
Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Omaha, United States
1. Fontenelle Forest Nature Center
A nature preserve with diverse habitats and over 10 miles of trails, offering educational programs about conservation.
- Preservation Efforts: Supports ongoing efforts to protect local wildlife and habitats.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for all ages, promoting environmental awareness.
- Trails and Wildlife: Provides easy access to trails and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
2. Lewis and Clark Landing
A riverside park honoring the Lewis & Clark Expedition, with sustainable practices such as solar panels and rain gardens.
- Historic Significance: Celebrates the historic Lewis & Clark Expedition with interpretive displays.
- Sustainable Practices: Uses renewable energy sources and sustainable landscaping techniques.
- Riverside Activities: Offers activities like kayaking, fishing, and picnicking along the Missouri River.
3. Lauritzen Gardens
Beautiful botanical gardens showcasing a variety of plants and landscapes, with a focus on conservation and education.
- Conservation Initiatives: Promotes the conservation of rare and endangered plant species.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for visitors, promoting horticultural knowledge and environmental stewardship.
- Variety of Landscapes: Features a variety of landscapes, including a Victorian garden, rose garden, and tropical conservatory.
4. Hitchcock Nature Center
A county park with over 1,200 acres of prairie and woodlands, offering opportunities for wildlife observation and education.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides chances to observe a variety of local wildlife, such as birds, mammals, and reptiles.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for visitors, promoting environmental education and stewardship.
- Prairie and Woodlands: Features over 1,200 acres of prairie and woodland ecosystems to explore.
5. Standing Bear Park
A nature preserve honoring Chief Standing Bear, with trails through diverse habitats and educational displays.
- Historic Significance: Celebrates the life of Native American leader Chief Standing Bear.
- Educational Displays: Features educational displays about local wildlife, habitat conservation, and tribal culture.
- Trails and Wildlife: Offers walking trails through diverse habitats, with opportunities to observe local wildlife.
6. Ponca State Park
A state park featuring the Niobrara River, with hiking trails, camping, and opportunities for canoeing.
- Niobrara River Access: Provides access to the Niobrara River for canoeing, fishing, and other water activities.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, such as woodlands, prairies, and wetlands.
- Camping Opportunities: Provides camping sites for visitors, with access to restrooms, showers, and electric hookups.
7. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
A state park featuring a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers numerous outdoor activities for visitors, such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
- Conservation Programs: Promotes conservation efforts through educational programs and habitat restoration projects.
- Winter Activities: Provides winter activities like ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
8. Schramm State Park and Wildlife Area
A state park featuring the Niobrara River, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.
- Niobrara River Access: Provides access to the Niobrara River for fishing, canoeing, and other water activities.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, such as prairies, woodlands, and wetlands.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to observe a variety of local wildlife, including waterfowl and deer.
9. Chalco Hills Recreation Area
A city park with hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and a nature center promoting environmental education.
- Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, such as prairies, woodlands, and wetlands.
- Fishing Opportunities: Provides fishing opportunities in the Platte River and several ponds.
- Nature Center: Features a nature center offering educational programs and exhibits about local wildlife and habitats.
10. Walnut Creek Wetlands Management Area
A wetland preserve with hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and a focus on conservation.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to observe a variety of local wildlife, particularly birds.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails through diverse wetland ecosystems.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts for the preservation of local wetlands and wildlife.
11. Wildlife Safari Park
A drive-through safari park featuring African and Asian wildlife, with a focus on conservation and education.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts for the species housed in the park.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the wildlife and their habitats.
- Drive-Through Experience: Allows visitors to drive through the park, observing the animals from their vehicles.
12. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
A large zoo and aquarium with a focus on conservation and education, featuring a variety of animals and exhibits.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts for the species housed in the zoo.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the animals and their habitats.
- Diverse Exhibits: Features a wide variety of exhibits, including African grasslands, tropical rainforests, and aquatic environments.
13. Joslyn Art Museum
A museum featuring art from around the world, with a focus on sustainability in its facilities and exhibitions.
- Artistic Diversity: Showcases art from various periods, cultures, and mediums.
- Sustainable Practices: Uses sustainable materials and practices in its facilities and exhibitions.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the art, artists, and their cultural contexts.
14. Old Market Entertainment District
A historic district with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, promoting sustainable practices in its businesses.
- Historic Architecture: Features well-preserved 19th-century architecture.
- Local Businesses: Supports local businesses and artisans.
- Sustainable Practices: Encourages businesses to adopt sustainable practices, such as recycling and energy conservation.
15. Omaha Community Bike Shops
Community-run bike shops that promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation in the city.
- Bicycle Maintenance and Repair: Offers bicycle maintenance, repair, and education services.
- Community Engagement: Promotes community engagement through volunteer opportunities and events.
- Sustainable Transportation: Encourages the use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transportation in Omaha.