Travel Spotlight on Omaha and Its 17 Best Attractions

In the heart of America’s Midwest, the city of Omaha is an unassuming hub of cultural and artistic interest with a real variety of attractions on offer. Positioning itself as one of the truly family friendly destinations on the map, Omaha is home to one of the most interactive and immersive zoos in the world, with exhibitions of epic proportions. The city has also become a focal point for art and culture in recent decades, with a number of interesting spots dotted throughout town; from the sprawling Joslyn Art Museum to the forward-thinking Kaneko center. Exuding the character of America’s west in all its nooks and crannies, Omaha is easily accessible from the state capital of Lincoln and is served by Amtrak, Greyhound and Megabus links. But don’t just take our word on Omaha, and instead listen to Peyton Manning who has been shouting its name for years!

Plenty of critters at the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Home the largest wild cat exhibition in the United States and Canada, a massive indoor jungle section, the world’s largest exhibit of nocturnal animals ("Kingdoms of the Night"), and the world’s largest indoor artificial desert, the Henry Doorly Zoo is awash with superlatives in its field. The zoo is known for its highly educational and truly interactive exhibitions, and is one of the top-rated family attractions in the region.

Get a dose of Midwest history at the Durham Museum

Housed downtown in Omaha’s magnificent Union Station, the Durham Museum is an image of classic art-deco architecture where Midwest heritage, culture and style is celebrated throughout the year. Permanent exhibits include displays on President Lincoln, collections of classic coins and documents, and sections on the history of Omaha itself.

Omaha's urban oasis, the Lauritzen Gardens

Unique in its cultivation of year-round fauna, the Lauritzen Gardens offer visitors something to see in both the summer and winter. Whatever time you visit, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Nebraskan climate, or learn more about the plants that grow here. There are both indoor and outdoor displays, with plenty of places to sit and contemplate along the way.

The best hamburger in Nebraska? See for yourself at Stella's Bar & Grill

"World-famous hamburgers" is Stella’s overarching claim to fame, and with succulent stacks of fresh meat served in a variety of traditional forms, it’s easy to see how it has stuck. The grill was first established in the 1930s, giving it a rich tradition of simple, tasty and proudly greasy food that was the hallmark of its founder, Estelle Francois Sullivan Tobler.

Renaissance perfection at the Magnolia Hotel Omaha

Nestled among some of Omaha’s most magnificent architecture, it’s easy to see why the Magnolia Hotel building was added to the national register of historic places back in 1974. But, while the architecture may be based on the Florentine palaces of Italy, the service here is nothing short of regal either, with award-winning cooking and skyline views to boot.