There are some nice exhibits and gardens here; however, more maintenance is needed for much of the…read moregrounds. We liked the monument stones which detail past U.S. Presidents, Nebraska governors, etc.; nevertheless, they need to be updated for recent elections. The gazebo exhibit includes several interesting displays of President and Betty Ford along with audio recordings.

This was near my hotel and it was pleasant garden to visit. It is well maintained and lookout for…read morewho's peeking through the bushes

A wonderful State Park along the valley of the Platte River that provides amazing views in the…read moredrive there. The bottom area provides a place to stop and have a picnic, feed some fish and check out a "archaeological" area. It also provides some great hiking trails. They provide 2 trails that can be combined to give you a nice 2 mile hike. The trail follows down to a cool suspension bridge and you can get down into the creek area and explore the rocks. The trip back takes you through the forest to a high area of pine trees. They also have a nice playground and picnic pavilion up the hill as well. Take a moment on your road trip and stop and visit this amazing place.

I have driven by this place and never really knew it was there - I love that a part of the place…read morethat I can easily visit is right on the river. I am so glad that some friends have recommended it and have been back several times to watch the geese and the sunset. I highly recommend taking the time to enjoy this state park

Out for a drive, curious where this place is, is what brought us here. A nice little place. Some…read morehistory boards offer information about Lewis and Clark adventures. There is a look out that you can see over into Omaha downtown and the Epply airfield. There is a trail that goes off the farthest lookout area - I didn't walk it, looks kinda tricky. I think you would want to come prepared to hike if you decide to check it out. There is a nice restroom area and several benches you could just relax and enjoy the views. Enjoyed checking it out!

I'm very disappointed in the person that pooped on the floor in the back of the bathrooms and wiped…read moreit on paper towels then left them on the grass for everyone to discover. I am traumatized to say the least. Why not just poop in the toilet right in front of you. The smell took me back to World War 1. Good heavens.

First time visitor Free parking, no fee…read more Dog friendly Jogger stroller runner walker friendly Kid friendly Plenty to see with open clean trails that wrap around go on a hill and connect back Many trees both sunny and shady Fall was showing its colors Christmas trees in a small area Felt safe indeed - would certainly return and recommend to taking a stroll in this hidden gem

I hadn't ever been to the Arboretum but frequently drive past. I decided to give it a whirl with my…read moremom friend and our kids while we had a warmer day this winter. It is a very large area spanning from Blondo to the inner state with many different trails and paved paths. The reason I'm more of a 4 vs. a 5 is because paths aren't super clearly marked and it will change from paved, to wood chips, to gravel. A bonus if you need a place to hang with your pet is that they allow dogs!

This park is located on the opposite side from the Iowa border on Carter Lake. The pavilions can…read morebe rented through Omaha Park and Recreation for a nominal fee. This place has baseball fields besides a replay area for young kids. Boats and other watercraft are allowed to be used here. Bathrooms are the portable ones and parking is convenient. Swimming is not allowed on this side of the lake.

Levi Carter Park is in a crescent shape. It is quite a large Park it is across the street from the…read moreOmaha airport. I found it full of beautiful trees incredible grass and lots of small lots to park and I should go around bathroom seem to be at a premium as there were only a few to be found. The lake is beautiful there are geese both on the ground and in the air and at Sunset they really come down and Chow Down on the lawn I think. The coolest thing is across the street from the airport is small Lots parking lots that is make wonderful cell phone waiting blogs when you are expecting someone at the airport very handy indeed

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 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.

The new and improved River Front is a neat little area in downtown Omaha, with lots to do and see,…read moreespecially since it encompasses Heartland of America Park, Lewis and Clark Landing, and the Gene Leahy Mall! There are always fun things happening here, like festivals, farmer's markets, music events, food trucks, and holiday celebrations like the lighting of the trees in Gene Leahy each year. There is a skate ribbon, lots of public art like sculptures and landscaping, and a discovery/playground area for younger kids. The River Front actually also includes the Kiewit Luminarium Museum which is SO fun for adults and kids of all ages. The gorgeous bridges of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and the Farnam Pier are super cool spots to check out if you want to see the Missouri River in all its action below you. One thing I really appreciate, though, on these bridges is that there are signs about suicide prevention and how to get help, with contact information included. The River Front is great for families, couples, kids, and anyone else who enjoys the outdoors!

The river front is a nice outside space for everyone. I normally visit the park at least 3 times a…read moremonth especially when the weather is nice. Whether I'm reading a book by the water, taking my kid to the park or just taking a walk with my family when they visit in town. I always come to the river front for a good and safe atmosphere. Currently the parking is crazy due to the construction the parking for the park is non existent so finding somewhere to park especially on the weekend can be frustrating. I recommend going earlier in the day for convenience.