AU Pro Volleyball Championship comes to Omaha, Nebraska this fall. Here are things to do in Omaha. Photo description: Volleyball ball and net

Plan Your Trip: Top Things to Do in Omaha During the AU Pro Volleyball Championship

Siera Jones

Aug 15, 2025

Tickets are now on sale for the first stretch of the 2025 Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball Championship, coming to Omaha, Nebraska, from October 3–13. That makes now the perfect time to start planning your trip to see the action—and to explore everything the city has to offer while you’re in Omaha.

With the first location ensuring homecomings for stars like Sydney Hilley, Emily Thater, Natalia Valentin-Anderson, and Brooke Nuneviller, you won’t want to miss the action. Whether you’re coming from across the city or across the country, here are ideas to make the most of your visit.

Here’s your guide to things to do in Omaha this fall.

Free & Iconic Activities | Museums, Gardens & Culture | Outdoor Adventures | Family Favorites | Eat & Drink Like a Local

Free & Iconic Activities

Walk to Iowa on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Stretching 3,000 feet across the Missouri River, this pedestrian bridge offers sweeping skyline views and the chance to stand in Nebraska and Iowa at the same time. It’s a favorite for selfies, sunsets, and a quick scenic walk.

Wander the Old Market District

This cobblestone-lined neighborhood blends Omaha’s history with modern-day energy. Browse indie boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops by day, then stick around for live music, craft cocktails, and street performers at night. Don’t miss the quirky Old Market Emporium for unusual finds.

The RiverFront

A newly revitalized 72-acre destination combining Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and Lewis & Clark Landing. You’ll find art installations, playgrounds, picnic lawns, and even a skate ribbon in the winter—perfect for relaxing between matches.

Pioneer Courage Park

One of the largest bronze sculpture displays in the country spans multiple downtown blocks. More than 100 life-size figures tell the story of 19th-century pioneers heading west, complete with wagons, oxen, and buffalo.

Museums, Gardens & Culture

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Consistently ranked among the best zoos in the world, with immersive exhibits like the world’s largest indoor desert and one of the biggest indoor rainforests. Plan for several hours to see everything, from sharks to snow leopards.

Joslyn Art Museum

This pink-marble landmark houses an art collection spanning 5,000 years, with works by Monet, Degas, and Rembrandt. General admission is free, making it an easy cultural stop before or after a match.

Lauritzen Gardens

Four-season beauty on display with indoor and outdoor gardens, themed landscapes, and seasonal floral shows. Stroll through rose gardens, a Victorian-style conservatory, and scenic overlooks of the Missouri River.

Hot Shops Art Center

A 92,000-square-foot creative hub where over 70 artists work in studios you can explore. Watch glassblowers, potters, and metal sculptors at work, or browse the rotating exhibitions in the onsite galleries.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

An internationally recognized space for cutting-edge art. Its ever-changing exhibits often feature experimental installations and multimedia works you won’t see anywhere else in the region.

Catch a Show at the Orpheum Theater

Built in 1927 and restored to its original elegance, this venue is home to Broadway tours, concerts, and dance performances. Even if you’re not catching a show, the ornate lobby is worth a look.

The Durham Museum

Set in Omaha’s historic Union Station, this museum combines permanent exhibits on regional history with traveling shows. Don’t miss the preserved Art Deco architecture and the original soda fountain.

Outdoor Adventures

Hiking at Platte River State Park

Roughly 30 minutes from downtown, this park offers forested trails, waterfall hikes, and scenic lookout towers. It’s a good option for a quick outdoor escape before or after volleyball.

Fontenelle Forest

A 1,500-acre nature preserve with 17 miles of trails through forest, wetlands, and birdwatching hotspots. The Raptor Woodland Refuge offers close-up views of owls, hawks, and eagles, while TreeRush Adventures offers high ropes and ziplining courses.

Family Favorites

Omaha Children’s Museum

Packed with hands-on science, art, and interactive exhibits for kids of all ages. Seasonal favorites like the Holiday Lights Festival make it a must for family travelers.

Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum

Located near Ashland, this museum is home to historic aircraft, spacecraft, and artifacts from the Cold War. The enormous hangars let you walk beneath massive bombers and missiles.

Eat & Drink Like a Local

Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream

This Old Market staple churns out ultra-creamy ice cream in creative flavors, made daily in small batches. Flavors change constantly, so it’s worth stopping by more than once.

Ika San Ramen

Known for its flavorful broths and inventive toppings, this cozy ramen shop serves hearty bowls perfect for a fall day in Omaha.

The Mill Coffee

Part coffeehouse, part local hangout, offering expertly pulled espresso shots, pastries, and plenty of seating for relaxing or people-watching.

Archetype Coffee

Minimalist in design but meticulous about its coffee. Known for precision brewing and high-quality beans, it’s a go-to for serious coffee drinkers.

Yoshitomo Sushi

An intimate, chef-driven sushi spot focused on fresh, high-quality fish and inventive small plates. Reservations are recommended on weekends.

The 2025 AU Pro Volleyball Championship will feature 44 of the world’s top volleyball players in an exclusive, high-stakes tournament to determine the ultimate champion of the sport. These elite athletes, handpicked from the best domestic and international pro leagues, will face off in the nation’s premier volleyball hubs in Omaha, Nebraska, at the Liberty First Credit Union Arena (October 1-15) and in Madison, Wisconsin, at the Alliant Energy Center (October 22 – November 3). Series ticket deposits for both locations are now available here.