Omaha RiverFront Parks

The RiverFront is Omaha's reinvented front yard, a chain of three connected parks that opened in a new form in 2022 after a multi-year transformation. Gene Leahy Mall runs through the heart of downtown with a lagoon, lawns, gardens, walking paths and a large play area with slides that delight children and surprise adults. Heartland of America Park contains a lake and a fountain that is lit up at night, and Lewis and Clark Landing sits on the river itself with a plaza, event spaces and links to trails. Together the parks form a continuous green corridor from the Old Market toward the water and the pedestrian bridge. The parks are designed for everyday use. You see office workers eating lunch on the grass, parents watching kids on the climbing structures, joggers running the loop, and visitors drifting toward the bridge. There are cafes, public art, and a calendar of festivals, concerts and seasonal events that use the open lawns. Winter brings ice skating and holiday lighting in some years, summer offers outdoor movies and music, and spring and fall are ideal for strolling.

You can see the main features in an hour, but the parks are worth a longer visit if you bring children or a picnic. Begin at the Gene Leahy Mall end near the Old Market and walk toward the river, taking in the lagoon and the play area. Keep an eye out for public art and seating that make good places to rest. If you have young children, head straight for the slides and climbing structures, which are among the most distinctive in the Midwest.

The parks are free and open to all. Check the RiverFront's event calendar for festivals, concerts and seasonal activities, as some events require tickets and others close portions of the parks. The paths are paved and stroller friendly, though large events draw crowds. Weather matters: shade is limited in summer, so bring water and sunscreen, and in winter dress warmly for the wind off the river.

The parks are easy to combine with other downtown stops. The Kiewit Luminarium sits at the river end, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge starts nearby, and the Durham Museum and Old Market are a short walk away. A relaxed route might begin with brunch, move to the parks and the Luminarium, cross the bridge at sunset, and end with dinner in the Old Market. For visitors who want to see how Omaha has been investing in public space, the RiverFront is the place to start.

Some practical advice improves the visit. Restrooms are available in the parks, though they may be seasonal, and cafes and food trucks appear at busy times. Parking is available in nearby garages, and the parks are a short walk from the Old Market, so many visitors park once and walk.

The play area is intended for children, but adults will find it fun to watch, and there are benches and shaded spots for parents. Bring a blanket for picnics or outdoor concerts. For the best photos, walk the lagoon edge at golden hour, and visit again after dark to see the fountain and lighting.