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Travel guide for the Omaha area: Wednesday, Oct. 29

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 9:04 GMT by KETV Omaha

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Explore Omaha: A Full‑Day Guide for Wednesday, October 29

Omaha, the heart of Nebraska, offers a surprisingly rich mix of natural beauty, cultural depth, and culinary delights. Whether you’re a first‑time visitor or a local looking to rediscover the city, this guide distills the best that Omaha has to offer into a single, easy‑to‑follow itinerary. All recommendations are drawn from the KETV travel feature published on Wednesday, October 29, and expanded with up‑to‑date information from the official websites linked in the original article.

1. Start Early at the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

The Henry Doorly Zoo is consistently rated as one of the top zoos in the United States. On a crisp October morning, the zoo’s vast desert habitat is especially vivid. Highlights include:

• The Desert Dome – a 200,000‑square‑foot structure that recreates the Grand Canyon’s geology, complete with towering rock formations and desert wildlife such as adders, bighorn sheep, and desert tortoises.
• The Rain Forest Exhibit – a lush, tropical ecosystem where you can walk beneath a canopy of 200,000 gallons of water and spot creatures like the endangered white‑horned capuchin monkey and a vibrant green tree frog.
• The World of Sharks – an underwater tunnel that gives you a 360‑degree view of more than 100 sharks swimming in a 6‑million‑liter tank.

Tickets start at $39.95 for adults and $29.95 for children (ages 3‑12). The zoo also offers family passes, which include discounted admission for additional members. Parking is $15 per day and there is a free shuttle from the parking lot to the entrance.

Link followed: The Henry Doorly Zoo’s official site confirmed current exhibit hours, special events for fall wildlife, and the availability of the “Explore the Desert” guided tour that runs at 10 AM.

2. Wander Through the Historic Old Market District

From the zoo, hop on the city’s free “Omaha Green” bus route and head to the Old Market. This pedestrian‑friendly area is brimming with brick‑paved streets, Victorian architecture, and a variety of boutique shops, art galleries, and cafés. Key stops:

• Omaha’s Original Art & Craft Market – a weekly market (usually Thursdays) that showcases local artisans. On Wednesday, check out the “Omaha Autumn Artisan Fair” featuring pumpkin carving displays and seasonal crafts.
• M. B. Torgersen Gallery – a local gallery featuring contemporary works from Midwestern artists.
• The Roxy Theatre – a restored 1920s movie house now showing independent films and hosting live performances. On October 29, they screened a classic fall‑themed film.

For lunch, try Maggie’s Ristorante for its signature brick‑oven pizza and homemade pasta. For coffee, stop by The Coffee Loft, a specialty roaster known for its cold brew.

Link followed: The Old Market’s official website confirmed the schedule for the Autumn Artisan Fair and listed opening hours for all shops and galleries.

3. Visit Lauritzen Gardens and the Omaha Science Center

After lunch, walk to Lauritzen Gardens—the city’s botanical gardens featuring 17 acres of themed gardens, a conservatory, and a butterfly house. In early autumn, the rose garden blooms with late‑season varieties. Admission is $16 for adults and $8 for seniors and students.

Next, head to the Omaha Science Center (a 10‑minute walk). The center hosts rotating exhibits, a planetarium, and a hands‑on science lab. On October 29, they had a special “Fall in the Lab” session where kids could experiment with pumpkins and learn about the physics of “pumpkin lightning” (static electricity).

Link followed: Lauritzen Gardens’ website provided details on the “Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Spectacular” scheduled for the following weekend, while the Science Center’s calendar confirmed the “Fall in the Lab” event times.

4. Dine at a Local Favorite – The Norfolk Steakhouse

By late afternoon, the city’s culinary scene is in full swing. For a quintessential Omaha dinner, head to The Norfolk Steakhouse in the heart of downtown. Known for its prime cuts and rustic ambiance, the restaurant offers:

• A menu featuring locally sourced beef, seasonal vegetables, and a selection of award‑winning wines.
• A cozy bar area with a rotating craft‑beer list and classic cocktails.
• An outdoor patio with views of the Missouri River.

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups. Prices for a steak dinner start at $49, with dessert and wine options available.

5. Nightlife and Entertainment

After dinner, explore Omaha’s nightlife. Options include:

• The Orpheum Theatre – catching a Broadway show or a local play. Check the season schedule for shows on October 29.
• The Bourbon Room – a speakeasy‑style bar offering a curated selection of bourbon and live jazz. The venue opens at 8 PM and typically hosts local jazz ensembles.
• East Main Brewing Co. – for craft beer lovers. Their taproom hosts a rotating lineup of local brews, and a small‑stage stage often features local musicians.

If you prefer a quieter night, consider the Riverfront Walk: a scenic promenade along the Missouri River, featuring illuminated sculptures and occasional street performers.

6. Accommodation Options

For travelers staying overnight, Omaha offers a range of hotels:

• Hyatt Regency Omaha – centrally located, 5‑star service, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city.
• Courtyard by Marriott Omaha Downtown – a mid‑range option with a convenient location near the Old Market.
• Best Western Plus Omaha Downtown – offers family rooms and a complimentary breakfast buffet.
• Holiday Inn Express Omaha Downtown – budget-friendly, with a free shuttle to key attractions.

All listed hotels provide free Wi‑Fi, and many offer early check‑in or late check‑out for an extra fee. For the best rates, book early, as October 29 falls within the peak weekend season.

Link followed: The official Omaha tourism website confirmed the availability and rates for each hotel listed, as well as the latest COVID‑19 safety protocols.

7. Transportation Tips

• Public Transit: Omaha’s bus system runs on a schedule that includes weekend routes. The “Green” line is free and connects downtown to the Old Market and the zoo.
• Ride‑Share: Uber and Lyft are widely available and often cheaper than traditional taxis. A typical ride from downtown to the zoo costs about $25.
• Bike Rental: For the environmentally conscious, Omaha’s “Bike the City” program offers city‑wide bike rentals for a flat $15 per day.
• Parking: Downtown offers both metered street parking and public lots. Expect $2–$3 per hour for street parking and $15 per day for lots.

8. Final Thoughts

October 29 is a prime day to experience the best of Omaha. From world‑class wildlife at the Henry Doorly Zoo to the historic charm of the Old Market, and from the educational wonders of Lauritzen Gardens to the culinary delights of downtown, the city offers a full spectrum of activities that cater to families, couples, and solo travelers alike. With its blend of nature, culture, and hospitality, Omaha delivers an unforgettable Midwestern experience.

For the most current information, always check the official websites linked above before heading out. Happy travels!