Discover Omaha’s History during The Durham Museum’s River City History Tours
The past comes alive during River City History Tours at The Durham Museum! River City History Tours are historically accurate, entertaining and share the fascinating history of Omaha. Explore the city’s vibrant past aboard a comfortable shuttle bus and hear stories from knowledgeable tour guides. Select from several unique tours throughout the season, including our new walking tours of downtown Omaha.
Tickets go on sale April 1 at www.DurhamMuseum.org/Tours or by calling 402-444-5027.
New! Downtown Omaha Walking Tour
Join us on the first and third Saturday of each month (May-September) for a walking tour of historic downtown Omaha! Each tour begins at 10AM at The Durham 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.
Bus Tour Options
From Expositions to Jazz Musicians
Tour offered: July 9, August 6 and September 24
In 1898, Omaha hosted the Trans-Mississippi & International Exposition, an event that brought millions to Omaha and 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!
Last Call for Alcohol: Omaha’s Bootlegging History (With our partners at Brickway Brewery & Distillery)
Tour offered: June 11, July 6, August 10 and September 17
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. New this year! Enjoy an optional drop-off at Brickway Brewery & Distillery at the end of each tour. A special thanks to Brickway for providing tour guests (21 and over) with a voucher for buy 1, get 1 cocktails and 10% off to-go items.
Millionaires & Mansions Tours – North Gold Coast
Tour offered: October 1
Explore the neighborhoods north of Dodge Street in mid-town Omaha. Along the way, learn about the Mercer Mansion, Joslyn Castle and the Louis Nash residence. The tour will take you on the first curved street in the city and visitors will see many stately homes in the original “West Omaha.”
Millionaires & Mansions – South Gold Coast
Tour offered: May 28
Take a trip to the early 1900s in the area south of Dodge Street in mid-town Omaha. Many landmarks in the city are located here including the Blackstone Hotel, the Storz Mansion and the home of Arthur and Zerlina Brandeis. Visitors will see the beauty of traditional architecture and hear the stories of the people who built these magnificent homes.
Omaha’s Parks and Boulevards
Tour offered: June 6 and October 8
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. New this year! In honor of its 75th Anniversary, this tour will include a special stop at Memorial Park.
Remember the Ladies! The Women of Early Omaha
Tour offered: May 21, August 20 and October 15
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’s Cathedral and so much more!
Private River City History Tours
Available year-round for groups of various sizes; please inquire for pricing based on group size
Grab your friends, co-workers or family members and hit the streets for a private River City History Tour. Pick your date and time (subject to availability) and the tour of your choice and have the whole bus to yourself! Groups are welcome to bring refreshments on private tours.
Pricing Information
Driving tours cost $30 for museum members and $35 for non-members and 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 (no alcoholic beverages on public tours please).
Walking tours cost $20 for museum members and $25 for non-members and last approximately 90 minutes. Comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle are highly recommended. In case of inclement weather, guests will be notified and granted a full refund.
All tours include admission to the museum. (Please plan to arrive early or stay late according to museum’s regular 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.
