Omaha, Nebraska
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Home to nearly 500,000, Omaha is Nebraska’s largest city and an exciting place to visit in your rental RV. Founded in 1854, the city was predominantly built on agriculture and the ease of distribution via the Missouri River. Today, the modern town is still a bustling economic center for the agriculture sector but has also developed an increasingly popular entertainment and tourism industry.
Omaha’s history is deeply rooted in pioneering; the area served as an important waypoint for the historic expedition of Lewis and Clark. Many of the monuments, parks, and features within Omaha pay homage to these early explorers and settlers. You’ll also find that there is plenty to explore during your visit to Omaha.
The most popular attraction in all of Omaha is the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The unique and extensive exhibit system warrants an entire day, if you have the time. The primate exhibits are particularly well-loved with an amazing gorilla exhibit that allows you to get up close and personal with these fascinating animals.
The most iconic feature of the zoo, however, is the indoor desert. Resembling the dome at Disneyworld’s Epcot, the ‘Desert Dome’ is the world’s largest indoor desert at an astounding 84,000 square feet. Here, visitors will explore three distinct desert habitats resembling those found in Australia, Mexico, and Africa.
As you enter the Durham Museum in downtown Omaha, you will be taken aback by the regal architecture. Home to many permanent and rotating exhibits, one of the primary missions of the museum is to examine the history of westward expansion and the Great Plains. Learn all about the early settlers of the Missouri River valley and how they came to build a major agricultural center in Omaha.
In addition to exhibits, the theater is a great stop for an introduction to the history of Omaha. If you need a quick snack, the old-timey soda and candy shop will transport you back to a simpler time. On your way out, check out the Hitchcock Museum Shop for a little memento of your visit.
Currently undergoing a massive $300 million renovation, the Heartland Park of America will be an incredible riverfront park for visitors and locals alike. The feature fountain is the focal point of the park and shoots incredible water jets 320 feet into the air during a spectacular light show. Informational signage around the park also provides education about the historic journey of Lewis and Clark as you walk along the trails.
Once the park officially reopens to the public in 2025, the grounds will be extended and connected to the Old Market district (see below). The new look will also include a massive, two-block shopping and dining center that will likely become the new major hub in Omaha.
Looking for small town charm in the big city? Head to the Old Market District to step back in time and enjoy Omaha’s most popular entertainment district. As you look around, take note of the preserved brick buildings, some more than 100 years old.
The cobblestone streets will lead you around an incredible variety of art galleries, museums, music venues, boutiques, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and much more. If you would like to make the most of your visit to the Old Market, consider taking a focused tour. Choose from experiences focusing on the area’s history, food, breweries, or cocktail bars.
For truly spectacular views of the Omaha skyline, especially at night, go for a walk along the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. The 3,000-foot walking bridge crosses over the Missouri River (connecting Nebraska to Iowa) and will provide the best photo opportunities of your visit.
Apart from a means to cross the river, the bridge also serves as a hub for more than 100 miles of walking and biking trails. In the summer months the plaza and green space often hosts concerts for the thousands of folks constantly passing by. You may also want to take a peek below the bridge where you just might find Omar, the bridge’s resident troll statue.
On the west side of town, the West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA Holiday is one RV campground in the area that has some solid entertainment options. Campground staff offer hayrides, ice cream socials, and other activities every weekend perfect for the whole family. Campers will also enjoy bike rentals, mini golf, a swimming pool, trampoline basketball, and fresh-baked pizza on site. For your RV, full hookup sites with up to 50-amp electrical service are available for rigs up to 80 feet in length.
One of the closest campgrounds to Omaha is actually across the border in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The Bluffs Run RV Park, located at the Horseshoe Casino, is only four miles from downtown Omaha and will put you very close to the action. Plus, you’re right at the casino, with plenty of food options and a concert stage. The 44 sites are contained within a large parking lot, so this isn’t exactly a scenic camping location. Your RV will also have access to 50-amp electrical and water service.
About 19 miles to the southeast, the Walnut Creek Campground is a perfect choice for a quiet and natural camping experience. Run by the city of Papillon, the campground is situated right on Walnut Creek Lake and offers 44 sites with water and electrical service as well as a dump station. Campers will enjoy excellent onsite fishing for bass, catfish, and bluegill. There are also numerous walking and biking trails that are accessible for all.
You’ll find tons of river fun 26 miles to the west at RiverWest Park. Enjoy the beach, cast a line, or rent a tube and go floating down the Elkhorn River. You’ll want to reserve your spot ahead of time since there are only 16 spots for RVs. Your campsite at RiverWest will provide your rig with water and 30-amp electrical service.
If you’d like a little distance from the city, the Ashland RV Campground is a sound choice. About 30 miles to the southwest, this small park has 31 spots for RVs with water and 50-amp electrical service. Additional amenities include bathhouses, Wi-Fi, fire pits, and a dump station. Since there are not a ton of activities available at the campground itself, it will be on the quiet side. If you’re looking for fun, there are wineries, art galleries, fishing, golfing, and shopping opportunities nearby.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can find it in Omaha. From a quick sandwich to luxurious fine dining, there’s a huge range of dining options. Apart from everything you would expect in a major U.S. city, some unique offerings include French comfort food, meatball restaurants, Persian, and Venezuelan cuisine.
Your restaurant options dry up once you head outside of Omaha’s city limits. You’ll mostly find chain options in the surrounding suburbs beyond the Platte River. Your next best option would be across the Missouri River in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Most of these local restaurants feature traditional American fare. Otherwise, there’s a huge concentration of chains along Broadway Street.
No matter where you stay, the city of Omaha is an exciting stop along your RV route through the Cornhusker State. This modem, thriving Midwestern city is likely to change the mind of anyone who once thought of Nebraska as merely ‘cornfields.’