Discover Douglas: museums, the RiverFront and nature

A stay focused on Douglas can be shaped by a wide range of interests: art and local history, public parks or nature. In Omaha, museums and the RiverFront offer experiences distinct from the natural areas of Fontenelle Forest; in Boys Town, the focus is on the community’s history and a landscaped garden. If you’re looking for a hotel, it’s best to first decide which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

Art and history in Omaha and Boys Town

At the Durham Museum in Omaha, permanent galleries tell the story of the city and region. They include restored architecture and historical exhibits. Prospect Hill Cemetery is also in Omaha, in Douglas County. It remains an active cemetery and is also a historic site with more than 15,000 burials.

The Hall of History Museum in Boys Town tells the story of the community through permanent audio and video exhibits. Also in Boys Town is the Garden of the Bible, a three-acre garden with plants, trees and flowers. The museum and garden appeal to different interests: the community’s history on one hand, and landscaped nature on the other.

The Joslyn Art Museum combines art with a striking architectural design. It comprises three architecturally distinct, connected buildings and more than 30 art galleries. Its outdoor areas include prairie-inspired gardens and other landscaped grounds. General admission is free for all visitors. The museum is accessible on foot and by car, bicycle or bus.

Omaha’s Old Market Entertainment District also combines history and visitor experiences: cobblestone streets and brick buildings define this historic district, which invites visitors to explore, shop and dine. The Omaha Farmers Market adds another dimension, with fresh local produce and homemade products.

Riverside parks and natural areas

The RiverFront is a visitor area in downtown Omaha. It includes Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing. At Gene Leahy Mall, you’ll find an event pavilion, a playground, interactive water features, a sculpture garden and a dog park; there are also public events and activities. The RiverFront parks are located along the river. Among their features are a pier extending to the Missouri River, an urban beach, a prairie garden and destination playgrounds. Lewis & Clark Landing is one of these parks.

Fontenelle Forest preserves more than 2,100 acres of natural areas in Douglas and Sarpy counties along the Missouri River. Visitor amenities include 24 miles of maintained trails and a one-mile, ADA-accessible boardwalk. The different lengths give you a clear reference point for planning: you can consider either the larger trail network or the clearly defined boardwalk. The Raptor Woodland Refuge is also part of the visitor experience at Fontenelle Forest.

More experiences to help plan your trip

The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in Omaha offers more than 160 acres of attractions. Its highlights include Lied Jungle, the largest indoor rainforest in North America. General admission includes access to animal habitats and some select attractions; parking is free. Since the availability of select attractions may vary by season, check the latest visitor information before your visit.

For a different focus, the Omaha Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center commemorates the journey of Lewis and Clark. Visitors can meet park rangers, get historical information and receive help planning additional stops along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. This makes it easy to consider culture, nature and history as distinct parts of your stay when choosing a hotel in Douglas.

Discover more destinations: Omaha, Boys Town, Ralston, Deuel County, Richardson County, Jefferson County, Otoe County, Cedar County.

For the broader travel overview: Nebraska.