Down by the River

Most of Omaha’s cultural institutions are clustered along the Missouri River waterfront in the Old Market area, a turn-of-the-century district that is now an entertainment and shopping hotspot. Here, find Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts that offers live-work opportunities to artists, the Omaha Children’s Museum, The Durham Museum in a renovated Union Pacific train station, and Joslyn Art Museum. See a show at Creighton Orpheum Theatre or stop by Hot Shops Art Studio, a converted mattress factory with studios for about 80 artists. Old Market’s restaurants feature some of the best Omaha cuisine. Enjoy the view of the downtown landscape from the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which linksNebraska andIowa.

Outdoor Enthusiast’s Playground

Five lakes and two rivers offer the chance to boat, fish and swim your way around Omaha. Take a gondola ride on the Missouri River at downtown’s Heartland of America Park or head to Lewis and Clark Landing, where interpretive exhibits shed light on the explorers. Omaha is a prime birding spot: Scope birds at Chalco Hills Recreation Area, Zorinsky Lake Park or nearby Fontenelle Forest.

Don’t-Miss Destinations

The much-heralded Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has a rainforest, desert habitat, big cat complex, camel rides and even a chairlift over the zoo. For a little political history, visit the expansive Malcolm X Birthsite, a memorial to the civil rights leader. A tour of historic Boys Town, a 1917 children’s home, is definitely not to be overlooked. See the significance of Omaha’s music scene at Saddle Creek Records Slowdown rock club and bar on the same block as the independent record label.

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The USA’s largest indoor rainforest Lied Jungle is at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

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