From world-class museums to grassroots arts and flavor-packed neighborhoods, these locally rooted picks show the real Omaha. Plan a day, mix in a night, and let the city surprise you.
Things to Do in Omaha (2025)
12 Places
From world-class museums to grassroots arts and flavor-packed neighborhoods, these locally rooted picks show the real Omaha. Plan a day, mix in a night, and let the city surprise you.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Zoo
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.
Joslyn Art Museum
Art museum
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.
The Durham Museum
Museum
Set inside Union Station’s Art Deco landmark, this Smithsonian-affiliated museum pairs regional history with rotating national shows in a gorgeously restored space.
Lauritzen Gardens
Botanical garden
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.
Kiewit Luminarium
Science museum
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.
Film Streams' Dundee Theater
Movie theater
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.
Slowdown
Live music venue
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.
Bemis Center For Contemporary Arts
Art center
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.
El Museo Latino
Museum
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.
Great Plains Black History Museum
Museum
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.
Yoshitomo
Sushi restaurant
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.
Jacobo's Grocery
Mexican grocery store
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.
