Well, my first trip there is next week, for six days…and I’ll be rotating in and out of there for business about 10 days a month for the next six months.
I’m pretty well travelled, but never been to Omaha. I’m a city kid (born and raised in Philadelphia, now living in very rural south Jersey).
I’ve been all over the U.S…from San Diego to Puerto Rico.
I’ve been to Wichita, KS…and I have painted a picture of Omaha as being similar.
So…help!
I grew up across the river from Omaha, in Council Bluffs. I can’t compare it to Wichita, as I’ve never been to Wichita, but here’s my quick take on the place.
Omaha is a very sprawling city. Most other cities seem to be more built-up toward the center. There really isn’t that much of an interesting downtown. There isn’t all that much distincitive about the place, IMO. It’s a decent city, but without a whole lot of flair.
The Old Market is one exception. It’s an old warehouse district converted into shops, restaurants and bars. It’s the most entertaining place in the area, if you ask me. The Henry Doorly Zoo is also a good spot. It’s a pretty good zoo, especially since they added their rain forest exhibit.
You’ll love flying in and out of there, because it couldn’t be easier. They don’t have many gates, although the airport is pretty spread out.
They’ve got a Royals farm team, so if you’re into baseball you could catch a minor-league game or two.
Strategic Air Command moved its museum out to west of the city. I haven’t been, but it looks interesting.
The Joslyn is considered a pretty good art museum, although I haven’t been there in ages.
Omaha also has Boystown, although I don’t know how much of tourist information they maintain there.
I second the Old Market and the zoo. I believe it’s now considered one of the better zoos in the country, at least for children, and you don’t have to be a kid to like the sort of stuff they offer at “children’s” zoos.
I’d definitely try some steaks at various places while you’re there.
My grandparents live in Omaha, so I’ve visited there quite often, although the last time was a year ago. 
I think it’s a fairly easy city to get around. I haven’t done a whole lot of exploring, but have heard of the Old Market area and would love to see it someday.
The zoo is awesome! They opened up a Kingdoms of the Night exhibit-housed in a huge dome, almost two years ago. Plus there’s Hubbard Gorilla Valley, which has opened since the last time I was there. The Lied Jungle is great, too!
We’ve had good food at Gorat’s Steakhouse on Center St, and Farmer Browns in Papillion.
My husband and I sometimes go down with my parents, and none of them are interested in seeing some of the things I’d like. Although the zoo is as big of a hit with my dad as it is me, and he’s hard to please. 
Outdoor Shakespeare. Other then that, there were some good place to get a steak, but for the life of me I can’t remember them.
Omaha is a remarkably bland city, considering its size. They are trying to spruce up downtown, and the Old Market is mildly interesting, but for the most part it’s a city of streets which take you to…well, more streets.
That being said, the Henry Doorly Zoo is fantastic. Go. And don’t forget to visit the nursery, because there is a baby orangutang and a baby gorilla in there right now. If you can’t find the nursery (it’s near the aquarium), ask. Baby apes are awesome.
There may be some good shows coming up at the Qwest Center. Check into that.
In what part of the city will you be staying?
The Joslyn is still a damned fine museum. The Omaha zoo is very nice, too. Don’t know if you hit those kinds of things when you travel on business. I don’t.
The Old Market area is about 4x4 square blocks. Many nice bars, restaurants, shops and one or two clubs. Definitely worth wandering around some evening.
Council Bluffs, IA is right across the bridge from Omaha. Council Bluffs has the casinos and the dog track. It also has the adult entertainment. Nebraska tries to lay the vice off on Iowa as much as possible.
No matter where you are working in town, everything is easily accessible. Even on a bad day when traffic is horribly snarled, it is difficult to take 30 minutes to get somewhere. Omaha natives may complain about the traffic, but they really don’t have any to speak of. If it slows down to 45 mph on the highway at the height of rush hour congestion, they think the world is ending.
Do you like Cars Phil? I do, and I like to drive them on wide open roads. When I am in the plains states for extended periods of time, I always rent a Mustang…Might be a consideration Have fun.
I’ve been to Omaha only once, and only for part of a day. Visited the USS Freedom and Hazard, which was fun, but if you’re from Philadelphia, nothing you couldn’t see closer to home at Independence Seaport.
Across the river in Council Bluffs, the “Squirrel Cage” Jail is an interesting place to visit (that’s one of the other things I visited on that day).
Try to remember, though, that these are these guys who the worst team in the American League aren’t calling up.
I was born and raised in Omaha. I moved out west in 1996. I was recently back for my 10 year reunion, and even though lots of stuff has grown and changed in ten years, it is still the same town I grew up in.
There is lots to do, depending on what your tastes are.
There is the Historic Old Market, as was previously mentioned. There are shops, dining, clubs and bars/pubs (last call is at 12:50AM). I have always loved Spaghetti Works resteraunt downtown and their beer cheese sauce…mmmmmm…
If you like museums there is the Joslyn Art Museam near downtown at 22nd & Dodge. There are also tons of historical sites to go out and enjoy. I alwasy enjoyed the SAC (Strategic Air Command) Museum, even though the last time I went it was still out at Offut AFB.
Also mentioned is the Omaha Royals play at Rosenblatt Stadium right next to the Henry Doorly Zoo. The rainforest is terriffic, and I heard the aqarium is really cool too. I did not have time to go (to the aqarium) when I was back and it opened after I moved out of state.
It can be a boring city to those people who are from bigger cities, and from places where there is “a lot more happening”. Omaha is one of those places that to have to look to find cool stuff to do, it not just there flashing in your face. It is a typical midwestern town. The people are pretty friendly, and it moves at a slightly slower pace ( but be warned, most people there have never figured out what a turn signal is for).
Anywho… I just thought I waould add
If you like bands, you might want to check out Saddle Creek’s roster of bands. Especially Bright Eyes. I haven’t personally seen them, but I hear they are getting national exposure and a national reputation, as is Saddle Creek and Omaha in general regarding the music scene.
Looks like my hotel will be the Crown Plaza Old Mill at 655 N. 108th.
Well, thanks for the info so far. I guess a good steak is in order?
Also, I’ve done touristy things when travelling on business, and even local things (like visiting a zoo).
Don’t know how much time I’ll have to rack up tickets on the open roads, but thanks for the suggestion, Phl !
(Last call at 12:50! That’s it?!)
Yep, bars close at 1 am (living in Vegas makes it very wierd when I am visiting friends back in Omaha- whaddya mean last call?..but it’s only 11 pm… what?).
Another thing, there is a comedy club over there called Jesters on the northeast corner of West Dodge & Old Mill If that is your thing. My friend owns/runs the place Plus its right around the corner from your hotel.
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Looks like my hotel will be the Crown Plaza Old Mill at 655 N. 108th.
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If you’re going to be staying there that long (and possibly again) make sure you’re in their Priority Rewards club.
Good lord, I think I just took a mundane, sedate, Midwest thread and made it MORE mundane by adding a practical suggestion. Well, it’s my practical nature! I grew up in NE!
It’s nice to get out to the midwest and not be treated like dirt by everyone I encounter.
Beware Sarpy County, the county immediately south of Omaha where I have the misfortune of owning a home. Should your vehicle break down in Sarpy, the Sheriff, City of Bellevue, City of Papillion, City of LaVista, or whomever, will call one of their thieving good ole boy contract tow operators.
These thieves are legendary for their quoting one price for retrieval from impound over the phone; insisting that they are on a cash-only basis; and upping the price once you get there with what you were quoted and little more in cash.
Mouth off to them and they call their cop buddies, who will cite you for disturbing the peace.
Should you break down in Sarpy, have your car rental agency’s emergency # handy, call immediately, and tell the cop who comes to “assist” you that you and your rental agency have everything covered. This should keep you out of the clutches of the contract tow bandits.
Regarding food-- We have loads of restaurants here because-- There’s Nothing To Do In Omaha But Eat!! Stay away from the usual chain places you find everywhere else and explore the many local places serving a variety of ethnic foods, as well as the steakhouses.
If your accomodations include any sort of cooking facilities and you’re Jewish, BagNSave at 75th and Dodge, about 5 min. east of the Old Mill area where you’ll be staying, has a large selection of Kosher items. BagNSave and NoFrills, both local, are my stores of choice for most of my groceries. I cherry-pick specials at HyVee and the local Kroger affiliate, Baker’s, but don’t regularly shop there because they’re too high-priced.
If you’re into organic foods, Wild Oats Market is a few blocks west of BagNSave. Wild Oats also has a lunch counter–the food’s pretty good there.
If hotel life drives you nuts and you want to spend a quiet night in a tent, Indian Cave State Park about 100 miles south of Omaha and Ponca State Park 100 miles north are nice; as is Waubonsie State Park in Iowa which is about 45 miles south and 10 miles east of Council Bluffs. Ponca also has cabins.
As has already been noted, the zoo is very nice.
Finally, buy your gas in Council Bluffs. Although there is only a nickel-per-gallon less tax in Iowa, many C.B. gas stations beat the Omaha price by a dime or more.
If you decide to spend some quiet time at Waubonsie, make a side trip off the Interstate to Glenwood. The Qwik Shop there usually beats the C.B. gas price by 5-7 cents.
Actually, it might be easier (when returning a rental car to the airport) to fill up in Carter Lake. If you’re approaching the airport on Abbott Road from the south, you’ll see a Phillips 66 station and might be tempted to go there, but go a little further and turn where the sign points you to the Carter Lake business district. There’s a convenience store right there. The restroom is a hell hole, but the gas is cheap.
Carter Lake is a piece of Iowa trapped in Omaha. It looks to me like the river shifted and Carter Lake got left behind, but I don’t know the overall history, except that NE went to court over it and lost in 1892.