OMAHA - Brief Article

Travel America, March, 2001 by Christina Victor

Seen the city? Then head on out for the following attractions (shown with approximate mile distances from city center)

When visiting Omaha be sure to visit Henry Doorly Zoo, which includes the world's largest open-air aviary, a massive indoor rain forest, and many rare and endangered animal species. The Joslyn Art Museum has one of the finest Western art collections in the world. Omaha's role in the westward expansion of the United States is explored at the Durham Western Heritage Museum and Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters and Pioneer Cemetery. Wander through historic Old Market, which now houses quaint restaurants and shops. Boys Town, the famous home for troubled children, allows self-guided tours of its Hall of History, Father Flanagan House, and other attractions. Also visit Freedom Park, home of the USS Hazard (a World War II minesweeper) and USS Marlin submarine; the restored 1879 General Crook House; and the hands-on Omaha Children's Museum.

10 Just south of Omaha, the Strategic Air Command Museum is adjacent to the nation's defense "nerve center" and houses a collection of military aircraft. Nearby are the drive-through Wildlife Safari, Mahoney State Park, and Platte River State Park. Cross the Missouri River to spend a day in Council Bluffs, Iowa; see Historic General Dodge House, Historic Pottawattamie County Jail, Kanesville Tabernacle, and Railswest Railroad Museum and HO Model Railroad.

20 Tour DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge north of Omaha on the Missouri River. It provides a refuge for migrating waterfowl and is the winter home of more than 100 bald eagles. South of the city, Schramm Park State Recreation Area offers spectacular views of the Platte River Valley and a unique geologic and botanical area. Its historic fish hatchery (Nebraska's first) is now a museum. The park is also home to AkSarBen Aquarium, which houses more than 50 fish species native to Nebraska as well as a terrarium.

40 Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Arboretum in Nebraska City contains a formal garden, an arboretum, and the 52-room mansion that was the home of J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day. Arbor Day Farm is owned by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Also visit John Brown's Cave and Historical Village, a stop on the Underground Railway. An adjacent village green features a 1900s rural community. In Fremont tour the Louis E. May Historical Museum, a Victorian mansion housing the Dodge County Historical Society with exhibits including an 1868 log house and living history demonstrations.

60 Lincoln is a destination in itself; must-see attractions include the State Capitol with its 14th-floor observation deck; Museum of Nebraska History; University of Nebraska State Museum, nicknamed "Elephant Hall" for its collection of fossil elephants (including a mammoth); hands-on Children's Museum; and Folsom Children's Zoo. The Steamboat and Missouri River History Museum is aboard a restored sidewheeler dredge in Brownville. In Oakland see exhibits of Swedish crystal, linens and needlework brought by pioneers at the Swedish Heritage Center.

For information, contact Nebraska Travel and Tourism Division (TravelAmerica Magazine), P.O. Box 94666, Lincoln, NE 68509; (800) 228-4307; visitnebraska.org.