From our top-notch restaurants to our historic landmarks, Omaha’s unique features make it an exciting city to explore — it’s unlike any other place on earth. There’s no denying we’re lucky to live here, but it’s always fun to think about what makes Omaha stand out!
Since we all mastered our ABCs in kindergarten, we took it upon ourselves to create Omaha’s unique alphabet, trading in “apple” for Aksarben and “snake” for steak. In our opinion, we think this version is even better than the original!
A: Aksarben
Photo courtesy of Aksarben Village
In 1895, a group of Omaha businessmen formed an organization to promote cultural, agricultural, civic and educational enrichment in the Omaha area. They decided to call it Aksarben (which is “Nebraska” spelled backward, by the way), and it was immediately successful! The neighborhood has since evolved into a unique community of shops, restaurants, bars, green spaces and friendly people — and it just continues to grow. It’s a wonderful place to spend the day and an even better place to call home!
B: Bob the Bridge
We don’t have adorable nicknames for all of our bridges, but we made an exception for this one! If you live in Omaha or Council Bluffs, you’ve likely used the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (more commonly known as Bob the Bridge) to venture across the river. This local landmark connects Iowa and Nebraska with 3,000 beautiful feet of concrete and metal — and with spectacular views of both cityscapes, it’s a perfect destination for a leisurely stroll at twilight.
C: The Capitol District
The Capitol District emerged in the fall of 2017, transforming the landscape of downtown Omaha by introducing luxury overnight accommodations and apartments, as well as more options for shopping, nightlife and fine dining. Highlights include Society 1854, a popular restaurant that serves up Nebraska heritage dishes with innovative twists, and Burdock + Bitters next door — a swanky whiskey bar with craft cocktails and flights. But there’s always something new going on in the area!
D: The Durham Museum
Photo courtesy of the Durham Museum
The Durham Museum is housed in Omaha’s former Union Station, but now serves as a popular event venue and historical treasure! The beautiful architecture harkens back to days gone by, but you can dig further into history by exploring the traveling exhibits. The museum has ties with the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, the National Archives and the Field Museum in Chicago, so whether the exhibit is cultural or historic, you can bet that it will be interesting!
E: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Situated halfway between Omaha and Lincoln, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is one of the state’s most popular recreation areas — and also one of the best places to go camping within two hours of town! You’ll find opportunities for hiking and biking in the summer, and sledding and ice skating during the winter.
F: Fashion Week
Omaha is the midwestern hub for up-and-coming fashion designers, and designers from all over the country travel here in February to show their stuff at Omaha Fashion Week — the fifth largest fashion event in the country.
G: The Grey Plume
Photo courtesy of the Grey Plume
The Grey Plume was one of the pioneers of the farm-to-table movement in Omaha, offering chef-driven, seasonal and locally sourced cuisine! It’s also one of our favorite destinations for a meal out. The restaurant is also attached to a market, which boasts artisanal cheeses, breads and other provisions — all perfect for a picnic. Stop by to get some supplies and enjoy your selection in a local park.
H: Huskers
If you’re an Omaha native, you know that the Huskers are the ONLY team to cheer for when it comes to college football. During the fall, we travel down to Memorial Stadium in Lincoln to cheer them on in person and attend the epic tailgates. And if we can’t be there to watch it live, we congregate in our local sports bars to catch the game!
I: Inkwell
Friendly service, a no-frills atmosphere and delicious, handcrafted cocktails await you at Inkwell, one of Omaha’s most beloved bars! The modern space is the perfect spot for date night or to gather with friends, and the talented bartenders whip up interesting and inventive cocktails — often with a literary theme.
J: Joslyn Art Museum
Photo courtesy of the Joslyn Art Museum
Joslyn Art Museum houses an impressive and eclectic collection of more than 11,000 pieces that spans from ancient Greek pottery to pivotal 21st-century works. The iconic Omaha landmark was actually donated to the city by public figure Sarah Joslyn in memory of her late husband, George, in 1931. Of course, the museum has come a long way since its humble beginnings, but the public can still enjoy free admission on any day of the week, which is almost unheard of when it comes to upscale art facilities!
K: Krug Park
Nestled in the hip and thriving Benson neighborhood, Krug Park is one of Omaha’s greatest treasures. The bar was included in Draft Magazine’s 100 Best Beer Bars in America for four years in a row, and features more than 50 beers on tap alongside an impressive selection of Bloody Marys and innovative cocktails. It’s one of our favorite stops when we’re exploring the area!
L: Lauritzen Gardens
Photo courtesy of Larry Fasnacht via the Lauritzen Gardens
The Lauritzen Gardens is a space where visitors gather to view hundreds of unique plant species throughout the year. Visit this urban oasis for a leisurely stroll, to take part in fun workshops and events, or to grab a snack at the Conagra Café.
M: Midtown Crossing
Midtown Crossing is the heart and soul of Omaha, offering free concerts, free workouts, movie nights, community events and so much more throughout the year! Locals and visitors alike come to this area to meet friends in the park, enjoy fine and casual dining, and explore the nearby shops and entertainment options.
N: NP Dodge Real Estate
This home is for sale at 1724 S. 105 Street, Omaha | Listed by the Marvin and Fike Team
Sorry to toot our own horn here, but NP Dodge Real Estate has been serving Omaha, Council Bluffs, Lincoln and the surrounding areas since 1855. That’s a dozen years before Nebraska even officially became a state and totaling more than 160 years of experience in this region! If you’re looking for your dream home in the area, don’t hesitate to reach out.
O: Old Market
Situated in the heart of downtown Omaha, Old Market features brick-paved roads, unique shops and boutiques, fine dining, plenty of art galleries, and horse-drawn carriage rides through the streets. Locals can experience the magic of Old Market by attending First Friday, the monthly self-guided tour showcasing live artist demonstrations, pop-up galleries and more. And if you haven’t experienced Omaha from a horse-drawn carriage yet, we highly recommend it!
P: Pioneer Courage Park
The Pioneer Courage Park pays homage to the brave individuals who settled in Nebraska with larger-than-life bronze sculptures illustrating the American experience. Visitors are meant to interact with the sculptures, posing for photos and imagining what life must have been like for our ancestors. It is one of the largest bronze sculpture parks in the world, and is certainly a sight to behold!
Q: Big Green Q
Photo courtesy of the Big Green Q
We definitely love our food trucks in Omaha, and Big Green Q is one of the best! The restaurant is situated in the heard of the Benson neighborhood inside Ted & Wally’s, but the truck roams the streets and occasionally ends up at our West Dodge Wednesday events during the summertime. You can expect a delicious and innovative menu crafted with locally sourced produce, breads and hormone/antibiotic-free meats.
R: Runza
Where do we even start with the Runza? With the soft-on-the-inside but crispy-on-the-outside dough pocket? With the savory filling of beef, sauerkraut, onions and seasonings? Or with the delightful combination of the two? Regardless, you need to try one of these delicacies stat — especially since the first ever Runza drive-in opened right down the road in Lincoln.
S: Steak
It’s no secret that Omaha is renowned for its steak! Beef is Nebraska’s largest industry and Omaha has been situated in the country’s meatpacking center for decades. Whether you like your steak rare, medium or well done, it’s easy to find fresh, juicy and delicious cuts from local sources. Order some to be delivered from one of our local farms or visit one of these incredible steakhouses!
T: TD Ameritrade Park
As the venue for the highly anticipated Collegiate Baseball Tournament, our beloved local team (the Stormchasers) and other events throughout the year, TD Ameritrade Park is one of Omaha’s most important local landmarks! Grab some peanuts and Cracker Jacks and root for the home team from the stands — it’s something that every Omahan must experience.
U: Upstream Brewing Company
Since 1996, Upstream Brewing Company has been serving house-crafted beers alongside mouthwatering pub fare. As a matter of fact, Upstream claims the title of Omaha’s first craft brewery! When you’re enjoying a pint with friends after work, think about the fact that the beer you’re sipping was fermented just 30 feet from where you’re sitting.
V: Vis Major Brewing
Photo courtesy of Vis Major Brewing
Vis Major Brewing is new to the scene, but it has already established itself as a must-visit destination. Owned by husband-and-wife team Tom and Lindsey Clements, the craft brewery offers up inspired, artisanal craft beer that includes seasonal and specialty varieties. Stop in to sample what’s on tap!
W: Wineries
Nothing hits the spot quite like a glass of wine after a long day — especially when the wine was harvested and vinted locally! We might not get as much attention as California, but Omaha has plenty of excellent vineyards tucked into the nearby countryside or in the Loess Hills. Whether you are a fan of chardonnays, cabernets or anything in between, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds that was made close to home. Check out this guide to the best wineries near Omaha and Council Bluffs.
X: Malcolm X Birth Site
One of Omaha’s claims to fame is that it’s the birthplace of Malcolm X, a courageous human rights activist and historical icon. In Omaha, we continue to honor him with a monument at his birth site, which consists of a beautiful plaza and an educational memorial.
Y: Yoga
Bring some zen into your life by trying yoga, one of the city’s favorite pastimes and an incredible way to stay fit! There are studios around Omaha to fit every taste and experience level, but here are 10 of the best.
Z: The Zoo
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is not just another zoo. In fact, it was recently ranked as the second best zoo in the country by USA Today! Plants, animals and unique habitats from all over the world sprawl over more than 160 acres, and it’s all available for you to explore. Feel like you’re walking through a South American rainforest in the Lied Jungle or explore strange desert-based plants and wildlife in the Desert Dome (which spans more than 84,000 square feet).
Additionally, the zoo is affiliated with the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park, located just 30 minutes outside of town. The park houses native North American species in their natural habitats, but also a few exotic species — and you can see them all from the comfort of your own car during a drive-through tour!
Now you know your ABCs!
Pick the first letter of your first name and give us an Omaha feature that matches it! We love learning more about our city.