A Travel Guide to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, located in Omaha, Nebraska, is consistently ranked among the world’s best zoos, celebrated for its innovative exhibits, conservation efforts, and immersive experiences. Spanning 160 acres and housing over 17,000 animals across 950 species, it features the largest indoor rainforest, desert, and nocturnal exhibits in the world, alongside a top-tier aquarium. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, traveling with family, or seeking a unique adventure, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable visit to this world-class destination.
Why Visit Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium?
Recognized by TripAdvisor in 2014 as the “world’s best zoo,” Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium offers unparalleled experiences, blending education, conservation, and entertainment. Key highlights include the Desert Dome, the world’s largest indoor desert; the Lied Jungle, North America’s largest indoor rainforest; and the Kingdoms of the Night, the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit. The Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium lets visitors walk through a 70-foot underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks and sea turtles. With interactive activities like stingray feeding, camel rides, and a steam train, the zoo is a year-round attraction perfect for all ages. Its commitment to conservation, including breeding endangered species like tigers and gorillas, adds depth to the experience.
How to Get There
Located at 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107, the zoo is easily accessible from downtown Omaha and major highways:
By Car: From downtown Omaha, take I-80 to Exit 454 (13th St.) and follow signs to the zoo (about a 10-minute drive). Free parking is available in spacious lots near the main entrance. GPS Tip: Use the zoo’s address in navigation apps for precise directions.
By Public Transportation: Omaha’s public transit (Metro) offers limited bus routes to the zoo. Take Bus 13 or 18 to the zoo’s entrance (check schedules at www.ometro.com). Travel time from downtown is about 20–30 minutes, with fares around $1.25.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Uber/Lyft): A ride from downtown Omaha takes 10–15 minutes and costs $10–20, depending on demand.
From the Airport: Eppley Airfield (OMA) is 15–20 minutes away by car or taxi ($20–30). No direct shuttle service is available, so plan for a ride-hailing service or rental car.
Best Time to Visit
Year-Round Appeal: The zoo is open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in winter, November 1–March 14). Seven acres of indoor exhibits make it ideal for any weather.
Spring/Summer (March–October): Warm weather enhances outdoor exhibits like the African Grasslands and Asian Highlands. Summer features the Alaskan Adventures splash pad for kids. Expect crowds during school holidays.
Fall (September–October): Mild temperatures and vibrant foliage make this a scenic time to visit. The zoo is less crowded on weekdays. Winter (November–February): Indoor exhibits like the Lied Jungle, Desert Dome, and Aquarium shine, with fewer visitors. Check for snow-related closures in advance.
Tip: Arrive early to beat crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, especially in summer. Avoid peak holiday weekends for a quieter experience.
Tickets and Admission
General Admission (2025 prices): Adults (12–64): ~$23.50; Seniors (65+): ~$21.50; Children (3–11): ~$18.50; Children under 2: Free. Discounts: Available for Omaha residents, military, and groups. Check reciprocal zoo memberships for 50% off (bring your membership card).
Additional Fees: Lozier Giant Screen Theater: ~$5–7 (requires zoo admission or membership). Stingray Beach: ~$3–5. Rides (Skyfari, train, tram, carousel): ~$3–5 each. Booking: Purchase tickets online at www.omahazoo.com to skip lines. Memberships offer unlimited visits and discounts on extras.
Payment: Cash, credit cards, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay are accepted, but cash isn’t taken at self-serve kiosks. Use Ready Station kiosks to load cash onto a prepaid Mastercard.
What to See and Do
The zoo’s 160 acres are packed with immersive exhibits and interactive experiences. Plan for at least 4–6 hours to explore, or a full day for a thorough visit.
Major Exhibits: Desert Dome: The world’s largest indoor desert, featuring meerkats, desert tortoises, and lizards in a geodesic dome. Beneath it lies Kingdoms of the Night, showcasing nocturnal animals like bats and aardvarks in a swamp and cave setting. Lied Jungle: North America’s largest indoor rainforest, with waterfalls, rope bridges, and animals like monkeys, tapirs, and scarlet macaws.
Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium: Walk through a 70-foot glass tunnel surrounded by sharks, sea turtles, and coral reefs. Interactive stingray feeding is a highlight. Asian Highlands: A Himalayan-inspired exhibit with snow leopards, red pandas, and tigers in rugged landscapes.
African Grasslands: Spanning 28 acres, this exhibit features elephants, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs in a savanna setting. Hubbard Gorilla Valley and Orangutan Forest: Immersive habitats where apes roam freely, with indoor and outdoor viewing.
Expedition Madagascar: Home to lemurs and other unique species from the island. Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion: Features a chrysalis hatching room and vibrant insect habitats.
Interactive Experiences: Stingray Beach: Touch and feed stingrays for a small fee. Skyfari Aerial Tram: Ride from the Butterfly Pavilion to the lion platform for a bird’s-eye view over giraffes and cheetahs.
Omaha Zoo Railroad and Tram: A steam train and tram circle the zoo for easy exploration ($3–5). Sue’s Wildlife Carousel: Ride handcrafted animal figures ($3).
Camel Rides and Budgie Feeding: Seasonal activities for kids and families. Backstage Experiences: Book guided tours or keeper interactions for behind-the-scenes access ($50+). Reservations required. Family Sleeping Bag Safaris: Overnight camping in the Aquarium, Lied Jungle, or near the lion enclosure (~$50/person).
Educational Programs: Daily animal presentations, zookeeper talks, and feeding shows. Check the schedule at www.omahazoo.com. Zooventure (summer program) offers collectible cards and educational stations. On-site preschool, high school courses, and internships for all ages.
Lozier Giant Screen Theater: Watch wildlife documentaries (20-minute shows) for an additional fee.
Where to Eat
On-Site Dining: Omaha Steaks Grill & Patio: Offers burgers and steaks on a 240-seat outdoor patio (~$10–20). Durham TreeTops Restaurant: A treetop cafeteria overlooking the Lied Jungle, serving sandwiches and beer (~$8–15).
Plaza Café, Sea Turtle Café, Tusker Grill, Glacier Bay Landing: Quick bites like pizza, hot dogs, and snacks (~$5–10). Cash not accepted at self-serve kiosks. Picnics: Bring your own food for a picnic at designated areas. Outside alcohol is prohibited.
Nearby: Aksarben Village (10-minute drive) has trendy restaurants, cafes, and dessert shops like cupcake stores.
Where to Stay
Near the Zoo: Hampton Inn Omaha Midtown-Aksarben (10-minute drive): Affordable and family-friendly, ~$100–150/night. DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Downtown (15-minute drive): Comfortable with zoo packages, ~$120–200/night.
Budget Options: Motels near Eppley Airfield, like Super 8 by Wyndham Omaha (~$60–100/night). Unique Experience: Book a Family Sleeping Bag Safari for an overnight stay inside the zoo.
Booking Tip: Use Expedia or VisitOmaha.com for deals, especially during off-peak seasons.
Tips for a Great Visit
Plan Ahead: Download the zoo’s free mobile app (available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play) for maps, schedules, and exhibit info. What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water bottle, and a camera. Bags are subject to inspection.
Prohibited Items: No firearms, tobacco, e-cigarettes, or pets (kennels available at Guest Services). Accessibility: Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent. The zoo is ADA-compliant, with trams and the Skyfari aiding mobility.
Combine Your Trip: Visit nearby attractions like Lauritzen Gardens (0.79 miles), The Durham Museum (10-minute drive), or Old Market for dining and shopping. Conservation Focus: Support the zoo’s mission by attending fundraising events like Zoofari 2025, which aids conservation efforts.
Final Thoughts
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a bucket-list destination that transports visitors across continents through its immersive exhibits. From wandering the Lied Jungle to marveling at sharks in the Aquarium, every corner offers wonder and discovery. Plan for a full day, arrive early, and immerse yourself in this world-class zoo’s blend of wildlife, education, and adventure. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, the zoo’s ever-evolving exhibits ensure a fresh experience each time.
Happy exploring!
