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"Quiet place above all others upon a stream*"

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Famous Omahans*

   Wesley Addy
   Karrin Allyson
   Edward L. Alperson
   Laura Anson
   Karen Arthur
   Adele Astair
   Frederick Austeritz
   Pamela Austin
   Art Babbitt
   Buddy Baer
   Max Baer
   John Beasley
   Terrence Beasor
   Lee Beggs
   Lindsay Bloom
   Marlon Brando
   Peter Buffett
   Warren Buffett
   Johnny A. Carson
   Dick Cavett
   Montgomery Cliff
   Patrick Coyle
   Chip Davis
   John Domin
   David Doyle
   William Dozier
   E.O.W.B.E.M.B.B.
   Jolie Edwards
   Michael Lee Firkins
   Henry Fonda
   Pat Hazell
   Bob Kerry
   Preston Love
   Luigi Waites
   Thomas Mangelsen
   C.W. McCall
   Dorothy McGuire
   Nick Nolte
   Alexander Payne
   Mike Post
   Lawrence Welk
   Paul Williams

Famous Nebraskans

   Bess Streeter Aldrich
   Grover C. Alexander
   George Beadle
   Sprangler A. Brugh
   William J. Bryan
   Johnny A. Carson
   Dick Cavett
   Willa Cather
   Richard B. Cheney
   Red Cloud
   James Coburn
   William F. Cody
   Sam Crawford
   Loren Eiseley
   Val Finch
   Henry Fonda
   Andrew Higgins
   Lawrence Klein
   Swoozie Kurtz
   J. Sterling Morton
   J. G. Neihardt
   Margaret O'Brien
   John J. Pershing
   Mari Sandoz
   Standing Bear
   Janine Turner
   Darryl F. Zanuck

Born in Omaha

   Leslie Lynch King, Jr.
   Malcolm Little
  

Z-92 Rock Station
"The Rock Station

The Reader
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Theatre Arts Guild
Omaha Theatre

Recommend us to a friend!

Smack dab in the middle of America  If you ever make it to Omaha, we are not sloughing off compared to other cities.  Let me tell you about it.  We don't have LA's traffic jams, crime, or its high percentage of sunshine days.  We don't have New York's traffic and crime.  We don't have Chicago's traffic and crime.  We are not crime free, and we are not traffic free, after all, we are a growing city of 716,998 as of 2000 (metropolitan area) even though the US Census has an estimate of only 463,585 for 2000 for the entire Douglas county!  Omaha city proper has a population of 371,291 as of 1998.  We are the largest city in the state of Nebraska.  Together with Lincoln, the only other metropolitan city in Nebraska, we make up over half the population of Nebraska.  Omaha started as Omaha City in 1854* and incorporated as Omaha in 1855.  We haven't stopped growing ever since.

Omaha is centrally located so we have our seasons.  Omaha's temperature ranges from the sub zeros in the winter to over 100 degree summer days.  Wind-chill and heat index means something in Omaha!  It doesn't matter how hot or cold it gets, Omaha people are active.

What to do 

There are plenty of things to do in Omaha.  That is what this website is about, "What-to-do".  In addition to leading productive business lives, we enjoy our off time.  From learning tidbits of our history to fun things to do, we have it for you, all entertaining.  Omaha has so many different ways to offer us recreation activities.   In winter months, we aren't afraid to enjoy the snow from sledding in town to snowmobiles in rural areas.  The frozen ponds, lagoons, and park areas offer ice skating and ice hockey.  Our colder periods only energize us to enjoy the warmer months even more.  We have lots of lakes and rivers nearby so there is no shortage of fishing, sailing, and boating opportunities.

Spring and summer means lots of outdoor sports activities, sightseeing, bird watching, shopping, and attending arts, entertainment, and celebration events, such as festivals, fairs, and even rodeos.  We have theatre, ballet, concerts, special shows, music in the parks, even Shakespeare in the parks.  When the weather cools back down, we support our favorite sports team by filling the stadiums, outside at the tailgate parties, or home in front of the big screen.

If you are new to Omaha, head for the Old Market, take a horse and carriage ride and see some of Omaha's best.  You can also take a trolley tour of Omaha to help get you up-to-date with Omaha first hand.

Anyone that thinks there is nothing to do around Omaha hasn't visited this site.  Look at all the choices that have further information on the web.  Read on, you will learn more about Omaha, its opportunities, and some of its curious and fascinating history.  One tip, some links will display additional info if you move the mouse over it.

Starting Out   

Omaha (named for the Omaha Indians) is located on the west bank of the Missouri River that separates Nebraska and Iowa.  Long before any white man set foot on the Great Plains, the area was inhabited by several Native American groups, including the Oto/Otoe/Missouri, Pawnee, and Omaha nations.  Since North American natives were more migratory back then, there were other natives that crossed the area.  More about Omaha's history.

Continuing to Grow   

Omaha has continued to grow from its early beginnings.  We grow west since we are limited by the Missouri River.  Omaha's downtown area has revitalized itself every so often and currently we are in the process of doing the same with the building of our new Omaha Convention Center and Arena.*  The Convention Center is located right next to the I-480 Freeway in the northeast part of downtown.  To have easy access to the Convention Center from the airport, several streets are being reorganized.

Omaha has been chosen as the new location for the Gallup Organization.  In addition to conducting business, the Gallup Campus has its own training center.  The National Park Service has also built a new headquarters on the riverfront.

We also have new buildings going up as downtown businesses Union Pacific, Omaha World Herald, and First National Bank start building new headquarters.  The new bank building is 40 stories tall, making it the tallest building anywhere around.  We not only are growing out, we are growing "up".

Worldwide Recognition   

There are lots of things Omaha is known for.  Most people think of Boy's Town, Creighton, Mutual of Omaha, College World Series, SAC Headquarters, Omaha Steaks, and Union Pacific Railroad.

In the western part of Omaha is Father Flanagan's Girl's and Boy's Town located in the village of Boys Town USA (started in 1917).  The area has been absorbed into Omaha as the city grew out and around it.  The village still maintains its own identity complete with its own zip code and mayor (chosen by the youth).   Formally known as Boys Town, Girl's and Boy's Town has made it official, reflecting what has been going on for quite some time, Girl's and Boy's Town helps young boys and girls get the leadership they deserve.

Omaha is also home to ConAgra and Woodmen of the World.  While these are not the only large businesses located in Omaha, they have stood the test of time and are more universally known.

Omaha is known worldwide, especially in our "Sister Cities".  Omaha's first sister city was Shizuoka, Japan.  Now, we have three sister cities.  You can learn all about our sister cities at the Omaha Sister Cities website.

Art and Museums   

Chicago has its cows, Omaha has its John Does (or J. Does, to be more specific), life-size works of art by area artists.  Look for them around town.  The project can be viewed at their website.

Omaha's Joslyn Art Museum contains one of the most impressive collections of early American art and lifestyle artifacts.  Starting in July through early August, the museum has free concerts on the front lawn every Thursday evening; a must do event.  The first Sunday of the month is the time for Bagels and Bach in the courtyard (mornings).  The first Friday of October to May fills the atrium with blues and jazz fans from 5:30 P.M. to 8 P.M.. to enjoy the First Friday Jam concerts.  Members get $2 off the $7 cover.  The museum also has its own concert hall, rarely used, but elegant.  There would be much to tell you about the museum but it is better to visit them on the web at Joslyn.

Omaha has several other museums showing our historic, artistic, and cultural diversities.  Our old train depot has been converted into the Durham Western Heritage Museum showing some great exhibits of our earliest history.  The El Museo Latino in South Omaha shows cultural art.  The Period Gallery features different types of art, as do a number of other galleries around town.  We also have several locations where art is on display such as the Artists' Cooperative, and the Passageway, both in the Old Market.  The Omaha Cultural & Academic Cooperative combines education with museums, a unique program based at our zoo.   Omaha also has an Artist in Residency program in the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, which also has art exhibitions.

Omaha has a strong arts community.  We love arts and especially art festivals.  During the summer months, we have quite a few art festivals in Omaha and the surrounding communities.  You don't want to miss the Countryside Village Art festival (first weekend in June), the downtown Summer Arts Festival (late June), and the Rockbrook Village Art Fair (following labor day weekend).

We are also proud of our performing arts.   We have the Omaha Symphony, Opera Omaha, and many theatrical productions.  The Orpheum Theater was restored in the 1970s and features the greatest local and touring productions.  The Omaha Community Playhouse has the greatest plays, including the best "Scrooge" play anywhere.  The Omaha Theatre for Young People introduces theatre to our youngest citizens, not only in plays that are interesting to the younger generation but they also are the performers.

Shakespeare 

In June and July, we have Shakespeare in the Parks, a popular and established tradition that surely will not end soon.  The performances are in Elmwood Park, which is south of the University of Nebraska at Omaha (around 60th and Dodge).  Go south (from Dodge) at Happy Hollow Blvd.  Performances start at 8:00 P.M. Thursday through Sundays.  Make sure you get there early to get a great seat.  Bring a blanket, picnic, turkey leg ... eat, drink, and be merry.  You can bring some money too, not because of the performance, because of the concessions stands; the performances are free.  How can you beat that?

Parks 

From the early days of Omaha's history, we have set aside special areas as our parks.  We have some beautiful parks for just about any occasion.  Read more about our parks.

Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo   

One of my all time favorite places is the zoo where some of my closest relatives live.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo has grown tremendously since its beginnings as Riverview Park in the late 1890s.  The Zoo has continued to add important exhibits such as the world's second largest free-flight aviary, the country's largest Cat Complex in the "Wild Kingdom Pavilion",  the world's largest indoor rainforest (The Lied Jungle), and the world's largest indoor desert.

The free-flight aviary allows birds to fly and live in a more natural settings.  In addition to the birds, you can see monkeys and other species in the aviary.

In the Cat Complex, you can enjoy cats from every corner of our planet.  The Cat Complex has been an important part of Cat Conservation and study.  Educational displays explain things such as the white tigers, a rare genetic disorder that does not occur with such great frequency in the wild (only 12 have been spotted in the wild).

The Lied Jungle features rainforest environments from Africa, Asia, and South America.  A jungle trail and an overhead walkway give visitors an excellent view and tour.

The zoo also has a great sea aquarium, the Scott Aquarium, where you can see sharks swimming over your head as you travel through the 70 ft. underwater zigzag tunnel.  The aquarium also displays other aquatic life such as stingrays, jellyfish, and three species of penguins.

The zoo also had a rare white alligator through Labor Day.  Let's hope this unique exhibit returns.

If you think a visit once a year will cover everything, keep this in mind.  H.D.Z. has been an active participant in breeding programs with many other zoos worldwide.  This means they may have animals for a temporary period, or they may have animals returned since you last visited.  You can hardly ever visit the zoo without learning something new.

Speaking of learning, the zoo is not only a display of exotic species, but also involved with educational programs with schools and universities.  The Omaha Cultural and Academic Cooperative organization is based at the zoo.  The group is special because it is an innovative partnership of museums that provides educational career exploration programs not found anywhere else.  Other zoos and museums in the country should take note as an example.  We are lucky to have this great program in Omaha.  The zoo also has volunteer programs, and research projects going on full time.  All together, these programs are helping to fulfill the zoo's mission of conservation, research, recreation, and education.

The zoo's last project was the world's largest desert biome, which opened in 2002.  Visitors can experience the unique desert environments of the Namib Desert in Africa, the Great Sandy in Australia, and the Sonoran Desert in southwestern U.S.  The glazed geodesic dome allows visitors to see a 30 ft tall sand dune, Ayers Rock, a cactus forest, a sandfall, meerkats, pumas, bobcats, rock wallabies, peccaries, klipspringers, and desert plants.  In 2003, the world's largest nocturnal exhibit will open underneath the Desert Dome.

The zoo is best enjoyed if the visit is not rushed however starting early requires plenty of ahead of time planning and with our busy lives is not always an option.  Admission to the zoo is without a doubt, always reasonable, however, the best bargain is a season zoo pass.  That way you get to go multiple times without as much concern for covering every exhibit; you can even sneak in a late afternoon visit without the guilt.  As a rule, the people that purchase a season pass so much recognize the value that they continue to do so year after year.  If you travel, keep this in mind, the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo Season Pass is also good for free admission to 150 other zoos in the country.  That's a rate of three per state, probably one is in yours.

The zoo is situated on 110 acres near I-80 and 10th Street, just across from Rosenblatt Stadium, all within a few blocks of I-80 Exit 454 (13th Street Exit).  Except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, the zoo is open from 9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.. Thanks to the folks that take care of some of my relatives.

If all that weren't enough, the zoo operates the Lozier 3D IMAX theater with a six story tall screen and 12,000 watts of sound to make you feel like you are part of the action. You can visit the IMAX theater separate from the Zoo (they do share parking lots).  From children age to elderly, everyone enjoys the experience of the IMAX films.  One of the greatest experiences is to treat your folks.  If you haven't experienced an IMAX film yourself, I say rush to the theater immediately, price is only about $6.75.  The IMAX films have 3D versions of some films.  This isn't the same 3D of yesteryear, no blue and red lenses.  A tiny optical sensor in the glass frame picks up the signal to open and close electronic shutter lenses to stay in sync with the projected film.  This is truly modern 3D.  The effect is so smooth that you don't even think about wearing the glasses.

H.D.Z. also operates the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari just west of Omaha on I-80 Exit 426 near the Strategic Air and Space Museum and the Aksarben Aquarium at the Mahoney State Park.  The park is a drive through wildlife adventure with free-ranging North American plants and animals such as bison, elk, antelope, deer, and wolves.  A small animal exhibit, visitor center, tram, and concessions are available at the entrance.

The Missouri River -"The river of big canoes"

"...across the wide Missouri..."

The longest river in the country at 2,619 miles* and it goes right by our front door.  In the winter months, the Missouri River almost comes to a standstill and parts of it will even freeze over thick enough that it can support a car  (we've even had races on area lakes).  All that fun has to come to an end but just for a couple of months though.  The Missouri River becomes a little choppier with speed boats and skiers during the summer months.  It is not uncommon for skiers and other boating activities to travel upstream and downstream for 5 to 10 miles.  Heavy rainstorms make the water topsoil brown and laced with floating logs but it never stops the hardy boaters.  Favorite stopovers are the Cottonwood Marina (10 miles north, bands/cookouts) and the Omaha Marina (Blues/Booze) near the airport.

The Omaha Marina (near the airport) has nightly river cruises with bands during the summer months.  The best place to see the July 4th fireworks at Rosenblatt Stadium is in a boat on the river.

Labor Day weekend is the time to join in the massive rafting race from the Omaha Mormon Bridge (north of Omaha), south to the Bellevue Marina.  From a store bought blow up raft to a makeshift raft contraption, you will see it all at the race.  There is always a few serious entries, but mostly the camaraderie of a zillion rafts all floating together (some tied together), for one last summer's party.  Don't forget your camera (and tie a float to it).

Docked on the Iowa side of the Missouri River is gambling riverboats, Ameristar, Harrah's, etc. near the downtown area.  In the past, Omaha didn't utilize the Missouri River near the downtown area but due to the revitalization efforts and the gambling riverboats, the downtown Missouri River has become a popular spot.  The new Heartland of America Park has been built right next to the river.  Our very own Taste of Omaha hosts its bash at the park in early June.

Soon we will have a 60 feet high walkway that crosses the Missouri River.  That way if you gamble and lose the family car, you can still get back home without cab fare.

The Missouri River is part of Nebraska's large number of rivers.  Read more on Nebraska's Rivers and Lakes page.

The Crossroads of America   

Omaha is central to the entire U.S.   Interstate-80 runs through Omaha and is a main throughway to the west to Denver, and ending in San Francisco taking the same route as many early settlers moving west.  To the east, Des Moines, Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and the east coast.  The Interstate-680 bypass runs along the northern edge of Omaha from the Omaha Mormon Bridge and joins back in with I-80 in southwest Omaha.  Once these highways were near the outer reaches but as Omaha has grown, I-80 has started to run through the middle of Omaha, and the bypass is nearly as busy as I-80 itself.  I-80 is how you find your way home from the U.N.L. football games at the Tom Osborne Sports Complex and concerts at the Bob Devaney Sports Center and Pershing Auditorium in Lincoln.

Interstate-29 is just across the state line in Iowa and is a major North-South travel-way to the Dakotas (Mt. Rushmore, the Black Hills) and south to Texas.  It runs along the scenic bluffs just north of Omaha and it is how you get to DeSoto Bends Wildlife Preserve to see the yearly fall geese migration, located near the Bertrand Excavation Site.  I-29 is also how you head south to Kansas City for a weekend or to see the Christmas lights in the KC Plaza area.

Omaha city streets are easy to navigate.  East and west streets are named, north and south streets are numbered (with less than a handful of named boulevards), increasing in number further away from the Missouri.  All went fine until Omaha met its western township suburbs that already had their own naming and numbering schemes, namely Ralston and Millard.

Dodge Street is the street that others are numbered from.  Dodge Street actually ends at 84th Street but West Dodge Road splits off just past 78th and continues on west.  Dodge Street and West Dodge Road take the same path as U.S. Highway 6, which travels on into Colorado and beyond.

Shopping 

Omaha has some one-of-a-kind shopping experiences, such as Borsheim's, and Nebraska Furniture Mart (the largest privately owned furniture store).

Borsheim's (located in Regency Court) is one of the most unique jewelry and gift centers.  Once shut down to allow Bill Gates to shop privately for his wife's wedding present and now owned by Warren Buffett as part of the Berkshire-Hathaway portfolio.  Because of Borsheim's immense size, not only do you find truly unique items but you can get them at a better price than anywhere else in the country.

Nebraska Furniture Mart has been a survivor and changed with the times.  Besides household furniture and carpeting, they have expanded to cover the major home appliances from kitchen, entertainment, business, and computers.  Also, because of their immense size, you can usually get a better bargain than at the competition, especially if your purchase is a sizable one.

Nebraska Furniture Mart was created by Rose Blumkin, a Russian immigrant that got turned down for work by the then local furniture stores.  She went out and created her own and topped them all.  Rose was active in running the store and actually worked the floor riding her electrified cart until she was past 100 years old just a few years ago, seriously.  Rose didn't ignore the community either; in the late 90s, she saved my favorite movie theater of all time, the Omaha Astro Theater* from the wrecking ball, rebuilding it to more than its grandiose heyday as a stage theatre.  "The Rose" now houses the Omaha Theater Company for Young People.   A salute to Rose Blumkin.

Omaha has some wonderful shopping centers.  The Crossroads, Regency Court, Westroads, and the Oak View Mall keep up to date with constant renovations to maintain competition status for Omaha's dollar carriers.  Just south in Bellevue is the Southroads Mall.  Council Bluffs has the Mall of the Bluffs.  In addition to the malls are lots of strip malls, such as One Pacific Place,  Rockbrook Shopping Center, Montclair Shopping Center, and Countryside Village Shopping Center.  A favorite of tourists and locals alike, the Omaha Old Market area (near 10th and Howard) has lots of shops to choose from such as The Goldsmith Silversmith, Images of Nature, Overland Sheepskin Company, Tannenbaum Christmas Store, and The Nebraska Clothing Store.  The entire area is not to be missed; it is Omaha's oldest part of town preserved with the unique shops that can't be found anywhere else.  It has a great Farmer's Market during summer months.  The Old Market also has several restaurants, all unique, some very upscale such as Indian Oven, Omaha Prime, V. Mertz, Vivace, and The French Café.  The Old Market also has great pubs and taverns, and the best brewery, most serving great food too, so when in Omaha, visit the Old Market and have yourself a "Farquar" time.

Just west of Omaha on I-80 is one of the larger outlet malls near the Ashland exit.  If you have money to spend, Omaha has lots of places that you can exchange it for something you will always cherish.  See the Shopping links for maps.

The Steaks (and other restaurants)   

Omaha is the home of the best steaks this side of nowhere.  Omaha has several restaurants that compete for the best beef prize winners at state 4-H competitions in addition to the local home grown grain fed beef livestock that Nebraska is famous for.  As a result, the very best beef stays right here.

Omaha has a rich Italian ancestry and the therefore, there is an abundance of great Italian restaurants.  Steak is not so much an Italian thing as it is a local specialty.  The Italian restaurants seem to have a firm foothold in the larger, older, and better established Omaha restaurants.  As a result, several of the restaurants listed seem to have the Italian ring to it.  Check out Angie's, Angelo's, Anthony's, Brother Sebastian's, Casio's, Caniglia's, the Drover, Gorat's, Johnny's Cafe, La Strada, Omaha Prime, Passport, Piccolo Pete's, and on and on, one for almost every letter of the alphabet.  In nearby communities, we have Farmer Brown's Steakhouse (Papillion), The Pink Poodle (Crescent, Iowa and worth the drive for prime rib), and the Depot (Waterloo).  While you will see people dressed up, none of these places requires a coat and tie.

We have uppity, trendy bars and eateries too.  Try Cafe Nova, Jams, M's Pub, and V. Mertz.

Even more casual, Omaha has Dundee Deli, Gallagher's, Goldberg's, Julio's, Old Chicago, McKenna's (Blues, Booze, & B.B.Q.), Mr. Toads, and so on.

And barbecue, did I mention barbecue?  Don't try the Smoke Pit unless you are prepared to make Omaha your home.  You will soon find you can't do without it!  Vegetarian?  Try McFoster's Natural Kind Cafe.

Omaha is the birthplace of Godfather's Pizza.  Nebraska is the home of Runza's (a vinegary chopped beef meal in a bun) and Valentino's Pizza, both started in Lincoln.  We have lots of other restaurants that we keep for ourselves.  If you are visiting, you will want to check some of our these out.

Ethnic: The Bohemian, A Ri Rang Club (Korean, near Hummel Park), King Fong Cafe (carved tables and other furnishings), the French Cafe, El Alamo, Gerda's, Mt. Fuji, Old Vienna, Sushi Ichiban, Greek Village, Jaipur (Indian), Bomba Dia, King Kong (gyros), and a host of others.

We have our microbreweries, pasta/pizza parlors, all the usual, all the unusual, etc., etc., etc.  Near the downtown area, we have the Omaha Old Market area that has lots of restaurants in addition to the shops.

Just about any Omaha eating establishment can turn out a good steak.  My recommendation is to order the steak from the independent and local family run steak houses like the ones listed.

Anyone familiar with Omaha's restaurant choices knows that it is unfair to list any if you don't list them all.  The restaurants are spread out throughout the city.  It would be impractical to direct you to each one.  When in town, don't be afraid to ask for a recommendation of Omaha's greatest hidden restaurant treasure.  I'm sure you will soon find yourself in a place that most of the rest of the world hasn't had the opportunity to enjoy.

Nightlife   

Omaha has always had an active nightlife, more so than a lot of other cities.  From the Missouri River riverboats to the Old Market, to downtown, to western Omaha, you are not too far from a great bar.  Omaha's bars change as fast as the trends do.  Several businesses are competing to be the local hotspot.  A stable, "must-check-out" is Arthur's on 82nd and West Dodge Road.  Any younger crowd shouldn't miss the famous Ranch Bowl, a bowling alley that has several bars inside.  The Ranch Bowl has featured more up and coming artists than all of the other clubs put together.  If you are in the downtown Old Market area, walk three or four doors from where you are standing and step inside,   For variety. repeat as necessary.

Big Business   

Omaha's largest employer is Union Pacific.  ConAgra, First Data Resources, and Alegent Health, are followed by one you surely have heard of, Mutual of Omaha, probably from watching the Wild Kingdom TV show.  Omaha's employer with the largest land area is Avaya (Lucent Technologies), seven miles of road, 65,000 sq. ft of indoor space, located between 132nd and 144th, just north of L Street.  They are the 13th largest employer in the area.

ConAgra and other agricultural businesses have flourished in Omaha.  A suburb of Omaha, Ralston, is home to Ralston Purina.  Grains and livestock have been the money movers in Omaha for decades.  Only within the last ten years did Omaha give up the world famous stockyards as the urban growth took over the area.

Insurance companies, and a host of other businesses fill a majority of Omaha businesses.  Hospitals are running a close second.  You may have heard of Ameritrade, our financial success story.

Omaha has its own high technology silicon valley like businesses, more in the software than hardware side of things.  Applied Communication Inc. (T.S.I.) world headquarters is in Omaha.  First Data Resources, Compaq Telecom (formerly Tandem Telecom), and numerous others round out Omaha's soft business side.

Education   

Omaha has excellent pre-school through high-schools, including the full 12 year Montessori variety.  Omaha is home to Creighton University, University of Nebraska at Omaha, and College of Saint Mary to name the top three.  U.N.O. has experienced tremendous growth recently and is now a dorm school.  Creighton is famous for their basketball teams and the production of legal and medical professionals.  Omaha is also home to the University Medical Center where UN medical professionals develop the skills we depend on.  CoSM is still turning out the health and educational professionals, now in both genders.  A full list of education links.

Hospitals   

Only slightly behind the number of insurance companies is hospitals.  Important research in organ transplants and bone marrow transplants is part of University Medical Center's claim to fame.  Others: Clarkson, Creighton, St. Joseph's, and a great Children's Hospital.  Veterans come from a great distance to get medical attention at the VA Medical Center.  The hospital staff is made up of full time physicians and other professionals, physicians from area hospitals, and volunteers.

Sports   

Omaha is an active sports town, leading in golf, softball, and college baseball with the College World Series being played here. We also love football.  Nebraska's capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska, home to University of Nebraska (Husker) football is just one hour west on Interstate 80.  This makes it easy for Omaha to contribute to painting the stands red in Lincoln.  U.N.O. has its own football team, the U.N.O. Mavericks.  The U.N.O. Mavericks and Creighton Blue Jays are our top college athletic teams.  U.N.O. has gained quite a bit of attention for its new winning ice hockey team.  Omaha has its own professional indoor football team, the Omaha Beef and the metro area has its own amateur hockey team, the River City Lancers.

Omaha and baseball go together.  We have played host to the College World Series for over 50 years.  Played in early June at Rosenblatt Stadium (home of the Royals*), Omaha is alive with college age folks from across America.  When not at the games, they tend to hang out at Pauli's bar on 41st and Leavenworth.

The Omaha area is known to have the most avid softball players and fans anywhere.  Hundreds of beautifully maintained softball fields dot the Omaha landscape.  Many even feature lighting and stands for the fans.

Omaha has more golf courses per playing days than any other city in the U.S (over 40 in the immediate area).

Auto Racing is available at the Nebraska Raceway Park, on the highway towards Lincoln.  Eagle Raceway, just minutes west of Omaha on I-80 is home to Winged Sprint Cars that circle the world's fastest 1/8 mile oval track.  Motorcycle enthusiast can enjoy dirt at nearby White Sands Raceway.

Omaha has so many Sports Links, that it gets its own page.  Check it out

More Sports

Our Neighbors   

Omaha's neighbors all have interesting histories.  Some of the communities have been absorbed into Omaha.

The northern tip of Omaha, the area now know as Florence, is where the Mormon's trek to Utah took a pause for the winter after making it across the Missouri River in 1846-1847.  The journey and harsh Nebraska winter was deadly to many (nearly 1,000); the Mormon Cemetery, a testament to the trials of the early settlers is nearby.  The Mormon Trail Center allows you to step back in time to "Winter Quarters."

Bellevue, the oldest and the third largest city in Nebraska, is just south of Omaha and nearly a suburb.  Bellevue is home to Offutt A.F.B., the home of the Air Force's Strategic Air Command (SAC now SAFCOM), home to the Looking Glass Air Command Post, and the underground command post.

Across the Missouri River is Council Bluffs, also rich in history.  In addition to being an important staging place for the Mormon trek, Abraham Lincoln visited the area and looking out from the bluffs, chose Omaha as the starting point for the Union Pacific railroad that would link America from the East to the West.

The Midwest is a close knit group in that we are proud to say we feed the nation.  Being proud and confident makes us good folks.  You can go just about anywhere in our  neighboring states and get a welcome smile.  They are the same communities that are some of our favorite weekend and vacation getaways.