Top 11 Sights to See in Omaha
Omaha Nebraska is on the rise in the tourism world, this quintessential midwest city providing visitors with history, charm, education, and most importantly, lots of fun.
Omaha is known for it's Lewis and Clark history, it's cultural centers such as Love's Jazz and Art Museum and El Museo Latino, and perhaps its most well-known attraction of all, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (rated #1 in the world by TripAdvisor!).
Take your time while visiting and try to see it all, from the gorgeous Joslyn Castle to the must-see historic Old Market, the Heartland public park to Bob the Bridge!
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Old Market
'Omaha's most historic, most entertaining neighborhood', Old Market, is one of the best places to visit while in Omaha for shopping, dining, and playing. Shopping opportunities within Old Market are outstanding, with everything from 'bookstores to boutiques, art galleries to antiques'. Your group can explore local goods, shop the latest fashion trends, and even find the perfect souvenir before you go.
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Omaha Children's Museum
This is a must-stop for groups with younger children in tow, this museum providing a fun learning and exploration space to help kids of all ages, 'play, learn, and grow'. Inside you will find award-winning science and tech exhibits, fun hands-on learning activities, and an onsite cafe and gift shop.
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Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
This is TripAdvisor's number one-ranked Zoo in the world, the most visited attraction in all of Omaha! Inside you will find thousands of animals from around the globe, 130 acres of exhibits and gardens including 7 acres of indoor exhibits, and plenty of extra fun attractions, eateries, and gift shops. This stop is a no-brainer!
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Heartland of America Park
This public park is the centerpiece of Omaha's downtown area, the park most known for its highly recognizable 320-foot fountain with a jet and light show nightly. There are historic sculptures and plaques throughout the park, as well as 31 acres of riverside relaxation. There are several paths to explore, a boat tour during the summer, and direct access to most popular attractions downtown. This is a site of 'exploration, expedition, and recreation'.
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Joslyn Art Museum
Omaha's Joslyn Art Museum is the largest art museum in Nebraska has been open since 1931, giving it a long history of artistic excellence in Nebraska. There are more than 11,000 works of art within to enjoy, the art inside spanning several eras, artists, and media types. Just look for the four pillars at the entrance, the striking architectural feature setting off this art deco architectural gem.
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Joslyn Castle
This stunning castle is Omaha's premier historic landmark, a 6-acre property in the heart of midtown. You can tour this Scottish Baronial style mansion and learn all about its original owners, George and Sarah Joslyn while here, as well as more about the culture and historical aspects of this community in general.
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Love's Jazz and Art Center
Get incredible insight into north Omaha's African American culture at Love's, this cultural hotspot highlighting jazz greats such as the center's namesake, Preston Love. There are multiple exhibits dedicated to the culture and history of the local African American community, as well as several regular live performances of the smoothest jazz around!
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Lauritzen Gardens
Omaha's premier botanical center is an 'escape to an urban oasis', gorgeous 100-acre garden space and arboretum that serves as a living museum of the local 4-season plant displays. This spot will show you blooms, blossoms, and buds each season, as well as give several opportunities to learn about environmental stewardship, conservation, and gardening.
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Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Otherwise known as 'Bob the Bridge', this popular walking path, sightseeing spot, and social gathering space is the first of it's kind to connect two different states, allowing you the opportunity to have one foot in Nebraska, and one in Iowa at the same time. The bridge is strikingly modern in it's cable-stayed, s-curve style, and is one of the most gorgeous spots in town after dark when the colored lights brighten the bridge and river below.
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Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
This cutting-edge art gallery will show your group top visual arts exhibits that explore all mediums and aspects of contemporary arts and even allows guests to sit in on workshops, lectures, and ARTalks while here. Explore the entire warehouse space to get a good glimpse of today's top contemporary artists both locally and nationally.
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Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum
For all those interested in learning about air and spacecraft and our history with it, this is the spot to visit. The Strategic Air Command will show you multiple aircraft, air and spacecraft exhibits, historic artifacts, and even the state of the art motion control system on-site (the closest to the flight you'll get on the ground!) For added educational value head to the planetarium within the museum!
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