• Understand
• Get around
• Learn
• Work
• Buy
• Sleep
• Contact
• Cope
• Stay safe
• Get out

Omaha is the largest city in the state of Nebraska, which is in the United States of America. It is on the Missouri River border with Iowa, along US Interstates 29 and 80.

Image:DowntownOmaha.jpg

[edit] Understand

[edit] Get In

[edit] By plane

Eppley Airfield (Template:IATA) (Template:ICAO), [1]. Eppley Airfield is a domestic airport and is less than five minutes from downtown by car. The terminal has on-site rental car services at the baggage claims, free high-speed wireless internet access, and is currently served by main line and feeder services for multiple airlines including:

• American Airlines [2]
• Continental Airlines [3]
• Delta Airlines [4]
• Express Jet [5]
• Frontier Airlines [6]
• Midwest Airlines [7]
• Northwest Airlines [8]
• Southwest Airlines [9]
• United Airlines [10]
• US Airways [11]

The airport is also served by two FBOs for General Aviation services, at least two charter operations, and a local air freight operator besides UPS and FedEx.

Secondary GA airports serving the area include Millard Airport (MLE) in West Omaha, Plattsmouth Municipal Airport (PMV) south, and Council Bluffs, Iowa Municipal Airport (CBF) across the Missouri River east.

[edit] By train

Amtrak [12] serves Omaha with the California Zephyr [13], which runs daily between Emeryville (in the San Francisco Bay Area) and Chicago. It has several stops along the way, with connections throughout America. Omaha once had a large Union Station like Chicago, but it is now retired as a museum. The Amtrak station can be found behind.

[edit] By bus

Greyhound has daily service to nearby major cities including Denver, Kansas City, Minneapolis and Chicago.

[edit] Shuttle service

Eppley Express [14] provides limited shuttle service between Omaha and several Nebraska cities including Kearney, Grand Island, Hastings, Lincoln and York. Two pick-up/drop-off locations are available in Omaha: Eppley Airfield and Holiday Inn at 72nd & Grover just north of I-80. Service is limited to specific days and times depending upon your destination. Reservations available on-line.

[edit] Get around

The METRO AREA TRANSIT [15] has regular bus services serving around Omaha. Fares are $1.25-1.50.

[edit] See

[edit] Museums

Greek Pottery, Joslyn Art Museum

Although Omaha is a smaller city, it has a expansive museum scene. Joslyn Art Museum[16] has works by El Greco, Degas, Monet and Renoir and an extensive ancient Greek pottery display. Other art galleries include the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts[17], which is three separate galleries in a warehouse-style studio. In addition to the latter, many other art galleries can be found throughout the Old Market. The Strategic Air & Space Museum[18] is a large, indoor museum with warplanes from America's past and and often has traveling exhibits relating to aerospace and technology on display. For the younger ones, there is always the Omaha Children's Museum[19], which has an art center, science center, and a mock grocery store. The Durham Western Heritage Museum[20] is a renovated art deco-style train station and is believed to be the best example of art deco in the country with exhibits such as the Byron Reed Coin and Document Collection, The Trans-Mississippi Exposition Gallery, restored train cars, a teepee, an earth lodge, and more. The Union Pacific Museum[21] details the beginnings of the Union Pacific Railroad and the role it played in westward expansion and has artifacts dating back to the 1860s.

[edit] Landmarks

Omaha has many unique landmarks. The Malcom X Birthsite[22] is located in North Omaha. His home no longer exists, but a marker stands on his former address. The Joslyn Castle[23], as it is known, is the Scottish-Baronial style home of two of Omaha's most respected citizens and boasts four stories and 35 rooms. Tours are available to the public. The Mormon Trail Center[24] has various monuments, including part of the route the Mormons took. The site known as the Winter Quarters marks the pioneers' winter camp of 1846, and 359 Mormons are buried in a nearby cemetery. Few realize that President Ford was born in Omaha, and the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens are proof. His house was destroyed twice by fire, and the gardens stand where his house was.

[edit] Do

[edit] Parks

Gene Leahy Mall

Many parks and recreational areas are scattered throughout Omaha. The Gene Leahy Mall is nestled in downtown Omaha and features walking paths through grassy knolls, slides, a sandy playground, and a horseshoe pit. Not far from there is the Heartland of America Park, which runs along the riverfront and has two fountains. The Heartland of America fountain shoots water 300 feet into the air and has a colorful nighttime show. There also boat rides for a quarter per person. Memorial Park[25], located in the Dundee-Happy Hallow area, contains a playground, a baseball field, paths, trails, and plenty of open space. The park is unique because of its floral displays and historical monuments. Adjacent to Memorial Park is Elmwood Park[26], which has an 18-hole golf course, two baseball fields, a swimming pool, and many other things. The Lauritzen Gardens[27], (also known as the Omaha Botanical Gardens) have an admission fee, but it's worth the visit. The site features the Robert H. Storz Family Rose Garden, an arboretum and an herb garden with plans for a Japanese garden.

[edit] Sports

As many know, Omaha is home to the NCAA College World Series[28]. Every June, the best college baseball teams from around the nation gather in Omaha for the College World Series to slug it out for the National Championship. The series is always a sell out event, so be sure to plan ahead! If you can't make it to the College World Series but still want to visit Rosenblatt Stadium, catch an Omaha Royals game. Also, every September, the River City Roundup[29] takes place. The event includes a festival of events, a professional rodeo, stage shows, expositions, parades, kiddie rides and more. During hockey season, one see the Omaha Lancers take the ice in the 6,700 seat Mid-America Center across the Missouri River in Council Bluffs. The Omaha Beef [30] is Omaha's indoor football team, they play at the Omaha Civic Center.

[edit] Events & Festivals

Omaha hosts many festivals throughout the year. Each Thursday night throughout the summer, one can take part in Jazz on the Green[31] where local and regional musicians present programs ranging from reggae to swing at this annual concert series sponsored by the Joslyn Art Museum. Bring a blanket, picnic dinner, beverages and your dancing shoes! Another summer event is Shakespeare on the Green[32] is an offering of Shakespearean works, a drama and a comedy running in repertory and draws more than 35,000 playgoers during its annual three-week run. Every summer, the Omaha Farmers Market[33] takes place in the downtown Old Market area and is open Saturday mornings. The Taste of Omaha[34] festival is usually held between the Lewis & Clark Landing & Heartland of America Park downtown. Held in early June, this is a great way to sample food from various local vendors. There is also live music and other fun events. The Taste of West Omaha[35] or Westfest is similar to Taste of Omaha, only it is held on the western edge of Omaha, 168th & Center St. In the winter months, the Holiday Lights Festival[36] takes place in Downtown Omaha.Lights are put up on many buildings and trees, and different activities take place throughout the festival, including ice skating, singing performances, and fireworks. Also, one could see a concert at the Qwest Center[37], Omaha's event center.

[edit] Theater

The Orpheum Theater[38], which received a top-to-bottom renovation in the 1970's, is home to Opera Omaha, the Omaha Symphony, Broadway touring productions and music concerts. In addition, other performing arts shows can be seen at the Holland Performing Arts Center.

[edit] Music

Omaha is home to the Saddle Creek record label, which carries bands such as Bright Eyes, the Faint, and Cursive. These bands are part of the "Omaha Sound" and frequently play in Omaha. Check out venues such as Sokol Auditorium[39], the Slowdown[40], and the Waiting Room[41] to see if they, or any other bands of your liking, are playing. You can also check out what bands are playing at the Qwest Center [42] which has been hosting many national acts. The Omaha Civic Auditorium [43]has a music hall that also hosts musical acts.

[edit] Activities

During the day, visit the nationally renowned Henry Doorly Zoo[44]. The Zoo is Nebraska's number one paid attraction, and a few of its features are "Kingdoms of the Night" (world's largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp), the Lied Jungle (world's largest indoor rainforest), and the "Desert Dome" (world's largest indoor desert.) Also, a trip to Omaha is not complete without a trip to the Old Market[45]. The area still retains its brick streets and covered sidewalks, and rides on horse-drawn carriages are available. It is a good area to take a stroll, and be sure to do some window shopping at the upscale boutiques found throughout the area. Common sights include various street performers, musicians, artists, and other vendors. In the summer, it is home to the Omaha Farmers Market.

[edit] Learn

• Bellevue University, [46].
• Clarkson College, [47].
• College of St. Mary, [48]. The only all women's Catholic college in the region.
• Creative Center Art College, [49]. A small private graphic design/advertising trade school owned by Dotzler Creative Arts Design Firm.
• Creighton University, [50]. A Jesuit Catholic university.
• Grace University, [51].
• ITT Technical Institute, [52].
• Metropolitan Community College, [53]. Multiple campuses throughout Omaha metro area.
• Nebraska Christian College, [54].
• Nebraska Methodist College, [55].
• University of Nebraska - Omaha, [56]. The only public university located in Omaha.

[edit] Work

[edit] Buy

The Passageway, Old Market

• Borsheims, [57]. Owned by famed investor Warren Buffet Borsheims. It is the largest independant jewelry and gift shop in the United States with an inventory of products that makes the Tiffany's catalog look small.
• Countryside Village, [58].
• Crossroads Mall. Located near 72nd & Dodge Street. Features a Target, Best Buy and Barnes & Noble. Complex is slightly north of Nebraska Furniture Mart.
• Nebraska Furniture Mart, [59]. Reputed to be the largest LazyBoy retailer in America. A large complex which offers furniture, electronics and other home decor. A Burger King resides within the store.
• Oak View Mall, [60]. An extensive complex near 144th & West Center Road with many stores including a Dick's Sporting Goods, Kohls, Sears, JCPenney, Dillards and Yonkers. A megaplex theater is also nearby.
• Old Market, [61]. Has many restaurants and upscale shopping.
• Regency Square.
• Village Point Mall, [62]. A newer, open-air mall located near 168th & West Dodge Road. Scheels, Best Buy, World Market and other specialty stores and restaurants are found here.
• Westroads Mall, [63]. Located at 100th & Dodge Streets. Largest mall in Nebraska. The mall itself contains Dick's Sporting Goods, JCPenney, Von Maur, and Younkers.

[edit] Eat

Omaha and much of Nebraska are known for high quality corn-fed beef. Below are a selection of locations to eat in Omaha.

[edit] Budget

• Azteca, 9429 S 142nd Street. An excellent yet authentic Mexican establishment. Sandwiched conveniently (nay, conspicuously) next to some of the region's finest interstate-side budgetels. Never mind the petrol fumes, this is one gem that can't be missed.
• Katie's, 119 S 40th Street, [64]. Serves home-style Greek food.
• King Kong, Multiple locations, [65]. Serves Greek food and is the home of the Triple-Kong burger. Free drinks with a student ID.
• Los Portales, 2614 S 13th Street. Authentic Mexican that caters to the more adventurous diners. Examples include steak served with cactus, quail, and tongue burritos.
• Qdoba (chain), Multiple locations, [66]. A Mexican grill chain with burritos voted the best of Omaha.
• Smoke Pit BBQ & Lounge, 230 S 25th Street. A BBQ shack that serves ribs among other things and is open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Reasonable prices and variety of sides.
• Ted & Wally's, 1120 Jackson St & 5001 Underwood Ave. Homemade ice cream with many unique flavors such as French Toast, Trix, Chai Tea, Dirt, and even Guinness. The ice cream flavors are always changing. Voted best ice cream in Omaha.
• Zio's Pizza, Multiple locations, [67]. Uses natural ingredients and has huge calzones and great pizza.

[edit] Mid

Lamb, Ahmad's Persian Cuisine

• Ahmad's Persian Cuisine, 1006 Howard Street. Great, authentic Persian food. All meals are prepared by the restaurant's owner, Ahmad, an Iranian immigrant. Located in the Old Market.
• Blue Sushi Sake Grill, 14450 Eagle Run Drive, [68]. Rated Omaha's best sushi bar. Serves Americanized sushi. Try the "Thai Lai" or "Cloud Nine" rolls.
• Bohemian Cafe, 1406 S 13th Street, [69]. An Omaha classic. Has been serving authentic Czech and European food since 1924.
• Charlie's on the Lake, 4150 S 144th Street, [70]. A lively atmosphere with some of Omaha's finest martinis, including the Pelini Martini[71] named after Huskers coaching legend, Beau Pelini. Lush patio environment features breathtaking lakeside view and easy access to live duck sanctuary. One of the last establishments in Omaha to allow smoking.
• Cheeseburger in Paradise (chain), 17304 Davenport Street Suite 100, [72]. The Jimmy Buffet chain with some great food and a laid back, island atmosphere. Although known for their hamburgers, the Island salad and the Chocolate Nachos are what you are after here. If that's not your flavor, then anything with "Island" or "Caribbean" in the menu name is a hit.
• Hiro Sushi, 3655 129th Street, [73]. Great Japanese restaurant that serves some of Omaha's freshest sushi and sashimi.
• Jaipur, 10922 Elm Street in Rockbrook Village, [74]. The City's best East Indian food. Also a unique brewery, try the jalapeno beer.
• McFoster's Natural Kind, 302 S 38th St, [75]. Some of the most interesting vegetarian food Omaha has to offer. Check out the sauteed brussel sprouts or veggie burger for a genuine vegan experience.
• Venice Inn, 6920 Pacific Street, [76]. Offers Italian food in a kind of surreal atmosphere.

[edit] Splurge

• The Flatiron Cafe, 1722 Saint Marys Avenue, [77]. Fine new american cuisine located in Downtown Omaha. The Flatiron Cafe's staff has been happily serving the theater crowd, business travelers and those celebrating special occasions since 1995.
• Gorat's Steak House, 4917 Center St, [78]. Believes that they are serving the The Finest Steaks in the World. Honestly, they are considered some of the best in America. Favored by Warren Buffett, a dear friend of the family and a valued customer.
• Mahogany Prime Steakhouse (chain). A great restaurant where you can get your fill on prime-grade steaks, Australian lobster, and Alaskan king crab legs. The food is amazing and they have a great wine list to complement whatever you order. Mahogany is year after year awarded with a "Best of Omaha Award" in the steakhouse category despite the abundance of better local, non-chain establishments.
• Mark's Bistro, 4916 Underwood Avenue, [79]. Mark's unique environmane combines casual dining with a neighborhood feel. A relaxed, casual place with exquisite food, Mark's boasts a hefty wine menu and an eclectic menu.
• Piccolo Pete's, 2202 S 20th St., [80] Family owned for over 70 years, Piccolo's has been serving Omaha since 1933. Menu items include steaks, fish & chicken dishes, and also a few Italian specialties. Like Gorat's, it is one of Warren Buffett's favorite places to eat. Friendly service and an excellent family atmosphere.
• V Mertz, 1022 Howard Street, [81]. Intimate and romantic ambiance. The menu, which changes weekly, is continental but also offers some innovative culinary creations from a range of cuisine types. Great for special dinners. Located in the Old Market. Famous clientele have included: Bono of U2, local plutocrat Warren Buffet, and Bruce "the Boss" Springsteen.

[edit] Drink

[edit] Bars

• Homy Inn, 1510 N Saddle Creek Rd. A fun bar with champagne on tap.
• Lemon Drop, 5423 S 36th Street. Offers pool tables and live music.
• Saddle Creek Bar, 1410 N Saddle Creek Road, [82]. Has pinball, pool, and darts. Live music and daily drink specials.
• The Upstream, 514 S 11th Street in the Old Market, [83]. Has pool tables and on Wednesday nights $7 pizzas and $2 microbrews are served.
• Starsky's Lounge, 4020 S 13th Street across from Rosenblatt Stadium. Great bar to hang out at after catching a game at the College World Series or a Royals game.

[edit] Coffee Shops

• Aromas, 1033 Jones Street, +1 402 614-7009, [84]. European style coffee shop right down the street from Upstream and under the old market lofts. It’s the most versatile shop in Omaha, when it comes to brewing methods and selection. The crowd consists of dedicated college regulars, loft residents and local baristas. Definitely a place to check out if you're looking for sophisticated, yet cozy shop.
• Blue Line Coffee, 50th & Underwood Streets. Resides in a walkable area of Omaha, the Dundee neighborhood. Stop in and get "Green Beret", then walk down the block to 'Great Harvest' for a free slice of bread of your choice.
• Caffeine Dreams, 4524 Farnam Street, [85]. Popular meeting spot for many clubs / meetings. Near hospitals and colleges. Free Wi-Fi. Local art & photography grace the walls, eclectic music plays over the speakers. Decent priced coffee, cool atmosphere.
• 13th Street Coffee Company, 519 S 13th Street. Located in Downtown, serves a variety of coffee-based drinks. Desserts and sandwiches are also served. Occasionally there is live music on Fridays. Free wi-fi.

[edit] Sleep

• Best Western Kelly Inn, 4706 South 108th St, +1 402 339-7400 (fax: +1 402 339-5155), [86].
• Best Western Settle Inn, 650 North 109th Ct, +1 402 431-1246 (fax: +1 402 431-1398), [87].
• Best Western Seville Plaza Hotel, 3001 Chicago St, +1 402 345-2222 (fax: +1 402 345-2501), [88].
• Candlewood Suites, 360 S. 108th Ave, +1 402 758-2848, [89].
• Crowne Plaza Hotel, 655 North 108th Ave, +1 402 496-0850, [90].
• Courtyard Omaha Downtown/Old Market Area, 101 South 10th St, +1 402 346-2200 (fax: +1 402 346-7720), [91].
• Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Omaha - Downtown, 1616 Dodge St, +1 402 346-7600 (fax: +1 402 346-5722), [92].
• Embassy Suites Omaha - Old Market, 555 South 10th St, 402-346-9000, [93].
• Hawthorne Suites, 11025 M Street, +1 402 331-0101 (fax: +1 402 331-2782), [94].
• Holiday Inn, 3321 South 72nd St, +1 402 393-3950, [95].
• Holiday Inn, 11515 Miricle Hills Dr, +1 402 496-7500, [96].
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 17677 Wright St, +1 402 333-5566, [97].
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 10729 J St, +1 402 339-8111, [98].
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Omaha-Downtown, 1314 Cuming Street +1 402 345-5100 - Extended Stay suites hotel across the street from TD Ameritrade Ballpark and minutes from Qwest Convention Center and Old Market Area. Studios, one and two bedroom suites suites feature separate living and sleeping areas. Complimentary hot breakfast, dinner Mon-Thur, and Internet.
• Motel 6, 10708 M St, +1 402 331-3161 (fax: +1 402 597-0777), [99].
• Omaha Marriott, 10220 Regency Ci, +1 402 399-9000 (fax: +1 402 399-0223), [100].
• Residence Inn Omaha, 6990 Dodge St, +1 402 553-8898 (fax: +1 402 553-8898), [101].

[edit] Contact

[edit] Cope

[edit] Stay safe

Omaha is generally a safe city, but do use common sense. Some parts of both North Omaha should be avoided at night. Simply using caution and avoiding any situation in which you are uncomfortable will basically keep you out of trouble. Most of the city's crime is focused to the north and east - although as the city grows westward, so does the trouble.

Omaha is in tornado alley, so it often sees severe weather between the months of April and August with the primary threats of hail, high wind and street flooding with tornadoes sometimes being a threat. Tornado alert sirens are located throughout the city. Local stations KETV Channel 7 (ABC), WOWT Channel 6(NBC) and KMTV Channel 3(CBS) break into programming if a severe weather event is in progress. Radio services 1110AM KFAB and 590AM also provide severe weather coverage. Be aware that Omaha resides within Douglas County in the state of Nebraska, as meteorologists often point out warnings this way.

During winter months, Omaha often sees cold temperatures as well as snow/ice events. Be aware that steep hills do exist within the city, and precaution should be taken during slick driving conditions.

[edit] Get out

Although gambling is not allowed in the State of Nebraska, Go across the Missouri River to visit Council Bluffs, Iowa to gamble at several casinos including Harrah's [102], Ameristar [103], and Horseshoe [104].

Visit Lincoln (50 miles west on I-80) to explore various museums and shopping there.

The nearby cities of Bellevue, La Vista, Papillion and Ralston also have various shopping areas.

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