Omaha / Council Bluffs

mRoyal · Post by **mRoyal** » Sun Jun 15, 2003 12:40 am

Was in Omaha / Council Bluffs on June 13 for a Pearl Jam concert. First, let me say that the concert was unbelievable. After being rained on during the KC show, being indoors was a relief.

Didn't really have time to drive around the area and take in sights, but downtown Omaha is suprisingly nice. There is a lot of new construction going on. But there are also a lot of boarded up buildings. Maybe they need to rehab a few of them instead of building new ones.

Council Bluffs is the crappiest place on the face of the earth. What a dump.

The concert was in Council Bluffs, at the new convention center (across the street from a casino). The arena was a very simple plan. No fancy perks or anything. I don't expect it to pull in major events like a Pearl Jam concert ever again because the new Omaha Civic Center will open soon. And it will seat 21,000 compared to the 9,000 (?) CB convention center. This, IMO, is why everyone shouldn't get all worked up over the Edwardsville plan or any other arena plan. If they build one downtown, that's were everyone will go.

Like I said, didn't get to check out much. But I thought that someone might be interested.

mRoyal

KCforumer · Post by **KCforumer** » Sun Jun 15, 2003 2:45 am

Council Bluffs is the crappiest place on the face of the earth. What a dump.

You were able to determine that, even though you didn't really get a chance to drive around? I've never been there, but it didn't look all that bad in photos. It looked a lot better than KCK. Here are some photos of Downtown Council Bluffs and surrounding neighborhoods from eomaha.com: http://www.eomaha.com/gallery/cb/

http://www.eomaha.com/ has everything you want to know about Omaha construction, both urban and suburban. There are also photos of Downtown, etc.

Post by **dangerboy** » Sun Jun 15, 2003 3:57 pm

Yeah you need to spend a lot more time driving around town, meeting people, and maybe even live there before you have any right to call a place the crappiest on earth.

KC0KEK · Post by **KC0KEK** » Sun May 09, 2004 12:28 pm

My wife and I are going to Omaha over Memorial Day weekend for a quick vacation. Why Omaha? Mainly because it's there and we like exploring places. Plus, it's close. Anyway, I'd welcome suggestions for things to see and do. The zoo seems as if it belongs on the short list. But what else? The eOmaha site has a lot of ideas, but I'd like to hear from KCers who've been there.

eomaha.com · Post by **eomaha.com** » Mon May 10, 2004 2:42 pm

The zoo is worth a trip to Omaha alone... it's almost become a two-day affair.

Aside from that... for a person coming from KC... I'd say the downtown Old Market would be a unique stop. Plan on eating there... there are many good restaurants... Upstream Brewery is a lively, popular local spot. If you like museums... try the Western Heritage Museum in the former Union Station. After you eat... take a horse carriage... or take a stroll to/around Heartland of America Park (perhaps a romantic gondola ride) and check out the 300+ ft fountain. Gene Leahy Mall running up into the central business district is a nice walk as well. If you like seafood... walk to Lewis and Clark Landing from the Old Market (via Heartland of America Park) and eat at relatively new Rick's Cafe Boatyard... which has good jazz playing nightly.

Hope your trip is an enjoyable one.

Post by **staubio** » Mon May 10, 2004 4:09 pm

eomaha... I heard Upstream opened a location in West O -- say it ain't so. I had so much respect for them. Great brews!

I thought I'd let you chime in first and then I'd add a few things. Omaha is certainly worth a weekend.

If you've got time, check out the Lewis and Clark Monument over in Council Bluffs if you enjoy a marvelous view of the city and it is a clear day.

If you are a neighborhood junkie, the Dundee neighborhood is a neat little area if you're just exploring. It is around 50th and Underwood (just north of Dodge). Also cool is the Florence Area, which is north on 30th street in an area the suburbanites regard as dicey. That whole northeast area is kinda like our northeast. Underrated, struggling and gorgeous.

If you are a nature junkie, check out Fontenelle Forest (south toward Belleview)

The Strategic Air Command mueseum is a big draw for Nebraska and it pretty cool if you're into big ol' airplanes and things. It is between Omaha and Lincoln on I-80.

Omaha is also well known as a hotbed for music, so you might want to check out the nightlife scene if you are into that.

I think that is all for now. I'm sure there are other touristy stuff you could find by looking at the canned literature.

http://www.visitomaha.com

Enjoy!

KC0KEK · Post by **KC0KEK** » Mon May 10, 2004 9:56 pm

Thanks for the suggestions. I really appreciate them.

QueSi2Opie · Post by **QueSi2Opie** » Mon May 10, 2004 11:35 pm

KC0KEK wrote:My wife and I are going to Omaha over Memorial Day weekend for a quick vacation. Why Omaha? Mainly because it's there and we like exploring places. Plus, it's close. Anyway, I'd welcome suggestions for things to see and do. The zoo seems as if it belongs on the short list. But what else? The eOmaha site has a lot of ideas, but I'd like to hear from KCers who've been there.

The zoo is a must see (Henry Doorly Zoo = $9.75 per person/5 hours minimum), whether you like zoos or not. Check out the world's largest inhabited indoor rainforest, the world's largest inhabited indoor desert dome, the world's largest underground nocturnal exhibit, the awesome aquarium, and the new gorilla exhibit. You can expect to be at the zoo for at least 5 hours, so start early (it will be packed!).

There is also a wonderful art museum in downtown Omaha (Joslyn Museum of Art = $6 per person/1 hour minimum) and be sure to check out Omaha's new romantic botanical gardens as well (Lauritzen Gardens = $6 per person/1 hour minimum). These are all gem attractions for first time visitors.

While strolling downtown, you'll definitely want to walk along the George Leahy Mall which is kind of a lil' riverwalk with pedistrian bridges and waterfalls, and leads to the Heart of America Fountain & Park. Your late-afternoons and evenings should be spent at the Old Market in downtown where you'll walk along cobblestone streets, watch street performers, ride in a horse carriage, explore unique shops, dine at decent restaurants and drink at some nice pubs featuring live music.

After the bars close at 1am, head over to one of the three casinos in Council Bluffs...the nicest being Ameristar and Harrah's.

Omaha is definitely one of my favorite smaller cities!

Post by **staubio** » Tue May 11, 2004 10:24 am

Did they ever implement that 13th Street trolly they were talking about in Omaha? If so, all of the stuff QueSi mentioned would be walkable.

eomaha.com · Post by **eomaha.com** » Tue May 11, 2004 11:15 am

The -10th- Street trolley at this point is being pushed along by private investors... still a long ways from getting off the ground (info: http://www.eomaha.com/gallery/develop/78/ ).

And yes... Staubio... there is an Upstream in west Omaha... as suburban restaurants go... it is a very nice one, lots of brick/stone/multi-story... a little piece of the Old Market (by the way... it hasn't hurt business in the Old Market at all... I was dismayed to find hour waits still during prime times).

A couple of tourist hints... if you're going to Lauritzen Gardens... go on Sunday... it's half price. Also... Joslyn is free if you go in before noon on Saturday.

The Strategic Air and Space Museum is indeed a first rate attraction... keep in mind it's about 25 minutes west of Omaha just off of I-80 (maybe Lincoln-Omaha commuter rail will get you there some day!).

Also... I believe the KC Zoo is on the reciprocal admission program with Henry Doorly Zoo... so if you get a membership there... you can get into Henry Doorly for free.

(BTW... how do I get that "KC resident" off of there.

No offense to KC... I'd certainly live there first... after Omaha).

KCPowercat · Post by **KCPowercat** » Tue May 11, 2004 11:25 am

it's just our ratings system by how many posts.....I want to think of a better one but haven't yet.

Post by **staubio** » Tue May 11, 2004 11:47 am

Mine is deceptive too, since it says "Lifetime Resident" or whatever. I was thinking I'd suggest something but you're right, it is tricky. Maybe we should start a thread in the Forum Announcements area to come up with something new.

Good to hear that Upstream hasn't cannibalized themselves by opening a new location. Still, I just wish something were sacred and restaurants could remain distinctive. That is one less reason why a hungry West-O'er will come to the city.

Not to get off topic, but if you are just out to check out the world, I might suggest taking the bypass (I-229 ??) at St. Joseph and check out their downtown on the way through. It is a very interesting city.

Also along the way is Nebraska City, about 5 miles off of I-29, home of Arbor Day.

I went to school in Maryville, MO, went home to Norfolk, NE occassionally and lived in Omaha for 2 summers. I've made this drive far too many times.

eomaha.com · Post by **eomaha.com** » Tue May 11, 2004 12:11 pm

"it's just our ratings system by how many posts.....I want to think of a better one but haven't yet."
I liked our local chamber forum descriptions... until I hit 1,000 posts...and it simply said "No Life".

Some photos from previously mentioned points of interest...

Arbor Day Farm/Lodge ( http://www.eomaha.com/gallery/arbor/ )
Downtown Nebraska City ( http://www.eomaha.com/gallery/necity/ )
Dundee ( http://www.eomaha.com/gallery/districts/5/ )
Strategic Air and Space Museum ( http://www.eomaha.com/gallery/airmuseum/ )
Old Market ( http://www.eomaha.com/oldmarket/ )
Zoo ( http://www.eomaha.com/gallery/zoo/ )
Western Heritage Museum ( http://www.eomaha.com/gallery/westernheritage/ )

Hey... rather unrelated... but if anyone is looking for a cool 'car free' trip... consider taking the train to Chicago (my families journey documented... http://www.eomaha.com/gallery/chicago/ ).

QueSi2Opie · Post by **QueSi2Opie** » Tue May 11, 2004 12:17 pm

staubio wrote:Mine is deceptive too, since it says "Lifetime Resident" or whatever. I was thinking I'd suggest something but you're right, it is tricky. Maybe we should start a thread in the Forum Announcements area to come up with something new.

Good to hear that Upstream hasn't cannibalized themselves by opening a new location. Still, I just wish something were sacred and restaurants could remain distinctive. That is one less reason why a hungry West-O'er will come to the city.

Not to get off topic, but if you are just out to check out the world, I might suggest taking the bypass (I-229 ??) at St. Joseph and check out their downtown on the way through. It is a very interesting city.

Also along the way is Nebraska City, about 5 miles off of I-29, home of Arbor Day.

I went to school in Maryville, MO, went home to Norfolk, NE occassionally and lived in Omaha for 2 summers. I've made this drive far too many times.

Also, while you're traveling up I-29 to Omaha you'll see some nice mounds and bluffs to the Eastside of the interstate through Northwest Missouri and Iowa.

As you get into Council Bluffs, you'll take I-80 West across the Missouri River. You'll see Omaha's downtown skyline to the right, along with the beautiful Lauritzen Gardens along the forested river cliff. To the left, you'll see the huge Desert Dome at the Henry Doorly Zoo and the tall lights of Rosenblatt Stadium (Omaha Royals).

Go ahead and keep heading West on I-80 to I-480 North and I-480 East to I-29 South to I-80 West again....basically making a complete loop around downtown and seeing the skyline (Mutual of Omaha building to your west, First Bank and Woodmen building to your east), Creighton University, the civic auditorium, the covention center and arena in Omaha, and the casinos in Council Bluffs. After you do that, exit at 13th Street on I-80 West to get downtown. The main street to the burbs is West Dodge which features many suburban centers, suburban office buildings, two malls, and Boys Town.

Are you leaving Friday morning or Friday afternoon? It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to get to Omaha from KC. Make yourself a nice lil' schedule before you go. The Zoo opens at 9:30am, the Gardens opens at 9am, the Art Museum opens at 10am (noon on Sunday).

On the way home, you can take I-80 West/Southwest to the Strategic Air Command Museum in Ashland. There's also a drive-thru wildlife park at the same exit in Ashland. I'd then continue Southwest on I-80 until you reach Lincoln (then I-180 south). The capitol building is nice and so is the University of Nebraska. After you leave Lincoln, take 9th Street south to Highway 2, and head East to Nebraska City and I-29 South. It makes a nice round trip from Omaha to KC and isn't that much out of your way.

KCPowercat · Post by **KCPowercat** » Tue May 11, 2004 12:25 pm

based on this post alone, I think Que is a big time planner when it comes to trips...is that correct?

QueSi2Opie · Post by **QueSi2Opie** » Tue May 11, 2004 12:32 pm

KCPowercat wrote:based on this post alone, I think Que is a big time planner when it comes to trips...is that correct?

ABSOLUTELY!!!

I love planning trips, routes, schedules, costs, hours, etc. for myself (and wife) and my friends (and associates). I make an effort to both enjoy myself and see as much as I possibly can when traveling.

KCPowercat · Post by **KCPowercat** » Tue May 11, 2004 12:34 pm

QueSi2Opie

I can't lie Que, I do it too.

QueSi2Opie · Post by **QueSi2Opie** » Tue May 11, 2004 12:38 pm

That's one of my favorite films of all time! My wife even calls me "Clark W. Griswold" because of my constant planning, hefty schedules, and zero-relax vacations.

KCPowercat · Post by **KCPowercat** » Tue May 11, 2004 12:40 pm

you bought a car with GPS in it yet?

I know you've got Streets and Trips and buy a new one every year to see the street improvements....I do.

QueSi2Opie · Post by **QueSi2Opie** » Tue May 11, 2004 12:44 pm

KCPowercat wrote:you bought a car with GPS in it yet?

I know you've got Streets and Trips and buy a new one every year to see the street improvements....I do.

No, I'm still in the dark ages with trip planning computer software, detailed topographic maps, typed schedules featuring directions, times, etc.

Luckily I haven't lost the video tape yet of my wife in the shower.