River City History Tours Season kicks-off May 3rd
Join The Durham Museum for another exciting season of River City History Tours, featuring new versions of two popular tours. From May through October, explore the city’s vibrant past aboard a comfortable shuttle bus or on a walking tour of downtown Omaha. These popular group tours depart from The Durham Museum and delve into Omaha’s historic figures and locations.
“Look around, we’re surrounded by history in plain sight,” says Kyle Chattleton, one of the tour guides. “These incredibly fun tours, led by guides with great knowledge of the area, provide a fascinating look at Omaha’s past. Our guests learn something new at every turn!”
Tickets are on sale now at www.DurhamMuseum.org/Tours or by calling 402-444-5027.
Downtown Walking Tour – Begins May 3rd!
Join us on select Saturdays for a walking tour of historic downtown Omaha. Each tour begins at 10AM at the museum and proceeds to the Old Market where you’ll enjoy visiting locations ranging from the sites of speakeasys to the well-known Old Market Passageway. Hear the stories of important early Omahans such as political boss Tom Dennison and early pioneers Rachel and William Snowden, before wrapping up at the Downtown Farmer’s Market or heading back to the museum to enjoy our current exhibitions.
Tour offered Saturdays (10AM): May 3, 17, 31 • June 14 & 28 • July 12 & 26 • August 9 & 23 • September 6 & 20 • October 4
Bus Tour Options
Select from six unique bus tours throughout the season.
Reimagined for 2025! The Gritty City
Now back as a full-length tour! Inspired by Omaha’s rough and tumble past, “The Gritty City” explores the growth and challenges the city faced as the country expanded west. Omaha was at times a sophisticated urban setting and other times a throwback to the days of the Wild West. Learn why the city earned poems about its muddy streets and why some writers begged their readers to “take heed” and avoid Omaha at all costs!
Tour offered: Sunday, May 18 (1PM) • Sunday, August 3 (1PM) • Sunday, October 5 (1PM)
Reimagined for 2025! Omaha, Center of the Nation
Throughout all of its history, Omaha has had a lasting impact on American politics. At the same time, the city has been shaped by and has mirrored the country’s triumphs and contradictions. Join us and journey across nearly 200 years of stories of Omaha at the center of the nation.
Tour offered: Sunday, July 6 (1PM) Tuesday, August 5 (6PM) Sunday, September 21 (1PM)
Omaha’s Parks and Boulevards
Did you know that Omaha developed a beautiful parks and boulevard system beginning in the late 1800s? In fact, much of this system remains today linking popular parks like Elmwood and Hanscom with gorgeous tree-lined streets such as Happy Hollow and Lincoln Boulevard. The “Parks and Boulevards” tour will take you along the beautiful path these developers laid out so many years ago.
Tour offered: Tuesday, July 15 (6PM) • Sunday, August 17 (1PM) • Sunday October 19 (1PM)
From Expositions to Jazz Musicians
In 1898, Omaha hosted the Trans-Mississippi & International Exposition, an event that brought millions to Omaha to learn about life west of the Mississippi River. Visit the former site of the expo and see the stately homes, parks and jazz halls that followed in its path. Plus, enjoy a stop at the historic Florence Mill!
Tour offered: Sunday, June 29 (1PM) • Tuesday, August 12 (6PM) • Sunday, October 12 (1PM)
Last Call for Alcohol: Omaha’s Bootlegging History
By the time prohibition was the law of the land in the U.S., Nebraska had been “dry” for two years and organized crime syndicates had established a well-oiled machine to turn profits. Local and federal authorities spent years putting together a case that ultimately brought down the “kingpin” of Omaha’s crime scene, Tom Dennison. This tour, based on Dennison’s 1931 federal indictment, takes a look at hotels, speakeasys and other key locations in prohibition-era Omaha.
Tour offered: Tuesday, June 24 (6PM) • Sunday, July 13 (1PM) • Tuesday, August 26 (6PM) • Sunday, September 28 (1PM)
Remember the Ladies! The Women of Early Omaha
Hop on a tour with us in honor of the founding ladies of Omaha. This tour will introduce you to a few of Omaha’s first women, from factory workers and business owners to religious leaders and activists, who contributed to the growth and success of Omaha today. Destinations on this tour will include driving through Omaha’s previous “Red Light District,” the Paxton Hotel, Saint Cecilia Cathedral and so much more!
Tour offered: Sunday, May 11 (1PM) •Tuesday, June 10 (6PM) • Sunday, July 20 (1PM)
Private River City History Tours
Private shuttle bus tours and walking tours are available year-round for groups of various sizes; please inquire for pricing based on group size.
Grab your friends, colleagues or family members and hit the streets for a private River City History Tour. Pick your date, time and tour theme (subject to availability) and have the whole bus to yourself!
Pricing Information
Walking tours cost $20 for museum members and $26 for non-members. These tours last approximately 90 minutes. Comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle are highly recommended. If cancelled due to weather, guests will be notified and granted a full refund.
Bus tours cost $32 for museum members and $38 for non-members. All tours last between 90 minutes to 2 hours. Tours take place on a shuttle or charter bus, which is climate controlled. We recommend dressing in comfortable layers and encourage guests to bring a water bottle (only water is allowed on the bus). Tour vehicle subject to change.
All tours include admission to the museum (you can visit the museum before and/or after your tour depending on museum operating hours). Payment is due at the time of reservation. Membership discount applies only to those in the household. Full refunds will be granted for cancellations requested two weeks in advance.
