The history of Omaha can be traced to 1804, when the Corps of Discovery Expedition passed the riverbanks where the city would eventually be situated. The city was founded at a picnic on Capitol Hill by speculators from neighboring Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 1854. Native American tribes in Nebraska released land that is now home to Omaha. Omaha was at first the capital of the territory, but when Nebraska became a state in 1867, Lincoln was chosen as the new state capital. Dodge Street, North 24th Street, and South 24th Street were pivotal in the city's early commercial history. The 19th century brought about a new period of boom for the city of Omaha. Nebraska's first regional newspaper, Omaha Daily Republican, was founded in 1858, and this made the city a popular stopping point for settlers and traders heading west. The arrival of the jobbing and wholesaling district, followed by railroads and stockyards, brought new jobs to the city. The Union Stockyards, founded in 1883, was a major draw for food companies to the city. The stockyard attracted four of the five major meat-packing companies in the country to Omaha within twenty years. By 1950, half of the city's workforce was actively engaged in the meat-packing and processing industry.

Restaurant and Beer Scene

Ranked as one of the most underrated beer cities in the country by U.S. News and World Report, Omaha's beer scene shouldn't be overlooked. While it might not be the mecca of beer, the city has no fewer than eight breweries with amazing taste. Tourists can request a free Explorer's Journal, giving them access to free beer coupons at different breweries. If you prefer something sweet, grab creameries at Ted & Wally's and eCreamery.

From International restaurants to down-home cooking, Omaha has it all. Nebraska is widely known as an agricultural state. The state is ranked fourth in the United States for agricultural receipts. So it's only natural for you to find fresh produce in Omaha for your stomach. The Omaha Farmers Market, with Aksaren and Old Market locations, offers fresh baked goods, flowers, cheese, meats, and many more.

Prefer to eat out? You must have heard about Omaha's famous steaks and burgers. In addition to these classics, Omaha has undergone a foodie renaissance over the past few years. If you want farm-to-table food, stop at restaurants like Boiler Room, Block 16, and Grey Plume. You can also Grab seafood with a Mexican touch at Hook & Lime Tacos on 14th Street or take a tour of the Italian food scene at Virtuoso Pizzeria on North Maple Street.
Get Involved in Sports

We know you might be confused or surprised to see sports among things to do in Omaha as the city has no professional sports team playing in major leagues. Well, don't be fooled; there are a lot of sports activities to get involved in Omaha. The city hosts the annual NCAA College World Series, which takes place at the downtown TD Ameritrade Park. The tournament features 64 baseball teams from the first round. Just pick a team and support them all the way to the end.

Do you prefer to target holes in the green? Omaha is home to 16 public and semi-public golf courses that challenge golfers at all skill levels. You can even attend the Cox Classic, which is part of the PGA tour. Some of the best golf courses in the city include The Player's Club at Deer Creek, Benson Park Golf Course, Champions Club, Tiburon Golf Course, and Johnny Goodman Golf Course.