15 Best Things To Do In Omaha NE You Shouldn't Miss

Looking for the best things to do in Omaha, Nebraska? You’re in the right place.

Omaha is one of those Midwest cities that has a little bit of everything. You’ll find fascinating museums, historic sites, beautiful gardens, parks, unique attractions, and plenty of places to learn more about the city’s past.

Just outside the city, there are also some great parks if you want to spend a little longer exploring the area.

So, whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or simply finding something a little different to do, here are 15 of the best things to do in Omaha, Nebraska.

If you’re exploring more of the state, take a look at my guide to the best things to do in Nebraska too.

Looking at the skyline of Omaha from across the rive near the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. It is twilight so the buildings are lit up and the bridge and river and dark. The article is about things to do in Omaha, Nebraska.

Quick Guide To The Best Things To Do In Omaha

Best for	Attraction
Art	Joslyn Art Museum
Omaha history	The Durham Museum
Nature & hiking	Fontenelle Forest
Gardens	Lauritzen Gardens
Something unusual	Museum of Shadows
Families	Gene Leahy Mall
Architecture	Saint Cecilia Cathedral
Outdoor adventure	Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Free activity & views	Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

15 Best Things To Do In Omaha NE You Shouldn’t Miss

The Joslyn Art Museum

Not only is the Joslyn Art Museum one of the top things to do in Omaha it is also free to enjoy.

The art museum is two floors with a cafe, shop, and sculpture garden. The museum reopened in 2024 following a major expansion, with a new pavilion, redesigned gardens, and more gallery space.

Throughout each floor, you’ll find art from all over the world and some of it is as old as at least the Medieval period.

You’ll be able to admire art from Asia, Europe, Latin America, the American West, and Native American Nations.

The Joslyn Art Museum also has a section of the museum that is dedicated to special exhibits.

These exhibits may change several times a year, or be longer temporary exhibits.

Before your visit, make sure to check out what the current special exhibit is!

A large multi colored glass sculpture in the Joslyn Art Museum, one of the best things to do in Omaha. The glass is all twisted in different shapes and is both speckled and solid colors.

The Durham Museum

You can find the Durham Museum in what was once the Omaha Union Train Station.

There is an entrance fee, with prices depending on age.

The stunning architecture of the Art Deco building just adds to the experience of walking through the museum.

At the Durham Museum, you’ll learn all about Omaha’s history, heritage, and the early Pioneers.

There are several permanent exhibits, and many of them are even interactive.

Explore the architecture of early buildings during the Pioneer period, check out a classic covered wagon, and experience shopping in a grocery store from 1915.

If you are traveling with kids, this is one of the most fun things to do in Omaha if you’re interested in Pioneer and American West history. Bringing your family to the museum would be a fantastic getaway!

Looking up at the ceiling of an Art Deco building that was once a train station in Omaha. It has large windows on the side of the building, crystal chandeliers, and decorative tiles. The article is about things to do in Omaha, Nebraska. — Photo Credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Visiting Fontenelle Forest Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Omaha

The Fontenelle Forest spans 1,400 acres and is a beautiful forest escape.

Because Fontenelle Forest is so large, part of it is in Omaha and part of it is in Bellevue.

In Omaha, you can visit the Neale Woods section of Fontenelle Forest.

Neale Woods Nature Reserve covers about 600 acres in North Omaha.

You can explore hiking trails along the Missouri River, go bird watching, admire the local flora and fauna, or stroll through the seasonal butterfly garden.

There is an entrance fee to the park, but there isn’t a visitor’s center.

Instead, you pay your entrance fee at the entrance gate, typically via a lockbox.

For those looking to escape the city for a bit, you can not go wrong with some time spent in Fontenelle Forest.

Looking down a path in the Fontenelle Forest, one of the fun things to do in Omaha. There is a path with wooden railings and all around it are trees. In the distance you can see two tall buildings.

Visit The Saint Cecilia Cathedral

One of Omaha, Nebraska’s most iconic pieces of architecture is the Saint Cecilia Cathedral.

The cathedral is located in Omaha’s Gold Coast Historic District and it’s really hard to miss. When it was completed in 1959, Saint Cecilia was one of the ten largest cathedrals in the US.

It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an Omaha Landmark. The Cathedral is frequently listed as one of the most impressive and beautiful cathedrals in the United States.

The groundbreaking for the cathedral took place in 1905, but it took 50 years to finish building. Unlike many of the other cathedrals in the US built at this time, Saint Cecilia is designed in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style.

Inside it features domed ceilings, beautiful stained glass, and arched entryways. Towards the back of the cathedral is an impressive pipe organ.

The Saint Cecilia Cathedral is a stunning piece of Omaha architecture and history that is definitely a must-see.

The interior of the chapel of the Saint Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha Nebraska. It has stained glass windows, paintings on the wall, a rounded ceiling, a crystal chandelier, and tile floors with wooden pews. The article is about things to do in Omaha, Nebraska. — Photo Credit: Nagel Photography / Shutterstock.com

Stroll Through The Lauritzen Gardens

You don’t want to miss a chance to stroll through the Lauritzen Gardens while you are looking for things to do in Omaha NE.

The Lauritzen Gardens are an extensive botanical garden in Omaha that features a series of one-of-a-kind four-season plant displays.

With about 100 acres of land in the middle of urban Omaha, it’s a beautiful oasis any time of year thanks to the different seasonal gardens.

In the 4 acre arboretum, you will find a selection of representatives from the seven regional plant groupings.

There are examples of prairies, an oak-hickory forest, a savannah, marshland, a flood plain, a maple-linden forest, and a farmstead windbreak.

Even if you come back to visit every year, you’ll find a new garden that has been created.

It’s fun to see the changes that happen throughout the garden year after year and experience the new gardens.

Looking at the large conservatories at the Lauritzen Gardens. There is also tall grasses and trees surrounding the conservatory.

The Museum Of Shadows Is One Of The Most Unique Things To Do In Omaha

If you’re looking for a more unique activity while exploring Omaha, Nebraska, I suggest a trip to the Museum of Shadows.

The Museum of Shadows is known as the ‘Most Haunted Museum in the World’.

That reputation means you’re in for an interesting experience if you enjoy spooky activities. It’s especially fun to visit around Halloween!

Inside, you’ll find what the museum describes as the largest collection of supposedly verified haunted objects in the world, from all over the world.

This unique museum has been featured on several Travel Channel and Discovery Plus shows, including Ghost Adventures and Fright Club.

Touring this museum is not for the faint of heart though.

Many guests report odd things happening or touching them as they walk through the display rooms.

So if that isn’t your thing, best to avoid this unique Omaha Nebraska activity.

A collection of creepy dolls. They are plastic and porcelain. Some of them have hair and clothes and some do not. The article is about things to do in Omaha, Nebraska.

Walk Along The River At The Gene Leahy Mall

Gene Leahy Mall is a great place to escape the busy city streets without actually leaving downtown Omaha.

The park reopened in 2022 following a major redevelopment and is now part of The RiverFront, a 72-acre park system connecting Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and Lewis & Clark Landing.

Today you’ll find large green spaces, walking paths, a sculpture garden, playground, dog park, and a performance pavilion that hosts events and live music.

It’s a lovely place to take a break while exploring downtown Omaha and one of the best free things to do in the city.

This replaces the outdated renovation section in the original.

A view of the Omaha skyline from the Gene Leahy Mall, one of the fun things to do in Omaha. It is nighttime and all the buildings are lit up. There are twinkle lights in the trees and the river looks frozen over with snow on the ground.

Spend Some Time At The Memorial Park And Rose Garden

The Memorial Park and Rose Garden is a beautiful and poignant place to visit in Omaha NE.

To get the full effect of the Rose Garden, I suggest visiting in the late spring or early summer when most of the roses will be in full bloom if you are able.

The memorials and statues within the park were originally dedicated to the soldiers of World War II.

Eventually, the dedication came to include everyone from Douglas County who has served in the armed forces.

It is a beautiful place to walk through and is typically not very crowded.

Memorial Park also hosts Omaha’s annual summer concert and fireworks celebration. This Omaha Nebraska destination is definitely worth a visit all year round though.

An aerial view of a large park that has a large semicircular memorial for armed forces personnel. You can also see a green lawn, a rose garden, and lots of trees. The article is about things to do in Omaha, Nebraska.

Experience The Holy Family Shrine

You will need to travel about 30 minutes outside of Omaha to experience the Holy Family Shrine, but it is totally worth it.

While it may not be right in Omaha, it’s still one of the things to do in Omaha that travelers love to see. You can find it just off of I-80, which runs through Omaha, at the Gretna exit.

At the site of the shrine, there is a visitor’s center that has a courtyard and stone path that leads to the shrine itself. The shrine sits on the edge of a prairie.

With huge glass windows that seem to look out into the sky, stone floors, a stream that runs through the door and onto either side of the inside of the chapel, and large wood beams, its architecture is stunning.

The shrine and visitor center are open most days and are free to visit.

If you are Catholic or simply wish to experience a Catholic Mass in the shrine, they hold Mass every Saturday morning.

However, even those who aren’t religious can appreciate and experience the beauty of the Holy Family Shrine.

If you have a little more time, Gretna is also one of my favorite small towns in Nebraska to explore.

Looking at the Holy Family Shrine, one of the prettiest things to do in Omaha. It is a large shrine with stone, wood crisscrossing on the top, and a large roof. Around it there is a stone path, dead grass, and a stone wall. there are patches of snow on the ground. The article is about things to do in Omaha, Nebraska.

Lewis And Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters And Visitor Center

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail runs through most of the Midwest and into the West.

It is considered the trail that Lewis and Clark took, with the guidance and help of Sacagawea.

The route was made famous thanks to the Lewis and Clark Expedition following the Lousiana Purchase.

The Omaha visitor center commemorates the expedition’s journey through the middle Missouri River region, where Lewis and Clark travelled, camped and met with Native peoples.

It has been placed in Omaha because at the time of the expedition, it was a part of Missouri. It was known for being a location where the duo often held council with Native American Chiefs regarding their trip.

At the center, you’ll learn all about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the two explorers themselves, and the Native Americans who assisted in their progress.

A brown sign on the side of the street. The sign has an odd shape and silhouettes of Lewis, Clark, and Sacagawea with an arrow pointing to the left.

Joslyn Castle Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Omaha Nebraska

One of the coolest activities in Omaha Nebraska is to take a tour of the Joslyn Castle.

The Joslyn Castle was actually the private mansion home of George and Sarah Joslyn, who were famous Omaha socialites in the early 20th century.

Constructed in 1903, the castle features a Scottish Baronial architectural design that is stunning as it sits on top of a grassy hill.

It is surrounded by manicured lawns, planned gardens, a conservatory, and other smaller buildings.

The castle was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and has been a designated Omaha landmark since 1979.

The grounds are free and open to the public, but to tour the inside of the castle you need to reserve a tour time and pay a small fee.

If you want to experience a little bit of Europe in the middle of urban Omaha, spend some time at Joslyn Castle.

The front exterior of a large stone mansion that has a Scottish style. In front of it is a round pathway that has a shrub garden in the middle and shrubs all around the path. The article is about things to do in Omaha, Nebraska. — Photo Credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Learn About Latin Art And History At El Museo Latino

El Museo Latino was the first museum in the Midwest dedicated to Latin Art and History and originally opened in 1993.

Even today, it is one of only 17 Latino museums currently open and operating in the US.

Being the first such museum in the Midwest, it also serves as a hub for Latino studies in the Midwest.

When you visit you can expect to see a rotating schedule of exhibits that highlight different aspects of Latin history, art, culture, and more.

Part of the museum’s aim is to teach others about Latin culture.

They often have films, lectures, art classes, and more that teach various parts of the culture.

During September for Spanish Heritage Month and various Latino holidays, they hold special programs and events.

It’s a cool way to learn about the Latino culture and heritage and how that is often reflected in the Midwest.

The hands of someone wearing a colorful Latin outfit while they weave using multicolored threads on a large loom.

Find Adventure At Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

The Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is another Omaha activity that isn’t actually in Omaha.

It is about 30 minutes south of Omaha, but it’s a super popular state park that people from Omaha, or those who are visiting, love to explore.

The biggest reason for the love of Mahoney State Park is how unique it is, at least for a state park.

There are of course state park classics like hiking trails and chances to see the local flora and fauna.

But Mahoney State Park has a ton of other really cool amenities.

You can try indoor rock climbing, climb the observation tower, explore the nature center, or cool off at the Family Aquatic Center in summer.

If you visit when the weather is bad, don’t worry. You can spend the day having fun at the indoor aquatic center and playground.

It is a really fun way to get out of the city and enjoy the great outdoors, especially in the fall!

Omaha also works really well as part of a longer Midwest road trip.

Looking down at someone's feet as they stand on a metal overlook tower. Below the tower you can see a dirt path and lots of trees. The article is about things to do in Omaha, Nebraska.

Explore The Gerald R. Ford Birthsite And Gardens

Former President Gerald R. Ford was actually born and lived, for a short time as a baby, in Omaha.

The site of the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens was his grandparents’ home, and after being born, Ford lived there for a few weeks.

Originally, a three-story Victorian mansion stood on the property, but after it burned down in 1971 the space was left vacant.

Shortly after Ford became President, a local businessman bought the plot with plans to make it a memorial site for President Ford.

When you visit the site now, you’ll find a beautiful garden, a portico structure that represents the White House, and a pagoda that is meant to represent the original home President Ford was born in.

If you are interested in visiting prominent presidential places, then you will want to add the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens to your Omaha Nebraska itinerary.

A plaque commemorating the birth site of President Gerald R. Ford. It is white marble and is sitting on a short dark brick wall with white columns. There is a metal coin with Fords face on it and the marble slab is engraved. — Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com

Walking The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Is A Fun Thing To Do In Omaha

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is one of Omaha’s most distinctive landmarks.Stop at the state line in the middle of the bridge and you can stand in Nebraska and Iowa at the same time.

Constructed in 2008, the bridge crosses the Missouri River and connects Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska.

Because only pedestrians and cyclists can use the bridge, it is a fun and safe way to get between Iowa and Nebraska.

You can access the entrance of the bridge from the Port of Omaha Miller Landing.

It is 3,000 feet long and sits about 52 feet above the river.

Not only is it fun to walk across it and sight see, but the bridge itself is also a really cool piece of architecture.

It features several curving sections that you can admire from the shores of the Missouri River.

If you’re looking for a free Omaha activity that is also fun, take a walk on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

Looking at the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian bridge from the shores of the Missouri River. You can see the bridge curving over the river and going over a small island before continuing on. The bridge is white with suspension wires. The shore of the river is covered in snow. Its one of the most fun things to do in Omaha.

With so many fun and unique things to do in Omaha, it can be hard to know where to start.

Whether you want to learn more about the city’s history, explore its museums and gardens, spend time outdoors, or find something a little more unusual, Omaha has plenty to offer.

And when you’re ready to eat, take a look at my guide to the best restaurants in Omaha.

If you’re planning to stay a little longer, there are also plenty of great places to stay in and around Omaha, making it easy to turn your visit into a weekend getaway.

Have you visited Omaha? I’d love to hear which attractions you enjoyed most.

Packing List For Visiting Omaha Nebraska – Things You Might Forget

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when visiting Omaha. It is always important to protect our personal information. This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips. It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast! I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use. It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for group shots or that perfect selfie!

You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you. I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse. When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great. It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

You will be walking more than usual during your weekend getaways in Ohio. A sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes are a must-have. These waterproof all-season shoes are extremely affordable and yet fashionable. Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these Air Run high fashion sneakers come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable. If you are visiting Omaha in warmer weather, maybe you want a pair of sandals to wear to dinner or to the local cafe, I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals. I have several pairs of Vionics that I bring with me *everywhere* I travel. They are very comfortable and have orthotic footbeds that cradle and support your feet.

We all need to protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too. If you are fond of the aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.