Omaha Travel Guide

It has been said that the Omaha, Nebraska, is one of the most racially divided cities in the country. Westside and Midtown Omaha are composed mainly of whites, the southern section is primarily Hispanic, while the northeastern portion is mostly African-American. The city is economically divided as well. It ranks among the 50 cities with the most millionaires per capita that also have a high rate of people living under the poverty line. Yet this cultural and economic disparity is often not noticeable to travelers who visit Omaha. Hospitality is citywide quality.

Sights

Omaha is a family-friendly city, with the Henry Doorly Zoo its most popular attraction. Housing the biggest cat complex in all of North America, the zoo is considered one of the best in the country, with over 4,000 animals. Take a General Marion boat tour inside the 31-acre Heartland of America Park, a place where you can relax and view the magnificent fountains. The Lauritzen Gardens has a rose garden, an arboretum and an herb garden and is another must-see, while Memorial Park has a playground, trails and open spaces. Other green spaces in Omaha are Dodge Park and Glenn Cunningham Lake. The lakes in the Lower Papio Valley are also refreshing attractions. Also make sure to save time for the Durham Western Heritage Museum, the Children's Museum and the Strategic Air and Space Museum. Funplex is an amusement and water park combined that the whole family will enjoy. Also try to catch a performance at the grand Orpheum Theater while you're in town.

Dining

Omaha has some of the best corned-beef and steaks on the planet but the city has all kinds of other cuisines too. Whether you want Mexican, Creole, Italian or seafood, there's a restaurant here that serves it. You can find 30 restaurants, 13 pubs and taverns, six coffee shops and ice cream stores in Omaha's Old Market historic district. More dining spots are located in the downtown area as well.

Shopping

Omaha's malls, stores and boutiques bring a bit of cosmopolitan retail flavor to the heartland. Borsheim's is a Warren Buffet-owned jewelry and gift shop with a vast inventory. You can find more upscale shopping in the many boutiques and stores in the Old Market. Westroads Mall is the largest in all of Nebraska, while open-air shopping is the attraction at Village Point. For home decor and furniture, check out the Nebraska Furniture Mart.

Where to Go in Omaha