Omaha on the Missouri River

Omaha a city on the Missouri River not far from the Iowa border.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is home to many animals and offers unique exhibits. Two of the highlights here are the Dome Desert which is the largest indoor desert in the world and the Lied Jungle which is the largest indoor rain forest in North America. A fascinating exhibit is the Kingdoms of the Night giving visitors a close-up of bats, beavers, and other nocturnal animals.

The zoo also includes the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium where visitors can walk through a 70-foot-long shark tunnel.

The Old Market District in downtown Omaha has many historical buildings dating from the 19th century with cobblestone streets. It is an interesting area to walk around in and you'll find many fine cafes and restaurants. There are art galleries to visit as well.

The Durham Museum is housed in an impressive Art Deco building, At one time this was the nation's busiest train station and the building was restored in 1995. The museum showcases the history of the local rea, Among the highlights is the Suzanne and Walter Scott Great Hall. At the Stream Locomotive Stations there are hands-on displays.

First National Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park this free attraction is one of the most unique permanent outdoor art installations in the nation, The sculptures are made of bronze and stainless steel.

The sculpture park stretches for five city blocks, The series shows a wagon train and pioneers, a herd of bison and a flock of geese. All the sculptures are life size.

The Joslyn Art Museum was built in the late 1920s and opened to the public in 1931. It was a gift to the Omaha people from Sarah Joslyn commemorating her husband George, The interior is covered in Etowah Fleuri marble with a pink hue. The interior displays are a combination of marble from across Europe and Morocco. This is Nebraska's largest art museum and has a notable collection of Baroque art and Greek pottery.It is known for its artworks by Alfred Jacob Miller, Karl Bodmer, Charles Bird King, and Henry Inman.

The Omaha Performing Arts Center has two venues - the Orpheum Theater and teh Holland Center for the Performing Arts, Consttucted in 1927 the Orpheum hosts traveling Broadway shows, dance performances and others. THe Holland Center is home to the Omaha Symphony.

Lauritzen Gardens was founded in 1995 in the riverfront hills area of Omaha. There are many different gardens such as rose and herb. The gardens focus on many different themes from English and Victorian to the Nebraska prairies known as the Song of the Lark Meadow. The gardens also have a model railroad, education center, and bird sanctuary. During the summertime Sandy's Splish Splash Garden is a great way to escape the summer heat.

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is one of the only foot bridges to connect two states. There is a plaque marking the spot where the two states meet, The bridge is a wonderful place for strolling. Down from the bridge is the Lewis & Clark Landing which is an open space with a National Park Visitor Center that details the explorers journey. On the far side of the bridge is the city of Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Lewis & Clark Landing is a wonderful space to relax in and enjoy views of the Missouri River. The landing also hosts concerts and events throughout the year, There is also a firefighter memorial monuyment and the largest labor monument in the U.S. People enjoy taking the riverfront walk.

St. Cecilia Cathedral sits high on a hill with twin bell towers. The lovely cathedral is on of Omaha's main landmarks. The cathedral has beautiful stained glass windows that are over 500 years old. In one section you can see the Virgin Mary holding an ear of corn.

Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari is the place where you can see bison, elk, and deer from your car. The Wildlife Safari Park is loceated 30 minutes from Omaha, It will take you rigth up close to all the wild animals, There are also walking trails from which you can see bears, wolves, and avian enclosures.

Jocelyn Castle is officially known as Lyndhurst. This is a 1903 mansion in the Gold Coast historic district of Omaha. George and Sarah Joslyn were among the Nebraska elite. Tours are given every first and third Sunday each month, The grounds were designed with a rare and exotic botanical collection, There is a carriage house, a large greenhouse, and lily pond.

The highlight of the Heartland of America Park it the water fountain that springs from the ground towering at a height of 320 feet. The light show attracts large crowds, The park also has a WW II memorieal. You can take gondola rides.

The 38th U.S. President Gerald R. Ford was born in Omaha, He is honored by a memorial on Woodworth Avenue. The memorial also features a rose garden designed after the White House rose garden,