You will find this little structure at the end of Gene Leahy Park. It is an iconic photo…read moreopportunity in the heart of downtown Omaha. Contrary to what I thought, the arches do not have any historical significance. They are remanants of the former US National Bank Building that once stood at the corner of 12th and Farnam Streets. They are made of Ohio bluestone and was constructed in 1887. They were reconstructed in it current location in 1979. The arch is currently owned by the city of Omaha. It has a kind of odd placement and looks like a arch just dropped downtown. It is not hard to find and I located it relatively easy. Parking to see this attraction is simple enough. There is tons of metered parking within a reasonable walking distance. This howevre is probably not a destination attractioon. Most of it visitors will come here with this stop as part of a larger itinerary. The arch seems to be in great shape, and has a placard on it that gives some brief information. Anyway, as with most attractions such as this that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes, got my pictures and then I was out. So, you may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip.

The Arches, built in 1887 by stone are a very majestic way to signify you are about to enter Gene…read moreLeahy Park in downtown Omaha, NE. When I first saw them, I almost thought I was in Paris! They look just like the Arch de Triomphe. When the former US National Bank Building was originally built, it had two of these very impressive stone arches as it's entrances. However, when the bank was remodeled in 1979, one of the arches was reconstructed here at it's current site along Farnam Street, where it stands today. Owned now by the city of Omaha, the Arches have "stood like silent sentinels at the 12th and Farnam entrance to Gene Leahy Mall," said a story on www.omahabydesign.org. Made of Ohio bluestone, the Arch is a very dignified presence in the Old Market downtown area. I just adore noble pieces of public art such as this, so 5 YELP STARS for sure. But this Arch might need some help. In the omahabydesign story, it mentioned that the "recent condition survey completed by the Omaha Public Art Commission cited the piece as in need of extensive restoration. Although the arches appear complete and sound, there is staining, discoloration, crystalline deposits and drainage problems. It appears as though the drainage system may be clogged or insufficient to remove water from the top of the structure. Water is seeping through the mortar joints along the inside curve of the arch." Not good. Someone with local money needs to step forward or a fund-raising effort should be started to get Arch-y in better shape. Also troubling: minor abrasions, accumulated dust and dirt, bird droppings, lichen and self-adhesive stickers. I imagine some Midwestern graffiti has found it's way onto the Arches. I hope the Omaha-ians can find a way to fix up this distinctly classy reminder of what a lovely city this truly is.

It is a small marker that has a prime location at the front of the Cass County Courthouse and…read moreadministrative building in downtown Plattsmouth Nebraska. It has the crests of the military branches nearby. The marker is made with a brick background and has the plaque mounted on it. The marker simply reads, " For those who made the supreme sacrifice And has a list of individuals that have given their life during WWI, WWII, Korea & Vietnam." And it provides a too long list of names. Just behind it, mounted on the wall of the courthouse is another marker, "In honor of the men of Cass County, Nebraska who served in the Great War and in memory of those who gave their lives." It also lists too many names. "Erected and presented through the efforts of the Fontenelle Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, 1922." [Review 11352 overall, 1129 of 2019.]

The Golden Spike Monument represents the eastern terminus [starting point] of the Union Pacific…read moreRailroad which then extended westward to form the transcontinental railroad. Abraham Lincoln visited this area in 1859 and later chose Council Bluffs to begin the rail line. The Union Pacific met the Central Pacific Railroad (which began from the western terminus in Sacramento, CA) at Promontory Point, Utah in 1869 where a golden spike ceremony took place. Coincidentally, I lived in Sacramento for many years and visited the excellent California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento several times. In addition, in my youth, my family visited Promontory Point and I made another visit several years ago. I can now state that I have seen all sides of the transcontinental railroad story. This site needs some care -- small gravel parking lot has potholes, monument needs some touch-up paint, and some informational markers would be helpful. Meanwhile, I highly recommend that anyone who wants historical information about the Golden Spike should visit the Union Pacific Railroad Museum which is located next to Bayliss Park in downtown Council Bluffs!

This attraction is one of those oddities that I just had to see. It is located in a little park…read morearea with benches, and a picnic table nearby. There is free street parking within a reasonable walking distance. The monument is located in the center of a plot of green space that is well maintained. The monument is enclosed by a fence and and has a paved walkway around it. The monument marks Milepost 0.0 of the eastern terminus of the Union Pacific Railroad and sits where a transfer and passenger station sat. It also, to a minor extent, is meant to address the controversy between Council Bluff and neighboring Omaha over where the railroad actually begin. Apparently, the dispute was bad enough that it had to be taken to court. The monument soars to 59 feet and weighs 243,200 pounds. It took 10 days to construct and was completed on April 26, 1939, which coincided with the premiere of the film "Union Pacific." The spike appears to be in great shape, especially considering its age. It is definitely worth a peak if you are in the area. Well, as with most monuments and memorials that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 10 minutes. So, you may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip. You will find the Lincoln Monument nearby.

You will find this sculpture just outside of the Gene Leahy Mall. It is the work of Herb Mignery,…read morewho is depicting an American family, mother, father, and child as they are working on the land. The child is on his knees digging. The father is holding a shovel with a proud and determined look on his face, while the mother is washing clothes in a bucket. It sits on a cement and tile platform that has a plaque that lists its donors and another that has it title on it. The sculpture is a gift from the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of America, who gave the piece to the city in 1984. It is a very nice piece and is in marvelous condition, especially considering its age. For those driving and wishing to park and get a closer look, there is metered street parking and commercial garages available within a reasonable walking distance. . As with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 10 minutes. So, you may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip.

Life as a prisoner is not for me. There's a friendly…read moreattendant at the entrance to guide you and give info annoy the jail. Very interesting especially for my hubby and his friend.

This is a one of a kind place worth visiting. It was a revolving prison that was used from 1885 to…read more1969. It had 3 floors of pie-shaped cells inside a cage. The fourth floor was where the jailer and his family lived. The staff were very nice and knowledgeable about the place. This is not free but your $10 is definitely worth it. Their small gift shop (also were you check in) has shirts, pins, and magnets. This is walking distance from the Union Pacific Railroad Museum which is also another place to see in Council Bluffs.

The "Little People's House," which is the politically correct term for what is technically, a…read more"Midget House," is also known as the "Bregant House." Whew! Built in Council Bluffs, Iowa for a tiny Coney Island, N.Y. vaudeville couple in 1912, the house was custom designed to fit the needs of Jean Bregant, who was 42 inches tall and Inez Lewis Bregant who was a robust 39 inches tall. The small home is termed a simple Craftsman Bungalow, which was a popular architectural style in the early part of the 20th Century. "Ceilings and doorways were built to normal height for when normal sized friends came to visit the Bregants, but the fireplace, bathroom fixtures and kitchen appliances were scaled to fit the small couple," said a story on www.nonpareilonline.com I love the 40-inch-high fireplace, small kitchen appliances and mini claw foot bathtub. The home sits amidst several larger homes that now surround it. Best of all, this very quaint home was designated in 2013, as a local landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. According to www.frontporchnationcom, " A preservation group called Preserve Council Bluffs is raising money to restore the house. One of the most recent projects was restoring the front porch. That included shoring up the foundation and bricks, as well as restoring the original latticework in front." There is a gofundme page set up to solicit donations for Bregant House upkeep. https://www.gofundme.com/5ovym0 4 YELP STARS for this most unusual but fascinating historical home.

National Parks historical site commemorating the childhood home of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, born…read moreMalcolm Little, on May 19 1925. The home was torn down prior to 1970, but the site has a commemorative landmark sign, a short paved walking path, and an ample parking lot. The site is on a hill and offers a sweeping view to the east.

Offutt Air Force Base was my first assignment in 1979. After assignments all over the world, I came…read moreback to the Omaha area for my final assignment before retirement, and still live close to the base. The Field House gym and Base Exchange are excellent facilities. The Commissary has been improved but is still showing its age. The gas station/Class 6/shoppette/Burger King are newer and conveniently located. Gate guards were efficient and polite. We've had great service when getting updated ID cards. Overall, I appreciate having Offutt near by.

This base is well maintained and presents an excellent 1st impression, both by the modern massive…read moreentrance gate area and with the courteous, professional and proficient airmen manning the entrance to the base. Although this base is old with oldish buildings, it appears to be very well maintained. Enjoyed browsing the Base Exchange and so happy to buy myself a new Guess backpack on clearance...Oh yea!