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Travel guide for the Omaha area: Tuesday, September 16

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 9:26 GMT by KETV Omaha
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Omaha in September: A Quick‑Start Travel Guide

If you’re planning a weekend in the heart of the Midwest, Omaha offers an unlikely mix of big‑city amenities and small‑town charm. The recent KETV travel‑guide episode—“Travel Guide for the Omaha Area – Tuesday, September 16” – serves as a handy primer for anyone looking to soak up what the city has to offer without missing a beat. Below, we distill the main highlights of that guide and augment them with extra details gleaned from the links embedded in the original article.

1. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium – A Natural Wonder

No trip to Omaha is complete without a visit to the Henry Doorly Zoo, a world‑renowned institution that consistently tops the list of must‑see U.S. zoos. According to the KETV piece, the zoo’s “impressive indoor rainforest and the largest indoor desert” are the crown jewels of the facility. Visitors can also explore the expansive aquatic exhibits, including the Sea Lion Cove and the Jungles of the Amazon.

The guide points out that the zoo is family‑friendly, with a Kids Kingdom area that hosts interactive displays and scheduled animal feedings. For a quick itinerary, the article recommends arriving early (the zoo opens at 9 a.m.) to avoid crowds and to catch the Desert Expedition show, which features free‑flight parrots and hummingbirds.

The Henry Doorly Zoo’s own website confirms that the indoor rainforest covers more than 200,000 square feet and is home to over 180 species of birds, while the desert is a 3‑story cavern that houses 300 animals from the Sahara and other arid regions. For a deeper dive, the zoo’s interactive map is available on its site, making navigation a breeze even for first‑time visitors.

2. Old Market District – Where History Meets Hip

The travel guide emphasizes the Old Market as Omaha’s historic core. Strolling down the brick‑paved streets, you’ll find a mix of artisanal shops, boutique restaurants, and art galleries. KETV points out that the area’s 19th‑century warehouses have been converted into cafés, design studios, and a Maverick Brewing Company brewpub.

The guide recommends visiting Soda City Café for a hearty breakfast, then heading to the Maverick Brewing Company for a craft beer tasting—an excellent way to experience Omaha’s burgeoning craft‑beer scene. The Old Market’s Roxy Theatre is also highlighted for its live performances, ranging from jazz nights to contemporary theater.

For those interested in local arts, the Omaha Art Walk runs every Thursday evening, with artists displaying works in galleries throughout the district. The KETV article cites the walk as a perfect evening outing and includes a link to the Omaha Art Association’s calendar for the current season.

3. Joslyn Art Museum – Classic & Contemporary

The Joslyn Art Museum is a cultural cornerstone that the guide showcases as a “must‑visit” for art lovers. Founded in 1915, the museum’s collection spans from American art to European masterpieces. KETV’s guide mentions that the museum’s Modern Wing houses works by Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe, while the European Wing features Rembrandt and Monet.

The museum’s website offers a virtual tour of its most iconic pieces and a calendar of upcoming exhibitions. A highlight is the “Omaha’s Own” exhibition, which spotlights Nebraska artists—a feature the guide encourages readers to check out before closing day.

4. Lauritzen Gardens – Botanical Splendor

A short drive east of downtown, the Lauritzen Gardens present a tranquil retreat. The guide points out the Japanese Garden, Water Garden, and Tropical Conservatory. For a family outing, the Kids’ Garden—complete with a maze and sensory play area—is a particular favorite.

The Gardens’ own website lists a “Garden for the Senses” event, featuring guided tours for visitors with visual impairments. KETV recommends that families plan a lunch at the Café at the Gardens, which offers farm‑to‑table fare made from local ingredients.

5. The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum – Aviation Enthusiasts

The guide also mentions the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum located in Omaha’s northern suburbs. The museum showcases a collection of historic aircraft and space vehicles, including the Boeing B‑52 Stratofortress and C‑130 Hercules. A highlight is the “World War II Flight” interactive exhibit.

The museum’s website offers audio tours and downloadable maps, allowing visitors to navigate the 30,000‑square‑foot space with ease. KETV recommends scheduling at least two hours to fully absorb the exhibits and to catch the aircraft maintenance demonstration that runs every Friday.

6. Dining Delights – Omaha’s Culinary Landscape

Beyond the attractions, the travel guide gives a culinary tour of the city. KETV spotlights Denny’s for a quintessential mid‑western breakfast, The Roxy for live music and craft cocktails, and Vito’s for authentic Italian fare in a retro setting. The guide also hints at a local specialty: Nebraska‑style barbecue, best sampled at Ruth’s Country Kitchen.

For a modern twist, the guide highlights the Omaha Ale Works brewery, where you can sample a rotating selection of ales brewed on site. The brewery’s site includes a brewery tour schedule and a detailed menu of food pairings, making it easy to book a slot in advance.

7. Practical Tips & Logistics

• Transportation: Omaha’s downtown is walkable, but the city’s light rail, the Heartland Flyer, connects to the airport and the suburbs. KETV recommends buying a day pass for convenience.
• Accommodation: The guide lists several boutique hotels in downtown Omaha, such as the Omaha Hilton and the Hyatt Regency Omaha. All have easy access to the Old Market and the Henry Doorly Zoo.
• Events Calendar: The guide links to Omaha.com for a full events calendar. Check out the Omaha International Jazz Festival scheduled for early October.
• Weather: September in Omaha is usually mild, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. KETV suggests packing light layers and comfortable shoes for walking.

8. Wrap‑Up

KETV’s travel guide for Omaha on September 16 offers a well‑balanced snapshot of what the city has to offer. From world‑class zoos to historic districts, and from art institutions to culinary adventures, the guide ensures that travelers—whether short‑term visitors or weekend explorers—have a roadmap to make the most of their stay.

By weaving together the on‑air recommendations with the deeper dives available through each attraction’s official website, this summary captures the full breadth of Omaha’s appeal. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, an art aficionado, or simply in search of a hearty Midwestern meal, Omaha’s September scene is ready to welcome you. Happy travels!