, ☏ +1 402-614-8080. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: Noon. 6 Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown Old Market, 555 South 10th St, ☏ +1 402-346-9000. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. 7 Magnolia Hotel Omaha, 1615 Howard St, ☏ +1 402-341-2500. This downtown hotel offers stylish rooms & suites near many major corporate headquarters and offices. The hotel also features meeting & event facilities and extended stay accommodations. 8 Omaha Marriott, 10220 Regency Circle, ☏ +1 402-399-9000. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: Noon. 9 Sonesta ES Suites Omaha, 6990 Dodge St, ☏ +1 402-553-8898. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 10 Hilton Garden Inn Omaha Downtown/Old Market Area, 1005 Dodge St, ☏ +1 402-341-4400. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: Noon. Great location in downtown Omaha within walking distance to the Old Market Area with great shopping and dining.

1 Omaha Eppley Airfield (OMA IATA) (5 mi (8.0 km) NE of downtown Omaha, less than five minutes from downtown by car; there is also a bus available (#16) during weekday rush hours.). A medium-sized airport served by all major airlines and some low-cost carriers, and has flights from most major cities in the US. The terminal has on-site rental car services at the baggage claims, and free high-speed wireless internet access. Commercial airlines serving Eppley include Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United. The airport is also served by two FBOs for General Aviation services, and at least two charter operations. Secondary airports serving the area are 2 Millard Airport (MIQ IATA) in West Omaha, 3 Plattsmouth Municipal Airport (KPMV) in South Omaha, 4 North Omaha Airport (FAA LID: 3NO), 5 Fremont Municipal Airport (FET IATA) and 6 Council Bluffs Municipal Airport (CBF IATA) in Iowa, across the Missouri River east. Amtrak serves Omaha with the California Zephyr, which runs daily between Emeryville (in the San Francisco Bay Area) and Chicago. It has several stops along the way, with connections throughout America. However, the trains arrive at inconvenient times in the middle of the night. Omaha once had two historic grand stations, but one is now a television studio, and the other has been converted to a museum. The current 7 Omaha Amtrak station is on 1003 South 9th Street. The 8 Intercity/Interline Bus Station for Burlington Trailways and Jefferson Lines south of downtown at 1601 S Jackson St while Express Arrow serves the airport.

Neighbourhoods of Omaha are generally ill-defined and rarely used. When describing a location, Omahans are more likely to give an intersection. For example "39th & Davenport" for Joslyn Castle or "156th & Center" for Zorinsky lake. Roughly speaking: Downtown is between I-480 and the Missouri River, Midtown is between I-480 and I-680, and West Omaha is west of I-680. By far the easiest and most convenient way of getting around. The city is a grid and easily navigable, numbered streets run north-south and increase in number as you go west. Parking is plentiful and often free outside of downtown, and traffic jams are rare. All major rental car companies operate in Omaha. The Omaha Metro has regular bus services serving around Omaha. Fares are $1.25-1.50 for adults, $1 for students, and $.60 for seniors. Taxi service is available, but there is much less than in major cities. Taxis are always available at the airport and train and bus stations, but you won't be able to hail a cab downtown; you must call and arrange for a taxi to pick you up. Rates are fixed by city ordinance and do not vary among companies. Ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft are also present. zTrip (Happy Cab), ☏ +1 402-292-2222.

Omaha is generally a safe city, but still use common sense. Simply using caution and avoiding any situation in which you are uncomfortable will basically keep you out of trouble. The vast majority of violent crime occurs in North Omaha, roughly defined as the area North of Cuming St, between 24th and 72nd St. Exercise a bit of additional caution when in this area, especially after dark. Omaha is in Tornado Alley, so severe weather can erupt between the months of April and August with the main threats being hail, high winds and street flooding, but tornadoes can sometimes be a threat. Tornado alert sirens are located throughout the city. At 11AM on the first Wednesday of the month, the sirens are tested. If in doubt, ask a resident. Local stations KETV Channel 7 (ABC), WOWT Channel 6(NBC) and KMTV Channel 3 (CBS) break into programming if a severe weather event is in progress. Radio services 1110 AM and 590 AM also provide severe weather coverage. Omaha is in Douglas County in the state of Nebraska, as meteorologists often point out warnings this way. During winter months, Omaha often sees cold temperatures as well as snow or ice events. There are steep hills in the city, and precaution should be taken during slick driving conditions. Blizzards are often possible, the entire city normally shuts down during one of these.