Omaha Off The Beaten Path

Western Heritage Society
801 S 10th St
Omaha, Nebraska 68108-3205

Housed in an old railroad station, this museum provides a great deal of historical information concerning Omaha--especially about the railroads. It's a short walking distance from downtown and the Old Market.

In many ways this is as much or more Iowa, i.e., Council Bluffs. Since I spend my time in Omaha, I place it here instead. The Loess Hills are the results of the Continental Glaciers. {I'll have to link some tips - which I need to write - about seeing the glaciers results.} These massive glaciers moved down from the north, pushing and grinding the rocks and soils into a fine powder, called loess. When the glacier(s) started to melt, these fine soils were released along the southern margin, i.e., the Missouri River and they were carried by wind and water southward, much of it to cover Nebraska and Iowa. Along the Missouri River, water sculpted it into hills and valleys, which are now a unique area to travel. Terraced farms, high bluffs, blue water, sheltered coves all await the curious traveler.

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Usually, I take I-80 directly (well as direct as the roads out here are) into Omaha, through Council Bluffs, southside. This time, we to I-680 to the Missouri River from I-80, while still 20-30 miles (32-48 km) out of town. There is an overlook on the westbound lanes that look down into the Missouri River Valley and across Nebraska. I expected to see the River, but here, it is on the far side of the valley. The skyline of Omaha was visible and a change of pace.

I don't think I'd go out of my way to get here, but if it's a choice of I-80 to Council Bluffs, or taking I-680 to I-29 to Council Bluffs/Omaha, Take the later. On a nice day, the break in driving is welcome and the view worth the stop.

The story of the Holy Family Shrine begins with the intervention of the Holy Spirit within a few people. These people are of diverse backgrounds with little chance to meet until the Holy Spirit united them spiritually with an idea of the Holy Family Shrine. Through a unique and divine series of events, these people discovered they had been enlightened to the same idea. This idea was to create a place off of Interstate 80 for travelers to pray and discover the Catholic faith. These travelers would not only be of the road, but of a spiritual voyage on earth.

The shrine is a place intended to bring Roman Catholics back to the Church and to bring others to the Church. We found it a comforting place that brought peace and comfort. The various Roman Catholic images, i.e., crucifix, while uncomfortable, did not get in the way of this non-catholic from being at peace. I recommend a visit to any person of faith, regardless of which faith or demonination you have chosen. See my Holy Family Shrine travelogue for more pictures.

Monday - Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday 12:00am to 5:00pm

If you find yourself scratching your head and saying, "what do I do now?", here are some options:

1. Durham Western Heritage Museum: Close to the downtown area, this museum talks about the importance of the railroad in Nebraska.

2. Joslyn Art Museum: Not a bad art museum to go through.

3. Heartland of America Park/Gene Leahy Mall: This man-made lake and creek have some nice areas to walk around in. Also included are the big slides and gondola rides. The General Marion, the boat that used to go on there, I used to work for. The fountain at night changes many different colors.

4. Regency: If you like higher-class, unique shopping, this is the place to check out.

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THE REASON I SAY THIS IS "OFF THE BEATEN PATH" is that this is a smaller, upscale mall that is sort of hidden away and not known by many tourists who are in town. In fact, the giant Westroads Mall is just across Dodge Street from Regency, and Westroads is where you will find most visitors.

Just south of Westroads Mall on Dodge Street is a "Regency" exit. Take it to the south and you will quickly see the Regency Mall on your right.

I don't remember all the stores in the Regency except there is a Williams Sonoma. And, best of all, there is a "Scooters" cappaccino store right in the middle of the lobby. (Scooters makes the smoothest Hazelnut Lattes we have ever tasted.)

FIVE PHOTOS ATTACHED.........

The name "Bellevue" came from an early French explorer; it refers to "la belle vue", or the lovely vistas overlooking the Missouri River. This is a small town, now a suburb of Omaha, whose southern side flanks Offutt Air Force Base.

There is not a lot here, but the town has a few nice parks (notably Fontenelle Forest), and you can take a boat ride on the Missouri.

The city government is at this address:

210 West Mission Avenue
Bellevue, Nebraska 68005

Omaha is chock-full of bizarre goodness. There are an insane number of Greek and Thai restaurants. Go to them. As many as possible. You won't be disappointed... Also visit Ahmad's persian restaurant in the old market. It's a tiny little hole in the wall, but the best Iranian food anywhere.

If you are in the mood to shop, visit one of the Elan Furniture stores, a modern furnishings panacea. Also consider visiting Aki Oriental, on 84th St, south of I-80, or one of the other Asian markets.

If you are a golfer, visit one of the year-round, climate controlled indoor driving ranges. They look a bit like enormous beached jellyfishes fron a distance. (Chili Greens is the best) For video games, visit Family Fun Center, a disturbing large Video Arcade (purportedly the largest in the Midwest), and play pretty much any video game ever created. (Or in my case, just play Dance Dance Revolution -- which ever latest mix they have managed to snag from the bowels of Japan, until you fall over dead from exhaustion)