Eric O.
Yelp
As a resident of Omaha, I have been to Lauritzen Gardens on a few occasions. The gardens are a true gem. They are located in downtown Omaha, but is quite a ways off of 13th (where Rosenblatt used to be and where Henry Doorly Zoo still resides. The gardens are a fantastic escape from hectic, everyday life. Quiet, peaceful, and beautiful!
The gardens are amazing - they have a wide variety of plants and blooming flowers, in addition to outdoor ponds and some aquatic wildlife. This place is a must-see during the Spring and Fall seasons! If visiting during the winter or on a cold day, the conservatory is absolutely beautiful as well! It is wonderful to leaving the cold and/or snow and go in the warm, humid conservatory and see a multitude of plants, trees, etc. The gardens also has art on display and a gift shop and cafe.
Lauritzen Gardens also puts on a variety of awesome exhibits! We took the kids to see a Lego exhibit some time ago. The kids really enjoyed that. As I recall, they had tons of Lego displays and the kids were able to build some of their own "creations." Most recently, in May 2017, Lauritzen Gardens had an exhibit called "The Amazing Stinko!", which is the Amorphophallus titanum, or "titan arum." The website describes it as "one of the most unique and intriguing plants in the world." It is a towering bloom with multiple flowers that produces an incredibly foul odor! It is a rare bloom, and an event that may be seen once per decade or less. When the titan arum blooms, it produces an extremely foul odor. The gardens offered free admission during the bloom and the next day so that anybody could witness the event!
Lauritzen Gardens always has tons of literature available for their exhibits as well (for example, the foul odor causes the titan arum to be pollinated by flies instead of bees). The exhibits are included with membership, which is a fantastic deal! Currently, as of May 2017, it is $35 for individual, $55 for couple, or $65 for family, with other options available as well. You can always rent out the gardens for special events.
Lauritzen Gardens is a fantastic place to come see the beauty of nature. You can also relax in the sun, read a good book, stroll the path to the rear end of the gardens, and even catch some Pokestops along the way (if that is your thing!). This is a gem in Omaha and is definitely worth a visit!