With a rich cultural and historical legacy, Omaha, Nebraska is known as the Gateway to the West. In its early days Omaha was the last stop for the first transcontinental railroad and a shelter for westward pilgrims. Louis and Clark explored near present-day Eppley Airfield, the Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters still commemorates the Mormon pilgrimage through the area, and the legendary Oregon Trail led through Omaha as well. The Missouri River brought trade, transportation, and western recognition through the Omaha river port. Today the city is experiencing continuing growth in economy and population due to it major transportation, military, and agricultural center. Since the days of Omaha’s first world fair, known as the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition and National Indian Congress of 1898, it is continually recognized for its entertainment. Whether you are looking to entertain the kids at Fun Plex, Nebraska’s largest amusement and Water Park, romantically cruise the Missouri River with River Star, or go for a hike at the 31-acre Heartland of America Park, recreation will not be lacking. The world class Henry Doorly Zoo is home to unique species like the white tigers and sun bears, the world’s largest indoor rainforest and desert habitats, and an aquarium with underwater pedestrian tunnels. The Omaha Community Playhouse, the largest community theater in the nation, debuted renowned actor Henry Fonda, and this performance arts centered city has continued to produce stars from Fred Astaire to Johnny Carson throughout the years. The Joslyn Art Museum displays only the finest Art Deco architecture with 38 unique marbles from seven countries, while masterful art collections are displayed in the largest urban artists’ colony, The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. The cultural collection, however, would not be complete without the annual Omaha Blues, Jazz, and Gospel Festival and Love’s Jazz and Art Center. Historic downtown is known as Old Market and boasts some of the greatest boutiques, bars, and art galleries and restaurants. In fact, Omaha’s Union Stock Yards is the largest livestock market in the country, giving way to renowned steakhouses like Gorat’s and the retail chain Omaha Steaks. Despite the historic racial tension and heated Civil Rights actions led by leaders like Malcolm X, today the community joins together in Native Omaha Days to celebrate its accomplishments. Convenient accessibility, diverse attractions, and a remarkable heritage combine to make Omaha an increasingly popular location for travelers and residents alike.
Gateway to the West, transcontinental railroad, pilgrims, Louis and Clark, Eppley Airfield, the Mormon Trail Center a Historic Winter Quarters, Oregon Trail, Missouri River, Omaha river port, Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition and National Indian Congress of 1898, Fun Plex, River Star, Heartland of America Park, Henry Doorly Zoo, white tigers, sun bears, rainforest, Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari, The Omaha Community Playhouse, Orpheum Theatre, Henry Fonda, Fred Astaire, Johnny Carson, Omaha Botanical Gardens, Omaha Blues, Jazz, and Gospel Festival, Love’s Jazz and Art Center, Old Market, Civil Rights, Malcolm X, Native Omaha Days, Union Stock Yards, Gorat’s, Omaha Steaks, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Art Deco
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