|
Omaha
Omaha is a large
city and like many large cities it is busy with a lot of traffic
worsened bt lot of construction. In addition to these usual 'big city'
problems, we found it very
difficult to find addresses. The Omaha Visitors' Center, however, is
conveniently located at 1001 Farnam St (corner of South 10th Street). We
suggest you stop by their visitors center, first, and get their help in
finding things - or even determining what you'd like to visit. They are
very helpful and if they don't have an instant answer they know who to
call to get it.
If eastbound on I-80, take exit 452 and head north on
I-480 toward downtown Omaha. At exit 2C, I-480 makes a sweeping right
turn (this is where I-580 splits off to go to the airport). Stay on
I-480 and continue to exit 3A. Follow the off-ramp around to S. 14th
Street and continue down 14th to Farnam Street. Turn left on Farnam and
follow it almost 4 blocks to the Visitors' Center at 1001 Farnam (brown
building on the corner of 10th Street).
If westbound on I-80 - while still in Iowa - take the I-29 exit (exit 1A) and
follow I-29 northbound to exit 53B. This is the east end of I-480.
Follow I-480 over the Missouri River bridge into Omaha and exit 4 (just on the other
side of the bridge). Exit and continue under the Interstate to S. 10th
Street. Turn left, go 2 blocks to Farnam. Turn right. It is the brown
building on the corner (1001 Farnam). Phone (toll-free): 1-866-937-6624.
Freedom Park
Well hidden, on the Missouri River just northeast of 'downtown' Omaha,
are two WW-II ships plus a submarine - all open to visitors. Also in
the park are some planes and other military equipment - usually a
thrill for the kids.
(continued
in column 2)
|
|
(continued from
column 1)
The way we drove to
Freedom Park is no longer traversable. So we phoned the folks at the Park
and the instructions were, simply, take the Cuming Street exit (didn't
know the exit number but it may not be numbered, yet). Turn right (east)
and follow Cuming. It becomes Abbott Drive after the 2nd stop sign. Turn
right, then left onto Freedom Park Drive. You should be next to the
Missouri River. If you come up with better (or corrected?) directions,
please let us know (editor@Wheatley.Libn.NC.US)
For more information,
or to review the directions, phone
them at 1-402-345-1959.
Henry Doorly Zoo
We would be terribly amiss if we neglected to mention the Omaha Zoo.
Here you can walk through an underwater, glass-walled tunnel in a huge
tank in which a broad variety of marine life is resident.
Or take a stroll in the world's largest, indoor rain forest
complete with waterfalls/ Here you can view birds and reptiles plus the
ever so popular monkeys.
Then, for a quick change in environment, enter their Desert Dome
complete with the denizens of the desert.
If you still have time you can stop by the African Veldt in which
(we were told) is one of the largest collection of felines in the world.
Watch polar bears play - under water - from a unique underwater viewing
area. Visit a special 'petting zoo' where the kids can get up close
(safely).
Some things can't be brought to Omaha. No problem. They also
have an IMAX theater (these are the theatres with the super-sized
screens and all-around sound) where you can
experience thrilling adventures almost as though you were there.
From I-80 take the first off ramp at exit 454, go south on South
13th Street to Deer Park Blvd. Turn left and go to the end of Deer Park.
Turn right on South 10th to the entrance and parking area. |