Discover Omaha: 9 Surprising Fun Facts You Never Knew About This Vibrant City

1. Tarzan of Omaha

Who said tarzan could only swing through the jungles of Africa? Omaha, Nebraska begs to differ: Boasting the largest indoor rainforest in the United States at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium's Lied Jungle Botanical Garden, Omaha has more than a fair share of vine-swinging opportunities. But fear not, carnivores! This Midwest treasure also satisfies one's inner Fred Flintstone with its top-quality steakhouses, buzzing arts and entertainment scene, and that warm, yabba-dabba-doo Midwest hospitality.
Source => visittheusa.com

2. Grand Island's Rail History

You might say that Grand Island is the "Rail Deal" when it comes to making tracks with history: Established in 1857, this Nebraska town grew rapidly due to its role as a major division point for the Union Pacific Railroad in 1866, complete with machine shops, a roundhouse, and trackside water wells, and received life-saving aid from the same railroad during a catastrophic tornado in 1980, including clean up crews, lodgings on rails, and essential supplies to offer solace to those affected.
Source => up.com

Discover the surprising origin of Arbor Day in Nebraska, where J. Sterling Morton and his wife started a leafy legacy that spread across the nation! 🌳💚

=> Fun Facts about Nebraska

3. Flour Sack to Cake Mix Kingpin

Once upon a flour sack, a humble Nebraska mill decided to broaden its horizons and became the kingpin of cake mixes and potpies: Founded as Nebraska Consolidated Mills in 1919, ConAgra Foods grew through the years, funding the development of the iconic Duncan Hines brand and eventually acquiring Ralcorp, making it the largest private-label packaged food business in the United States.
Source => companieshistory.com

4. Oracle's Dundee Neighborhood

If you thought the Oracle of Omaha lived in a crystal ball, you'd be mistaken: Warren Buffet and his daughter Susie actually reside in Omaha's historic Dundee neighborhood, known for its small businesses and yearly indulgence of Berkshire Hathaway shareholder festivities, which features everything from educational sessions to a 5K run.
Source => visitdundeeomaha.com

5. World's Largest Indoor Desert

Desert you, it will not: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium boasts of the world's largest indoor desert under an awe-inspiring geodesic dome, separated into three sections resembling the Namib Desert, the Red Center of Australia, and the Sonoran Desert, complete with an array of unique flora, endangered species, and even a secretive nocturnal exhibit known as the Kingdoms of the Night lurking beneath.
Source => omahazoo.com

6. Warren Buffett's Humble Abode

Who says money can't buy happiness? Turns out, it's not always the most exciting of real estate that tickles the fancy of the über-wealthy: Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha himself, has lived in the same humble abode for over sixty years, which he snagged for a cool $31,500 back in 1958. Talk about a sweet home-nebraska!: Despite being the world's 10th richest person, this modest house is estimated to be worth a mere $1,240 million today, proving that for Buffett, the value of home is where the heart is and real estate can be a true goldmine for those who plan to settle down for a considerable amount of time.
Source => fancypantshomes.com

7. Cathedral's 30,000-strong Dedication

In an era where getting 30,000 people to agree on anything feels like trying to baptize a cat, one historical event in Omaha managed to gather such an awe-inspiring crowd: The dedication and laying of the cornerstone for St. Cecilia Cathedral in 1907 pulled in a congregation of 30,000 folks, kicking off not only the construction of this architectural marvel but also the opening of St. Cecilia Grade School the very next day - blessing the Midwest with an eternal symbol of faith and heritage.
Source => stceciliacathedral.org

8. Union Pacific Museum Treasures

All aboard the Fun Express, where the tracks of time lead to a depot of enlightenment: Omaha's Union Pacific Museum, nestled in a historic Carnegie Library, is home to a cornucopia of railroad industry memorabilia spanning 150 years of American history, offers free admission and public events, and encourages conscientious mask-wearing when community levels are elevated.
Source => uprrmuseum.org

9. Peyton Manning's "Omaha!" Mystery

Omaha, the city named after Peyton Manning's indecipherable babble, has long been perplexed by his affection for their fair name. Oh, wait, it's not a love letter to Nebraska at all: Peyton's "Omaha!" pre-snap call was actually an alert to his offensive lineman indicating an altered play needing an immediate snap, with the term's origin remaining a gridiron enigma.
Source => thesportsrush.com