10 Best Things to Do in Omaha

Looking for what to do in Omaha? Nebraska’s largest city masterfully combines classic Midwestern charm with a quietly sophisticated urban energy, offering vibrant neighbourhoods, world‑class attractions, beautifully preserved historic districts, expansive riverfront parks, and a thriving arts and food scene that consistently surprises visitors. Known for its genuinely welcoming atmosphere, a stunning riverfront revitalization, and cultural landmarks that range from the scientifically profound to the artistically exquisite, Omaha is a surprisingly diverse and engaging destination. It provides a rich and varied itinerary for families, couples, history buffs, foodies, and solo travellers alike, all served with a dose of unpretentious hospitality.

From its globally acclaimed zoo and historic cobblestoned markets to scenic riverfront trails, monumental museums, and serene botanical gardens, the city reveals its layers through exploration. To help you discover the heart of this dynamic city on the Missouri, here are the 10 best things to do in Omaha to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Frequently ranked among the very best zoos in the world, the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is far more than Omaha’s top attraction—it is a destination of global significance in wildlife conservation, education, and immersive habitat design. A visit here is a full-day journey across ecosystems. You’ll wander through the Lied Jungle, the largest indoor rainforest in the United States, complete with mist, waterfalls, and free-flying birds. You’ll stand beneath the world’s largest indoor desert under the iconic Desert Dome, and be surrounded by sharks and rays in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium tunnel.

The experience extends outdoors to the expansive African Grasslands exhibit, where giraffes, elephants, and rhinos roam, and the Asian Highlands, home to majestic tigers and red pandas. The zoo’s commitment to creating naturalistic, large-scale environments means animals thrive and visitors gain a profound appreciation for the planet’s biodiversity. With additional highlights like the Kingdoms of the Night (the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit) and the Butterfly & Insect Pavilion, the zoo offers an endlessly fascinating, educational, and awe-inspiring experience for visitors of every age, solidifying its status as a must-see crown jewel.

2. Explore the Old Market District

The Old Market District is the historic and atmospheric soul of Omaha, a neighbourhood where the city’s past as a bustling mercantile hub is palpably alive in its brick-paved streets, converted warehouse buildings, and wrought-iron details. Today, these spaces house an irresistible collection of independently owned boutiques, art galleries featuring local and regional artists, acclaimed restaurants spanning cuisines from classic steakhouses to modern global fare, cozy coffee shops, and vibrant nightlife spots. The air is often filled with the sounds of street performers and the nostalgic clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages offering tours.

Exploring the Old Market is best done on foot, allowing you to peek into hidden courtyards, admire historic architecture, and stumble upon unique finds—from handmade crafts and vintage goods to gourmet food shops. The district’s energy shifts beautifully throughout the day: quiet and quaint in the morning, bustling with shoppers and lunch crowds in the afternoon, and alive with a warm, convivial glow from string lights and restaurant patios in the evening. For the perfect Omaha moment, visit at sunset when the warm light bathes the red brick buildings, creating a picture-perfect scene of historic charm.

3. Walk along the Gene Leahy Mall & Omaha Riverfront

Omaha’s dramatic and award-winning riverfront revitalization has created a seamless, park-like corridor along the Missouri River that is now the city’s premier gathering space. The Gene Leahy Mall at The Riverfront, with its iconic slides, interactive fountains, and sprawling lawns, is a hub of family activity and community events. It connects seamlessly to the Heartland of America Park, with its serene lake and spectacular fountain show, and Lewis & Clark Landing, which offers historical interpretation and stunning views of the river and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

This entire area is designed for exploration and enjoyment. Meandering pathways, picturesque pedestrian bridges, modern playgrounds, and thoughtful public art installations invite leisurely strolls, morning jogs, or bike rides. The riverfront is also the city’s festival grounds, hosting major concerts, cultural celebrations, and farmers’ markets throughout the warmer months. Whether you’re watching boats on the river, enjoying a picnic with a skyline view, or joining in a community yoga class, the riverfront embodies Omaha’s commitment to creating beautiful, accessible, and lively public spaces for all.

4. Visit the Durham Museum

Housed within Omaha’s magnificently restored Union Station, a landmark of Art Deco architecture, The Durham Museum offers a powerful journey through the history of the region and the nation. The grandeur of the building itself—with its soaring ceilings, polished marble, and original brass fixtures—evokes the golden age of rail travel. Permanent exhibits meticulously document the story of the Great Plains, from the traditions of Native American tribes and the hardships of pioneer settlement to the growth of Omaha as a transportation and meatpacking powerhouse.

The museum’s crown jewel is its collection of historic train cars, which you can walk through, imagining the journeys of decades past. Additional galleries explore 20th-century Americana through recreations of a classic soda fountain and period storefronts, while rotating national touring exhibitions cover topics from pop culture to ancient civilizations. The Durham is more than a museum; it’s a time capsule and a tribute to the spirit of enterprise and community that built the American West, making it a deeply enriching stop for anyone interested in the forces that shaped the heartland.

5. Explore Lauritzen Gardens

Lauritzen Gardens is a living, blooming oasis that provides a tranquil escape from the urban landscape. As Omaha’s botanical center, this 100-acre site features a stunning array of themed gardens that bloom in succession throughout the year. You can find serenity in the Japanese Garden, admire the formal beauty of the Rose Garden, explore the native plants of the Great Plains Garden, and be delighted by the seasonal displays in the magnificent Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory.

One of its most charming features is the Model Railroad Garden, a seasonal display where miniature trains wind through detailed landscapes representing American landmarks. Four miles of walking trails, including a scenic ridge path with views of the Missouri River valley, connect the gardens. Each season offers a new spectacle: vibrant tulips in spring, lush foliage in summer, brilliant autumn colors, and a magical holiday poinsettia display and train garden in winter. For nature lovers, photographers, or anyone seeking a peaceful respite, Lauritzen Gardens is a year-round destination of beauty and calm.

6. Visit Joslyn Art Museum (reopening schedule may vary)

The Joslyn Art Museum is Nebraska’s premier fine arts institution, renowned both for its exceptional collections and its stunning Art Deco architecture, built from Georgia pink marble. While the museum undergoes a significant expansion to double its gallery space, its legacy collection is profound. It holds world-class holdings of European art from the Renaissance through the 19th century, important works by giants of American art like Titian Peale and Thomas Hart Benton, and one of the country’s most significant collections of art from the American West, including works by Karl Bodmer and George Catlin that document Indigenous life.

The museum’s Sculpture Garden remains a peaceful outdoor gallery. The ongoing transformation promises an even more dynamic future. Visitors should check the museum’s reopening schedule, as the expanded Joslyn will not only showcase more of its permanent collection but also host major national touring exhibitions, solidifying its role as a vital cultural crossroads for the region. A visit to the Joslyn, in any phase, is an immersion into artistic achievement across centuries.

7. Stroll through Heartland of America Park

At the center of Omaha’s riverfront renaissance, Heartland of America Park is a scenic masterpiece designed for relaxation and recreation. The park’s centerpiece is a 15-acre lake, surrounded by graceful walking and biking trails, lush gardens, and plenty of benches for contemplation. The park’s famous fountain—one of the tallest in the country—puts on a spectacular light and music show at night, drawing crowds to its shores.

A romantic gondola ride on the lake offers a unique perspective of the city skyline. The park connects visually and physically to both the Gene Leahy Mall and the Lewis & Clark Landing, making it a key link in the riverfront’s chain of green spaces. Whether you’re taking a morning jog, enjoying a lunchtime picnic, or taking an evening stroll to see the fountains dance, Heartland of America Park provides a beautifully maintained, peaceful outdoor retreat in the very heart of the city.

8. Explore the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Affectionately known as “Bob,” the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is an architectural landmark and a beloved city icon. This graceful, S-curved suspension bridge stretches 3,000 feet across the Missouri River, creating a unique recreational link between Nebraska and Iowa. Walking or biking across it is a rite of passage for visitors and locals alike, offering ever-changing, panoramic views of the downtown skyline, the riverbanks, and the vast Midwestern sky.

The bridge’s most popular photo opportunity is at the precise state line in the middle of the river, marked by a plaque where you can famously stand “in two states at once.” The bridge is especially magical at sunrise or sunset, when the sky paints the river and city in breathtaking colors, and after dark, when it is lit by an elegant, colorful LED light display. With parkland at both ends, it’s a destination that encourages active enjoyment and provides one of the most memorable vistas in Omaha.

9. Visit the Omaha Children’s Museum

A wonderland of hands-on discovery, the Omaha Children’s Museum is designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and joy in young learners. This is a place where children are encouraged to touch, build, experiment, and play. Permanent exhibit areas like Innovation Studios offer STEM-based tinkering, the Fantastic Future Me exhibit lets kids explore careers, and the Grocery Store & Café inspires imaginative role-play.

The museum also features a permanent indoor climber, a water play area, and a dedicated space for the youngest visitors. Its strength lies in its rotating, large-scale themed exhibits, which might transform the museum into a dinosaur excavation site, a world of super heroes, or a celebration of farm life. With daily programming, science demonstrations, and art activities, the museum provides a dynamic, engaging, and educational experience that makes it a top destination for families visiting Omaha with children.

10. Experience Omaha’s Food and Brewery Scene

While Omaha’s reputation for phenomenal steak—best experienced at old-school institutions like Brother Sebastian’s or modern chophouses like The Committee Chophouse—is well-deserved, the city’s culinary landscape has dramatically expanded. Today, it boasts a vibrant farm-to-table movement, a dazzling array of global cuisine (from authentic Vietnamese to modern Mexican), and a craft brewery scene that is among the Midwest’s best.

Neighbourhoods are the key to the tasting tour. The Old Market offers classic ambiance, Dundee is known for its cozy bistros and bakeries, and Benson pulses with indie energy, craft beer bars (Kros Strain, Vis Major), and live music. Breweries like Zipline (known for its Copper Alt) and Brickway (which also distills its own spirits) offer inviting taprooms. From James Beard-recognized chefs to iconic Reuben sandwiches (purportedly invented here) and fresh, local produce, Omaha’s food scene is a delicious fusion of its rich agricultural heritage and its contemporary, creative ambition.