Attractions and Places To See around Omaha - Top 20

Omaha offers several family-friendly attractions. The Fontenelle Forest Nature Center features a climbing park, raptor exhibit, museum, and hiking trails suitable for all ages. You can also visit Expedition Madagascar at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which showcases unique and endangered species. Additionally, the West Papio Creek Bridge and Big Papio Trail are great for leisurely walks or bike rides with children.

Yes, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is wheelchair-accessible, offering a smooth path across the Missouri River between Omaha, Nebraska, and Council Bluffs, Iowa. It's a popular spot for a scenic stroll.

The West Papio Creek Bridge is known as a popular spot for bird and other wildlife watching, thanks to its rushes and tall grasses along the water. The Fontenelle Forest Nature Center also provides opportunities to observe local wildlife and features a raptor exhibit.

Omaha is great for outdoor enthusiasts. You can cycle or walk across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, explore the paved Big Papio Trail, or hike through the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. For more extensive cycling, check out the Cycling around Omaha guide, which includes routes like the Big Papio and Keystone Trail Loop. Runners can find trails in the Running Trails around Omaha guide, such as the Zorinsky Lake Trail.

Yes, both the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and the West Papio Creek Bridge offer scenic views. The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge provides panoramic vistas of the Missouri River and the skylines of Omaha and Council Bluffs, while the West Papio Creek Bridge offers tranquil views of the creek and its natural surroundings.

Omaha boasts a network of trails for cycling and running. The Big Papio Trail is a 10-mile paved cycleway following Big Papillion Creek. You can find many more options in the Cycling around Omaha and Running Trails around Omaha guides, including loop trails around lakes like Zorinsky and Cunningham, and longer routes combining trails like the Keystone and Big Papio.

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha is renowned for its conservation efforts, particularly highlighted by exhibits like Expedition Madagascar. This exhibit focuses on the unique and endangered species from Madagascar, one of the world's top biodiversity hotspots, and links directly to ongoing conservation projects.

Visitors particularly enjoy the unique experience of crossing the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, especially the opportunity to stand with one foot in Iowa and the other in Nebraska for a photo. The bridge is also appreciated for being a wonderful place for an easy stroll, run, or bike ride, connecting to a wider network of trails. The West Papio Creek Bridge is valued for its peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for bird and wildlife watching.

Yes, the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center is a significant natural area near Omaha. It offers a variety of hiking trails through its forest, along with facilities like a raptor exhibit and a museum, making it a great place to connect with nature.

Absolutely. Omaha offers several long-distance cycling routes. For example, the Road Cycling Routes around Omaha guide lists routes like the Keystone Trail – Big Papio Trail loop, which can be over 40 km long. The Cycling around Omaha guide also features routes such as the West Papio Trail, extending over 30 km.

The Big Papio Trail is a paved cycleway that follows Big Papillion Creek for about 10 miles in each direction. It's a great option for a continuous ride, with opportunities to explore additional parks and paths off the main trail. It's recommended to ride early, especially in summer, as some sections have limited shade.