Moving to Omaha soon and can’t wait to learn more about the city? Learn about the best things to do in Omaha as you get yourself psyched for the move. Explore the history of the city and all that it has to offer.

Founded in 1854, Omaha has some interesting twists and turns in its history. Once known as a transportation hub, which people passed through to reach the “new West”, it is now home to several Fortune 500 companies.

Related: Find Rooms For Rent In Omaha

Outdoors in Omaha

1. “Bobbing” at Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge simply referred to as “Bob,” is a floating bridge over the Mississippi River. This bridge covers 3000 feet of biking and hiking trails. Don’t forget to stand on the state line on Bob and snap a picture! This is known as “Bobbing”, and is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Omaha.

• Cost: Free
• Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours

2. Visit the Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard

Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Omaha with your family, you get to pick strawberries and sunflowers during the summer at this vineyard. Also, you can walk through pumpkin patches during the winter. When visiting the Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard, don’t forget to grab a bite of their famous homemade treats.

• Cost: Entry is free. However, you will need to pay for the produce you pick.
• Hours of Operation: Thursday to Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM; Sundays: 11 AM to 5 PM

3. Explore Fontenelle Forest

Located along the Missouri River, the Fontenelle Forest covers nearly 2000 acres of wetland, prairie, and forest. Walk right in for a magical experience; it’s one of the few places in Omaha where you can catch a glimpse of wild deer! If you love to explore nature, then this is definitely one of the best things to do in Omaha.

• Cost: Every day: 8 AM to 7 PM
• Hours of Operation: $11 per adult; $10 per senior (62+); $8 per child (2-17); Free for children under age 2 and members

4. Pick Berries at the Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch

Explore the countryside of the city at the Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch. Not only will you get to pick your own berries, but you also get to interact with the farm animals. And you can view farm antiques as well.

• Cost: Prices vary per season;
• Hours of Operation: vary per season

Sports in Omaha

1. Catch a NCAA College World Series Game!

For many, the NCAA College World Series games are a bucket list event! Don’t miss out on the best of college baseball games while you’re in Omaha.

• Cost: Varies per game; average tickets start at $150
• Hours of Operation: Varies per game

2. Experience Ice hockey with the Omaha Lancers

The Omaha Lancers are a historic team within the United States Hockey League. With over 33 years of experience, they’ve played in almost all 50 states. Don’t miss out on watching them play on their home ice!

• Cost: Ticket prices start at $15
• Hours of Operation: Varies per game

Museums in Omaha

1. Visit the Durham Museum

Located at the Art Deco Union Station, the Durham Museum helps you catch a glimpse of the history of the region. Explore restored cars and catch a glimpse of storefronts from the 1940s. Or, stop by an authentic soda fountain for a malt or phosphate.

• Cost: $11 for adults; $8 for seniors; $7 for children aged 3 to 12; free for children below 2 and members
• Hours of Operation: Sunday: Noon – 4 PM; Monday: 10AM – 4PM; Tuesday: 10AM – 8PM; Wednesday to Saturday: 10AM – 4PM: closed during major holidays.

2. Explore the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Supporting contemporary artists, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts was founded in 1981 by artists, for artists. It has an internationally renowned artists in residence program, which helps support artists through commissions, temporary exhibitions, and innovative public programs.

• Costs: Entry is free; you can make voluntary donations
• Hours of Operation: Sunday to Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 11 AM to 5 PM; Thursday: 11 AM to 9 PM

3. Take a Trip to the Joslyn Art Museum

One of the best places to visit in Omaha with your family, the Joslyn Art Museum has something for everyone. Explore the outdoor exhibitions, which let you view over 20 artworks while walking along a garden. Or, catch the guided tours, classes, lectures, and more.

• Cost: Entry is free
• Hours of Operation: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM; hours are extended till 8 PM for the first weekend of every month.

Culture in Omaha

1. Greet the Animals at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium isn’t a zoo. Rather, it is a biological reserve dedicated to the conservation of animals across the globe. Here, you will find some of best things to do in Omaha, like exploring North America’s largest indoor rainforest. Also, you can explore the world’s largest indoor desert.

• Cost: Ticket prices vary per season; free for children aged 2 and below.
• Hours of Operation: April 1st to October 31st: 9 AM to 5 PM daily; November 1st to March 31st: 10 AM to 4 PM

2. Get Adventurous with Flying Timber Axe Throwing!

It’s simple: grab an ax, throw it at the target and wait impatiently for your next turn. When you’re thinking of places to visit in Omaha with your friends, this is the number one spot!

• Cost: $20 per person for one hour; $35 per person for two hours
• Hours of Operation: Wednesday to Thursday: 5 PM to 9 PM; Friday: 5 PM to 10:30 PM; Saturday: 12 PM to 10:30 PM

3. Get Closer to Nature at the Glacier Creek Preserve

Hike various trails, or simply enjoy the view at the Glacier Creek Preserve. This park is part of the extended University of Nebraska-Omaha campus.

• Cost: Entry is free
• Hours of Operation: Open only for daytime hiking

Restaurants in Omaha

1. Try the Original Reuben Sandwich at the Crescent Moon

Considered to be one of the top beer bars in America, the Crescent Moon serves up the original Reuben sandwich. Just one bite and you won’t be able to get enough of it.

• Cost: Starts at $3.99
• Hours of Operation: Sunday to Monday: 11 AM to 10 PM; Tuesday to Thursday: 11 AM to midnight; Friday to Saturday: 11 AM to 2 AM

2. Eat Farm-Fresh Food at the Kitchen Table

The Kitchen Table prides itself on being one of the few restaurants in Omaha that utilizes fresh local produce. Here, they make sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta. Grab dinner or lunch, or stop by for brunch on Sundays.

• Cost: Starts at $4
• Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Thursday: 11 AM to 5PM; Friday: 11 AM to 6 PM; Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM

Pubs in Omaha

1. Taste the Local brews at the Farnam House Brewing Company

The best place to try local brews, along with farm-fresh food. Don’t forget to try the Farmhouse ales while you’re here.

• Cost: Starts at $6
• Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Thursday 4 PM to 9 PM; Friday: 4 PM to 10 PM; Saturday 12 PM to 10 PM; Sunday 11 AM to 9 PM

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