On your trip to Douglas, you can explore culture and nature with a range of different focuses. History comes across differently in an exhibition than in a historic neighborhood or an active cemetery; outdoors, options range from landscaped gardens to hiking trails and an accessible promenade. This variety makes it easy to put your own interests first.

Museums, Art and History

At the Hall of History Museum in Boys Town, permanent audio and video exhibits tell the story of the community. The Durham Museum in Omaha focuses on the history of the city and region. Its permanent galleries combine historical exhibits with restored architecture—here, history can be experienced not only through the exhibits but also through the surroundings.

The Joslyn Art Museum offers a different focus: three architecturally distinct, interconnected buildings house more than 30 art galleries. Prairie-inspired gardens and outdoor spaces complement the museum. General admission is free for all visitors. You can reach the museum on foot, by car, by bicycle or by bus.

Prospect Hill Cemetery in Omaha, Douglas County, is both an active cemetery and a historic site. More than 15,000 burials give the site a long historical dimension; its significance continues alongside its ongoing use as a cemetery. For a comparison of the different historical themes, you can take a range of perspectives: community history in Boys Town, city and regional history at the Durham Museum, art and architecture at the Joslyn, and a historic site that is still used as a cemetery.

Gardens, Parks and Nature Trails

The Garden of the Bible in Boys Town covers three acres. Plants, trees and flowers define the grounds. Together with the prairie-inspired gardens at the Joslyn Art Museum, it shows how differently designed outdoor spaces are incorporated into visitor experiences: as a garden in its own right in one case, and as a complement to an art museum in the other.

Fontenelle Forest preserves more than 2,100 acres of natural land in Douglas and Sarpy Counties along the Missouri River. There are 24 miles of maintained trails for walks and hikes. The forest also offers a one-mile ADA-accessible boardwalk. You can choose between 24 miles of maintained trails and the shorter ADA-accessible boardwalk. Fontenelle Forest’s visitor offerings also include the Raptor Woodland Refuge.

In Omaha, the RiverFront also brings together several parks: Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing. The RiverFront parks are located along the river. Features found there include a pier extending to the Missouri River, an urban beach, a prairie garden and destination playgrounds.

Gene Leahy Mall has an event pavilion, a playground, interactive water features, a sculpture garden and a dog park. Public events and activities are also held there. The RiverFront park landscape thus puts both designed spaces and individual amenities, as well as public events, in the spotlight.

More to Explore in Omaha

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium offers more than 160 acres of attractions. Lied Jungle is the largest indoor rainforest in North America. General admission includes access to animal habitats and some selected attractions; availability may vary by season. Parking is free.

Those interested in the Lewis and Clark Expedition can visit the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center in Omaha. It commemorates Lewis and Clark’s journey. Visitors can meet park rangers, get historical information and receive help planning further stops along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Cobblestone streets and brick buildings are part of the character of the historic Old Market Entertainment District. The Old Market invites you to shop, dine and explore. The Omaha Farmers Market adds to these local experiences with fresh regional produce and homemade goods. Together with the museums, parks and natural areas, they offer a range of options you can prioritize according to your interests—from art and history to landscapes and regional products.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Omaha, Boys Town, Ralston, Madison County, Hall County, Thayer County, Wayne County, Garfield County.

For the main travel overview: Nebraska.