Located along the banks of the Missouri River at Nebraska's eastern border, Omaha (taken from a Native American word meaning "those who go against the current") is the state's largest city (pop. 404,260). Visitors can choose from a number of museums. The Joslyn Art Museum is the state's only accredited fine art museum. Housed in an unusual building that's a hybrid of art-deco and neoclassical design, the interior is truly impressive, with 38 different kinds of marble used in the floors and walls. We enjoyed the eclectic collection of art in the Joslyn, ranging from western art to works of old masters.
There's much to see at the Durham Western Heritage Museum. The art-deco building—once a railroad terminal—is an attraction in itself: The chandeliers and murals inside suggest a little of the lost glamour of rail travel. The museum's exhibits detail the development of Omaha and include an impressive collection of historic coins, maps and documents.
Other attractions include the legendary Boys Town, the site of the residential program for underprivileged youths established by Father Edward Flanagan in 1917. The tour of the grounds includes the Hall of History, which depicts the lifework of the founder.
Don't miss the two perfectly preserved Navy vessels that are on display at Freedom Park: the USS Hazard (a minesweeper) and the USS Marlin (a submarine). You also should consider a trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo, home of the Lied Jungle and the Desert Dome, said to be the world's largest indoor rain forest and largest indoor desert and nocturnal exhibit, respectively. You can walk through the Lied Jungle at ground level and on an elevated walkway that runs through the treetops. The Desert Dome offers a 30-ft/9-m sand dune and a hummingbird canyon, along with habitats for a variety of creatures including monitor lizards, meerkats, prairie dogs and pumas. The newest exhibit is an orangutan forest. The zoo also contains the Kingdoms of the Sea Aquarium, with underwater tunnels for viewing sharks or penguins up close, and an IMAX theater. The zoo is worth a full-day visit, or even two.
If there's time, see the Omaha Children's Museum. Or stop by the birthplace of former U.S. President Gerald Ford—there are some elaborate gardens on the grounds. The Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters is adjacent to the burial site of 600 Mormon pioneers who died in the winter of 1846.
Florence, a small area of Omaha, is home to the Bank of Florence (with artifacts from the mid-1800s), the Historic Depot and Historic Mill. Old Market is another area of vintage buildings. They now house shops, galleries and restaurants.
Between Omaha and Lincoln, just off Interstate 80 near Mahoney State Park and the drive-through Wildlife Safari, is the Strategic Air & Space Museum. It contains almost three dozen aircraft, many of which have been restored, including a World War II bomber. The museum also hosts traveling exhibits of airplane memorabilia and art.
Among the notable events on Omaha's calendar are the Omaha Quilters Guild Show (April), the NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium (June), the River City Roundup (September) and the Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Livestock Exposition & Rodeo (September).
