Guest Author - Beth Green

If you’re planning a family trip to Omaha, but don’t have a lot of extra money to spend, there are plenty of attractions that do not charge admission. Most of the attractions on this list are totally free; some are free, but request a donation.

Bemis Center For Contemporary Arts – This center has three galleries of art exhibits featuring local and regional artists. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00am – 5:00pm. Donations requested.

Boys Town – In 1917, Father Flanagan had a dream to help homeless boys achieve a better way of life. Today, the Village of Boys Town continues that dream by helping abused, abandoned and neglected boys and girls. You can visit see the Father Flanagan Shrine, Dowd Chapel, and Hall of History, which houses the Academy Award won by Spencer Tracy for his portrayal of Father Flanagan in the classic movie “Boys Town”. Open year round, except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

First National’s Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness & Pioneer Courage Park – These two sculpture parks come together to depict Nebraska’s frontier heritage. The sculptures begin with a wagon train heading west, intercepting a herd of bison. Other sculptures include a flock of geese. The parks are open daily, year round.

Florence Mill – Founded in 1846 as the Mormon Winter Quarters Gristmill, this mill is now a museum and art gallery. The original wooden beams are still visible. The mill, and newer grain elevator, served Nebraska farmers from the state’s territorial days through the 1980’s. The mill is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 1:00pm – 5:00pm. Donations requested.

Gene Leahy Mall – Located in the heart of downtown, this 10 acre park features a lagoon and waterfalls; walking paths; a playground; horseshoes; and sculptures throughout the park. The mall is open daily from 5:00am – 11:00pm.

Heartland of America Park and Fountain – This 300 foot fountain features colored light shows. Friday night concerts are held in the park during the summer. The fountain is open daily from May to September. Hours are 11:00am – 1:00pm and 7:15pm – midnight. The fountain closes at 1:00am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Mt. Vernon Gardens – This half-size replica of George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate is a popular location for weddings. It sits on top a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, said to be reminiscent of the view from the original Mount Vernon of the Potomac. Open daily 5:00am – 11:00pm.

Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters – This museum and visitor’s center showcases the Mormon Trail from Illinois to Salt Lake City. A Mormon temple and cemetery are adjacent to the Center. The Mormon Trail Center is open daily year-round, from 9:00am – 9:00pm.

Nebraska Jewish Historical Society & Riekes Museum – This museum is a re-creation of a neighborhood synagogue. There are also exhibits depicting Jewish life and culture in Nebraska. The museum is open Monday through Thursday, 10:00am – 4:00pm.

Kenefick Park – Two of the world’s largest locomotives are housed at Kenefick Park, the Centennial No. 6900 diesel-electric locomotive; and the world’s largest steam locomotive, the Big Boy No. 4023. You can also learn about Union Pacific Railroad history here. The park is open daily from 9:00am - 5:00pm, but is closed major holidays. The park is located at Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s botanical gardens. Admission is charged for the gardens.

These are just some of the attractions Omaha offers that are free to visit. Who says you have to spend a lot of money to have fun on vacation?

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