Omaha has been quietly bubbling with cool for a while now. Your grandparents may know it for Omaha Steaks, as headquarters of the Union Pacific Railroad, or even for the Lewis and Clark Trail. Today, this Nebraskan city also offers outdoor adventure and college sports in spades, one of the country's best zoos, and great steaks. If you’re new to the Great Plains, you might be surprised at the caliber of things to do in Omaha—if you’re a seasoned Cornhusker, you’ve been in the know all along.
Like the rest of the Great Plains, Omaha experiences cold winters, hot summers, and mild weather between seasons—most visitors prefer to visit between May and October to avoid packing a parka. Spring and fall can be lovely for mornings spent at museums and attractions (like the epic Henry Doorly Zoo) and afternoons spent outdoors, like at Lauritzen Gardens. In summer, catch the College World Series, or get on the Missouri River like Lewis and Clark.
Omaha is a driving city—you’ll want your own wheels if you plan to explore beyond downtown. However, many hotels offer complimentary shuttles within a specific mile radius (and to the airport). If that’s your situation, you could go without a rental car by throwing a few taxis or rideshares into the mix. It’s a sprawling city, but if you stay close to downtown, you’ll be near most of Omaha’s list-topping attractions.
If you’ve never been to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, you’re in for a treat. At one of the nation's best zoos, humans wander an enclosed walkway while the animals roam a combined 160 acres (65 hectares); the onsite aquarium is impressive, too. Plan to spend a half-day at the zoo, slowly exploring the Asian highlands, African grasslands, desert dome, and other habitats. If you have more time, that’s even better.
