| | Overview (Source: Frommers) |
Located on the western bank of the Missouri River, Omaha was founded in 1854 to outfit those traveling the Oregon and Mormon trails. It wasn't until 1863, when President Lincoln made Omaha the eastern terminus of the first transcontinental railroad, that the city began to grow. Today, Nebraska's largest city, with a population of 400,000, comes as something of a surprise to first-time visitors or those returning after many years. While its zoo -- one of the nation's most unique -- has long been a top draw as Nebraska's number-one tourist attraction, Omaha boasts several other outstanding attractions too, including a drive-through wildlife park, a museum devoted to U.S. military aircraft and missiles, and Boys Town, made famous in a 1938 film starring Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney. In recent years, Omaha's riverfront has enjoyed a renaissance, with newly created footpaths and parks linking it to the Old Market district, 12 square blocks of former warehouses now enjoying new life as restaurants and shops. Omaha is the Midwest at its best: friendly, casual, and unpretentious. Apparently, those traits are a perfect match for one of the world's richest men; the so-called "Oracle of Omaha," investor Warren Buffett, was raised in Omaha and continues to call it home. Back to Top Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Pl
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| History (Source: WCities) | Top | What was once a vast expanse of prairie land and home to the native Omaha, Otoe, Pawnee and Ponca tribes is now one of the fastest growing urban areas in the Midwest. One of the first documented explorers in the area was Sieur de La Salle, a Frenchman who traveled the wilderness in the late 1600s. He named the area Louisiana and claimed the entire region, including Nebraska, in the name of France. For years, possession of the land shuffled between France and Spain, with ownership eventually granted to France by the Treaty of San Ildefonso in 1800. Three years later, the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory under the Treaty of Paris for $15 million. This acquisition opened the area for exploration and eventual colonization. Two of the first Americans to experience the beauty of this vast prairie wilderness were Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Their legendary 1804 expedition along the Missouri River brought their party of explorers to Omaha's front door when a council was held with the Otoe and Missouri Indians, in the area now known as Fort Calhoun. When reports of Lewis and Clark's journey reached the already-tamed East Coast, adventurous men and women alike packed up their homes and families and began the treacherous trek westward. The abundance of wide-open land, the endless supplies of food and furs, and the possibility of striking gold were attractive to these dream seekers and fortune hunters. Referred to as the "Gateway to the West," Omaha had
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| How To Get There (Source: WCities) | Top | Getting There Air Omaha's Eppley Airfield Airport ( OMA ) +1 402 661 8017 http://www.eppleyairfield.com OMA is located approximately four miles from the northeast of downtown Omaha, provides nonstop service and connections to several destinations from the following airlines: American ( +1 800 368 1955/ http://www.aa.com ) Continental ( +1 800 525 0280/ http://www.continental.com ) Delta ( +1 800 221 1212/ http://www.delta.com ) Frontier ( +1 800 432 1359/ http://www.frontierairlines.com ) Midwest ( +1 800 452 2022/ http://www.midwestairlines.com ) Northwest ( +1 800 225 2525/ http://www.nwa.com ) Southwest ( +1 800 435 9792/ http://www.southwest.com ) United ( +1 800 241 6522/ http://www.ual.com ) US Airways ( +1 800 428 4322/ http://www.usairways.com ) From the Airport Shuttle: A & B Shuttle ( +1 877 359 6624/ http://www.citywideride.com ) Dashabout Roadrunner ( +1 800 720 3274/ http://www.dashaboutshuttle.com ) Greater Omaha Tours ( +1 877 868 7662/ http://www.omahatours.com ) I-80 Eppley Express ( +1 800 888 9793/ http://www.eppleyexpress.com ) OMALiNK - Express service between Omaha & Lincoln ( +1 877 473 5465/ http://www.omalink.com ) RT Roundtrip Transport ( +1 877 292 3525/ http://www.rtroundtrip.com ) Car Rental: Alamo ( +1 800 462 5266/ http://www.goalamo.com ) Avis ( +1 800 831 2847/ http://www.avis.com ) Budget
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| What To Do (Source: WCities) | Top | Entertainment abounds in Omaha. No matter what your interest, be it opera or country line dancing, you'll find an event to satisfy. Omahans love supporting local events, so you'll most likely find a sizable crowd wherever you go, but don't despair...the more the merrier! Most visitors and newly settled citizens are amazed at the breadth of the Omaha entertainment scene. Live Music Live music has always been an Omaha mainstay. The Omaha Symphony , lead by world-renowned music director Victor Yampolsky, consistently offers a season packed with classic symphonic fare and popular favorites. National touring acts including Elton John, Melissa Etheridge, Prince and Jackson Browne have also visited Omaha in recent years; these big names appear at the Civic Auditorium , AK-SAR-BEN and the Omaha Music Hall . If it's Sunday night, head down to Mr. Toad for some cool jazz by Luigi Inc. Theater Omahans love theater. Comedies, dramas, musicals, interactive theater, mysteries and children's theater: Omaha has it all. Splashy, Broadway-style touring productions find temporary homes at the Orpheum Theater and the Omaha Music Hall , but although it's always exciting to welcome a Phantom or some Cats to town, the shows produced in Omaha often rival the best of the Great White Way. The granddaddy of local theater is the Omaha Community Playhouse , the largest community theater in the nation. If you're in town during the holidays, the Playhouse's annual produ
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