10 Famous Things Omaha is Known For

Omaha is a mid-sized city in Nebraska that might seem quiet and unassuming. But, it has a few famous things that keep it on the map.

One of the first things that comes to mind for me is steak. Omaha is a huge steak exporter and a hub surround by Nebraska’s amazing cattle farms.

In fact, it’s even the home of the famous Reuben sandwich!

Furthermore, it’s got a beautiful cathedral and is the home of the NCAA College World Series!

What is Omaha Known For?

1. Saint Cecilia Cathedral

One of Omaha’s most significant landmarks is the Saint Cecilia Cathedral. Its twin bell towers rise into the sky and appear to pierce it.

Construction started on the cathedral in 1905. The masterpiece would then take over two years to complete. It’s estimated that the construction took an excess of three million stones to complete. Yet, the hard work paid off. This beacon of hope is still standing strong to this day.

Most of the building follows a Spanish renaissance revival style. The unique architecture makes the cathedral stand out in between its surroundings.

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2. Bob the Bridge

If you walk the streets of Omaha, you’ll hear people refer to Bob the Bridge. The term may sound strange, but it’s the name of a major landmark.

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is one of Omaha’s most beloved attractions. It’s a 3,000-foot steel structure that floats over the Missouri river and connects Nebraska to Iowa.

This means that Bob lies between two states. So, if you position yourself correctly, you can be in two places at once. The locals sometimes call this Bobbing. It’s also the ideal location for pictures, especially around sunset.

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3. Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Another one of Omaha’s many landmarks is the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. It has some of the world’s most interesting exhibits and displays.

Housing thousands of different species, the zoo is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. These include all sorts of wildlife, like otters, monkeys, and countless aquatic creatures.

In addition, each section of the facility has its own theme. You can decide to spend your morning at the Desert Dome or the Lied Jungle. It’s possible you may even need more than one trip to admire the entire collection.

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4. NCAA College World Series

If you’re a baseball fan, you’ve likely heard of the NCAA College World Series. During the summer, one of the world’s most anticipated sports events occurs in Omaha.

Over 60 teams battle it out to reach the semi-finals. Over the course of many games, the teams dwindle down to eight. After that, these teams face off, with one emerging victorious.

This baseball battle royale attracts fans from all over the country. Since the 1950s, thousands of people have gathered in June to watch their favorite players make it all the way to the top.

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5. Old Market District

You can’t visit Omaha without taking a trip to the Old Market District. The entire area is full of historic buildings dating as far back as the 1800s.

Wandering the cobblestone streets, you’ll stumble on tons of interesting finds. This can include a random gallery displaying modern art, or it can be a tiny restaurant on the corner of a street with the best steaks you’ll ever have.

No matter which direction you take, there’s always something new to see. For this reason, the Old Market District is an amazing place to wander and get to know the city.

6. Durham Museum

The Durham Museum offers a fresh perspective on historical events. The building started out as an incredibly busy train station. After its decommission, the space was ready for repurposing.

A few renovations later gave us the urban masterpiece we now know. Most of the museum’s pieces focus on local history. This gives us an idea of how the people in the area used to live.

The rich background of the space makes it a dream destination.

7. Spirits of Nebraska Wilderness Park

When you think of a park, you imagine greenery everywhere and perhaps a few swings. However, this one is a little different.

The Spirits of Nebraska Wilderness Park is a group of outdoor art displays. They’re stainless steel statues that are one of a kind and span over five blocks.

This makes the park one of the largest art displays in the world.

8. Performing Arts Center

Another one of the reasons Omaha is on the map is the Performing Arts Center. It consists of the Orpheum Theater and the Holland Center.

Each location boasts a roster of incredible shows. These include Broadway, dance, and musical performances.

The Performing Arts Center is also home to the Omaha Symphony.

9. The Reuben

Almost everyone has heard of the delicious treat that is the Reuben. Still, only a few people know where the sandwich originated.

Many attribute the creation of the sandwich to the Omaha native, Reuben Kulakofsky. Some say he made it as a bet, while others believe it was intended as a late-night snack. No matter the origin, by 1925, the tasty dish had made its way onto the Blackstone Hotel menu, and the rest is history.

Nowadays, the cheesy mouthful is incredibly popular all over the world. Traditionally, it includes corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. Yet, there are many variations of the sandwich.

10. Steak

Omaha’s number one export is beef. So, it should come as no surprise that it’s known for its steaks.

The city takes great pride in its grass-fed, grain-finished beef. This feeding combination creates intense flavors that provide signature steaks.

On top of the flavor, the meat also has excellent deep marbling that makes for a juicy steak. Besides that, it’s tender and melts in your mouth as soon as you take a bite.

Conclusion

What is Omaha known for? There are many attractions that pull visitors to the area. Possibly the most talked about is the Reuben sandwich. Other than that, the region is also famous for its steaks.

Omaha also houses many architectural structures. For example, the Saint Cecilia Cathedral and Bob the Bridge. In addition, the city has a zoo and other amazing museums.