We didn't know much about Omaha in advance, other than the world-famous Omaha steaks. But we did a little investigation and found some cool things to do.
The Omaha Zoo (Henry Doorly Zoo) is known to be really outstanding. Beth and I reminisced about the old "Wild Kingdom" TV show, sponsored by Mutual of Omaha. The zoo is known for its desert dome, underground exhibits, and night time exhibits (you walk through an area that's all dark - it's night for the critters).
This is the desert dome, outside and in.
And more...
A roadrunner. We were interested in this guy because we saw one (but only one) on our southwest trip.
An example of the night time exhibits.
They have a wonderful jungle building with lots of primates and other animals.
We also visited their aquarium.
And here is a video. Dory, looking for Nemo. (He was there, but hiding...)
After we left the zoo, we drove across the Missouri River to Council Bluffs, Missouri. We took the Bob Kerrey (former senator from Nebraska) pedestrian bridge from Iowa to Nebraska.
Matthew in two places at the same time.
After this we visited the Union Pacific train museum in Council Bluffs. When the transcontinental railroad was built, the Union Pacific company worked from east to west, headquartered in Council Bluffs, while the Central Pacific company worked from west to east.
We then returned to Omaha and drove a little around the river waterfront. There is a huge corporate campus for ConAgra company.
There is also an area of old warehouses and cobblestone streets. Once again we found a great place to eat!
It turned out the the college world series was taking place the same time we were there! They use a stadium on the water front.
Some Loose Ends
Here is Matthew updating our US Map with the two new states we've visited.
Some local color. Check out the Conestoga wagon on their state route signs.
We saw a lot of these strange trucks. The second part is about 30 feet behind the first part. Apparently they do this to meet the weight limit for bridges.
They LOVE coffee here. In fact, they drink so much they make it in water towers!
Some colorful grain towers on they west side of Omaha.
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