Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

The zoo's most iconic structure is the Desert Dome, an immense geodesic glass dome that houses an entire indoor desert. Inside, sand dunes, rock canyons, and desert plants recreate arid landscapes from different continents, with the animals and birds that live in them, all beneath a soaring transparent roof that lets in natural light.

Beneath the desert lies its dark twin. A nocturnal exhibit takes visitors down into a world of night, with an indoor swamp and cave where bats, alligators, and creatures of the dark live under reversed lighting so they are active during the day. Descending from the bright desert into that shadowed underworld is one of the zoo's memorable experiences.

Another of the zoo's landmark habitats is its great indoor rainforest, a multi-story jungle enclosed under glass. Inside, tall trees, waterfalls, and dense greenery fill the air with humidity, and free-flying birds, monkeys, and other animals move through a recreated tropical forest that you walk through on winding paths.

The immersive approach means you are not looking at animals through bars so much as sharing their environment, with the sights, sounds, and smells of a rainforest around you. It is a striking thing to step into a tropical world under a dome while snow may be falling outside on the Nebraska plains.

The aquarium carries the same idea underwater. A walk-through tunnel lets visitors pass through a large ocean tank with sharks, rays, and fish gliding overhead and to either side, along with exhibits ranging from cold polar waters to coral reefs. It brings the sea to the landlocked heart of the continent.

Beyond these headline habitats, the zoo holds a wide range of animals and exhibits, from big cats and primates to gorillas and an African grassland, along with a strong record in conservation and animal science. The breadth is part of why it consistently earns its place among the country's top zoos.

The zoo anchors the south side of Omaha, a river city on bluffs above the Missouri that grew up as a railroad and stockyards town and is now the largest city in Nebraska. It is a lively place, with a historic warehouse district, museums, and a strong food and arts scene.

For travelers, the zoo pairs easily with Omaha's other draws, the Old Market district, the Joslyn Art Museum, and the riverfront, making a stop here the centerpiece of a fuller city visit. Just off the interstate, it is also an easy break for families crossing the country.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, in Omaha, Nebraska, is one of the finest and most celebrated zoos in the country, famous for its immersive indoor habitats and its dedication to conservation. Consistently ranked among the best zoos anywhere, it features remarkable exhibits including a vast indoor rainforest, one of the largest indoor deserts in the world, an enormous glass geodesic dome, an aquarium with a walk-through shark tunnel, and habitats for gorillas, big cats, and countless other animals. It is a leader in animal care and conservation research. A world-class destination that delights all ages, it draws visitors from far and wide. With its extraordinary habitats, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium offers a spectacular destination in Nebraska.

You can explore a lush indoor rainforest, one of the largest indoor deserts in the world beneath a giant glass dome, an aquarium with a walk-through shark tunnel and penguins, and habitats for gorillas, big cats, elephants, and a huge variety of animals from around the globe. The immersive indoor biomes, the aquarium, the gorilla and big-cat habitats, and the sheer variety are the draws, making it a full day of discovery. Its indoor exhibits shine in any weather. With its world-class habitats, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium offers a rewarding visit in Omaha, Nebraska.

Yes, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is wonderful for families, with immersive exhibits, close-up animal encounters, a children's area, a train and other rides, and a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces that keep children engaged and comfortable in any weather. The variety of animals and the walk-through habitats delight kids and adults alike, making it one of the best family destinations in the region. Allowing plenty of time helps you see it all. Its family appeal makes the Henry Doorly Zoo a delightful destination in Nebraska.

The zoo is enjoyable year-round thanks to its many indoor exhibits, though the mild months of spring through fall are especially pleasant for also enjoying the outdoor habitats, with weekday and early-in-the-day visits generally less crowded. Because it is large and popular, arriving early and allowing a full day is wise. Because of its indoor and outdoor mix, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium makes a rewarding stop any time of year in Omaha, Nebraska.

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is in Omaha, Nebraska, within reach of the Joslyn Art Museum, the Old Market district, the Missouri River waterfront, and the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum to the south. That makes the Henry Doorly Zoo a spectacular stop to combine with the Joslyn Art Museum and the other attractions of Omaha on a visit to Nebraska.