Downtown Omaha offers direct access to the Missouri River, home to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and the hands-on science center Kiewit Luminarium. Connected to all of this is The RiverFront, a 72-acre green space made up of three parks with walking trails, a lakeside pier, amphitheater, Skating Ribbon and playgrounds.
Nearby, the Old Market Entertainment District beckons with unique shops and local dining along cobblestone streets. The Durham Museum, housed in Union Station, explores the region’s rich history, while the Joslyn Art Museum features 12,000 works spanning 500 years of creativity across three buildings and a sculpture garden.
In South Omaha, visitors can explore Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, named the No. 1 zoo in the country by USA TODAY readers, and the nearby Lauritzen Gardens, a year-round botanical retreat.
Plan a visit at VisitOmaha.com.
Omaha Metro Trail System
Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District – Floods and unpredictable weather events posed dangers for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Lewis and Clark’s records two centuries ago helped guide the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District’s modern-day water and natural resources management. Flood reservoirs often lead to hiking/biking trails, parks and open green spaces. Omaha is one of the top cities in the U.S in miles of bike trails – a total of 130 paved miles – many of which the Papio NRD and community partnerships made possible. The metro area trails system is called “Paths of Discovery,”an equal-access opportunity for all families to enjoy. PapioNRD.org.
