Living in Omaha / Local Government

Living in Omaha

Omaha, whose first residents were Native Americans, was founded on the Missouri River by speculators from neighboring Council Bluffs, Iowa. Furthermore, being set on a crossing called Lone Tree Ferry earned the city its nickname, the "Gateway to the West," making it a major hub of transportation in later years. The city is home to five Fortune 500 companies and is known for its meat-packing industry and the Omaha Stockyards, its breweries and railroads.

Annually countless tourist's flock to Omaha to enjoy the city's number one paid attraction The Henry Dooly Zoo and its world's largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp and its impressive indoor rainforest. Additionally, the historical Old World Market draws locals and visitors to its warehouses and unique shops, restaurants, bars, and art galleries. Omaha also has a rich musical history and has been home to much famous jazz and rhythm and blues bands and artists, and it is even home to 2008's richest person in the world - businessman Warren Buffet.

Omaha offers the sports enthusiast's opportunity to enjoy ice hockey, indoor football and several professional and college-level sports teams, including the Omaha Nighthawks football and University of Nebraska at Omaha Mavericks hockey team. For outdoor lovers, the city's parks and recreation department affords countless opportunities for hiking, exploring nature and simply enjoying picnics or play time. Additionally, Omaha's riverfront area is now the Heartland of America Park, including a marina, Miller's Landing, and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, a footbridge crossing into Council Bluffs. Music, art, history, recreation and sports, Omaha has something for everyone - visitors and residents alike.

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