Nebraska Museums

There are many fine Nebraska museums that await visitors. Whether your interests lie in the arts, history, technology, or a combination of the three, Omaha museums and other museums in Nebraska have got it all. As a result, museum-going is considered one of the most enjoyable things to do in Nebraska, although that shouldn’t slight the state’s other standout attractions, such as the State Capitol building, the Henry Doorly Zoo, and fishing in the lakes and rivers of the Great Plains.

In terms of fun for all the family, one of the best Nebraska museums is the Omaha Children’s Museum. Located in downtown Omaha, it’s an interactive learning space dedicated to the more youthful among us. Permanent exhibits here include a Science and Technology Center (make sure to seek out the Super Gravitron ball which powers balls through various tubes and rail networks), a Creative Arts Center replete with theatre and Artist-in-Residence, and regular live presentations on various scientific subjects. All in all, the Omaha Children’s Museum is an absolute haven for kids, who literally can find fun around every corner.

If the Omaha Children’s Museum doesn’t quite sound like your thing, then maybe the Space Museum in Omaha is more up your street. Officially known as the Strategic Air and Space Museum, it showcases the full might of the United States Air Force, from its various fighter jets and bombers, to the goods that do the damage: i.e. missiles and bombs. Alongside aircraft hangers and overhead bombers, other exhibits focus on the space-exploration side of things, and prove highly informative and well organized.

Of the handful of top-quality Nebraska museums that showcase art, the Joslyn Art Museum is the standout choice. Housed in a remarkable Art Deco construct that utilizes numerous types of marble from across the world, its collection includes work by luminaries such as Renoit, Matisse, and Pollock, amongst others. As with many of the Omaha Museums, the Joslyn Art Museum runs an extensive education program, and is the home to numerous Nebraskan events throughout the year – newly arrived visitors simply need to ask at reception or phone ahead for listings.

While it’s not normally considered one of the museums in Nebraska, the Henry Doorly Zoo is an attraction that exhibits items (in this case animals) of interest to the general public. And, in many ways, Omaha museums don’t come better than this. Known for its excellent nighttime exhibition, and its manmade indoor jungle, it’s by far the best zoo across the whole of Nebraska.

Smaller Nebraska museums include Pioneer Village in Minden, which boasts of having the largest private collection of Americana available to view anywhere in the world. You’ll find cars, airplanes, tractors, and other farming utensils amongst the plethora of items on display, many of which are housed within authentic pioneer buildings. For those who really want to get into the swing of things, there’s even an onsite hotel and camping opportunities, so you can really get into the experience of this most historic of the museums in Nebraska.