1. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: The World's Best Zoo
Considered by many the world's finest zoo, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium attracts millions of visitors each year. Highly-regarded for its animal conservation and research, the site was established in 1894 and features spectacular exhibits, including the largest wild cat compound in North America, the largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp in the world, the Lied Jungle, a breath-taking indoor rainforest, and the Desert Dome- a sprawling indoor desert.
2. The Durham Museum: Relive the Industrial Revolution
Located within Omaha's spectacular Art Deco Union Station, the Durham Museum explores the history of the region and showcases a wide-ranging display of science and industry exhibits, as well as restored train cars, mid-century storefronts, regional artifacts, and the Byron Reed collection, which features rare coins and historic documents. Guests are also encouraged to visit the antique soda fountain and enjoy a phosphate or malt.
3. Joslyn Art Museum: A Timeless Collection
Built by Sarah Joslyn in memory of her husband, George, the Joslyn Art Museum, one of the country's most exquisite examples of Art Deco architecture, includes a sprawling concert hall, a fountain court, an educational technology gallery, a lecture hall, a café and a gift shop. The museum houses an outstanding collection of Greek ceramics and works by European masters, including Titian, Rembrandt, El Greco, Degas, Monet and Renoir. Featured American artists include Winslow Homer, Jackson Pollock, William Merritt Chase, and Tom Wesselmann.
4. First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park: A Sculptural Treasure Trove
An homage to the American pioneers, Omaha's First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park celebrates the courage and conviction of the early settlers. Its impressive sculpture park enables visitors to experience the journey of these brave men and women through one of the world's largest exhibits of bronze and stainless steel works. Sculptors include Edward Fraughton, Blair Buswell, and Kent Ullberg, who have meticulously recreated wagon trains, bison stampedes, and flocks of Canadian geese.
5. Lauritzen Gardens: Flowers for All Seasons
With its breath-taking display of seasonal plant varieties, Lauritzen Gardens, a living museum, is an oasis in the heart of Omaha along the Missouri River. This botanical garden and an arboretum showcases- among others highlights- a festival garden, with vibrant annual plantings and open lawns, a Victorian garden featuring the exquisiteness of both English and Victorian gardens, a reproduction of Nebraska's vast wildflower-filled prairie lands which is charmingly named The Song of the Lark Meadow, and a bird sanctuary providing a natural habitat for a variety of Midwestern birds. Visitors can also enjoy hikes along woodland trails and waterfalls.
6. Iowa State Capitol: A Graceful Political Center
Opened in 1886, Iowa's State Capitol is probably the city's most recognizable and elegant building. Famous for its five domes, including a central dome that is covered in gold. Towering some 275 feet above the ground, the pinnacle of the dome can be accessed through a spiral stairway, and it's worth the effort - the views are superb. And when you get back down, take a tour and see quirky exhibits like the scale model of the USS Iowa and porcelain figures of every one of the state's First Ladies.
