You will find this little structure at the end of Gene Leahy Park. It is an iconic photo…read moreopportunity in the heart of downtown Omaha. Contrary to what I thought, the arches do not have any historical significance. They are remanants of the former US National Bank Building that once stood at the corner of 12th and Farnam Streets. They are made of Ohio bluestone and was constructed in 1887. They were reconstructed in it current location in 1979. The arch is currently owned by the city of Omaha. It has a kind of odd placement and looks like a arch just dropped downtown. It is not hard to find and I located it relatively easy. Parking to see this attraction is simple enough. There is tons of metered parking within a reasonable walking distance. This howevre is probably not a destination attractioon. Most of it visitors will come here with this stop as part of a larger itinerary. The arch seems to be in great shape, and has a placard on it that gives some brief information. Anyway, as with most attractions such as this that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes, got my pictures and then I was out. So, you may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip.

The Arches, built in 1887 by stone are a very majestic way to signify you are about to enter Gene…read moreLeahy Park in downtown Omaha, NE. When I first saw them, I almost thought I was in Paris! They look just like the Arch de Triomphe. When the former US National Bank Building was originally built, it had two of these very impressive stone arches as it's entrances. However, when the bank was remodeled in 1979, one of the arches was reconstructed here at it's current site along Farnam Street, where it stands today. Owned now by the city of Omaha, the Arches have "stood like silent sentinels at the 12th and Farnam entrance to Gene Leahy Mall," said a story on www.omahabydesign.org. Made of Ohio bluestone, the Arch is a very dignified presence in the Old Market downtown area. I just adore noble pieces of public art such as this, so 5 YELP STARS for sure. But this Arch might need some help. In the omahabydesign story, it mentioned that the "recent condition survey completed by the Omaha Public Art Commission cited the piece as in need of extensive restoration. Although the arches appear complete and sound, there is staining, discoloration, crystalline deposits and drainage problems. It appears as though the drainage system may be clogged or insufficient to remove water from the top of the structure. Water is seeping through the mortar joints along the inside curve of the arch." Not good. Someone with local money needs to step forward or a fund-raising effort should be started to get Arch-y in better shape. Also troubling: minor abrasions, accumulated dust and dirt, bird droppings, lichen and self-adhesive stickers. I imagine some Midwestern graffiti has found it's way onto the Arches. I hope the Omaha-ians can find a way to fix up this distinctly classy reminder of what a lovely city this truly is.

A dedicated pedestrian bridge crosses the river, connecting two riverside parks. The Nebraska side…read moreentrance is a little odd; you have to go quite a bit up from the riverside to actually get onto the bridge. The eastern end had what looked like an outdoor climbing wall and a boardwalk, but these were not open for some reason. The river itself is not the greatest river you'll ever see, but the infrastructure around it does provide ample reasons to visit.

A great after dinner walk here!…read more You'll be treated to majestic views of the river, a journey between state lines, and if you're lucky, some wildlife here and there. I always love getting near a big river, packed with symbolism and paradoxes as it is. It looks still, yet it moves. It reflects the surface, but goes deep within. It shapes the landscape millimeter by millimeter. It's wild and unpredictable, but also calm and steady. I saw a speckled baby deer walking nearby, and a few birds as well. There were lots of people out jogging, walking, kids exploring. It's just a nice vibe here, especially on a late summer evening. Bonus points for having a fun troll statue below the bridge. Whether you're local or passing through, this is a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. Omaha has done a wonderful job bringing life to their riverfront, and this is a nice chapter in that.

This is a "must see" place in Omaha! The heroic-sized statues are beautifully done with intricate…read moreand lifelike details. The park spans over several city blocks as buffalo stampede from the pioneer wagon train and then geese fly off from a pond and through a nearby building. The entire scene is a visual masterpiece that simply must be experienced in person and up close.

This is a small but neat little park that features a bunch of life sized sculptures of early…read moresettlers and pioneers. There is metered street parking within a reasonable walking distance, but this is not a destination park and most people won't be traveling here just for the park. It is touted as one of the largest sculpture parks of its kind in the US. The bronze and stainless steel sculptures are the work of Blair Buswell and Edward Fraughton. They give a very life-like and accurate depiction of westward expansion with statues families and animals, with wagons, venturing into unfamiliar territory. First National Bank commissioned the large project, which was headed by landscape architect Jim Reeves. This was one of two parks that were commissioned by the Bank. The sculptures are divided into sub sections including one titled Wagon Master, which represents the wagon that guided the rest of the pioneers and was responsible for supplies and management of the group. There is also the Hunter Group, which represents the wagon trains that were responsible for hunting and providing food provisions. You will also see the Trail Boss, waving his hat in the air and a Native American sentinel . The sculptures are very detailed. You can really feel their struggle. Viewers are able to mingle about and in between the sculptures. On the back side of the sculptures is an overlook area with some cement benches and some information placards along the wall. There is also a paved walkway and a decent patch of green space that I saw some people with their dogs. This is a nice park and definitely catches your eyes, but I do not see people making this their primary destination. Most visitors, such as myself, will be passing by or on their way to another destination and then are drawn in by the magnificent sculptures. Still, it is something that you must see while in Omaha. I highly recommend checking it out.

You will find this sculpture overlooking the river, just off of Lewis and Clark Landing and…read moreRiverfront Park. It sits in the shadow of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. It is a very nice sculpture with an operational water feature. The sculpture depicts five larger-than-life bronze sculptures and weighs 271 tons and stands 30 feet tall. The piece was dedicated in 2003 and is the work of Matthew Placzek, who intended the piece to "represents the dignity, determination, and dedication of the American workforce." This stands as a testament to the hard working man and woman, "the working-class people." The piece is very sturdy. It even survived a flood in 2011, when the river crested at more than 36 feet. You will find a flood line marked on the side of the monument. The sculpture was renovated, sandblasted and painted in 2023. It is virtually new. The sculptures are very detailed. You can almost feel their effort they are putting in. The center piece of the sculpture are the ladles. These ladles were actually used in the original smelting plant that was located at the same site the monument currently occupies. This is a nice piece and being just off the river, it is very scenic. It is not a destination piece though, nor a large consumer of your time. With that being said, as with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. So, you may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip.

Real nice river walk. Clean with plenty of trails and things to explore. Restaurants and bars close…read moreby.

Life as a prisoner is not for me. There's a friendly…read moreattendant at the entrance to guide you and give info annoy the jail. Very interesting especially for my hubby and his friend.

Chances are that the Squirrel Cage Jail is unlike anything you have seen before…read more.. There were only 18 revolving/rotary jailhouses ever built -- and only 3 of them still remain as museums. Additionally, this one in Council Bluffs, Iowa was the only 3-story structure of this type. Built in 1885, it functioned as a county jail until 1969. You will enjoy visiting this unique place!

This site is closed. Gates are shut on both roads leading to the parking lot and building…read more Sadly, the building is in disrepair. Looks like no one has maintained it for quite some time. Some markers on the walking path near the building have been damaged. Meanwhile, there are some interpretive walls with depictions of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery which still look good.

The Durham Museum in Omaha is much better than this museum, but I think all railroad enthusiasts…read morewill really enjoy seeing the trains they have on display. The trains are outside and there is a very small indoor section with lot's to read. I have never spent much time in there since I'm always with my family. Nothing really interactive.

You will find this sculpture just outside of the Gene Leahy Mall. It is the work of Herb Mignery,…read morewho is depicting an American family, mother, father, and child as they are working on the land. The child is on his knees digging. The father is holding a shovel with a proud and determined look on his face, while the mother is washing clothes in a bucket. It sits on a cement and tile platform that has a plaque that lists its donors and another that has it title on it. The sculpture is a gift from the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of America, who gave the piece to the city in 1984. It is a very nice piece and is in marvelous condition, especially considering its age. For those driving and wishing to park and get a closer look, there is metered street parking and commercial garages available within a reasonable walking distance. . As with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 10 minutes. So, you may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip.

This bridge connects the River Front with the downtown area, more specifically Lewis and Clark…read moreLanding and CHI Health Center. It is well light and has informational placards about MLK along the way. You will find a fenced covered walkway along your route. This is a very nice bridge that not only saves you a lot of time, but provides you with some MLK highlights along the way. The bridge is popular with people heading to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, people attending an event at the Center, pedestrians, runners and bicyclists. Some people park on the Riverfront side and walk over the bridge to the Center. Especially for large events. I do not know if it is cheaper, but I saw a lot of people doing it for the Dave Chappell show at the Center. The bridge was recent closed for repairs and renovations in 2022 and is in decent shape. I know that it saved me a lot of time going across the bridge. It takes you over train tracks. I know that this bridge saved me a lot of time getting where I needed to go versus going all the way around.

You will find this memorial in front of the Omaha Police Department Headquarters. There is metered…read morestreet parking and commercial garages within a reasonable walking distance. The memorial is well done and was constructed to honor police officers who served and protected people in the name of safety and freedom. The memorial is the work of John Lajba, who was commissioned by the city to construct the memorial. It was dedicated on Police Memorial Day, May 15, 1993 and lists over 20 names of Officers killed in the line of duty. It consists of 3 bronze sculptures sitting on a tall granite base, a granite slab, and 5 flag poles. The sculptures depict a police kneeling while providing assistance to a young girl that is sitting on the ground. Another police officer is standing and looking down at the officer assisting the girl. They are very detailed pieces and look awesome. It is well illuminated for night viewing and is tastefully and respectfully done. The base that the sculptures sit on has an Omaha Police Badge and an inscription that reads: "This monument represents the men and women of the Omaha Police Department and their families. Since 1887, this organization has served and protected our community in order that we may all live in a free and safe society. It is with respect and appreciation that the citizens of Omaha honor these dedicated people." The tall granite slab to the left of the sculptures, list the names and end of watch of the 25 OPD Officers, the last being in 2013, that died in the line of duty. The 5 flag poles, with the American Flag being in the center serve as the backdrop to the memorial and has the flags waving high, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. I like this memorial. It is a small, but fitting tribute to the brave Omaha Police Officers that made the ultimate sacrifice. As with most memorials like this that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 10 minutes. So, you may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip.

The "Little People's House," which is the politically correct term for what is technically, a…read more"Midget House," is also known as the "Bregant House." Whew! Built in Council Bluffs, Iowa for a tiny Coney Island, N.Y. vaudeville couple in 1912, the house was custom designed to fit the needs of Jean Bregant, who was 42 inches tall and Inez Lewis Bregant who was a robust 39 inches tall. The small home is termed a simple Craftsman Bungalow, which was a popular architectural style in the early part of the 20th Century. "Ceilings and doorways were built to normal height for when normal sized friends came to visit the Bregants, but the fireplace, bathroom fixtures and kitchen appliances were scaled to fit the small couple," said a story on www.nonpareilonline.com I love the 40-inch-high fireplace, small kitchen appliances and mini claw foot bathtub. The home sits amidst several larger homes that now surround it. Best of all, this very quaint home was designated in 2013, as a local landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. According to www.frontporchnationcom, " A preservation group called Preserve Council Bluffs is raising money to restore the house. One of the most recent projects was restoring the front porch. That included shoring up the foundation and bricks, as well as restoring the original latticework in front." There is a gofundme page set up to solicit donations for Bregant House upkeep. https://www.gofundme.com/5ovym0 4 YELP STARS for this most unusual but fascinating historical home.