Free Things To Do in Omaha, Nebraska
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How to spend the day in the Gateway to the West without breaking the bank.
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Spanning the Missouri River and connecting Nebraska and Iowa the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is a great place to start your outdoor adventure. The bridge connects to more than 150 miles of walking, hiking, biking, and nature trails.
Known locally as simply, “Bob,” the bridge is a great way to take in the Omaha skyline or admire the power of the mighty Missouri River. Beneath the bridge, you will find a statue of Omar the Troll.
Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront
The gateway to the soon-to-be-opened Heartland of America Park, the Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront is a modern outdoor space with open seating, art sculptures, water features, a bandshell, and plenty of open space to enjoy. It is a model for modern parks and 21st-century public space design.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center
The large headquarters building serves as an office for the midwest region of the National Park Service. On the ground level, there is a modest visitors center and gift shop that provides some context for the historic Lewis and Clark expedition. The full historic trail spans approximately 4900 miles connecting Pittsburgh to the Columbia River in Oregon.
Old Market Emporium
This carefully curated shop is a pop culture collector's paradise. Each section of the massive store is packed floor to ceiling with memorabilia and collectibles from every sector of popular culture.
Every fandom has its space. Star Wars fans will be in paradise in the Star Wars room. Bronies will want to pick up a My Little Pony from their wishlist. Even if you’re not a collector, the space will spark memories from your childhood while you celebrate your favorite TV shows and movies.
Chef Boyardee Statue
You can nab a selfie with a statue of Chef Boyardee. I’m not sure what Omaha’s tie to the chef is… from my brief research Ettore Boiardi, the brand’s namesake was born in Italy, lived and worked in New York City, and started his canned empire in Milton, Pennsylvania. Nevertheless, here he is in all his bronzed glory.
The Old Market
A collection of industrial buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s have been repurposed as shops, restaurants, art galleries, and living spaces. The Old Market is on the National Register of Historic Places. The three-block by four-block square is easily walkable. The area is packed full of great food and nightlife. It’s the perfect place to end your day in Omaha with a great meal or some libations.
Hollywood Candy
A fun surprise on the border of The Old Market is Hollywood Candy. Inside you will find an extensive collection of treats from around the world, vintage candy, and bin after bin filled with sugary delight. They also make fudge and other chocolate confections. If you’re hungry you can take a seat and enjoy a meal at the 1950s-themed diner located inside. For refreshment pick from the wall of coolers filled with every flavor of soda pop you can imagine. Ranch soda anyone?
Beyond the candy is a whimsical collection of things including a massive Pez dispenser collection, a pen collection, a room full of vintage pinball and arcade games, and even a movie theatre.
Free Things To Do in Omaha:
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center
Old Market Emporium
Chef Boyardee Statue
The Old Market
Hollywood Candy
