Metro Nebraska
Omaha & the Missouri River Valley
The Metro region anchors Nebraska's eastern edge along the Missouri River — the state's economic engine, cultural hub, and most diverse landscape. Greater Omaha, one of the Midwest's most dynamic cities, sits at the center alongside Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, and the communities of Sarpy and Douglas counties. From the world-famous Henry Doorly Zoo and Joslyn Art Museum to the Old Market, Lauritzen Gardens, and the Missouri River trail system, Metro Nebraska offers the full range of urban experience against a backdrop of river bluffs and prairie.
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COUNTIES
Douglas, Sarpy, Washington, Dodge, Cass
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COUNTY SEATS
Omaha, Papillion, Blair, Fremont, Plattsmouth
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POPULATION
~975,000
AREA
~2,400 sq mi
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MAJOR HIGHWAYS
I-80, I-680, US-75, US-6, US-30, US-275
MAJOR RIVERS
Missouri, Platte, Elkhorn, Papillion Creek
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Counties in Metro Nebraska
Douglas County
County seat: Omaha · Nebraska's largest city, Henry Doorly Zoo, Old Market, Joslyn Museum
Sarpy County
County seat: Papillion · Bellevue, Offutt Air Force Base, Fontenelle Forest
Washington County
County seat: Blair · Fort Atkinson SHP, Missouri River bluffs, Dana College
Dodge County
County seat: Fremont · Fremont Dinner Train, Fremont Lakes, Platte River
Cass County
County seat: Plattsmouth · Platte River State Park, Louisville, Missouri River confluence
Key Towns
Explore Metro Nebraska
Arts, Culture & Attractions
Omaha punches well above its weight in arts and culture. The Joslyn Art Museum houses a world-class collection in a stunning Art Deco building. The Holland Performing Arts Center and Orpheum Theater bring Broadway and symphony to the Great Plains. The Old Market district is Omaha's historic brick-street entertainment hub with restaurants, galleries, and shops. Lauritzen Gardens is a stunning 100-acre botanical garden along the Missouri River. The Durham Museum, housed in Omaha's magnificent Union Station, brings the city's railroad history to life. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is a nationally recognized arts residency program.
Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Consistently ranked among the top zoos in the world, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha is Nebraska's single most visited attraction. Home to the world's largest indoor rainforest, the world's largest indoor desert, and a massive aquarium, the zoo spans 130 acres with over 17,000 animals. The Scott Aquarium features a spectacular underwater tunnel through a 450,000-gallon shark tank. The zoo draws over 1.5 million visitors annually and is a must-visit for any trip to the region.
Outdoor Recreation & Trails
Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue is 2,000 acres of old-growth forest along the Missouri River — one of the most remarkable natural areas in the Midwest, with boardwalk trails through ancient cottonwood and hackberry forest. The Missouri River trail system connects parks and access points along the river through Omaha and Sarpy County. Platte River State Park south of Louisville offers cabin camping and hiking with Missouri River views. Fremont Lakes SRA provides swimming, boating, and fishing near the city. The Wabash Trace Nature Trail extends from Council Bluffs, Iowa into the metro area.
History & Heritage
Omaha has a deep and sometimes overlooked history. It was headquarters of the Union Pacific Railroad and a major terminus of the transcontinental railroad. The city's Great Plains Black History Museum documents the African American experience on the plains. Fort Omaha was the base for the Army's balloon operations in World War I. Fort Atkinson in Washington County was the first US fort west of the Missouri River. Bellevue is Nebraska's oldest continuous settlement. The Lewis and Clark expedition camped near present-day Blair in 1804.
Dining, Nightlife & Entertainment
Omaha is famous for its steakhouses — Gorat's (Warren Buffett's favorite), Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, and dozens of others uphold a proud beef tradition. The Old Market and Midtown Crossing neighborhoods offer the most concentrated dining and nightlife. The metro has a thriving craft beer scene with numerous breweries. TD Ameritrade Park hosts the College World Series each June — one of the most beloved events in American college sports. The CHI Health Center hosts major concerts and events year-round.
Highway & Traffic Cameras
Local Events
The College World Series in June is Omaha's signature event, filling the city for two weeks with baseball fans from across the country. Berkshire Hathaway's Annual Meeting brings tens of thousands of investors to Omaha each May. The Omaha Jazz on the Green series runs all summer. MAHA Music Festival is Omaha's premier indie music event. The River City Rodeo and Omaha Home Show are major annual draws. Fremont's John C. Fremont Days celebrate the city's frontier heritage each July.
Visitor Resources
The Metro region offers Nebraska's widest range of lodging from major hotel brands to boutique properties. Omaha's Old Market and Midtown neighborhoods have the most distinctive hotel options. Eppley Airfield connects Omaha to major hubs nationwide. The metro interstate system — I-80, I-680, and I-480 — makes all parts of the region accessible. Visit Visit Omaha (visitomaha.com) for comprehensive visitor planning resources.
