Unique Activities You Can Only Experience in Omaha

Omaha Nebraska is sometimes referred to as the gateway to the west. It is unique and unlike any other town, you'll experience, especially in the Midwest. While Omaha is full of that expected mid-western charm it has both big city attractions and a small-town atmosphere that make it one of the best places to live in the world.

To some, Omaha is seen as nothing more than a small dot on a map but there's so much to Omaha that even those who live here have not yet experienced all of the unique things you can only experience right here. In fact, Omaha has been awarded the title of one of the best places in the country for millennials to settle down.

Here are some unique things you can only experience in Omaha 

Explore a One-of-a-Kind Top-rated Zoo 

Omaha has one of the best zoos in the entire United States. You do not want to miss out on a day at Henry Dorley Zoo and Aquarium. This is no ordinary zoo, it has been given the title of the third best zoo in the country by USA Today.

Each animal habitat is well designed with lush vegetation to mimic the natural environment that each animal lives in. There are over 160 gorgeous acres and interesting animals to explore. For example, as you are walking through the Lied Jungle you will actually feel like you are in a portion of the South American rainforest. The desert dome is something like no other where you can experience an indoor desert that is an impressive 84,000 ft.² in size.

Be in both Omaha Nebraska and the state of Iowa at the same time

Bob Kearney Pedestrian Bridge is one of the most cherished landmarks in Omaha you may hear it referred to as Bob the Bridge by locals. It is a 3000-foot steel structure that crosses over the Missouri River and connects Omaha to Council Bluffs Iowa by a pedestrian pathway. As this bridge connects two pieces of land over the river it also crosses the official state line that separates Nebraska from Iowa. Standing in just the right spot in the middle of the bridge means that you are in two states and in two places at the same time. This is also one of the most amazing spots to view the Omaha skyline and an amazing sunset.

Enjoy some corn-flavored ice cream

Many people think of Nebraska as a large producer of corn, while it is not the nation's top corn producer, that title goes to Iowa, there is quite a bit of corn to be found. Nebraska has been named the "cornhusker state" and it is a nickname that many locals are proud of. You can find just about anything you wish to eat made from corn and maybe some you might be hesitant to try. One of those things may be corn-flavored ice cream.

At the local ice cream shop Ted and Wallys, not only is there one corn-flavored ice cream there are several including sweet corn, cornbread, and caramel popcorn. 

Hearing the words corn-flavored ice cream may have you reluctant but trust us it is well worth the try. And if you just can't bring yourself to indulge in a corn-flavored ice cream treat they have several other amazing locally made unique flavors.

Try the original Reuben sandwich

Along with several other food inventions, the Reuben sandwich has claims of many different origins. Many people believe the very first Reuben sandwich was created by Omaha's resident Reuben Kulakofsky at the Blackstone Hotel.

This amazingly popular sandwich first appeared on the menu at the hotel in 1925 with an original price of just $.40. It was later tweaked by the Blackstone Hotel's Charles Schimmel who decided to soak the Kraut in Russian dressing for at least 24 hours prior to serving. The best Reuben sandwich in Omaha is said to be found at the Crescent Moon which is located across from the first ever restaurant to serve a Reuben, the Blackstone Hotel.

Experience the sight of a Japanese balloon bomb explosion from World War II

Pearl Harbor is the most iconic and well-known area hit by bombs during World War II from Japanese enemies at the time. Another location in America was also hit by a Japanese balloon bomb. On April 18, 1945, a Japanese balloon bomb exploded over Dundee. This bomb did very little damage and the actual occurrence was kept under wraps until the war was over. Today you can read a commemorative plaque that has been placed at the site of the explosion.

Experience the world's largest ball of stamps

From the years 1953 to 1955, the boys town stamp collecting club decided to take on the adventurous task of creating the world's largest ball of stamps. The boys succeeded in creating a 600-pound ball that measures 32 inches and is made of over 4.6 million stamps. You can check out this impressive bottle of stamps at the Leon Myers Stamp Center in the boys town visitors center.

There's so much to love about living in Omaha and its surrounding areas. For more information on available Omaha real estate please contact us anytime.