A City for All Seasons
Omaha is a prime example of a four-season city. Summers are hot but not scorching; winters are snowy, but you're not likely to be snowed in. Average temperatures hover around 80 degrees in summer and drop to around 20 during winter so pack accordingly depending on the season—you may need anything from a light cardigan to a puffy jacket. Fall tends to be warm, with highs in the 60s and 70s, while spring is cooler with averages in the 40s through 60s. Summer is the rainiest time of year. Omaha is on the eastern edge of Tornado Alley but rarely experiences large events. Tornadoes are most common in late spring and early summer.
Things to Do and See
Animal lovers flock to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, one of the country's most popular. This is not your grandparents' zoo; it's outfitted with an IMAX theater and aquarium, as well as exhibits with enticing names like the Hubbard Orangutan Forest. Walk the neighborhood called the Old Market, known for its cobblestone streets and specialty shops or learn something new at one of the city's museums, which include the Omaha Children's Museum, the Durham Museum, the Joslyn Art Museum and El Museo Latino.
From Stocks to Steaks
Pop quiz: Are Mutual of Omaha and Omaha Steaks headquartered in their namesake city? Reward yourself with a filet mignon if you guessed yes. In addition to these businesses, Omaha is known for its diversified industry. Health care and education are big business in this city, with Omaha Public Schools, Methodist Health System and Creighton University among the top employers. But the area's largest employer is one you probably won't see: Offutt Air Force Base, located about 15 miles south of downtown Omaha.
Omaha Transportation
You can hit the ground running when you land at Omaha's Eppley Airfield because it's only a 10-minute drive to downtown. It's Nebraska's largest airport, but it's still a relatively small one, served by major airlines including American, Delta and United. You can also get to town using Amtrak or Greyhound. Parts of Omaha, like the Old Market area, are very walkable, but plan to drive around to all the sights.
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