Looking to get away for the day? You may have to start early, but we’ve compiled a list of places to see near Omaha that make for great day-trips!
Des Moines, Iowa
Just over 2 hours east of Omaha is the city of Des Moines. The City of Des Moines is a cultural center for Iowa and home to several art and history museums and performing arts groups. You can also find plenty of nature parks, landmarks, museums, shopping venues, and nightlife scenes here, which makes it an ideal getaway destination.
Capitol Building
The exterior of the Iowa Capitol Building is entirely of stone with elaborate columns and handsomely designed cornices and capitals. Iowa stone is the foundation for the many porticoes of the building. The building is brick with limestone from Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, and Illinois. The substructure is of dark Iowa stone topped by a heavy course of wari-colored granite cut from glacial boulders gathered from the Iowa prairie. The superstructure, or main part of the building, is of bluff colored sandstone from quarries along the Mississippi River in Missouri. While its primary use is as the house of the legislative branch of Iowa government, the Capitol also functions as a living museum and state and international cultural facility.
Downtown Farmer’s Market
Support local agriculture and buy direct from Iowa farmers while shopping the Downtown Farmers’ Market – presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. The Downtown Farmers’ Market presents Iowa producers from 58 counties across Iowa, offering fresh fruit, vegetables and so much more every Saturday, May – October. You’ll find fresh herbs, beautiful flowers, farm fresh eggs, local wineries, a delicious assortment of goat cheese, an endless selection of baked goods, and many varieties of Iowa raised meat such as beef, pork, chicken, turkey, goat, rabbit, lamb and tilapia.
Kansas City, Missouri
There’s more to Kansas City than meets the eye. Unique attractions throughout KC beckon locals and visitors alike to find the city’s hidden gems. Explore the nationally recognized World War I Museum. Let curiosity guide you at Union Station. Walk in the steps of America’s 33rd President in Independence. Uncover the city’s charm by discovering its attractions.
National World War I Museum and Memorial
The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial opened in 2006 to national acclaim. Since then, more than one million people have visited the museum, including Former Vice President Dick Cheney, General Colin Powell, President Barack Obama (as a presidential candidate in 2008), Senator John McCain and actor and singer Kevin Costner. Additionally, Frank Buckles, America’s last surviving WWI veteran, visited the Museum over Memorial Day weekend in 2008.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Where the power of art engages the spirit of community. They welcome and provide free admission to all, and deliver unparalleled opportunities to enjoy, appreciate and understand the finest visual arts and the varied cultures they represent—on their campus, online, and throughout Kansas City. As an institution of national and international renown, they establish and adhere to the highest professional standards and practices in research, scholarship, presentation, interpretation and care of their collections. They serve as a vital partner in the educational, social and cultural life of their community, using the collections and programs to build an environment where people can gather, share and contemplate the greatest creations of humankind.
Country Club Plaza
The Country Club Plaza is a privately owned American shopping center in the Country Club District of Kansas City, Missouri. This downtown business district offers shopping, food, entertainment, and cultural events. The center consists of 18 separate buildings representing 804,000 square feet of retail space and 468,000 square feet of office space. It was also the first shopping center in the world designed to accommodate shoppers arriving by automobile.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls is the largest city in the U.S. state of South Dakota. It is the county seat of Minnehaha County, and also extends into Lincoln County to the south. From the famous Falls Park to tons of entertainment, shopping, and family fun, you’ll find everything you love and more in this beautiful city.
Falls Park
Falls Park is located north of downtown Sioux Falls. The park covers 123 acres and an average of 7,400 gallons of water drops 100 feet over the course of the Falls each second. It includes the visitor information center and observation tower, Falls Overlook Cafe, the Queen Bee Mill, several permanent sculptures and an open air shelter. It is home to Winter Wonderland, a display of holiday lights and decorations every Christmas season. From March 8-November 1, park hours are 5 a.m.-12 midnight.
SculptureWalk
SculptureWalk is an exciting exhibit of outdoor sculptures displayed year-round in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Artists place their sculptures in the program for one year, and all sculptures are aggressively promoted to the public for sale. Artists are eligible to win any one or more of the 14 awards in the Best of Show, People’s Choice voting and the random drawings. Awards total to $15,000.
Butterfly House & Marine Cove
Enjoy over 800 free-flying butterflies from around the world in the tropical conservatory of Butterfly House & Marine Cove. View hundreds of vibrant marine fishes and corals in more than 10,000 gallons of aquariums, including the Pop-Up Dome Aquarium, Shark & Stingray Touch Pool, and Pacific Tide Pool. Experience interactive learning and relaxation with tropical butterflies and marine life!
No matter which getaway destination you decide to visit, O’Daniel Honda can provide the means to get you there.
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