Exploring Omaha – Adventure, History, and Sushi
Exploring Omaha – Adventure, History, and Sushi
There’s something uniquely satisfying about starting a road trip in the still-dark hours of the morning. We pulled out of the driveway at 5:30 a.m., aiming to beat the traffic and carve out enough time to turn our travel day into an adventure.
Day One: Ponca State Park and Old Market Explorations
Our first destination was Ponca State Park, nestled along the Missouri River in northeastern Nebraska. We arrived just after 10:00 a.m. and were met with thick, muggy air, humidity in full force. Still, the views made up for the sweat. The Scenic Overlook offered sweeping views of the river valley, with a rare chance to see three states at once, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa, making it a truly unforgettable vantage point. We explored the Overlook Trail, a manageable hike that rewarded us with elevated views and a good stretch after the morning drive.
Overlook Trail, Ponca State Park
By early afternoon, we made it into Omaha and checked into our hotel with time to spare. First on our list? Old Market, a lively, artsy district with cobblestone streets, local shops, and more than a few good eats. We grabbed lunch at Blue Sushi Sake Grill, which would end up being our go-to spot. (Spoiler: we went there three times over the course of our stay!)
Wandering Old Market led us to Homer’s Records, a must-visit for me as an avid vinyl collector. I make it a point to seek out record stores in every town I visit, and Homer’s is easily one of the best. It's been a cornerstone of Omaha’s music scene since 1971, and walking in felt like entering a music lover’s dream; rows of vinyl, both new and used, spanning every genre imaginable. This visit was especially memorable because my kiddo picked out her very first vinyl records here. Watching her flip through crates and make that decision felt like a full-circle moment. We even stopped back later in the trip so we could add to our collections.
Another fun shop was Hollywood Candy. It’s part candy store, part vintage shop, part soda fountain, part mini museum. The store is packed floor to ceiling with retro candy, movie memorabilia, vintage arcade games, and quirky odds and ends. We wandered for quite a while, discovering everything from Pez dispensers to classic movie posters to rows and rows of vintage pinball machines. It's a place where nostalgia and sugar cravings collide.
Day Two: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo
We kicked off our second day at one of the top-ranked zoos in the country; Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. This place truly lives up to the hype. From the Desert Dome, the world’s largest indoor desert (topped with an iconic glass dome), to the lush, tropical Lied Jungle, it felt like we had traveled around the world in a few short hours.
Desert Dome, Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Visiting the zoo held extra meaning for me. I had actually been there once before, when I was a toddler, no older than two years old. I don’t have any memories of that visit, but I know I went with my grandma, mom, sisters, and cousins who lived in Omaha at the time.
Elephants have always been one of my favorite animals, and it was a joy to watch them roam their spacious habitat. Other highlights included a mama hippo with her baby, the glowing jellyfish displays, the flamingos, and the endlessly entertaining monkeys and gorillas. So much to see and do at the zoo, it was truly an all-day adventure!
Day Three: Nature Trails and Castles
We began day three immersed in nature at Fontenelle Forest, a serene, protected area just south of Omaha. This 1,400-acre sanctuary offers a glimpse into Nebraska’s rich ecological history. We started with the boardwalk trail, perfect for a scooter ride (my daughter's mode of travel) and fully accessible. The views of the Missouri River and Omaha’s skyline were stunning from the elevated platforms. Eventually, we veered off onto the Ridgeview Trail, which gave us a more rustic experience through the wooded hills.
Fontenelle Forest
After our morning hike, we headed into downtown to explore the newly renovated Lewis & Clark Landing, a beautiful park located right along the Missouri River. It’s an ideal spot to reflect on the explorers' historic journey and enjoy public art, shaded walkways, and riverfront views.
What makes Lewis & Clark Landing especially meaningful is its historical significance. Back in July 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark camped near this very site during their expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase. They held councils with local tribes and documented the land, wildlife, and geography, all part of their journey west to the Pacific. Today, the park honors that history with interpretive signage and monuments, blending past and present in a way that invites both reflection and recreation. It’s more than just a scenic place; it's a modern tribute to a pivotal moment in U.S. history.
Our afternoon brought us to Joslyn Castle, a Scottish Baronial mansion with deep roots in Omaha’s history. The home was once owned by George and Sarah Joslyn, prominent philanthropists and publishers who left a lasting cultural legacy in the city. The Joslyn Art Museum, which was funded by Sarah Joslyn in honor of her late husband, is one of Omaha’s most treasured institutions. The castle itself, though currently unfurnished, still tells a rich story through its grand staircase, intricate woodwork, and beautiful stained-glass windows. We spent two full hours on the guided tour, much longer than we anticipated but the break from the heat was welcome, and we learned a great deal about the couple and their place in Omaha's Gilded Age.
Joslyn Caste, Omaha
Day Four: Historic Council Bluffs
On our final day, we crossed into Council Bluffs, Iowa, just across the Missouri River, for a day packed with history. We began at the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, a scenic walkway connecting Iowa and Nebraska. Standing with one foot in each state is a must, and the fun state line markers on the bridge make for a great photo op. It was quiet, peaceful, and a perfect way to start our last morning.
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Next, we visited the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, which gave us a fascinating look at the expansion of the railroads and their role in shaping the country. With hands-on exhibits, vintage rail equipment, and historical documents, it gave us a deeper appreciation for just how transformative this era of travel and commerce really was.
After, we headed to the General Dodge House, home of Grenville M. Dodge, one of the most important figures in American railroad history. A brilliant engineer and Civil War general, Dodge was not only instrumental in leading the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, but he also oversaw the building of railways in Peru, Mexico, and even Russia. His circle of close friends included Ulysses S. Grant, William Tecumseh Sherman, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt; a reflection of his deep ties to both political and military history. The home itself is stunning, filled with original items and preserved furnishings. Touring it felt like stepping into the mind and life of someone who truly shaped the infrastructure of the country.
General Dodge House, Council Bluffs
But perhaps the most unexpected gem of the day was the Squirrel Cage Jail. I hadn’t originally planned to visit, but I’m so glad we did, it quickly became one of my favorite stops. This jail is one of only three remaining rotary jails in the country. Built in 1885, the jail was designed with a circular, rotating cell block operated by a hand crank, allowing guards to access inmates without walking into the cells. It was an innovative but flawed design, often jamming or causing injury, and even at times locking inmates in by accident. There were no toilets in the cells, just buckets and the cramped, pie-shaped cells made for uncomfortable living conditions. Still, it remained in use until 1969. Walking through it was eerie and fascinating, peering into the tiny cells, learning about its unusual mechanics, and seeing how jail conditions evolved over time. Inmates' names were carved and scribbled all over the walls and ceiling, a haunting reminder of the real people who lived inside. The building has plenty of ghost stories tied to it as well, which adds to the experience. It felt like part haunted house, part time capsule, quirky, strange, and unforgettable.
Squirrel Cage Jail, Council Bluffs
That night, we embraced one final treat: doing nothing. Back at the hotel, we ordered DoorDash, a luxury we don’t have at home. We indulged in more sushi from Blue Sushi Saki Grill, Crumbl Cookies, our favorite Starbucks drinks, and binge-watched TV in bed. Simple pleasures like delivery and screen time felt extra special, and it was the perfect way to cap off a busy, memory-filled week.
Final Thoughts
Omaha surprised us, in the best way. From nature trails to candy shops, historic homes to modern art districts, this city has a little bit of everything. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just looking for a mix of outdoor fun and historical stops, Omaha delivers. And don’t sleep on Council Bluffs, it’s full of hidden historical treasures just waiting to be explored.
Would we go back? In a heartbeat. And next time, we’ll probably eat at Blue Sushi Saki Grill four times and make sure we leave a little extra space in our bags for vinyl.
Let's keep rambling.
- Kelly