Event Venues
Salons & Spas
Tattoo Parlors
Antiques
Books
Wellness SHOPPING...36-37
Clothing & Accessories
Gift & Specialties
Home Décor
Jewelry
Music
Smoke Shops
The Blackstone District
The Capitol District Little Bohemia
Midtown Crossing Millwork Commons North Downtown HISTORY...45-49
The Historical Old Market Walking Tour Omaha’s Changing Landscape Then/Now
Experience the Old Market— Omaha's Historic Heartbeat
Downtown Omaha, Inc. (downtownomahainc.org, 19th & Harney)
Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce (omahachamber.org, 808 Conagra Drive)
402-341-3700
402-346-5000
Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority 402-341-1500 (omahameca.com, 455 N. 10th St.)
Old Market Association (oldmarket.com)
Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau (visitomaha.com)
402-916-1796
402-444-4660
Omaha Downtown Improvement District (omahadowntown.org, 16th & Dodge) 402-916-1796
Omaha Visitors Center (visitomaha.com, 10th & Farnam) 402-444-7762
Parking in the Old Market:
The Old Market offers a variety of convenient parking options, including on-street metered parking, surface lots, covered garages, and valet services. With over 2,000 parking spaces available adjacent to the district, finding a spot is easy whether you’re visiting for a quick bite or spending the whole day exploring.
On-Street Parking:
Metered parking is available Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Meters accept coins and credit cards, or you can use one of the convenient kiosks located on nearly every block.
Mobile App Option:
To simplify your experience, download the ParkOmaha App—available free on iOS and Android. The app allows you to find, pay for, and extend your parking session from your phone.
Accessible Parking:
Visitors with a valid handicap placard or plate may park free at metered spots (time limits still apply). A map of ADA-compliant spaces is available at parkomaha.com.
Garage & Lot Parking:
City-owned garages nearby offer affordable rates ranging from $1–$2/hour. These are great options for longer visits or inclement weather.
For the most up-to-date parking locations and availability, visit parkomaha.com.
From motor coach to pedicabs, taxis to trolleys, limousines to horse & carriage, there are a variety of ways to get around Omaha.
The Old Market & Downtown Omaha Facebook @oldmarketomaha
Held the first Thursday of each month from 5-9 p.m., First Thursday is a free event celebrating local creativity in our Downtown community. Visit galleries to explore fresh perspectives and meet the artists.
March
Old Market aohomaha.com/parade
Omaha’s downtown streets come alive every year with the sound of bagpipes during the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Enjoy marching bands, Irish dancers, a costume contest, and festive celebrations throughout the Old Market. Photo Courtesy of Ancient Order of Hibernians Father Flanagan Division 1
Spring & Winter
North Downtown – 1301 Nicholas St. hotshopsartcenter.com/openhouse
The biannual Hot Shops Open House invites visitors to explore artist studios, galleries, and the Crystal Forge. Meet artists, watch live demonstrations, and purchase unique works directly from the creators.
May 3 – October 11, 2025
11th & Jackson | 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. omahafarmersmarket.org
Join growers, vendors, and other market-goers for the city’s best selection of farm-fresh, local produce, bedding plants, fresh cut flowers, baked goods, meats, cheeses, specialty items, and more!
May 24, 2025
Old Market – 10th & Jackson patrioticproductions.org
The Fifth Annual Patriotic Parade features special guests Pat Boone and Ann-Margret. This annual patriotic event concludes with a concert at Memorial Park on May 26, honoring veterans and celebrating American pride. Photo Courtesy of Patriotic Productions
May 30 – June 1, 2025
Heartland America Park
The “Taste of Omaha” is a three-day outdoor food festival that is free and open to the public. As one of Omaha’s **largest annual events, it showcases a diverse array of culinary delights, bringing together food lovers from across the Midwest. This family-friendly celebration offers a chance to taste, explore, and enjoy Omaha’s vibrant food scene in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
June 12 – 23, 2025
Charles Schwab Field Omaha cwsomaha.com
The NCAA Men’s Division I baseball championship or College World Series has called Omaha home since 1950. Each June fans watch the nation’s collegiate stars play “The Greatest Show on Dirt” at the beautiful Charles Schwab Field Omaha ballpark.
June 28, 2025
Gene Leahy Mall waterlanternfestival.com
A peaceful evening of floating lanterns, live music, food, and family fun at Omaha’s Water Lantern Festival. Experience the magic of lanterns glowing on the water as the sun sets. Photo Courtesy of Visit Omaha
July 31 – August 3, 2025
Little Italy – 10th & William St. santaluciafestival.com
Founded in 1925 by Grazia Bonafede Caniglia. Each year the Santa Lucia Festival Committee holds the festival with authentic Italian foods, music, and history to help raise money to continue charitable contributions.
August 2, 2025
inthemarketforblues.com
Annual blues festival in Omaha’s downtown at 12+ different locations with 40+ music acts all day long. One ticket gets you in all the locations to enjoy the love of live music.
August 2, 2025
Heartland of America Park mahafestival.com
Maha Music Festival returns to Omaha for an unforgettable day of live performances. Held at the RiverFront for the first time, this year’s lineup features Pixies, Band of Horses, Silversun Pickups, and more.
August 21 – 23, 2025
St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church greekfestomaha.com
Authentic Greek food, live entertainment, cultural tours, shopping, and family fun at Omaha’s Greek Festival—celebrating Greece since 1978. Enjoy dance, music, delicious pastries, and more.
Photo Courtesy of Visit Omaha
September 19 & 20, 2025
CHI Health Center Arena omaharivercityrodeo.org
The Omaha River City Rodeo celebrates western heritage with high-caliber PRCA rodeo action. Watch world-class cowboys compete in events like bull riding, team roping, and steer wrestling for their chance at the National Finals Rodeo.
November – January
Durham Museum durhammuseum.org/ christmas-at-union-station
Experience the magic of the holidays with the region’s largest indoor Christmas tree, twinkling at 40 feet tall, along with weekly family nights with Santa, a holiday concert series, and the lighting of Omaha’s official tree.
Thanksgiving – January
The Old Market | oldmarket.com
Enjoy our Grand Yuletide of bright lights and unmatched revelry. We’ll be decorated in our holiday best and scented with fresh greenery—but it’s the holiday specials inside that will beckon you to explore.
Small Business Saturday Event
Nov. 29, 2025
Thanksgiving – New Years Day
holidaylightsfestival.org
Showcasing Downtown Omaha with a full season of festive, family-friendly activities with a charity component for Food Bank for the Heartland. Also view thousands of dazzling lights illuminating Downtown Omaha.
3701 S. 10th St. | omahazoo.com
2½ Miles from The Old Market
Consistently ranked as one of the world’s top five zoos, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is internationally recognized for its conservation, animal care, and exhibit design.
1200 Douglas St. | omahaperformingarts.org
½ Mile from The Old Market
Known best for its world-class acoustics and architecture, Omaha Performing Arts’ Holland Center presents jazz, blues, world music, family entertainment, and comedy. It is also home to the Omaha Symphony.
1111 Jones St. | thekaneko.org
KANEKO is a nonprofit arts and cultural organization dedicated to exploring and encouraging the creative process and how it impacts our lives. For more information about KANEKO, visit thekaneko.org.
345 Riverfront Dr. | kiewitluminarium.org
¾ Mile from The Old Market
Kiewit Luminarium is a place for people of all ages, identities, and backgrounds to explore astonishing phenomena at the intersection of science, art, and human perception. Opened April 2023 on Omaha’s reimagined RiverFront.
500 S. 20th St. | ocm.org
½ Mile from The Old Market
Omaha Children’s Museum is Omaha’s premier participatory museum, featuring exhibits for families with children ages 0-8. Permanent exhibits include the Tinker Lab, Imagination Playground, and a science center.
409 S. 16th St. | omahaperformingarts.org
¼ Mile from The Old Market
Built in 1927, the Orpheum Theater is home to Broadway, dance, comedy, popular music acts like Disney’s The Lion King , Wicked , and more. Opera Omaha and American Midwest Ballet also perform here.
724 S. 12th St. | bemiscenter.org
Founded in 1981 by artists for artists, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts supports today’s artists through an international residency program, temporary exhibitions and commissions, and innovative public programs.
1106 S. 10th St. | bluebarn.org
½ Mile from The Old Market
Established as Omaha’s premier professional theatre and having produced over 100 plays throughout its history since 1989, BLUEBARN is dedicated to theatre’s most important tradition: to provoke thought, emotion, action, and change.
705 Riverfront Dr. | visitomaha.com
1 Mile from The Old Market
This 3,000-foot-long walkway stretches across the Missouri River, giving pedestrians a spectacular view of Omaha’s skyline and an almost airborne experience. Connected to more than 150 miles of nature trails—visitors love to bike and walk on Bob.
455 N. 10th St. | chihealthcenteromaha.com
½ Mile from The Old Market
Between its stunning architecture and riverfront location, the CHI Health Center Omaha convention center and arena is not only a fixture in the city’s skyline—it’s a favorite destination for concerts, consumer shows, and exhibits.
801 S. 10th St. | durhammuseum.org
Omaha’s former Union Station is now the region’s premier hands-on history museum! Climb aboard passenger trains from the 1940s and 50s and enjoy vibrant exhibits and beautiful Art Deco architecture at this National Historic Landmark.
1601 Dodge St. | firstnational.com
½ Mile from The Old Market
First National transformed five downtown city blocks into a green urban sculpture park. The sculptures depict Omaha’s rich pioneer history and are one of the largest installations of bronze and stainless steel in the world.
2001 Farnam St. | rosetheater.org
¾ Mile from The Old Market
The Rose Theater is committed to enriching the lives of children through live theater and arts education. We are proud to be the place where a love of theater begins.
1200 Mike Fahey St. charlesschwabfieldomaha.com
1 Mile from The Old Market
Charles Schwab Field, Omaha’s premiere sports stadium and outdoor entertainment venue, is home to The NCAA Men’s College World Series, Creighton Bluejays baseball, concerts, and events.
1114 Dodge St. | omahaperformingarts.org
¼ Mile from The Old Market
Steelhouse Omaha is O-pa’s third venue opening May 2023. It is a unique performance space that will provide the opportunity to present new and innovative programs in non-traditional layouts with flexible space to accommodate 1,500 to 3,000 people.
GENE LEAHY MALL AT THE RIVERFRONT
1302 Farnam St. | riverfrontrevitalization.com
Over 40,000 square feet of lawn space in the heart of downtown Omaha. Brand new amenities include a Performance Pavilion, a state-ofthe-art playground, interactive water features, a sculpture garden, and a sizeable dog park.
LEWIS & CLARK LANDING AT THE RIVERFRONT
345 Riverfront Dr. | riverfrontrevitalization.com
½ Mile from The Old Market
A contiguous trail system for riverside strolls will remain—with the redesign adding numerous trees and pockets of green space throughout. Additional new features include a destination children’s playground, an urban beach, sand volleyball courts, pickleball courts, an event plaza to accommodate carnival rides, and a renovated marina.
HEARTLAND OF AMERICA PARK AT THE RIVERFRONT
800 Douglas St. | riverfrontrevitalization.com
¼ Mile from The Old Market
The lake and fountain have been welcoming visitors since the early 1990s. New elements include Skate Ribbon, lakeside amphitheater, bocce courts, an extensive event lawn, and picturesque pier that extends out to the Missouri River.
SATURDAY
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
SUNDAY • Aksarben Village 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SPONSORS
Artists’ Cooperative Gallery 11th & Harney
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts 12th & Leavenworth
Fred Simon Gallery 10th & Farnam
Garden of the Zodiac 11th & Howard, The Passageway
KANEKO 11th & Jones
Old Market Artists Gallery 11th & Howard
Passageway Gallery 11th & Howard
Excite My Travel excitemytravel.com, 3650 S. 72nd St.
Magical Journey Carriage Service mjcarriage.com, 11th & Howard
Ollie the Trolley olliethetrolley.com, 1528 N. Saddle Creek Road
Omaha Patio Ride omahapatioride.com, 414 S. 10th St.
River City History Tours durhammuseum.org, 801 S. 10th St.
Tuk Tuk Omaha tuktukomaha.com
Châm Pang Lanes 9th & Harney
Get Out Escape Room 13th & Howard
Hollywood Candy 12th & Jackson
Omaha Visitors Center 10th & Farnam
The Durham Museum 10th & Leavenworth
True Pottery Studio 14th & Howard
Vintage Ballroom 11th & Jackson
Kiewit Luminarium 345 Riverfront Dr.
Museum of Shadows 1110 Douglas St
Omaha Children’s Museum 500 S. 20th St.
The Durham Museum 10th & Leavenworth
The Joslyn 2200 Dodge St.
BLUEBARN Theatre 1106 S. 10th St.
Holland Performing Arts Center 1200 Douglas St.
Omaha Symphony 19th & Harney
Opera Omaha 1850 Farnam St.
Orpheum Theater 409 S. 16th St.
Steelhouse Omaha 1114 Dodge St.
The Rose Theater 2001 Farnam St.
Ticket Omaha 1200 Douglas St.
13th Street Coffee & Tea (13th & Jackson)
801 Chophouse (14th & Farnam)
Bar 415 (13th & Howard)
Barry O’s Tavern (10th & Howard)
Billy Frogg’s Grill & Bar (12th & Howard)
Blue Sushi Sake Grill (12th & Howard)
Brickway Brewery & Distillery (12th & Jackson)
Bouillon (10th & Howard)
Catalyst Lounge (13th & Farnam)
CBD Grinds & Dry Goods (10th & Farnam)
Centi (11th & Howard)
Châm Pang Lanes (9th & Harney)
Cibo Vino (11th & Jackson)
Cilo (12th & Howard)
Con Azúcar Café (12th & Harney)
Dandelion Pop-Up (13th & Howard)
Dolci Old Market (10th & Howard)
Dubliner Pub (12th & Harney)
Dynamite Woodfire Grill (13th & Farnam)
Eat the Worm (13th & Howard)
Fig (345 Riverfront Drive)
Gather Omaha (11th & Howard)
Ghost Donkey (9th & Harney)
Godega Market and Coffee Bar (11th & Howard)
Hardy Coffee Co. (11th & Jones)
Harney Street Tavern (13th & Harney)
Havana Garage - Cigar Lounge (10th & Howard)
Hiro 88 (13th & Jackson)
Hollywood Candy (12th & Jackson)
Ika San Ramen (11th & Jones)
J.D. Tucker’s (10th & Jackson)
Jackson Street Tavern (12th & Jackson)
Jams American Grill (11th & Harney)
Juice Stop (12th & Howard)
Laka Lono Rum Club (12th & Howard)
La Buvette Wine & Grocery (11th & Howard)
Little King (12th & Howard)
M’s Pub (11th & Howard)
Memoir (9th & Harney)
Mercer & Sons Delicatessen (11th & Howard)
Mixins (14th & Jackson)
Mr. Toad (10th & Howard)
Nick’s Quorum (10th & Cass)
Nicola’s Italian Wine & Fare (13th & Jackson)
Old Market Candy Shop (10th & Howard)
Omaha Prime (11th & Howard)
Omaha Tap House (14th & Farnam)
Orsi’s Italian Bakery & Pizzeria (621 Pacific St.)
PaCs Popcorn and Cocktails (11th & Howard)
PepperJax Grill (13th & Howard)
Plank Seafood Provisions (12th & Howard)
Scooter’s Coffee (12th & Howard)
Shahi India Grill (10th & Farnam)
Sozo Coffeehouse (13th & Jones)
Spaghetti Works (11th & Howard)
T. Henery’s Pub (11th & Harney)
Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream (12th & Jackson)
The Berry & Rye (11th & Howard)
The Boiler Room (11th & Jones)
The Table Coffee Co. (12th & Howard)
Tokyo Sushi (12th & Howard)
The Tavern (10th & Jackson)
Trini’s Mexican Restaurant (11th & Howard)
Twisted Fork Grill & Saloon (11th & Howard)
Upstream Brewing Company (11th & Jackson)
Urban Abbey (10th & Jackson)
V. Mertz (11th & Howard)
Voodoo Taco (11th & Harney)
Wine, Beer, and Spirits (11th & Jones)
Zio’s Pizzeria (11th & Howard)
Cobalt Credit Union 10th & Farnam
1415-The Meeting Space 14th & Harney
CHI Health Center Omaha 455 N 10th St.
Lucile’s Old Market 10th & Howard
OM Center 13th & Howard
The Durham Museum 10th & Leavenworth
The Paxton Ballroom 14th & Farnam
Vintage Ballroom 614 S. 11th St.
Elite Barber Shop 13th & Jackson
Energi Houss Salon & Spa 10th & Jackson
LIVE Hydration Spa 10th and Farnam
The Copper Pin Salon & Spa 11th & Howard
The Hair Market Salon 11th & Howard
The Nail Shop 10th & Farnam
The Salty Blonde 11th & Howard
Urbane Salon & Day Spa 10th & Farnam
Big Brain Productions 12th & Jones
Blue Frog Tattoo 12th & Howard
The Collective Hive 11th & Howard
The Ink Link Tattoo Co. 13th & Howard
Anytime Fitness 11th & Jones
CBD American Shaman 10th & Farnam
Commercial Optical 13th & Jackson
CoWorkout 14th & Jones
Craftea Apothecary and Tea Shop 13th & Leavenworth
Healing Dragon 11th & Howard
Healing Tree Counseling 10th & Leavenworth
Live Hydration Spa 10th & Farnam
Methodist Urgent Care 15th & Farnam
Natural Therapy 13th & Leavenworth
Nebraska Medicine Health Center 13th & Leavenworth
Old Market Dental 11th & Howard
Old Market Therapy 13th & Farnam
OrangeTheory Fitness 11th & Harney
Plant’d Farma Wellness Boutique 12th & Harney
Amazing Imaginarium 12th & Howard
Antique Annex 12th & Jackson St.
Ashley’s Collectibles 12th & Howard
Echo Relics 12th & Howard
Fairmont Antiques & Mercantile 12th & Jackson
Joe’s Collectibles 12th & Jackson Alley
Old Market Emporium 13th & Howard
Jackson Street Booksellers 12th & Jackson
Matilde Old Market 11th & Howard
Urban Abbey 10th & Jackson
All About Me Boutique 11th & Howard
Flying Worm Vintage 12th & Jackson
Great Plains Vintage 11th & Howard
Moksha 10th & Howard, The Passageway
Nouvelle Eve 11th & Howard
Overland Sheepskin Co. 10th & Howard
RAYGUN 11th & Jackson
Rhylan Lang Bridal 12th & Howard
Silo 13th & Jackson
Souq, Ltd. 10th & Howard, The Passageway
The Lotus 12th & Howard
Workshop Alley, 11th & Jackson
Ashley’s Collectibles 12th & Howard
City Limits 11th & Howard
Crystal Passage 10th & Howard
Hollywood Candy 12th & Jackson
Howard Street Wine Merchant 11th & Howard
Made in Omaha 10th & Howard
Matilde Old Market 11th & Howard
Moksha 10th & Howard, The Passageway
Old Market Candy Shop 10th & Howard
Old Market Sundries 10th & Howard
Tannenbaum Christmas Shop 10th & Howard
Wine, Beer & Spirits 11th & Jones
Black Market 12th & Jackson Alley
Iron Décor & More 12th & Jackson
Matilde Old Market 11th & Howard
Visions Custom Framing 12th & Leavenworth
Goldsmith Silversmith 10th & Howard
Moksha 10th & Howard, The Passageway
Souq, Ltd. 10th & Howard, The Passageway
Check out the art galleries as well!
Amazing Imaginarium 12th & Howard
Grapefruit Record Shop 11th & Jackson
Homer’s Music & Gifts 12th & Howard
Old Market Emporium 13th & Howard
Vinyl Cup Records 11th & Jackson
Boosted Dreamz Glass 13th & Howard
CBD American Shaman 10th & Farnam
Havana Garage Cigar Bar 10th & Howard
SG Roi Tobacconist 11th & Howard
Embassy Suites Old Market 10th & Howard
Hyatt Place Omaha Downtown Old Market 12th & Jackson
Moxy Omaha Downtown 12th & Harney
Residence Inn by Marriott 106 S 15th St.
The Farnam, Autograph Collection 13th & Farnam
Archetype Coffee Little Bohemia 1419 S. 13th St.
Howlin’ Hounds Coffee 712 S. 16th St.
Rally Coffee Co. 749 N. 14th St.
Blatt Beer & Table
610 N. 12th St.
Block 16 1611 Farnam St.
Burger Theory 1420 Cuming St.
Café Postale 950 S. 10th St.
Cascio’s Steakhouse 1620 S. 10th St.
Fig. 345 Riverfront Dr.
Fizzy’s Fountain & Liquors 1408 S 13th
Hook & Lime 735 N. 14th St.
J. Gilbert’s 1010 Capitol St.
Kitchen Table 1415 Farnam St.
Monarch Restaurant 316 S. 15th St.
Nick’s Quorum 10th & Cass
Oasis Falafel 1620 Harney St.
The Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill 501 N. 13th St.
Omaha Dog Bar 1231 S. 14th St.
Orsi’s Italian Bakery & Pizzeria 621 Pacific St.
Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops 102 S. 10th St.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse 222 S. 15th St.
Table Grace Cafe 1611 1/2 Farnam St.
The Brunch Box 225 N. 12th St.
The Burlington League 1002 S. 10th St.
Via Farina 1108 S. 10th St.
Wilson & Washburn 1407 Harney St.
Beercade 2 1423 S. 13th St.
Flying Timber Axe Throwing 1507 Farnam St.
Johnny T’s Bar & Blues 3825 N. 30th St.
Let it Fly 11th and Capitol
Mercury 329 S. 16th St. #3
Nosh Wine Lounge 1006 Dodge St.
Sips on 10th 1022 S. 10th St.
The Session Room 812 N. 14th St.
The Takeoff Rooftop Bar 203 S. 18th St.
The Trap Room 733 N. 14th St.
Tiny House 1411 S 13th
Wicked Rabbit 1508 Harney St.
Slowdown
729 N. 14th St.
The Admiral 2234 S. 13th St.
The Max 1417 Jackson St.
Pretty in Patina
1449 S. 13th St.
The Chute 1234 S. 13th St.
Dusk Goods & Gifts 1234 S. 13th
Greenstreet Cycles 2452 Harney St.
IDLE Wine & Goods 1433 S. 13th St.
The Cannabis Factory 1215 S. 13th
Prairie in Bloom 1702 Cuming St.
Cambria Hotel 704 N 14th St.
Courtyard by Marriott 101 S. 10th St.
Doubletree by Hilton 1616 Dodge St.
Hotel Embassy Suites 555 S. 10th St.
EVEN Hotel 2220 Farnam St.
Fairfield Inn & Suites 1501 Nicholas St.
The Farnam, Autograph Collection 1299 Farnam St.
Hampton Inn & Suites 1212 Cuming St.
Hilton Garden Inn 1005 Dodge St.
Hilton Omaha 1001 Cass St.
Holiday Inn 1420 Cuming St.
Homewood Suites by Hilton 1314 Cuming St.
Hotel Deco 1504 Harney St.
Hotel Indigo 1804 Dodge, 18th & Dodge
Hyatt Place 540 S 12th St.
Magnolia Hotel 1615 Howard St.
Omaha Marriott Downtown 222 N. 10th St.
The Peregrine by Hilton 203 S. 18th St.
Residence Inn by Marriott 106 S. 15th St.
3924 Farnam St. blackstonedistrict.com
Blackstone District’s classic structures along Farnam Street and those on the outlying blocks are now home to restaurants, bars, and businesses that offer contemporary cuisine, chic entertainment, and a variety of services for patrons of all ages.
1022 Capitol Ave. capitoldistrictomaha.com
Guests can mingle in the large open-air plaza and enjoy a wide variety of cultural and culinary experiences—from fine dining to quick bites, a jazz club to a virtual reality arcade, live music and watch parties, and one of Omaha’s best hotels, the Omaha Marriott Downtown.
1402 S. 13th St.
ocm.org
Little Bohemia is located in South Omaha and boasts a rich history as the city’s melting pot. Immigrants from around the globe have helped shape this neighborhood, and their influences are still felt today.
220 S. 31st Ave.
midtowncrossing.com
Midtown Crossing is home to a vibrant mix of nearly 40 restaurants, retailers, and service providers. Our front yard—Turner Park—is one of Omaha’s top public parks and a crowd-pleasing venue for our ever-expanding list of free concerts, festivals, health and wellness gatherings, and so much more.
1111 N. 13th St.
millworkcommons.com
Millwork Commons embraces its gritty, industrial roots in Omaha, 140-year-old buildings today meet the needs of works and residents with new buildings being designed that will complement the neighborhood’s historic feel.
19th St. & Davenport to Nicholas Riverfront, Omaha, NE 68102
Grab a great cup of coffee at Omaha’s own Blue Line Coffee. Live music and sporting events create an electrifying atmosphere at Charles Schwab Field Omaha, home of the NCAA Men’s College World Series. The award-winning CHI Health Center Omaha attracts big name artists, making Omaha a key tour stop.
Sam Mercer, 1920-2013
Vera Mercer
At the turn of the 20th century, Omaha thrived as a major railroad hub, linking the industrial East with the open frontier of the West. The Old Market was at the heart of this activity, bustling with produce dealers, buyers, and transporters.
This vibrant era continued until the 1950s, when Omaha’s westward expansion and changes in grocery distribution brought the market’s decline. Faced with potential demolition, Sam Mercer saw an opportunity to preserve his family’s historic red-brick warehouses by repurposing them. Once seen as a risky endeavor, his vision ultimately shaped the Old Market into the cultural and commercial district it is today.
The son of prominent Omaha physician and landowner Nelson Mercer, Sam Mercer was raised in London and educated at Oxford and Yale. After a career in law that took him from Washington, D.C., to Paris, he returned to Omaha in 1963 to lead Mercer Management. He recognized the architectural and historic value of the century-old warehouses in what was then a fading wholesale produce market.
By 1968, Mercer strategically acquired a collection of buildings that would become the Old Market. His first project was transforming the former Gilinsky Fruit Company into a French restaurant—the French Café (now Le Bouillon)—with apartments above. This set the stage for other beloved establishments, including Homer’s, M’s Pub, Mr. Toad’s, Spaghetti Works, Nouvelle Eve, the Firehouse Dinner Theater, and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. With the help of his son, Mark, daughter-in-law, Vera, and nephew, Nicholas Bonham-Carter, the district grew organically into the vibrant cultural hub it is today.
Unique features like The Passageway, V. Mertz, La Buvette, and The Boiler Room continue to define the Old Market’s charm. Reflecting on his vision, Sam once said, “We knew these warehouses had possibilities, and to tear them down to construct contemporary buildings would have been like painting over the Mona Lisa.”
The Old Market is filled with sites and buildings of historical interest. Several of these have been specifically identified and researched. As a result, an Old Market Historic Walking Tour with identification plaques of these edifices began in 2003.
Take the tour online at oldmarket.com/old-market-history or by scanning the QR Code!
1. The meaning of Omaha.
The city’s name pays homage to the Indigenous residents of this landscape along the Missouri River. The word “Omaha” in the language of the Indigenous Omaha people is Umon’hon, which means “against the current.”
2. Mormon Winter Quarters.
The first Euro-American settlement in present-day Nebraska came from Mormon pioneers who established their temporary Winter Quarters with permission from local tribes. The settlement was located near the Mormon Bridge in today’s Florence neighborhood north of downtown. Some structural timbers from the settlement’s gristmill remain standing in the Florence Mill (a historic business site that also outfitted passing settlers on the Gold Rush and Pioneer Trails). The mill — which is still open today — and nearby Mormon Trail Center and Pioneer Cemetery at Winter Quarters will interest history lovers.
3. The Territorial Capitol.
Omaha was the territorial capital of Nebraska Territory, created by the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854. The capitol building was located at the site of Omaha Central High School. Nebraska became a state in 1867, and the state capital moved to Lincoln.
4. A growing city.
The City of Omaha has a long history annexing its neighbors. Omaha annexed East Omaha in 1854. The city later annexed Dundee and South Omaha in 1915, followed by Florence and Benson in 1917. Local annexations have continued into the present day.
5. The old, Old Market.
The Old Market is on the National Register of Historic Places, and its many historic buildings have undergone various purposes through the decades. It was originally developed as a grocery wholesale and retail district, preceded by the Market House in Omaha’s Jefferson Square (both of which no longer exist).
6. Omaha’s first skyscrapers.
The Woodmen Tower (now known as the WoodmenLife Tower) was completed in 1969. The 30-story building was the tallest in Omaha and Nebraska for over 30 years. This height would only be surpassed in 2022, with the construction of the First National Bank Tower.
7. Redevelopment.
Downtown Omaha’s historic warehouse district, Jobbers Canyon, was demolished in 1989. The demolition made way for the development of the ConAgra campus downtown and the city’s original back-to-the-river redevelopment efforts at the Gene Leahy Mall and Heartland of America Park. The recent 21st century riverfront redevelopment push reimagined the area stretching from the new Mutual of Omaha skyscraper to the Missouri River.
8. Into the future!
Omaha is always changing. Our dynamic city is home to a diverse and vibrant community, and we are so happy to share it with you. Thank you for being part of our community!
Pictures Courtesy of The Durham Museum
801 SOUTH 10 TH ST.
Then: Union Station, 1931-1971
Now: The Durham Museum
520 TO 524 SOUTH 10 TH ST.
Then: Windsor Hotel, 1885-1887
Now: Windsor Square Apartments
514 SOUTH 11 TH ST.
Then: Omaha Firehouse, 1903-1904
Now: Upstream Brewing Company
614 SOUTH 11 TH ST.
Then: Omaha Bemis Bag Company, 1887-1902
Now: Vintage Ballroom
1213 JONES ST.
Then: Anheuser-Busch Beer Depot, 1887 Company, 1887-1902
Now: Roth Weinstein, LLC
1323 JACKSON ST.
Then: Skinner Macaroni Building, 1914-1915
Now: Skinner Macaroni Lofts
1 615 HOWARD ST.
Then: Aquila Court
Now: Magnolia Hotel
1307-1315 HOWARD ST.
Then & Now: J. P. Cooke Buildings, 1885-1889
1212 HOWARD ST.
Then: The Overland Hotel
Now: Ashley’s Collectibles
1123 HOWARD ST.
Then: Morse Coe Building, 1892-1893
Now: Scooter’s Coffee and Mayfield Apartments
1002 HOWARD ST.
Then: Hotel Howard, 1909 Building, 1892-1893
Now: Mr. Toad’s Pub
1101-1107 HARNEY ST.
Then: Millard Block, 1880-1881
Now: Jams
1221 HARNEY ST.
Then: Baum Iron Company Building, 1880 Now: Baum Hydraulics Corporation
1001 FARNAM ST.
Then: Poppleton Block
Now: Omaha Visitors Center
1004 FARNAM ST.
Then: Burlington Building, 1879
Now: Office space for lease
Nationally recognized as one of the best record stores in the U.S., Homer’s Music at 12th and Howard features Nebraska’s largest selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and cassettes. Opened in 1971, Homer’s is one of the oldest businesses in The Old Market. Homer’s is also a member of the Coalition of Independent Music Stores, a founder of Record Store Day. For more information, follow Homer’s Music on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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