Continue down Interstate 29 and cross
the toll bridge into the city of Bellevue, the first
settlement in Nebraska, for a visit to the Old Presbyterian
Church. Next is a stop at Fontenelle Forest, one of the
largest private nature centers in America, for a lovely stroll
along the boardwalk and a picnic lunch.
Closely identified with Bellevue is
Offutt Air Force Base, home of the “Fightin’ Fifty Fifth”,
which supplies the nation with combat and reconnaissance
airpower. As we drive by, scan the skies for a glimpse of a
pair of fighter planes or a bomber. We will stop at the Air
and Space Museum to explore the history of the Air Force and
enjoy the static displays of many types of aircraft.
View elk, bison and sandhill cranes as
we take a drive through the Wildlife Safari Park. The park
also offers a great opportunity to observe native plant life
and imagine the how vast the prairie and the herds of bison
were before the plains were settled.
Next stop: shopping! Enjoy the shops
at Village Point, an outside mall that offers a variety of
unique and familiar stores. Finally, there will be a brief
stop at Boys Town before heading back to your hotel.
All
admissions and lunch included
$80 per person
Begin the tour at the Henry Doorly Zoo, one of the best in the nation. You will get a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the operation of one of the premier zoos in America. You may find yourself nose to nose with a giraffe in her pen, exploring the engineering of the Desert Dome, or checking out the underside under the sea behind the aquarium. Where ever the zoo docent decides is most interesting that day is where you will be.
Say goodbye to the animals and hello to ‘the Smithsonian of the Plains’ at the Durham Museum located in the beautiful art deco Union Station. Your guide will take you through early settler culture through the building of the railroad to early industry in the area. Finish off your tour with an old fashioned ice cream soda at the Soda Fountain.
Admissions and ice cream included
$45 per person
With its cobblestone streets and covered walkways, touring Omaha’s Old Market looks like stepping into the past replete with the pleasures of today. This downtown neighborhood, designated as an historic district by the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, is filled with unique restaurants, pubs, galleries and shops.
Originally built to sell goods to the city of Omaha and the surrounding farm communities, many of the original warehouses remain and have been converted for business and entertainment. As you walk through the district you will observe the architecture of the early twentieth century that makes this area so special.
Wear sturdy shoes; the pavement is uneven.
$12 per person
Explore Omaha’s vibrant and growing art scene beginning at the Hot Shops Art Center, a converted warehouse with fifty artist studios, galleries, and exhibit space. When a city can boast of space for artists to gather and collaborate, great works are produced. Continue into the Old Market and visit several galleries and cooperatives featuring some of the best artists in Omaha.
Lunch will be served inside a work of art, the beautiful art deco Joslyn Art Museum. Following lunch will be a tour of their collection. The museum’s collection is vast. They are known for their 19th century European collection and art of the American West.
Museum admission and lunch included
$65 per person
Take a gentle ten mile bike ride on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail through the scenic Iowa countryside. Although the ride is easy, try to work up an appetite. Your final destination is Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steak House where you will enjoy a wonderful dinner. Live it up! You won’t have to bike back; the motor coach will take you back to your hotel from the restaurant.
Bike rental and dinner included.
$75 per person