Sheri’s Omaha/Council Bluffs Guidebook

Sheri
Sheri’s Omaha/Council Bluffs Guidebook

Sightseeing

Top attractions in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area.
Cobblestone streets and historic buildings set the scene where boutiques, galleries, restaurants, pubs and cafes cover this charming nine square block area.
320 locals recommend
The Old Market
320 locals recommend
Cobblestone streets and historic buildings set the scene where boutiques, galleries, restaurants, pubs and cafes cover this charming nine square block area.
Internationally known as one of the best zoos in the world, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is filled with wild kingdom adventures year-round.
438 locals recommend
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
3701 S 10th St
438 locals recommend
Internationally known as one of the best zoos in the world, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is filled with wild kingdom adventures year-round.
This stunning, 3,000-foot long walkway stretches across the Missouri River, giving pedestrians a spectacular view of Omaha’s skyline and an almost airborne experience.
106 locals recommend
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
705 Riverfront Dr
106 locals recommend
This stunning, 3,000-foot long walkway stretches across the Missouri River, giving pedestrians a spectacular view of Omaha’s skyline and an almost airborne experience.
Lovely botanical gardens with seasonal displays
183 locals recommend
Lauritzen Gardens
100 Bancroft St
183 locals recommend
Lovely botanical gardens with seasonal displays
A place to explore and learn about nature from guided hikes, live animal demonstrations, natural science exhibits, lectures, classes, camps, and even snow shoe rentals.
97 locals recommend
Fontenelle Forest Nature Center
1111 Bellevue Blvd N
97 locals recommend
A place to explore and learn about nature from guided hikes, live animal demonstrations, natural science exhibits, lectures, classes, camps, and even snow shoe rentals.
Witness cutting-edge art in a old warehouse. Glassblowing, clay making, bronze works, photography and painting, rug making and more make up more than 80 art studios that are open to the public to watch, learn, and buy distinctive works of art.
30 locals recommend
Hot Shops Art Center
1301 Nicholas St
30 locals recommend
Witness cutting-edge art in a old warehouse. Glassblowing, clay making, bronze works, photography and painting, rug making and more make up more than 80 art studios that are open to the public to watch, learn, and buy distinctive works of art.

Local Hotspots

Local well-known entertainment districts
(10th to 13th St; Farnam, Harney, Howard, Jackson St (Good starting spot 10th & Howard)) Vibrant hotspot for entertainment, dining, and nightlife. This historic district features outdoor dining, shopping, galleries, boutiques, pubs/breweries, carriage rides and live street performers.
320 locals recommend
The Old Market
320 locals recommend
(10th to 13th St; Farnam, Harney, Howard, Jackson St (Good starting spot 10th & Howard)) Vibrant hotspot for entertainment, dining, and nightlife. This historic district features outdoor dining, shopping, galleries, boutiques, pubs/breweries, carriage rides and live street performers.
(36th to 40th St along Farnam St) Revitalized historic district is one of Omaha's most popular spots any night of the week. Visit Omaha’s Blackstone District, home of the classic Rueben Sandwich. Visitors can taste the original recipe at Crescent Moon. Consistently ranked as one of the top beer bars in the country by Draft Magazine, ‘The Moon’ is located above Huber Haus, an authentic German beer hall serving up bier, brats and famously Das Boot!  Along with its rich history, The Blackstone District offers some local favorites. Two craft breweries, Farnam House Brewing and Scriptown, add to Omaha’s growing reputation as a craft beer city and offer a unique experience. Nite Owl is the quirky, cool craft cocktail bar with a late night food menu featuring thick burgers, salty fries and fresh salads until 2am. A couple doors down is Mula, Blackstone’s ultra trendy Mexican restaurant and certified tequileria. A block away, Noli’s Pizzeria, serves up New York style pizza and classic Italian deserts.
27 locals recommend
Blackstone Social
3910 Farnam St
27 locals recommend
(36th to 40th St along Farnam St) Revitalized historic district is one of Omaha's most popular spots any night of the week. Visit Omaha’s Blackstone District, home of the classic Rueben Sandwich. Visitors can taste the original recipe at Crescent Moon. Consistently ranked as one of the top beer bars in the country by Draft Magazine, ‘The Moon’ is located above Huber Haus, an authentic German beer hall serving up bier, brats and famously Das Boot!  Along with its rich history, The Blackstone District offers some local favorites. Two craft breweries, Farnam House Brewing and Scriptown, add to Omaha’s growing reputation as a craft beer city and offer a unique experience. Nite Owl is the quirky, cool craft cocktail bar with a late night food menu featuring thick burgers, salty fries and fresh salads until 2am. A couple doors down is Mula, Blackstone’s ultra trendy Mexican restaurant and certified tequileria. A block away, Noli’s Pizzeria, serves up New York style pizza and classic Italian deserts.
(Maple St between 60th and 65th St) Benson is one of the hippest neighborhoods in Omaha. The area surrounding Maple Street boasts a vibrant culture that is tough to come by — which makes it an attractive place for foodies, musicians, artists and more. Most of the businesses here have made their homes in old theaters and dealerships, revamping the neighborhood, mixing the old with the new, and creating a vibe that is unparalleled to nearby communities. In fact, this historical community is the most “hipster” neighborhood in the state.
122 locals recommend
Benson
122 locals recommend
(Maple St between 60th and 65th St) Benson is one of the hippest neighborhoods in Omaha. The area surrounding Maple Street boasts a vibrant culture that is tough to come by — which makes it an attractive place for foodies, musicians, artists and more. Most of the businesses here have made their homes in old theaters and dealerships, revamping the neighborhood, mixing the old with the new, and creating a vibe that is unparalleled to nearby communities. In fact, this historical community is the most “hipster” neighborhood in the state.
(11th & Capital St) Capital District is the urban spot where fun-seekers can live, eat and drink in one community—all within walking distance of TD Ameritrade Ballpark and CHI Civic Center.
Capitol Plaza
Capitol Plaza
(11th & Capital St) Capital District is the urban spot where fun-seekers can live, eat and drink in one community—all within walking distance of TD Ameritrade Ballpark and CHI Civic Center.
(31st & Farnam St) Midtown Crossing is an urban retreat for entertainment and dining. At it's center, Turner Park hosts free "Jazz on the Green" live concerts Thursday evening during the summer and beautiful Christmas light displays during the winter. A wide array of outdoor venues surround the park for an aesthetically pleasing eating venture.
109 locals recommend
Midtown Crossing
109 locals recommend
(31st & Farnam St) Midtown Crossing is an urban retreat for entertainment and dining. At it's center, Turner Park hosts free "Jazz on the Green" live concerts Thursday evening during the summer and beautiful Christmas light displays during the winter. A wide array of outdoor venues surround the park for an aesthetically pleasing eating venture.
(Around 65th and Center St) A walkable place of unique shops, restaurants, bars, bicycle trails and green spaces.
93 locals recommend
Aksarben/Elmwood Park
93 locals recommend
(Around 65th and Center St) A walkable place of unique shops, restaurants, bars, bicycle trails and green spaces.

Museums and Historic Attractions

A selection of local museum and historic venues
A large impressive Art Deco building featuring 38 different marbles from all over the world. It houses a large collection, over 11,000 pieces, of European, American, and American Indian collections
247 locals recommend
Joslyn Art Museum
2200 Dodge St
247 locals recommend
A large impressive Art Deco building featuring 38 different marbles from all over the world. It houses a large collection, over 11,000 pieces, of European, American, and American Indian collections
Located in historic Union Station, the Durham offers fascinating exhibits, local history, art deco architecture and an authentic sofa fountain.
157 locals recommend
The Durham Museum
801 S 10th St
157 locals recommend
Located in historic Union Station, the Durham offers fascinating exhibits, local history, art deco architecture and an authentic sofa fountain.
Unique exhibitions!! Founded with the mission of exploring creativity across the whole range of human activity including art, science, philosophy, entrepreneurship, urban planning and education.
32 locals recommend
KANEKO
1111 Jones St
32 locals recommend
Unique exhibitions!! Founded with the mission of exploring creativity across the whole range of human activity including art, science, philosophy, entrepreneurship, urban planning and education. 
The “Squirrel Cage Jail” is one of only three remaining “rotary jails,” all of which stand as examples of a brief obsession with keeping criminals in rotating cells.
7 locals recommend
Squirrel Cage Jail
226 Pearl St
7 locals recommend
The “Squirrel Cage Jail” is one of only three remaining “rotary jails,” all of which stand as examples of a brief obsession with keeping criminals in rotating cells. 
The Grenville M. Dodge House is a historic house museum in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This Second Empire mansion, built in 1869, was the home of Grenville M. Dodge, a Union Army general, politician, and a major figure in the development of the railroads across the American West
Dodge House-Historic General
605 S 3rd St
The Grenville M. Dodge House is a historic house museum in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This Second Empire mansion, built in 1869, was the home of Grenville M. Dodge, a Union Army general, politician, and a major figure in the development of the railroads across the American West
Trace the construction of the transcontinental railroad and explore the technology used by today's railroad.
23 locals recommend
Union Pacific Railroad Museum
200 Pearl St
23 locals recommend
Trace the construction of the transcontinental railroad and explore the technology used by today's railroad.
The exhibits at Omaha Children's Museum provide a wealth of opportunities for learning through play. All of the museum's exhibits are designed to inspire, educate, and delight.
100 locals recommend
Omaha Children's Museum
500 S 20th St
100 locals recommend
The exhibits at Omaha Children's Museum provide a wealth of opportunities for learning through play. All of the museum's exhibits are designed to inspire, educate, and delight.
This beautifully restored home of the Civil War hero is found on the North Omaha campus of Metro Community College.
General Crook House Museum
5730 N 30th St
This beautifully restored home of the Civil War hero is found on the North Omaha campus of Metro Community College.
Father Flanagans Boys℠ Home accepted all boys, regardless of their race, creed or cultural background. The priest offered every child a new start in life, and he went to great lengths to seek out and bring in the neediest and most helpless - even boys who were in prison for serious crimes.
15 locals recommend
Boys Town
15 locals recommend
Father Flanagans Boys℠ Home accepted all boys, regardless of their race, creed or cultural background. The priest offered every child a new start in life, and he went to great lengths to seek out and bring in the neediest and most helpless - even boys who were in prison for serious crimes. 
Experience firsthand this Great Mormon migration of 1846-47. Explore a pioneer cabin, pull a handcart, and see a full-sized covered wagon drawn by an oxen team. Explore the history of the Mormon Trail and browse an interactive map with points of interest and more.
13 locals recommend
Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters
3215 State St
13 locals recommend
Experience firsthand this Great Mormon migration of 1846-47. Explore a pioneer cabin, pull a handcart, and see a full-sized covered wagon drawn by an oxen team. Explore the history of the Mormon Trail and browse an interactive map with points of interest and more.
The first Latino art and history museum in the Midwest. This cozy, culturally intensive establishment is as authentic as the restaurant and shops surrounding it.
El Museo Latino
4701 S 25th St
The first Latino art and history museum in the Midwest. This cozy, culturally intensive establishment is as authentic as the restaurant and shops surrounding it.
Explore the historic neighborhood known for celebrating music and African American arts. Catch the heritage of jazz in a district where Ellington, Basie, and others once played.
North 24th Street
North 24th Street
Explore the historic neighborhood known for celebrating music and African American arts. Catch the heritage of jazz in a district where Ellington, Basie, and others once played.
Spectacular Interactive Science Museum--highly interesting for ages 10+ to adults. Will thoroughly enjoy.
Kiewit Luminarium
Spectacular Interactive Science Museum--highly interesting for ages 10+ to adults. Will thoroughly enjoy.

Theaters, Playhouses, Civic Centers

455 10th St, Omaha
98 locals recommend
CHI Health Center
455 N 10th St
98 locals recommend
455 10th St, Omaha
1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs
7 locals recommend
Mid-America Center
1 Arena Way
7 locals recommend
1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs
6915 Cass St, Omaha The largest community playhouse in the country offers original stage productions year round
10 locals recommend
Omaha Community Playhouse
6915 Cass St
10 locals recommend
6915 Cass St, Omaha The largest community playhouse in the country offers original stage productions year round
2001 Farnam St, Omaha Dedicated to shows especially for children and family. Housed in a beautifully restored 1927 vaudeville palace
14 locals recommend
The Rose Theater, Farnam Street, Omaha, NE
2001 Farnam St
14 locals recommend
2001 Farnam St, Omaha Dedicated to shows especially for children and family. Housed in a beautifully restored 1927 vaudeville palace
1340 Mike Fahey St, Omaha
37 locals recommend
Film Streams' Ruth Sokolof Theater
1340 Mike Fahey St
37 locals recommend
1340 Mike Fahey St, Omaha
1905 Harney St, Omaha
Omaha Symphony
1905 Harney St
1905 Harney St, Omaha
1200 Douglas St, Omaha Considered one of the best sounding concert venues in the country
19 locals recommend
Holland Center
1200 Douglas St
19 locals recommend
1200 Douglas St, Omaha Considered one of the best sounding concert venues in the country
409 S. 16th St, Omaha
57 locals recommend
Orpheum Theater
409 S 16th St
57 locals recommend
409 S. 16th St, Omaha

Casinos

Ameristar Riverboat Casino consists of 38,500 square feet of gaming excitement with a complete selection of popular slot, video poker and table games.
12 locals recommend
Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
2200 River Rd
12 locals recommend
Ameristar Riverboat Casino consists of 38,500 square feet of gaming excitement with a complete selection of popular slot, video poker and table games.
Harrah’s gambling space covers 25,000 square feet, and the property boasts 500+ slots and 40+ table games.
20 locals recommend
Harrah's Council Bluffs Hotel & Casino
One Harrah's Blvd
20 locals recommend
Harrah’s gambling space covers 25,000 square feet, and the property boasts 500+ slots and 40+ table games.
Horseshoe Casino is home of the best odds, highest limits and biggest jackpots with more than 1,700 slots and over 60 table games to choose from."
15 locals recommend
Horseshoe Council Bluffs
2701 23rd Ave
15 locals recommend
Horseshoe Casino is home of the best odds, highest limits and biggest jackpots with more than 1,700 slots and over 60 table games to choose from."
Close to airport
Prairie Flower Casino
1031 Ave H East
Close to airport

Golfing

Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range and swanky lounge with drinks and games.
20 locals recommend
Top Golf
908 North 102nd Street
20 locals recommend
Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range and swanky lounge with drinks and games.
Local 18-hole championship golf course where you'll lakes, streams, ild mature trees and plenty of nature. Good value as well
Fox Run Golf Course
3001 Macineery Dr
Local 18-hole championship golf course where you'll lakes, streams, ild mature trees and plenty of nature. Good value as well

Shopping

Over 70 global and international retail brands
64 locals recommend
Nebraska Crossing Outlets
21209 Nebraska Crossing Dr
64 locals recommend
Over 70 global and international retail brands
Largest enclosed shopping mall in Nebraska
66 locals recommend
Westroads Mall
10000 California St
66 locals recommend
Largest enclosed shopping mall in Nebraska
104 tenant spots on two floors. Features a "Kids Coliseum " play area
23 locals recommend
Oak View Mall
3001 S 144th St
23 locals recommend
104 tenant spots on two floors. Features a "Kids Coliseum " play area
(17305 Davenport) Outdoor mall with a refined, traditional feel offering brand-name stores, dining & a movie theater. 17305 Davenport St
72 locals recommend
Village Pointe
17305 Davenport St
72 locals recommend
(17305 Davenport) Outdoor mall with a refined, traditional feel offering brand-name stores, dining & a movie theater. 17305 Davenport St