Omaha, Nebraska, offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all interests. Here are some must-see places and experiences in Omaha, including a top-notch hotel, iconic bridges and a historic district.
Where To Stay: Hilton Omaha
With Hilton Grand Vacations, Members can stay at top-notch accommodations like Hilton Omaha within the Hilton portfolio. The hotel is in the heart of downtown Omaha and within walking distance of many local attractions. I booked a room with two queen beds using Hilton Honors Points.
Hilton Honors membership is one of the many perks of Hilton Grand Vacations. I’m a Hilton Honors Diamond Member, so I enjoy benefits like Daily Food & Beverage Credits and room upgrades.
Things To Do In Omaha, Nebraska
I was in Omaha for two weddings, but my travel party still had time to explore the city. We walked across the street from the hotel to the stairs of the Martin Luther King Jr. Pedestrian Bridge. I took a moment to reflect on the legacy of this civil rights icon as we continued toward the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which stretches across the Missouri River.
I was excited to go “bobbing” and stand with one foot in Nebraska and one foot in Iowa. I mentally prepared myself to walk the 3,000-foot-long walkway. Pause for a moment to feel the gentle movement of the bridge. Visit the bridge at night for a spectacular sight. In addition, if you want to play beach volleyball, you will find three courts near the Lewis & Clark Landing.
Once you cross the bridge into Council Bluffs, Iowa, check out “Looking Up,” a 33-foot-tall humanoid made of crushed aluminum foil and baking tins by artist Thomas Friedman. Stop by the Omaha Visitors Center on the way back to pick up a sticker and show everyone you crossed the bridge.
We saw a glimpse of the newly completed RiverFront as we walked toward Old Market. Volunteers at the Visitors Center highly recommended we stop by, but we didn't have enough time to visit on this trip.
Restaurant Week Omaha
We visited during Omaha Restaurant Week in September. Although the options were limitless, our time was limited. We redeemed our Daily Food & Beverage Credit at BARroom, in the lobby of Hilton Omaha. We enjoyed deviled eggs, French fries, crispy broccoli and specialty cocktails. There was plenty of seating when we arrived, but the space filled up quickly after the Omaha Rodeo finished.
Next, we selected Twisted Fork, which offers American food with a cowboy twist. We ordered several appetizers to share, including Buck’s fried pickles, bacon guacamole and artichoke and spinach dip. Our group ordered salads and sandwiches for our main course. If you’re looking for locally sourced food and farm-to-table excellence, dine at the Fork during your visit to Omaha. Note: Some restaurants don’t open until 5 p.m., so plan accordingly.
Check out my guide to Chicago for more Midwestern fun — plus learn how to earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points just by eating out.