Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

State: Nebraska. Type: zoo and aquarium in Omaha, Douglas County. Began as Riverview Park Zoo in 1894; took its current name in 1963 after a $750,000 donation from Margaret Hitchcock Doorly in honor of her husband Henry Doorly. Site described by the zoo as roughly 160 acres. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In 2014 TripAdvisor ranked it the world's best zoo.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium grew from a modest municipal zoo founded in 1894 into one of the most-visited attractions in the region, drawing more than two million visitors a year. It houses roughly 9,000 animals representing 962 species and is best known for a string of record-scale indoor habitats built under its climate-controlled domes: the Lied Jungle, described as one of the world's largest indoor rainforests; the Desert Dome, billed as one of the world's largest indoor deserts and the largest glazed geodesic dome; and Kingdoms of the Night, said to be the world's largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp. The Scott Aquarium adds 1.2 million gallons of water across 71,000 square feet of marine and freshwater displays. The zoo's scale and its unusual concentration of biome-scale indoor exhibits, rather than a single headline animal, are what set it apart nationally.

The zoo is located at 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, Nebraska, in Douglas County, on the south side of the city near the Missouri River. It sits a few miles from downtown Omaha and is easily reached from the interstate system serving the metro area.

Omaha has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters that can bring significant snow and sub-zero cold snaps. Because many of the zoo's headline exhibits (Lied Jungle, Desert Dome, Kingdoms of the Night, Scott Aquarium) are indoor and climate-controlled, the zoo remains a viable visit in almost any season, though outdoor habitats are more comfortable in spring and fall.

Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor exhibits and walking the grounds, while summer is the busiest season due to school holidays. Because the largest attractions are indoors, winter visits remain practical for those who don't mind a colder walk between buildings.

The zoo traces its roots to 1894 as Riverview Park Zoo, a small municipal facility. It was renamed Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo in 1963 following a major gift from Margaret Hitchcock Doorly, made in memory of her husband, a local publishing executive. Over subsequent decades the zoo invested heavily in large-scale indoor biome exhibits, building the Lied Jungle, Desert Dome and Kingdoms of the Night, which helped it grow into one of the most recognized zoos in the United States and earn its current 'and Aquarium' name with the addition of the Scott Aquarium.

Visitors can explore the Lied Jungle's rainforest canopy walkways, the Desert Dome's arid habitats, and the nocturnal Kingdoms of the Night exhibit, plus the Scott Aquarium's underwater tunnels and tanks. The zoo also offers additional attractions such as an IMAX theater and seasonal programming; check the official site for current ride and seasonal exhibit offerings.

Key exhibit areas include the Lied Jungle (indoor rainforest), the Desert Dome (indoor desert under a large geodesic dome), Kingdoms of the Night (nocturnal/indoor swamp exhibit), and the Scott Aquarium. Together these form the core of a visit, supplemented by additional outdoor habitats across the roughly 160-acre grounds.

The zoo sits a short drive from downtown Omaha and Eppley Airfield, Omaha's main commercial airport, making rental car, taxi or rideshare the most practical way to arrive. It is accessible from Omaha's interstate network (I-80 corridor) for visitors driving in from the wider region.

As of research, the zoo's posted hours were 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with buildings and grounds remaining open until 6 p.m.; hours can vary seasonally. Confirm current hours on the official website before visiting.

As of research, general admission was listed at $33.95 for adults (12+), $30.55 for seniors (65+), $25.95 for children ages 3-11, and free for children 2 and under, with military discounts available. Confirm current pricing at omahazoo.com before you go.

Given the scale of the grounds and the number of major indoor exhibits, most visitors should plan for a half day to a full day to see the Lied Jungle, Desert Dome, Kingdoms of the Night and Scott Aquarium without rushing.

Omaha offers a full range of lodging, from national hotel chains near the airport and interstate exits to properties in downtown Omaha, a few miles from the zoo. Visitors staying downtown or near I-80 typically have a short drive to the zoo's south Omaha location.

The zoo has on-site dining options for a full day's visit, while a broader range of restaurants is concentrated in downtown Omaha and the Old Market district a few miles north, offering everything from casual to upscale dining.

Downtown Omaha's Old Market historic district, with its shops and restaurants, and the Missouri River waterfront are both a short drive from the zoo. The wider Omaha metro area offers additional museums and attractions for visitors extending their stay.

Eppley Airfield is Omaha's main commercial airport and the primary gateway for out-of-town visitors; from there, rental car, taxi or rideshare is the most practical way to reach the zoo. Omaha's public transit network serves the metro area, though most visitors rely on a personal or rental vehicle.

As with any large zoo, keep an eye on children near water features and enclosure barriers, and stay hydrated during outdoor sections in summer heat. For any emergency on-site, dial 911.

Comfortable walking shoes for the roughly 160-acre grounds, weather-appropriate layers for a mix of indoor climate-controlled biomes and outdoor exhibits, and a camera are worth packing. Sunscreen and water are useful for warmer months.

Buying tickets online in advance and arriving near opening time can help beat crowds, especially on summer weekends. Because the zoo is large, comfortable shoes and a plan to prioritize the Lied Jungle, Desert Dome, Kingdoms of the Night and Scott Aquarium help make the most of a visit.

For any emergency, dial 911. For general visitor questions, the zoo's contact line is (402) 733-8401, per its official site.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium - https://www.omahazoo.com

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.