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Omaha is a
large city. It is busy with a lot of traffic plus a lot of construction and, we found, very
difficult to find addresses. Their Visitors' Center, however, is
conveniently located at 1001 Farnam St (corner of South 10th Street). We
suggest you stop by the visitors center, first, and get their help in
finding things - or even determining what you'd like to visit. They are
very helpful and if they don't have an instant answer they know who to
call to get it.
If eastbound on I-80, take exit 452 and head north on
I-480 toward downtown Omaha. At exit 2C, I-480 makes a sweeping right turn
(this is where I-580 splits off to go to the airport). Stay on I-480 and
continue to exit 3A. Follow the off-ramp around to S. 14th Street and
continue down 14th to Farnam Street. Turn left on Farnam and follow it
almost 4 blocks to the Visitors' Center at 1001 Farnam (brown building on
the corner of 10th Street).
If westbound on I-80 - while still in Iowa - take the I-29 exit (exit 1A) and
follow I-29 northbound to exit 53B. This is the east end of I-480.
Follow I-480 over the Missouri River bridge into Omaha and exit 4 (just on the other
side of the bridge). Exit and continue under the Interstate to S. 10th
Street. Turn left, go 2 blocks to Farnam. Turn right. It is the brown
building on the corner (1001 Farnam). Phone (toll-free): 1-866-937-6624.
Freedom Park
Well hidden just northeast of 'downtown' Omaha, on the Missouri River,
are several WW-II ships plus a training submarine - all open to visitors. Also, in
the park, are some planes and other military equipment - usually a
thrill for the kids.
Omaha looks like it has been pulverized - streets torn up, old
streets disappearing and new streets created. The way we drove to Freedom
Park is no longer traversable. We phoned the folks at the Park and the
instructions were, simply, take the Cuming Street exit (didn't know the
exit number but it may not be numbered, yet). Turn right (east) and follow
Cuming. It becomes Abbott Drive after the 2nd stop sign. Turn right, then
left onto Freedom Park Drive. You should be next to the Missouri River. If
you come up with better (or corrected?) directions, please let us know (editor@Wheatley.Libn.NC.US)
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There is a $5 admission fee to the park ($3 for ages 5 - 12) and
it is open daily 9a - 6p (Sun. 10a - 5p) April to October. For more information,
or to review the directions, phone
them at 1-402-345-1959.
Henry Doorly Zoo
- We would be terribly amiss if we neglected to mention the Omaha Zoo.
Here you can walk through an underwater, glass-walled tunnel in a huge
tank in which a broad variety of marine life is resident.
Or take a stroll in the world's largest, indoor rain forest
complete with waterfalls/ Here you can view birds and reptiles plus the
ever so popular monkeys.
Then, for a quick change in environment, enter their Desert Dome
complete with the denizens of the desert.
If you still have time you can stop by the African Veldt in which
(we were told) is one of the largest collection of felines in the world.
Watch polar bears play - under water - from a unique underwater viewing
area. Visit a special 'petting zoo' where the kids can get up close
(safely).
Some things can't be brought to Omaha. No problem so they also
have a IMAX theater (these are the theaters with the super-sized screens
and all-around sound) where you can
experience thrilling adventures almost as though you were there.
From I-80 take the first off ramp at exit 454, go south on South
13th Street to Deer Park Blvd. Turn left and go to the end of Deer Park.
Turn right on South 10th to the entrance and parking area. Admission
$8.50; $4.75 for kids ages 5 - 11.
Hours are 9:30a - 5p, 7 days except major holidays.
There
are lots of things going on in Omaha, attractions as well as events.
Again, we urge you to stop by the Visitors' Center, first. They have all
the information about what's where and can give you the recipe for a great
time, here.
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