Location: Omaha
Top Things to do in Omaha
Things to do in Omaha, Nebraska (NE): The Best History Museums
Omaha is home to the world’s largest indoor desert under the world’s largest geodesic dome above the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit next to one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests! Climb aboard history at The Durham Museum, explore 100 acres at Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center and discover priceless works of art at the Joslyn Art Museum. Explore the Old Market, Omaha’s historic entertainment district, where boutiques, antique stores and restaurants line cobblestone streets.
Restaurants in Omaha
1. The Durham Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,174 reviews
Beautiful architecture blends with memories of a time gone by at the historic Durham Museum. Opened in 1931, Union Station was built by Union Pacific Railroad as the showpiece to the city of its headquarters. Considered one of Omaha’s most unique treasures, and now an official National Historic Landmark, the station is one of the best examples of art deco architecture in the country. The Durham Museum offers unique, hands-on learning for people of all ages. Enjoy an extraordinary array of permanent exhibits including restored train cars, 1940’s storefronts, HO Model trains, numerous artifacts showing the history of the region and the Byron Reed collection, which includes some of the world’s rarest coins and documents. During your stay be sure to stop by the authentic soda fountain and enjoy a phosphate or malt.
Reviewed By 857beckyw - Grimes, United States
We happened to visit the Durham when they were running a $5 admission special for a weekday evening. Being a former railroad station, the main area was massive, beautiful, and very Art Deco. It also included a little diner/cafe that was closed/closing for the night while we were there. The lower level includes decommissioned train cars you can tour, as well as plenty of historical displays, exhibits, and even a small theater that screened short documentaries. We also happened to visit a temporary exhibit that enabled patrons to “role-play” as early settlers and attempt to survive by completing tasks as they negotiated a maze representing the first year of the settlement, which the kids/teens with us found the most entertaining part. One of the teens with us kept “dying” and would go through again, determined to “survive.” In all, it was an enjoyable stop on our vacation, especially for the price.
2. General Crook House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
The Museum is the authentically restored home of General George Crook. It was constructed in 1879 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is an Italianate style, which represented the no-nonsense grandeur of the military frontier. The furnishings are from the 1880 Victorian period. Monday-Friday 10am-4pm; Sat-Sun 1pm-4pm; Adults $5($6 holidays); Students $4; 6yrs-12yrs $3.Directions to General Crook House Museum - If you are heading North on highway 75, merge onto North 30th Street. Take a left (or turn West) onto Fort Street, which is the main entrance for MCC. Once on campus, head straight West through campus until you come to a "T" in the road with a stop sign, turn right (or North) - The General Crook House is the 6th house on the left (or West) side of the road. We are the only house with a large American flag hanging on the front porch.
3. Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4 reviews
The Ford Conservation Center is a regional conservation facility, part of the Nebraska State Historical Society. We offer services to private individuals, museums and libraries, corporations, and state and federal agencies. The Ford Center works on objects for private individuals, as well as other institutions and government agencies. A small exhibit on Gerald Ford inside the building is open by appointment only.
4. Florence Mill
5. El Museo Latino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
