Tours

Omaha is a city full of surprises. From its outstanding restaurants, museums and theaters to its many parks, lakes and sports facilities, Omaha offers every citizen and traveler a seemingly endless array of opportunities to play, to learn and to grow.

Old Market No trip to Omaha is complete without a visit to the Old Market, the city's most popular leisure-time destination with several blocks of shops, restaurants and bars. Dine at the French Cafe or the Brass Grille. Stroll a few blocks north to Gene Leahy Mall, which hooks up to the Heartland of America Park.

Josyln Art Museum Sample the latest offering at the Omaha Theater Company for Young People or the Blue Barn Theater. After the show, walk a few blocks to the Omaha Children's Museum. The Joslyn Art Museum and Indian Oven are also nearby.

Freedom Park For a bit of history, head to Freedom Park, where you'll see naval and military artifacts. Nearby you'll find the Malcolm X Birthsite. Walk to the Diner, then to the Great Plains Black History Museum, and the Mormon Pioneer Cemetery.

Henry Doorly Zoo At the Henry Doorly Zoo you'll see animals of every shape and kind and the world's largest man-made tropical rain forest. Stop into the Spaghetti Works Restaurant for all you can eat pasta, then go to the Boulder Creek Amusement Park. Later in the day, head across the street to Rosenblatt Stadium to catch a game.

Lee Simmons Wildlife Safari Park Halfway between Omaha and Lincoln, you'll find Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, the Strategic Air Command (SAC) Museum, the Lee Simmons Wildlife Safari Park, Quarry Oaks Golf Course and more, all located just minutes from the interstate. Enjoy the down home cooking at Burnsy's Grill and Bar.

Structured tours aren't the city's strong point—there really aren't many to choose from. But by arming yourself with information, desire and a sturdy pair of shoes, nearly everyone, from the life-long Omahan to the city's newest arrival, will find much to do and see.

Walking Tours See With Me Tours ( +1 402 689 7604 ) Historic Omaha Tours ( http://www.historicomaha.com/walktour.htm/)

Bus Tours Elite Tours ( +1 402 342 4585/ http://www.elitetours.us/ ) Ultra Bus Tours ( +1 402 415 8353/ http://www.ultrabustour.com/ ) Omaha Tours ( +1 866 383 8579/ http://www.omahatours.net/ )

Boat Tours River City Star Cruises ( +1 866 227 7827/ http://www.rivercitystar.com/ )

Balloon Tours Scenic Wind Balloon Tours ( +1 402 981 2048 )