When you visit Omaha, Nebraska, prepare to be amazed as you will find a riverfront that is a showplace, a downtown renaissance, a burgeoning metropolitan area, world-class entertainment, and a host of festive events taking place year round.

Located along the banks of the Missouri River at Nebraska's eastern border, Omaha is the largest city in the State. Visitors can choose from a number of museums. The Joslyn Art Museum is Nebraska’s only general art facility. Its collection includes selections ranging from western art to works of the Old Masters. The Joslyn is housed in an unusual building that is a hybrid combining art-deco and neoclassical design. The interior is truly impressive, with 38 different varieties of marble having been used in the construction of the floors and walls.

At the Durham Western Heritage Museum, there is much to see and admire. The art-deco building was once a railroad terminal, and is an attraction in itself. The chandeliers and murals inside bring to mind the lost glamour of rail travel. The museum's exhibits detail the development of Omaha and include an impressive collection of historic coins, maps and documents.

Interesting sections of the city include the historic Old Market, bounded by 10th, 13th, Harney and Jackson streets. Visitors and locals alike feel transported to the late 19th century as they stroll down the cobblestone streets. The area contains art galleries, boutiques, specialty shops, sidewalk vendors, pubs and restaurants. The Heartland of America Fountain and Park, east of the Old Market, lies on 31 acres of riverfront property.

In bold contrast to the city's stately, older buildings, Mutual of Omaha's Dome at 33rd and Dodge streets exemplifies the union of contemporary architecture with energy efficiency. As the corporate headquarters for such companies as Berkshire Hathaway Inc., ConAgra Foods, Gallup Organization, Mutual of Omaha and Union Pacific Corporation, the building bears witness to the city’s diversified economic base. At nearby Offutt Air Force Base, the U.S. Air Force's Strategic Command (STRATCOM) guides military operations around the globe.

An ambitious new riverfront project will develop the 422-acre Qwest Convention Center and Arena, the National Park Service's Midwest headquarters, and a pedestrian bridge linking Omaha and Council Bluffs.

Just outside of Omaha's metropolitan area to the northwest are Standing Bear and Glenn Cunningham lakes. These lakes were formed by earthfill dams built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and offer a host of water sports activities. The 300-acre Neale Woods Nature Center overlooks the Missouri River Valley and contains 7.5 miles of wooded and prairie trails

Another memorable site is the legendary Boys Town, the residential program for underprivileged youth established by Father Edward Flanagan in 1917. A tour of the grounds includes the Hall of History which depicts the lifework of the founder. Today, Boys Town is an incorporated village on a 1,300 acre site that serves as both home and learning center for over 500 boys and girls.

Don't miss the two perfectly preserved Navy vessels that are on display at Freedom Park: the USS Hazard (a minesweeper) and the USS Marlin (a submarine). You also should consider a trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo, home of the Lied Jungle and the Desert Dome, said to be the world's largest indoor rain forest and largest indoor desert, respectively. You can walk through the Lied Jungle at ground level and on an elevated walkway that runs through the treetops. The Desert Dome offers a 30 foot sand dune and a hummingbird canyon, along with habitats for a variety of creatures including meerkats, prairie dogs, monitor lizards and pumas. The zoo also contains the Scott Aquarium, with an underwater tunnel for viewing sharks up close, and an IMAX theater.

If you have an interest in the performing arts, Omaha presents many options. The Omaha Symphony season includes 12 Symphony performances, 12 Pops, and six Chamber concerts and is regarded as one of the finest regional orchestras in the nation. The Omaha Opera provides professional full-scale productions which have received favorable reviews in both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. The Omaha Broadway Theater regularly brings national touring casts for major Broadway and London West End productions to the Omaha stage.

Whether you enjoy strolling through the galleries of a fine museum, walking along a trail, or relishing a fine dining experience, this Nebraska city will satisfy. Known for covering the spectrum from fine dining to quaint bistros, Omaha has its share of innovative chefs serving up some of the most memorable cuisine in mid-America. Moreover, it is a delight to experience what the local residents often take for granted: fine Omaha beef.

Among the notable annual events on Omaha's calendar are the Omaha Quilters Guild Show each April, the NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium in June, and the September River City Roundup and Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Livestock Exposition & Rodeo.

With the beauty of its gently rolling hills along the Missouri River and its warm mid-western hospitality, a visit to Omaha will leave you with plans to return time and time again.

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