Omaha
A friendly river city with a historic market district.
Points of interest
- Old Market
- Henry Doorly Zoo
- Joslyn Art Museum
- Pedestrian Bridge
State guide
Things to do in Nebraska
Omaha's Old Market and world-class zoo, the spring sandhill crane migration on the Platte River, canoeing the Niobrara, the Sandhills, and the pioneer landmarks of Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff.
500,000+
Sandhill cranes each spring
Cranes, sandhills and pioneer trails
Nebraska is a state of wide open spaces, from the farmland of the east to the grass-covered dunes of the Sandhills and the high plains of the west. The Oregon, California and Mormon trails all followed the Platte River across it, and the rock formations that guided pioneers still stand.
Omaha, the biggest city, has the cobbled streets and warehouses of the Old Market, the Henry Doorly Zoo, one of the best zoos in the world, and the free Joslyn Art Museum. A pedestrian bridge crosses the Missouri River to Iowa. Lincoln, the capital, has a striking Art Deco-era capitol tower and a big university.
Every spring, from late February to early April, hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes gather on the Platte River near Kearney, one of the great wildlife spectacles in North America. In the north, the Niobrara River near Valentine is great for canoeing and tubing. In the west, Chimney Rock, Scotts Bluff and the quirky Carhenge are worth the drive. Give Nebraska three or four days, by car.
Where to base yourself
Omaha and Lincoln in the east, and Kearney for the cranes and the Platte River.
Lincoln
The capital and a lively college town.
Points of interest
- State Capitol
- Haymarket
- University of Nebraska
Kearney
The base for the spring crane migration.
Points of interest
- Sandhill cranes
- Rowe Sanctuary
- Great Platte River Road Archway
Regions of Nebraska
Omaha and Lincoln in the east, the Platte River valley in the centre, the Sandhills in the north and the pioneer landmarks of the west.
Omaha
City, zoo, Old MarketNebraska's biggest city on the Missouri River.
Lincoln
Capital, universityThe capitol tower and the Haymarket.
Platte River valley
Sandhill cranesKearney and the spring crane migration.
Sandhills and Niobrara
Grass dunes, riversValentine and the Niobrara National Scenic River.
Panhandle
Pioneer landmarksChimney Rock, Scotts Bluff and Carhenge.
Things to do
Things to do in Nebraska
In Omaha, explore the shops and restaurants of the Old Market, spend a day at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, with its huge indoor desert and rainforest, and visit the Joslyn Art Museum, which is free. Walk across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge to stand in two states at once. In June, the College World Series fills the city with baseball fans.
In Lincoln, go up the State Capitol tower for views over the plains. From late February to early April, watch the sandhill cranes on the Platte River near Kearney at dawn or dusk, from viewing blinds at the Crane Trust or Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary.
In summer, canoe or tube the Niobrara River from Valentine, and see Smith Falls, the tallest waterfall in the state. In the west, visit Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff National Monument, and the cars arranged like Stonehenge at Carhenge in Alliance.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
The Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha is free, and so are the Old Market streets and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. Tours of the Nebraska State Capitol and its observation deck are free.
Scotts Bluff National Monument has no entry fee, and Carhenge is free.
Crane viewing from public roadside platforms is free; guided blinds charge.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Nebraska is beef country, and Omaha is famous for its steakhouses. Try a Runza, a bread pocket filled with beef, cabbage and onion, from the Nebraska chain of the same name. Omaha also claims the Reuben sandwich.
The Old Market in Omaha and the Haymarket in Lincoln have the best choice of restaurants, bars and cafes.
Nebraska has a growing craft beer scene. Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
Nightlife
Going out
Omaha's Old Market and Benson neighbourhood have bars and live music; Omaha has a well-known indie music scene. Lincoln's Haymarket and downtown are lively with students.
In the Sandhills and the west, nights are for stargazing.
Bars close at 1am in much of the state, and at 2am in Omaha and Lincoln.
Getting around
Getting around
Omaha's Eppley Airfield is the main airport. Amtrak's California Zephyr stops in Omaha, Lincoln and other towns along the Platte, usually at night.
Public transport is very limited outside Omaha and Lincoln, so a car is essential. Interstate 80 crosses the state east to west.
Most of Nebraska is on Central Time; the western part is on Mountain Time.
Costs
What Nebraska costs
Nebraska is very good value. Food, fuel and accommodation are cheap, though Kearney gets busy during the crane migration and Omaha during the College World Series.
Sales tax is 5.5 per cent statewide, plus local taxes, reaching 7 per cent in Omaha. Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
The zoo is the big expense in Omaha.
Safety
Safety and scams
Nebraska is very safe. Take normal city care at night in Omaha.
Spring and summer bring severe storms and tornadoes, so follow local warnings. Winters are cold, with blizzards that can close Interstate 80.
On the Niobrara, wear a life jacket and go with an outfitter. In an emergency, call 911.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Cranes, college baseball and summer on the river.
Late February to early April
Sandhill crane migration
Platte River, near Kearney
Hundreds of thousands of cranes gather on the river.
June
College World Series
Omaha
The finals of US college baseball.
Late August to early September
Nebraska State Fair
Grand Island
Rides, music and farm shows.
When to go
Late February to early April for the sandhill cranes, and May to October for everything else. June brings the College World Series to Omaha, and summer is river season. Winters are cold.
Jan
Cold
Feb
Cranes arrive
Mar
Crane migration
Apr
Spring, storms
May
Pleasant
Jun
College World Series
Jul
River season
Aug
Summer
Sep
Pleasant
Oct
Autumn
Nov
Cold
Dec
Cold
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs for Omaha, rounded.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Omaha prices.
Treat these as a guide. Car hire costs extra.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Nebraska questions
The ones we get asked most.
When is the best time to see the sandhill cranes?
From late February to early April, peaking in mid to late March, at dawn and dusk.
Is Omaha worth visiting?
Yes, for the Old Market, the Henry Doorly Zoo, steakhouses and the free Joslyn Art Museum.
Can you canoe the Niobrara River?
Yes, from Valentine in summer, with local outfitters.
What is Carhenge?
A replica of Stonehenge made from old cars, in Alliance.
Do I need a car in Nebraska?
Yes. Public transport is very limited.
How many days do you need in Nebraska?
Three or four days.
Is the Joslyn Art Museum free?
Yes, general admission is free.
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