The Durham Museum had my attention at being built in to Omaha's original, grand Union Station passenger railroad terminal. But it held my attention throughout as being a truly fantastic museum that only made me want to return to it.
The original Union Station main hall, where the famous stuffed buffalo once sat, has been restored and serves as the museum's very large lobby. The ticket counter has been turned in to the cashier and gift shop area while the lunch counter has remained a lunch counter (very cute).
You descend in to the train area and are greeted with... trains. A full, period passenger train is laid out and allows you to explore each car, seeing how passenger train travel looked in the early 20th century.
The local history section of the museum starts in the far room on the train level, and the exhibit that particularly caught my eye was the model and description of the Trans Mississippi & International Exposition. Held in Omaha in 1898, the exposition resulted in the construction of various, grand buildings, almost none of which exist today. This is not the fault of unfortunate "redevelopment" but, instead, the majority of the buildings were constructed of wood and plaster to keep costs down and, thus, deteriorated quickly.
All in all though, I was hugely impressed with this museum. I guess I didn't know what to expect but, having only about 90 minutes to do it (I arrived just before closing), I realized that you need over 2 hours to properly see everything here, because it's just that large and impressive. This is a must-see in Omaha, and would be worth your time even if just passing through the area.
Updated May 6, 2011
Address: 801 South 10th Street
Website: http://www.durhammuseum.org/
In late June the eight best college baseball teams in America square off in a double elimination tournament in a new stadium facility in Omaha. The new facility was just opened in April of 2011. It a festive atmosphere and lots of fun whether or not you are a big baseball fan.
Updated Apr 23, 2011
I enjoyed my stroll through this historical museum, located in the resored art deco Union Station. The man that waited in the railroad cars to tell stories and answer questions was very interesting. (see photo). He spent most of his years as a railroad employee, and could recall any fact instantly.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 801 South 10th Street
Phone: (402) 444-5071
First, you may ask what a naval museum is doing HERE, thousands of miles from the sea. Well, it's not equal to some of the displays of big warships (like battleships and aircraft carriers) in other cities. But it's a pleasant outing, just a few miles north of downtown.
On display are the USS Hazard (a minesweeper), a small training submarine, a few naval aircraft, some missiles, and a few guns. Good for a couple hours at most.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 2497 Freedom Park Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68110
Phone: (402) 345-7788
Get up close and personal with elk, bison and cranes from the safety and comfort of your car.
"Safari Nebrask-style along four miles of road and experience North American terrain and wildlife," according to the web site.
The safari is part of the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo.
Located in the Wolf Canyon offer a look at bears and wolves. There are also hiking trails for the experienced and beginner hiker.
Admission prices:
Adults: $5
Seniors: $4
Children (5-11): $3
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Nebraska 1-80, Exit 426
Phone: (402) 944-WILD
It has been a ritual to me, flying into Omaha on Continental Airlines from Miami, arriving on a Sat or Sunday and then leaving within four or five days back to wherever I cam from: Kingston, Jamaica, Baracoa, Cuba and many a times from Buenos Aires, Argentina.. london paris etc
even the airline agents at check in ask me, you are going where?
If not for the american indians who live nearby I too have no reasons to visit Omaha. to make the best of it and i look forward to this each time is a visit to the Jackson Street Book Sellers one of the best second hand bookstores in America, the midwestern equivalent of Powells in Portland
The two owners either of whom would be manning the space which passes for reception surrounded by MOUNTAINS of books are extremely knowledgeable about books and spending an hour or two at the bookstore you will come up with something .. i have found books i have been looking for years.. such as Amin Malouf for example..
on 4 nov 2010 Huffington Post had a photo essay on Omaha and two of the 15 photos showed inclued the home of Warren Buffet and the Jackson St Book store.
Congratulations to you dear friends..
Written Nov 6, 2010
Address: jackston street por supuesto
There is a nice bridge crossing the Missouri river that is for pedestrians and bicycles only, great for a short stroll. There is not yet very much to do on the Iowa side, but if you cross the bridge by bicycle you can continue to follow the trail for several miles, down around Lake Manawa in Council Bluffs.
Written May 20, 2010
I'm going in reverse order for a fun mid-week night...
In Benson at 60th and Maple is the coolest little music bar called Mick's Music and Bar. Great drinks, always have specials, and the music is always interesting. Currently, on Wednesday nights after 9 a cool cat named Korey Anderson who sings and plays guitar--beg him to sing Let's Get It On--even if you're a guy. He is the best at it. The atmosphere is swanky and since there is no more smoking here, it smells great. Little tables with candles, great servers and the owner is someone you gotta meet.
Just before you go, you can go across the street and west to make a pendant at Adventure in Art from 7-8 p.m. if you forgot to put on your jewelry before going to Mick's. Make your own.
Just west on Maple is Espana, a little tapas restaurant. Great for sangria and the plates (tapas) are to die for. Get a few to try and share them. A great ethnic experience.
During the day, still in Benson, check out the several boutiques and 2nd hand shops. A fun place to hang for a half a day!
Written Apr 13, 2008
Address: 60th and Maple
Website: micksomaha.com
THIS IS OMAHA'S NEW EXHIBITION HALL AND MEETING CENTER. Here you will find concerts, conventions and more. For example, on the weekend previous to this writing, the Qwest hosted the Blue Man Group, a huge classic car show, and the Women of Faith convocation, while preparing for a Bon Jovi concert.
Updated Mar 31, 2008
Address: 455 North 10th St.
Phone: 402 341 1500
Website: www.qwestcenter.com
THIS IS A NICE OUTDOOR AREA featuring sculptures, water features, pedestrian bridges, historical plaques and so on. Plus, right across the street are interesting restaurants and businesses.
Please keep in mind that the photos were taken in March, before the trees and grass had greened up to make the area prettier.
Written Mar 30, 2008
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Reviews and photos of Omaha attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Omaha sightseeing.

THIS IS A NICE OUTDOOR AREA featuring sculptures, water features, pedestrian bridges, historical plaques and so on. Plus, right across the street are...
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