Bemis Center for Contemporary Art
724 S 12th
Omaha, NE 68102
402-341-7130
www.bemiscenter.org / info@bemiscenter.org
Located in a renovated warehouse in Omaha's Old Market district, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is a "working" art gallery for artists-in-residence. Grants are awarded to artists from all over the world who reside at the Center, creating and displaying their works in the Center's galleries.
Coco Key Water Resort
3321 S 72nd St
Omaha, NE 68124
402-393-3950
www.cocokeyresort.com / cocokey@holidayinnomaha.com
Over 60,000 square feet of Key West indoor water resort adventure! Three 40-foot body and raft slides, Key Quest Arcade, Adventure River, Wet Rooster Bar, Dip-in Theater, private cabanas, restaurants, and more. Great for birthday parties, team building, family reunions, corporate retreats and group events.
Durham Museum, The
801 S 10th
Omaha, NE 68102
402-444-5021
www.durhammuseum.org / info@durhammuseum.org
Formerly Union Station, Durham Museum is a window into the history of Omaha and train travel. Built by Union Pacific Railroad from 1929 to 1931, the museum is the nation's first restored Art Deco railway station housing permanent and temporary exhibits of more than 100 years of Omaha history, train cars and memorabilia. In its heyday, 64 trains and 10,000 passengers passed through the station daily. Today, you can tour the train cars, enjoy an ice cream treat at the old fashioned soda fountain and eavesdrop on the "conversations" of the train travelers (actually life-size bronze statues) in the train station. The Museum also offers a number of programs for children.
Federal Reserve Bank
2201 Farnam St
Omaha, NE 68102
402-221-5500
www.kc.frb.org
This interesting tour starts with a 15 minute film about the role of the Federal Reserve Bank. The actual tour (45 minutes to one hour) takes you inside the money vaults and includes a demonstration of a money shredder. They can accommodate groups up to 30 people (though special arrangements can be made for groups of up to 40 people) and request a minimum of 5 people. Tour participants must be at least high school age. There is no charge for tours.
General Crook House at Historic Fort Omaha
30th & Fort
Omaha, NE 68112
402-455-9990
www.omahahistory.org / house@omahahistory.org
General George Crook - Civil War hero and leader in the Indian Wars - was a predominant figure in the settlement of the West. Situated atop a shaded hill, the Crook House stood guard over historic Fort Omaha. His home is now a hands-on museum and includes Mormon Trail exhibits. Open M-F, 10-4; Sat-Sun 1-4.
Gerald R Ford Birthsite & Rose Garden
3202 Woolworth Ave
Omaha, NE 68105
402-595-1180
www.nebraskahistory.org / grfcc@nebraskahistory.org
Though the original home of our 38th president was destroyed in a fire, a beautiful park and rose garden now serve as a memorial. The park showcases a scale model of Ford's home, White House memorabilia, landscaped gardens and the Betty Ford Rose Garden, which blooms in season with over 400 varieties of rose bushes. The Conservation Center and outdoor courtyard are available for rent for special group events. Open 7:30 am-6:00 pm, Mon-Sun
Hanscom Park Conservatory
3201 Woolworth Ave
Omaha, NE 68105
402-444-5497
www.ci.omaha.ne.us/parks / pdostal@ci.omaha.ne/parks
Beautiful park with pavilion in view of the Hanscom Park Lagoon.
Heartland of America Park
800 Douglas St
Omaha, NE 68102
402-444-5900
www.ci.omaha.ne.us/parks / pdostal@ci.omaha.ne/parks
Located in downtown Omaha, the 15-acre park's centerpiece is the Heartland of America Fountain - shooting 300 feet into the air. Illuminated with colorful lights at night, it is truly a site to behold. For an up-close view of the fountain, enjoy a ride on the park's 35-foot excursion boat - The General Marion - for only 25 cents! Stroll the walkways and view the WWII 50th Anniversary Heartland Memorial. The park has picnic areas available and plays host to a number of free concerts and other outdoor performances during the summer months. Season: May-Sept 4.
Henry Doorly Zoo
3701 S 10th
Omaha, NE 68107
402-733-8401
www.omahazoo.com / events@omahazoo.com
You won't want to miss a visit to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo! Whether you have a few hours to fill or a full day, there is a lot to see and do at this internationally acclaimed attraction. Some of the exhibits include: The Lied Jungle - the world's largest indoor tropical rainforest; Scott Aquarium - walk through a 70 foot tunnel as sharks and thousands of colorful reef fish swim overhead and alongside in their 850,000 gallon tank; Lozier IMAX 3-D Theater - enjoy spectacular animal and nature films on the giant 83 foot wide and six-story-tall movie screen; Cat Complex - the largest big cat facility in North America, home to Siberian, Bengal & Sumatran tigers, African lions, snow leopards and jaguars; view over 675 species of animals spread throughout the 110-acre park. Immerse yourself in the world's largest geodesic, indoor desert. This attraction includes the diverse wildlife of the Sonoran, Namib, and Central Australian deserts and the world's largest nocturnal exhibit, located beneath the Desert Dome. Gorilla Valley, a walk through an enclosed glass tunnel, allows gorillas to roam a two-acre valley all around you! The latest to open is the Butterfly and Insect Exhibit.
Historic Florence Mill
9102 N 30th St
Omaha, NE 68112
402-551-1233
www.historicflorence.org / lsmeigs@msn.com
Follow your visit to the Mormon Trail Center with a stop at The Historic Florence Mill. The Mill is the oldest business in Nebraska, begun in 1846 as the Mormon Winter Quarters' gristmill. The mill served farmers during the Nebraska Territory days through the 1980s. The mill is now being restored. A $2.00/ person contribution will be used to help fund much-needed repairs. Open 1-5 Fri-Sat, June 1-August 31.
Josyln Art Museum
2200 Dodge St
Omaha, NE 68102
402-342-3300
www.josyln.org / jevon@joslyn.org
Since its opening in 1931, Joslyn Art Museum has served as a premier center for the visual arts. One of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the nation, the museum's collections include European, American, Twentieth-Century, Western American and Ancient Art. In addition, the Museum schedules approximately 14 special exhibits each year. The museum also features a number of musical programs throughout the year, educational programs, an art reference library, cafe, and museum gift shop.
Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's Botanical Center
100 Bancroft St
Omaha, NE 68108
402-346-4002
www.omahabotanicalgardens.org / a.miller@omahabotanialgardens.org
One of the region's most beautiful and educational cultural facilities, the Omaha Botanical Gardens features a rose garden with over 2,000 plants in a formal display, an herb garden, an arboretum and bird sanctuary and a 32,000 square foot visitors' center. The center opened in the fall of 2001 and includes a 5,000 square foot floral display, gift shop, classrooms, cafe, and banquet areas for up to 300 people. Blooming in the spring of 2008 was the Festival Garden, the Arrival Garden, Song of the Meadow Lark, and a dramatic Victorian walled garden. The gardens are open every day except Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Lee G Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari
I-80, Exit 426
Ashland, NE 68003
402-733-8401
www.omahazoo.com / events@omahazoo.com
Developed and operated by the Henry Doorly Zoo, the park is a 360 acre drive-through nature preserve that features animals native to North America. The four miles of road allow visitors to get face-to-face with elk, white-tailed deer, bison, and whooping cranes. A short foot trail leads visitors to an overlook of the wolf's territory. The Visitor Center includes interactive nature exhibits, small animal displays, gift shop, concessions and small convenience store.
Mahoney State Park
28500 W Park Hwy
Ashland, NE 68003
402-944-2523
www.ngpc.state.ne.us / webmaster@ngpc.ne.gov
Located off Interstate 80 (near SAC Museum and the Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari), enjoy a large variety of outdoor activities at this year-round park. Take part in horseback riding, hiking, fishing, swimming, giant waterslide, miniature golf, driving range, cross-county skiing, tennis, art & crafts center and observation tower. The Kountze Memorial Theater offers melodrama productions year-round. The beautiful Peter Kiewit Lodge, which overlooks the Platte River Valley, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Memorial Park
6005 Underwood Ave
Omaha, NE 68132
402-444-5995
www.ci.omaha.ne.us/parks / pdostal@ci.omaha.ne/parks
The park features war memorials dedicated to veterans and a formal rose garden with over 1,000 rose bushes.
Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters
3215 State Street
Omaha, NE 68112
402-453-9372
www.lds.org/placestovisit
In 1846, one of the nation's greatest planned migrations moved through north Omaha. Nearly 4,000 Mormon pioneers occupied this site, which was established as their winter camp and staging area in preparation for their continued migration westward. Today, several landmarks and monuments - including the Museum and Mormon Pioneer Cemetery - tell the story of Winter Quarters. The Center is located across the street from the cemetery. It is open daily and admission is free.
Nebraska Furniture Mart
700 South 72nd St
Omaha, NE 68114
402-397-6100
www.nebraskafurnituremart.com
Nebraska Furniture Mart's 64 acre complex is home to the nation's largest single home furnishings store. With over 1,000 brands of merchandise (electronics, appliances, furniture), NFM's volume buying allows for outstanding discount pricing.
Oak View Mall
3001 South 144th St
Omaha, NE 68144
402-330-3332
www.oakviewmall.com
Major department stores such as Penney's, Dillards, Younkers, and Sears. There is a large variety of smaller shops and a food court.
Offutt Air Force Base - US Strategic Command
901 SAC Boulevard
Offutt Air Force Base, NE 68113
402-294-6017
www.offutt.af.mil
Advanced reservations are required and based upon availability. Tour can include a guided driving tour of the base, viewing of the security police dogs and the Air Force Weather Agency. Some portions of the tour may include lots of walking and stairs. Due to space and time limitations, groups of 100 or more may be limited to the guided driving tour of the base. The Officers' Club (402-292-1560) does offer lunch with special clearance.
Old Market
10th to 13th, Farnam to Jackson
Omaha, NE 68102
www.oldmarketomaha.com / info@oldmarket.com
At the end of the 19th century, with Omaha situated as a major railroad center, the market area was alive with produce dealers, buyers and transporters. Today, the original red brick warehouses are home to more than 125 businesses - from restaurants and coffee houses to unique shops and art galleries. A major attraction for both tourists and locals, there is much to explore in Omaha's Old Market district. Include this delightful and relaxing destination in your Omaha tour itinerary!
Old Market Walking Tours
10th to 13th, Farnam to Jackson
Omaha, NE 68102
402-345-1072
Enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Market and hear the history of this popular Omaha destination. Tours can be arranged for groups of all sizes and is an easy walk for people of all ages and physical conditions. Be sure to stop by Thomas D. Mangelsen's Images of Nature gallery in the Old Market. One of the world's premier nature photographers, Tom's images of the wild will captivate young and old alike. For group tours, contact Julia Roberts at 402-341-8460.
Omaha Children's Museum
500 S 20th St
Omaha, NE 68102
402-342-6164
www.ocm.org / ckriegler@ocm.org
Discover how the world works and learn through play. It is Omaha's only participatory museum, a place where children and adults can learn and play together. The Charlie Campbell Science and Technology Center is a 5,000 square foot science gallery dedicated to hands-on exploration of the physical sciences. The Museum provides an ever-changing series of interactive exhibits, workshops, and special events, such as: Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body, DinO!saurs, and Speed!
Omaha Community Playhouse
6915 Cass St
Omaha, NE 68132
402-553-0800
www.omahaplayhouse.com / knewman@omahaplayhouse.com
Advanced reservations are required for performances and backstage tours. The Omaha Community Playhouse also has accommodations to host a group luncheon or dinner. The backstage tours are handled through the Theater Volunteer Support Group, and several weeks' notice is required.
One Pacific Place
103rd & Pacific
Omaha, NE 68124
402-399-8049
www.onepacificplace.com
Shops include Talbots, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico's, Crabtree & Evelyn, Bath & Body Works, Harolds, Eddie Bauer, and Mimi's Maternity. Restaurants include Wheatfields, California Pizza, and Ruby Tuesday.
Regency Court
120 Regency Parkway
Omaha, NE 68114
402-393-8474
www.regencycourtomaha.com
For the discriminating shopper, visit Regency Court, home to Borsheim's, America's largest independent jewelry store. Borsheim's features a huge inventory of jewelry, fine gifts and china. Pre-arranged tours are available for small groups. Other shops include: Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Williams-Sonoma, Ann Taylor Loft, Parsows, White House/Black Market, and Christian Nobel Furs. Dining options include Bonefish Grill, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, Kobe Japanese Steak House, and Paradise Bakery.
River City Star Riverboat
151 Freedom Park Road
Omaha, NE 68102
402-342-7827
www.rivercitystar.com / amyp@rivercitystar.com
A unique venue for your next business meeting, family reunion, wedding reception, company outing and more…The River City Star Riverboat can accommodate up to 360 people on three decks or 300 for seated dinner and offers full catering services. Lower deck has heating and air-conditioning. Available April through October.
Rockbrook Village
2800 South 110th Ct
Omaha, NE 68144
402-390-0890
www.rockbrookvillage.com / mmiller@rockbrook.omhcoxmail.com
Featuring over 50 fine specialty shops and restaurants. Enjoy convenient front door parking or stroll through this outdoor shopping village - home to the Rockbrook Village Concert Series in the summer and the annual Rockbrook Village Art Fair (typically in September).
Rose Performing Arts Center
2001 Farnam
Omaha, NE 68102
402-502-4631
www.rosetheater.org / stank@rosetheater.org
The Rose Theater offers a vaudeville production with a tour of the facility for groups. Please contact the theater two-three weeks in advance to schedule a time. Lunch can also be provided, if desired.
Strategic Air & Space Museum
28210 W Park Hwy
Ashland, NE 68003
402-944-3100
www.strategicairandspace.com / byork@strategicairandspace.com
Located off Interstate 80 near Mahoney State Park and the Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari, the SAC Museum (opened April 1998) features more than 30 of the world's most famous military aircraft and missiles in a spectacular 300,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility. In addition to the aircraft displays, visitors can view the restoration process of warplanes in the Restoration Shop; take part in a number of activities in the Children's Interactive Gallery; learn about SAC history in the 200-seat theater; and browse for souvenirs and educational items in the Museum Store. The museum also features a snack bar.
That Pottery Place
7828 Dodge St
Omaha, NE 68114
402-392-1166
www.thatpotteryplace.com
A paint-your-own pottery studio! You select the piece of pottery (over 100 pieces to choose from) and create your own masterpiece. They provide over 50 paint colors and a large assortment of brushes, stencils and sponges. Your finished product will be dried, fired, glazed, and delivered within four to five days. The studio can accommodate up to 30 people. Prices vary depending on the piece of pottery selected (approximately $8.00 and up). For larger groups, Nancy and her staff can bring this activity to your convention site.
Village Pointe
17305 Davenport St
Omaha, NE 68118
402-505-9773
www.villagepointeshopping.com
Nebraska's largest lifestyle shopping center, featuring extensive retail, dining and entertainment options. The open-air design of the center replicates a nostalgic Main Street shopping district. Vehicular access allows convenient parking in front of your favorite store.
Westroads Mall
10000 California
Omaha, NE 68114
402-397-2398
www.westroadsmall.com
Large department stores includes Younkers, Von Maur, Penney's, and Dick's Sporting Goods. Also, there is a large food court with several restaurants surrounding the mall.