River City History Tours

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Join us for another exciting season of River City History Tours in 2023! These popular tours depart from The Durham Museum and highlight the unique history of various neighborhoods and locations in Omaha ranging from the city’s infamous bootlegging history to historic mansions and the families who built them. 

Purchase a ticket on a public tour or gather a group of friends, family or coworkers for your very own private trip! Public tour tickets cost $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Private tour pricing varies based on group size and can be provided upon inquiry. For additional information, contact the Education Services Department at 402-444-5027 or education@DurhamMuseum.org. Schedule and registration for public tours will be available beginning April 1.

• From Expositions to Jazz MusiciansIn 1898, Omaha hosted the Trans-Mississippi & International Exposition, an event that brought millions to visit 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 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.
• Millionaires & Mansions – SouthTake 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.
• Millionaires & Mansions – NorthExplore 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 trolley will drive on the first curved street in the city and visitors will see many stately homes in the original “West Omaha.”
• Parks & BoulevardsDid 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.
• Remember the LadiesHop on a trolley 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 Cecelia’s Cathedral, and so much more!

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