After spending a couple of days in Omaha this summer, a wave of guilt washed over me. Guilt for never considering Omaha as a destination I wanted to spend time in. I found Omaha to be a wonderfully welcoming destination for this solo female traveler. Easy to navigate, very walkable, and full of delights, Omaha is one of those Midwest places that begs to be explored.
I added Omaha onto the tail end of a weeklong road trip from my home in Wisconsin to the eventual destination of Grand Island, Nebraska. Grand Island was the scene of the 2025 Midwest Travel Network’s annual conference.
I needed a stop between Rapid City, South Dakota, and Grand Island. A friend suggested Omaha, and I thought, why not. I had heard nice things, and I also have my good friend Eric, who lives there, and I hadn’t seen him in a while. My friend Lisa and her husband, Tim, wrote the book “100 Things To Do In Omaha Before You Die,” and when I mentioned I had picked this city for a two-night stay, Lisa was a wealth of information. I promptly went and ordered their book not really knowing if I would use it beyond this trip.
Where to Stay in Omaha
I rolled into Omaha and checked in for my stay at EVEN Hotel. It’s located downtown and offers a nice, economical price (at least when I stayed) compared to others. From the looks of it, it seemed Omaha was an easily walkable city. That is an important feature when I consider a hotel. It was midday, and I was able to check in right away. My first impression was favorable. The hotel was very nice with a clean and spacious lobby, friendly staff, and urban industrial atmosphere. My room was incredible! It was more like a suite and a welcome change after a few less than desirable stays in South Dakota. I instantly wished I had three nights here.
I decided to have dinner and a glass of wine at the hotel bar. I felt relaxed and was deliriously happy with the decision to visit Omaha. I fell into bed, tired from a long drive. The term “road weary” is real.
I had a rough itinerary planned out the night before based on suggestions from Lisa, my friend Eric, and Lisa and Tim’s “100 Things” book. Clearly, there was no way I was going to fit all the things that caught my interest in. It was a matter of priority. I had three main objectives. The Joslyn (and art museum), Old Market, and dinner with Eric. All this in one full day. How am I supposed to honor my goal of slow travel?
Waking up the next morning, I felt renewed. Well rested and fortified from the coffeemaker in my room (why is this such a rare convenience in hotel rooms these days?), I set off to The Joslyn which was a short walk away.
The Josyln
I arrived just as the doors were opening. An advantage because I nearly had the place to myself except for a school group. The Joslyn opened in 1931. A memorial to Sarah Joslyn’s late husband George who were both influential citizens of Omaha. She donated 3 million to Omaha in 1928 to fund an arts center that the people of Omaha could enjoy. Today, The Joslyn is home to 12.000 works and is the largest art museum in Nebraska.
I roamed the galleries. Monet, Degas, and Renoir whispered to me as I passed through. The museum is stunning. I had found out that it had just reopened after a two-year extensive remodel. This expansion of the art collection and the outside sculpture gardens brings The Joslyn to center stage for world-class art.
I’m not sure what it is, but I feel completely at peace when I am in an art museum. The Joslyn is no exception.
I spent close to two hours inside and outside The Joslyn and came away knowing that I would get back to Omaha to see my old artist friends again someday.
- Closed on Monday.
- The Joslyn is free to enter. There may be a cost to see special exhibitions.
- Parking is free on the grounds. There is metered street parking around the campus.
- The galleries are on the second floor.
- My favorite space, The Fountain Court is stunning. A great spot to take in the colors and revive your senses.
The Joslyn
2200 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68102
Pioneer Park
From The Joslyn, I walked toward the Old Market and the riverfront. Walking gives me an overview of a city. I stumbled upon Pioneer Courage Park on Capitol Avenue. The massive bronze statues pay tribute to the pioneers who rolled across the country in their wagons, settling in this area. Pioneer Courage Park is the largest bronze and stainless steel art installation in the United States.
Gene Leahy Mall
I spent a few moments walking among these sculptures and crossed Capitol Drive on 14th Street and continued on Dodge Street. At 10th, I came upon a stairway to take me down to a green space. This, I found out is part of the Gene Leahy Mall. The multi-activity space runs from 14th Street to 8th Street. The kids can burn off some energy at the Arches Playground. Farther down toward the river, there are hammocks and plenty of tucked away spots to enjoy some quiet time. This space is just one of three parks that make up the Riverfront Complex. The mall connects to the Heartland of America Park and the Lewis and Clark Landing.
One of my goals was to stand with one foot in Nebraska and one in Missouri. The place to do this is on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. My idea was to walk from where I was, but I had put a few miles on my feet already and that was going to be a long walk, so I decided to save that for my next visit.
Old Market Area
The major part of Omaha I put on my priority list was Old Market. So from the park I backtracked to head to Howard Street and the enchanting cobblestone streets of Old Market. This area had me written all over it. Cute shops, busy terraced restaurants, a gelato shop, a famous vinyl store — all dripping with European style charm. But the key feature is definitely the easy to miss Passageway. This quiet space sandwiched between buildings is picture-perfect. Mark the entrance specifically in Google Maps, or watch the overhead signs for the doorway. Once inside, it feels like you’ve entered a private oasis. Take the stairway up and enjoy all the greenery standing out from the brick background. Arched openings down the hallway on either side opposite doors to enter retail spaces. Downstairs you will find the entrance to the popular Trini’s Restaurant.
I wandered into a handful of shops, including Homer’s Music which was my friend Eric’s suggestion. I ended up picking up a Doors CD. The shop was ultra cool and I could see why it was suggested.
By this time I needed a snack, so I stopped at Godega for a lemonade and one of their homemade pop tarts. It felt good to rest my feet. I had a long walk to my lunch spot on the way back to the hotel.
Lunch At Block 16
It was early afternoon by this time, and it was time to head back to the hotel. I had planned to meet Eric for dinner at 6:30 at M’s Pub in Old Market, and I wanted to rest before. Luckily, Block 16 was on my way back. This farm to table restaurant came recommended by Lisa, and after she said that her favorites are the Croque Garcon Burger and the famous Duck Duck Goose Fries, I knew that sounded just like something within my culinary wheelhouse.
I walked into the restaurant, and it was just about to close. I must have looked ravished, because I was told I could order my meal takeaway. I ordered both, which was a huge calorie overload, but I had a fridge in my room, so I could save my leftovers.
Oh, man! The chef made the burger to perfection, topping it with a sunny side up egg and truffle mayo. Anything truffle is sits mighty fine on my taste buds! The fries are topped with duck confit, cheese curds, mayo, gravy, and gooseberry gastrique, which is a sauce made of caramelized sugar, vinegar, and gooseberries.
Block 16
1611 Farnam Street
Omaha, NE 68106
Dinner at M’s Pub
I had a little time to rest, then I hopped in my car and drove the short way back to Old Market. I easily found parking, paid through an app, and walked around before it was time to meet Eric at M’s Pub. We had a splendid dinner. Both of us ordered a delicious small Caesar salad and a cold refreshing beer. I enjoyed the lively atmosphere as we sat outside on this warm June night. We did more chatting than eating. I was still on Garcon Burger overload.
Ted and Wally’s Ice Cream
After dinner we walked to Homer’s Music and Eric asked if I wanted to go to Ted and Wally’s for ice cream. Of course, I couldn’t pass that up. I’m told this place is iconic. It’s small-batch premium ice cream made the old-fashioned way, with rock salt and ice. I don’t care how they make it; I just know it was extraordinarily creamy and good and I had to eat it fast because it was melting fast! There was a line out the door, which is always a good sign of great things inside. Ted and Wally’s did not disappoint.
Ted and Wally’s Old Market
1120 Jackson Street
Omaha, NE 68102
From there, I headed back to the hotel. I was heading on to Grand Island and the conference in the morning. With so many things I had to pass on, I vowed to come back to Omaha when I had at least a whole three days to explore. Top on my list for next time other than the bridge is Lauritzen Gardens, Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, The Durham Museum, and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Art.
If you are in search of an affordable destination for your next solo adventure, discover the underrated gem of Omaha.
Have you been to Omaha?
