Top 10 Things To Do in Omaha, Nebraska

You’d think the NCAA College World Series is the only thing to do in Omaha, Neb., but you’re wrong! It’s a fantastic town in the heartland of America and the perfect place for a family vacay (especially during the CWS). Check out these awesome, family-friendly activities in Omaha:

1. Tour the Strategic Air and Space Museum – Opened in 1959 to commemorate the air craft of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), the Strategic Air and Space Museum was established to showcase SAC’s efforts to preserve the peace during the Cold War. The SAC Museum, as it’s referred to by locals, is located on I-80 between Omaha and Lincoln. Click Here to learn more about the museum.
2. Take a Wildlife Safari – Yep, a safari park in Nebraska! The Lee G. Sims Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari is a complete up close experience with bison, elk, wolves, eagles and more. There’s even a hands-on-corral to meet local farm animals, like pygmy goats and chickens. Click Here to learn  more about the Wildlife Safari.
3. Visit The Old Market – Cobblestone streets wind through Omaha’s downtown known as Old Market.  This historic neighborhood is full of shops, restaurants, and bars of all kinds. There is certainly something to entertain all members of your family!
4. Find a Good read at Jackson Street Booksellers – This second hand bookstore located in the historic Old Market neighborhood has been buying and selling, rare and out-of-print books since 1993. According to reviews, the Jackson Street Booksellers’ store is stacked form floor to ceiling with books of all sorts. This is the perfect time to stock up before your trip to the beach!

5. Visit U.S. President Gerald R. Ford’s Birthplace – The 38th president of the United States was born in Omaha, Neb. as Leslie King, Jr. in a beautiful three-story, fourteen-room Victorian home on Woolworth Street. A rose garden, added in 1978, is dedicated to First Lady Betty Ford. Click Here for more information.
6. Check out the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center – For more than two years, Lewis, Clark and a slew of men, one woman and a baby discovered new lands from the plains to the Pacific. The visitor center, complete with exhibits to commemorate their journey, is located in Omaha. Click Here to learn more.
7. Become a Millionaire at Area Casinos – Omaha is located near the Missouri River, so floating casinos dot the shoreline, much like in Tunica. Click Here for more information about Harrah’s, Horseshoe, and Ameristar casinos.
8. Enjoy a Boot at Crescent Moon Ale House – The Crescent Moon Ale House features 31 beers on tap, a German beer hall, and was named a Top 100 Beer Bar in America four years in a row by Draft Magazine. You won’t want to miss this experience! The Crecsent Moon Ale House is located at 36th and Farnam. Click Here to learn more.

9. Have Champagne on Tap at The Homy Inn – You read that right: Champagne on Tap. This nostalgia-invoking watering hole was named one of the Top 50 Bars in the US by Esquire Magazine in 2006 and is open seven days a week to help you get your bubbly fix! It’s also been suggested that you bring a pizza from Sgt. Peppers from across the street! Click Here for more information.
10. Visit Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium – Ranked the number one zoo in America by Family Fun Magazine in 2013 and 2014 and the Best Zoo in the Country by Trip Advisor in 2012, Henry Doorly Zoo has something for each member of the family! There are backstage tours, zoo classes, new exhibits, and an impressive aquarium!
BONUS: If you’re in Omaha for a few days without baseball, we’ve got a couple road trips to consider! The Blue Bunny Ice Cream Factory is located two hours north of Omaha in Le Mars, Iowa. There is a beautiful ice cream parlor, complete with outdoor seating, to enjoy your favorite Blue Bunny flavors!
Looking for a little big longer excursion? Be sure to check out the first ever Cabela’s store, located in Sidney, Neb. (about 5.5 hours west of Omaha).
Have a great trip, Rebel fans and be sure to send us photos along the way! Hotty Toddy!
– Kate Wallace, managing editor, kate.wallace@hottytoddy.com