The Schaefer Family’s Bellevue Berry Farm and Pumpkin Ranch
Over the past couple of years, we’ve explored both Vala’s and Markman’s Pumpkin Patch. This year, we’re taking a look at Bellevue Berry Farm and Pumpkin Ranch. Agriculture was in Ed Schaefer’s blood. Before starting his farm in 1983, he spent summers on his grandparents’ ranch in Wall, South Dakota—home to none other than Wall…
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
In a previous post, we explored the origins of Henry Doorly Zoo which started its life as Riverview Park before the turn of the century. If you missed it, you can read it below. In this post, we’ll focus on its evolution after it was renamed. During her youth, Margaret Hitchcock Doorly, developed a love…
Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront
Located on the Missouri River between Gene Leahy Mall and Lewis and Clark Landing is Heartland of America Park, the largest of Omaha’s three RiverFront Parks. If you’re looking for a space to chill, this one is a bit more tranquil than the others. The park sits on land that once made up Jobber’s Canyon…
Gene Leahy Mall at The Riverfront
Located in the heart of downtown Omaha next to the Old Market is the oldest of Omaha’s RiverFront Parks – Gene Leahy Mall. Like Heartland of America Park and Lewis and Clark Landing, it is a great place to spend some time when the weather is nice. The park sits on land that was once…
Lewis and Clark Landing at The RiverFront
Located along the Missouri River between Heartland of America Park and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is Lewis and Clark Landing – another fun and free stop if you have kids. One of three parks that make up Omaha’s RiverFront, the area is said to have been the landing site of the Lewis and Clark…
Bellevue’s Jewell Park
You could say that Jewell Park in Bellevue is Sarpy County’s version of Hummel Park. Like Hummel, rumors suggest that it is haunted; served as a gathering spot for cults; served as a dumping ground for murder victims; and the site of other sinister events. The heavily wooded park sits adjacent to the Bellevue Cemetery…
Grand Island’s Railroad Town
While staying in Grand Island last fall, we got the opportunity to check out Railroad Town. It is the Stuhr Museum’s representation of an 1890s-era prairie town. Settlers built towns similar to this along the railroad or places where the railroad was expected. Some of the business include a bank, post office, general store, newspaper…
First National Bank’s Downtown Omaha Sculpture Parks
The Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park was built as a tribute to the people who settled Nebraska and the west. According to the pamphlet, it is an homage to the bravery, courage and entrepreneurial spirit that defined a generation and left an indelible impact on the American character. Combined the two parks…
Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari
Another annual visit for us is Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari in Ashland. Sitting on what used to be farmland, the original intent was to operate a research and conservation facility not open to the public. Only after planing the park did its namesake and the director of the Omaha’s Henry Doorly…
Union Pacific’s John Kenefick Park
Kenefick Park opened in 1988 after Union Pacific Railroad announced it was donating two of its biggest locomotives for display: The parks original location on 6th Street and Abbott Drive next to U.P.’s shops ensured that visitors arriving at Eppley Airfield and headed downtown would see them. The park was named in honor of John…
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Omaha Exploration 