Things to Do in Omaha (2025)
A community-loved, conservation-focused powerhouse with immersive icons like the Desert Dome and Lied Jungle; repeatedly named Best Zoo by USA Today 10Best, and open year-round.
Reopened with Snøhetta’s light-filled Hawks Pavilion and free general admission; covered by ArchDaily and honored in 2025 by USA Today 10Best, it’s a renewed cultural anchor.
Set inside Union Station’s Art Deco landmark, this Smithsonian-affiliated museum pairs regional history with rotating national shows in a gorgeously restored space.
A 100-acre botanical retreat with seasonal displays, a beloved model railroad garden, and ongoing conservatory refresh; praised by regional travel editors for family-friendly programming.
An interactive science center on The RiverFront, designed by HDR and praised by Architectural Record for its luminous facade and hands-on, Exploratorium-informed exhibits.
Omaha’s nonprofit cinephile hub screens repertory and new indie films across two venues; celebrated locally by The Reader and nationally for thoughtful programming and community education.
An independent venue created with Saddle Creek Records that helped modernize Omaha’s live music scene; a steady calendar links touring acts with local artists.
A respected residency-driven art center with free admission, ambitious exhibitions, and the LOW END experimental music program—frequently cited by arts writers and curators.
Founded in 1993, the first Latino art and history museum in the Midwest anchors South Omaha with exhibitions, dance classes, and cultural programs tied to neighborhood life.
In the historic Jewell Building, this museum preserves regional Black history with rotating exhibits and events—an essential stop to understand North Omaha’s legacy.
Chef David Utterback’s inventive Benson sushi spot earns repeated James Beard recognition, with a 2025 Best Chef: Midwest finalist nod. Reservations recommended for the omakase-leaning experience.
Family-run since 1976, this cash‑only South Omaha staple is beloved for fresh tortillas, salsa, and tamales—an everyday taste of neighborhood culture praised by local food writers.