Cities | North America › USA › Great Plains ›
TEXT CONTENTS
EXPLORE
Omaha [M] [1] is the largest city in the state of Nebraska [S], which is in the United States of America [S]. It is on the Missouri River border with Iowa [S], along US Interstates 29 and 80.

Omaha [M] is a unique city, as it has the highest number of millionaires per capita in the nation, as well as the highest number of restaurants per capita. Conversely, it also has one of the highest rates of African Americans living under the poverty line. It is still quite racially divided, with the affluent west side and Midtown being predominantly white, the south side Latino, and the northeast side African American.
Residents are universally friendly and polite, and Omaha [M] has a well-deserved reputation for hospitality.
Eppley Airfield Airport [S] (IATA: OMA) (ICAO: KOMA), [2]. Eppley Airfield is a domestic airport and is less than five minutes from downtown by car. The terminal has on-site rental car services at the baggage claims, free high-speed wireless internet access, and is currently served by main line and feeder services for multiple airlines including:
The airport is also served by two FBOs for General Aviation services, at least two charter operations, and a local air freight operator besides UPS and FedEx.
Secondary GA airports [S] serving the area include Millard Airport (MLE) in West Omaha [M], Plattsmouth Municipal Airport (PMV) south, and Council Bluffs [S], Iowa [S] Municipal Airport (CBF) across the Missouri River east.
Amtrak [S] [12] serves Omaha [M] with the California [M] Zephyr [13], which runs daily between Emeryville [M] (in the San Francisco [M] Bay Area) and Chicago [M]. It has several stops along the way, with connections throughout America. Omaha once had a large Union Station like Chicago, but it is now retired as a museum. The Amtrak station can be found behind.
Greyhound has daily service to nearby major cities including Denver [M], Kansas City [M], Minneapolis [M] and Chicago [M].
Eppley Express [14] provides limited shuttle service between Omaha [M] and several Nebraska [S] cities including Kearney, Grand Island, Hastings, Lincoln [S] and York. Two pick-up/drop-off locations are available in Omaha: Eppley Airfield and Holiday Inn [S] at 72nd & Grover just north of I-80. Service is limited to specific days and times depending upon your destination. Reservations available on-line.
The Metro Area Transit [15] has regular bus services serving around Omaha [M]. $1.25-$1.50.
Taxi service is available, but on a much reduced scale as compared to major cities. Taxis are always available at the airport and train and bus stations, but you won't be able to hail a cab downtown; it is necessary to call and arrange for a taxi to pick you up. Rates are fixed by city ordinance and do not vary among companies.
Omaha [M] has an expansive museum scene. Joslyn Art Museum [S][18] has works by El Greco, Degas, Monet and Renoir and an extensive ancient Greek pottery display. The Joslyn also has works by the famed Dale Chihuly. Other art galleries include the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts [S][19], which consists of three separate galleries in a warehouse-style studio. In addition to the latter, many other art galleries can be found throughout the Old Market [S]. Strategic Air and Space Museum [S][20] is a large, indoor museum with warplanes from America's past and and often has traveling exhibits relating to aerospace and technology on display. For the younger ones, there is always the Omaha Children's Museum[21], which has an art center, science center, and a mock grocery store. Durham Western Heritage Museum [S][22] is a renovated art deco-style train station and is believed to be the best example of art deco in the country with exhibits such as the Byron Reed Coin and Document Collection, The Trans-Mississippi Exposition Gallery, restored train cars, a teepee, an earth lodge, and more. Union Pacific Museum [S][23] details the beginnings of the Union Pacific Railroad and the role it played in westward expansion and has artifacts dating back to the 1860s.
Omaha [M] has many unique landmarks. Malcom X Birthsite [S][24] is located in North Omaha. His home no longer exists, but a marker stands on his former address. Joslyn Castle [S][25], as it is known, is the Scottish-Baronial style home of two of Omaha's most respected citizens and boasts four stories and 35 rooms. Tours are available to the public. Mormon Trail Center [S][26] has various monuments, including part of the route the Mormons took. The site known as the Winter Quarters marks the pioneers' winter camp of 1846, and 359 Mormons are buried in a nearby cemetery. Gerald R. Ford Birth Site and Gardens [S] pay homage to the late U.S. president. Twice destroyed by fire, the gardens stand where his house was.
Many parks and recreational areas are scattered throughout Omaha [M]. The Gene Leahy Mall [S] is nestled in downtown Omaha and features walking paths through grassy knolls, slides, a sandy playground, and a horseshoe pit. Not far from there is the Heartland of America Park [S], which runs along the riverfront and has two fountains. The Heartland of America fountain shoots water 300 feet into the air and has a colorful nighttime show. There are also boat rides for a quarter per person. Memorial Park [S][27], located in the Dundee-Happy Hollow [S] area, contains a playground, a baseball field, paths, trails, and plenty of open space. The park is unique because of its floral displays and historical monuments. Adjacent to Memorial Park is Elmwood Park [S][28], which has an 18-hole golf course, two baseball fields, a swimming pool, and many other things. The Lauritzen Gardens [S][29], (also known as the Omaha Botanical Gardens) have an admission fee, but it's worth the visit. The site features the Robert H. Storz Family Rose Garden, an arboretum and an herb garden with plans for a Japanese garden.
Omaha [M] is home to the NCAA College World Series [S][30]. Every June, the best college baseball teams from around the nation gather for the College World Series (CWS). The series is always a sell out event, so be sure to plan ahead. If you can't make it to the CWS but still want to visit Rosenblatt Stadium, catch a Omaha Royals [S] game. Each September, the River City Roundup [S][31] takes place. The event includes a festival of events, a professional rodeo, stage shows, expositions, parades, kiddie rides and more. During hockey season, the Omaha Lancers [S] take the ice in the 6,700 seat Mid-America Center across the Missouri River in Council Bluffs [S]. The Omaha Beef [S] [32] is Omaha's indoor football team, which plays at the Omaha Civic Center [S].
Creighton University [S] sports are also a big part of Omaha [M] life. Jays basketball especially, played at the Qwest Center [S], is a big draw for students and residents alike. Creighton also has a great soccer team that plays in one of the best soccer stadiums in the country, Morrison, located right on campus.
Also, the UNO Mavericks have a Division I hockey team that is usually a top 20 team.
For a taste of subculture sports, check out the Omaha [M] Roller Girls, Omaha's one-and-only flat track roller derby team. [33]
On April 15, 2010, the United Football League (UFL) announced that Omaha [M] will be the latest city to host a team in the growing franchise. The team will play its 2010 season at Rosenblatt Stadium and move to the TD Ameritrade Park for subsequent seasons. The team will be coached by Boston [M] College coaching legend Jeff Jagodzinski.
Omaha [M] hosts many festivals throughout the year. Every Thursday night throughout the summer, one can take part in Jazz on the Green [S][34] where local and regional musicians present programs ranging from reggae to swing at this annual concert series sponsored by the Joslyn Art Museum [S]. Bring a blanket, picnic dinner, beverages and your dancing shoes! Another summer event is Shakespeare on the Green [S][35] is an offering of Shakespearean works, a drama and a comedy running in repertory and draws more than 35,000 playgoers during its annual three-week run. Every summer, the Omaha Farmers Market [S][36] takes place in the downtown Old Market [S] area and is open Saturday mornings. The Taste of Omaha [S][37] festival is usually held between the Lewis & Clark Landing [S] & Heartland of America Park [S] downtown. Held in early June, this is a great way to sample food from various local vendors. There is also live music and other fun events. The Taste of West Omaha [S][38] or Westfest [S] is similar to Taste of Omaha, only it is held on the western edge of Omaha, 168th & Center St. In the winter months, the Holiday Lights Festival [S][39] takes place in Downtown Omaha. Lights are put up on many buildings and trees, and different activities take place throughout the festival, including ice skating, singing performances, and fireworks.
Orpheum Theater [S][40], which received a top-to-bottom renovation in the 1970's, is home to Opera Omaha [M], the Omaha Symphony, Broadway touring productions and music concerts. In addition, other performing arts shows can be seen at the Holland Performing Arts Center [S].
Film Streams is an indie movie theater located in the Slowdown [S] Complex in North Downtown (NoDo). Also, the Dundee theater on 50th and Dodge shows classic favorites and cult classics.
Omaha [M] is home to the Saddle Creek record label, which carries bands such as Bright Eyes, the Faint, and Cursive. These bands are part of the "Omaha Sound" and frequently play in Omaha. Check out venues such as Sokol Auditorium [S][41], Slowdown [S][42], and the Waiting Room [S][43] to see if they, or any other bands of your liking, are playing. You can also check out what bands are playing at the Qwest Center [S] [44] which has been hosting many national acts. The Omaha Civic Auditorium [S] [45]has a music hall that also hosts musical acts.
During the day, visit the nationally renowned Henry Doorly Zoo [S][46]. The Zoo is Nebraska's number one paid attraction, and a few of its features are "Kingdoms of the Night" (world's largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp), the Lied Jungle (world's largest indoor rainforest), and the "Desert Dome" (world's largest indoor desert.) Also, a trip to Omaha [M] is not complete without a trip to the Old Market [S][47]. The area still retains its brick streets and covered sidewalks, and rides on horse-drawn carriages are available. It is a good area to take a stroll, and be sure to do some window shopping at the upscale boutiques found throughout the area. Common sights include various street performers, musicians, artists, and other vendors. In the summer, it is home to the Omaha Farmers Market [S].
Omaha [M] and much of Nebraska [S] are known for high quality corn-fed beef. All restaurants in Omaha are smoke-free indoors. Smoking on outdoor patios is legal. Below are a selection of locations to eat in Omaha.
All restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in Omaha [M] are smoke-free indoors. Smoking on outdoor patios is legal.
The Bluejay bar is Creighton students favorite Wednesday night destination. A $5 cover gets you %1 shots and beers all night.
Farrel's Sports Bar, located downtown off 9th and Dodge, has a great Thursday night line up, with karaoke, $3 cover, and 50 cent busch or pbr.
Other fun bars include the Old Market [S]
Omaha [M] is generally a safe city, but do use common sense. Simply using caution and avoiding any situation in which you are uncomfortable will basically keep you out of trouble. The vast majority of violent crime occurs in North Omaha, roughly defined as the area north of Lake St and east of 42nd St. Exercise a bit of additional caution when in this area after dark.
Omaha [M] is in tornado alley, so severe weather can erupt between the months of April and August with the primary threats of hail, high wind and street flooding with tornadoes sometimes being a threat. Tornado alert sirens are located throughout the city (Note: at 11 A.M. on the first Wednesday of the month, the sirens are tested. If in doubt, ask a resident.) Local stations KETV Channel 7 (ABC), WOWT Channel 6(NBC) and KMTV Channel 3(CBS) break into programming if a severe weather event is in progress. Radio services 1110AM KFAB and 590AM also provide severe weather coverage. Be aware that Omaha resides within Douglas County in the state of Nebraska [S], as meteorologists often point out warnings this way.
During winter months, Omaha [M] often sees cold temperatures as well as snow/ice events. Be aware that steep hills do exist within the city, and precaution should be taken during slick driving conditions.
Although gambling is not allowed in the state, go across the Missouri River into Iowa [S] to visit Council Bluffs [S] to gamble at several casinos including Harrah's, Ameristar, and Horseshoe.
Visit Lincoln [S] (50 miles west on I-80) to explore various museums and shopping there. Or catch a University of Nebraska [S] football game, with a mean streak of sold out home games.
The nearby cities of Bellevue, La Vista, Papillion and Ralston also have various shopping areas.
| Routes through Omaha |
| Lincoln ← | W E | → Council Bluffs → Des Moines |
[ FlexiJourney Blog | TechMilieu.com | Favorizer.net ]
www.flexijourney.com by Philip Ze ^ 2008-2010
[ Twitter - Digg - StumbleUpon ]