ENJOY A RIDE THROUGH LOCAL HISTORY
THE NEW SEASON IS HERE!
PUBLIC TOURS RUN MAY-OCTOBER
The past comes alive during River City History Tours at The Durham Museum! These 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 that highlight the unique history of various neighborhoods and locations in Omaha, ranging from the city’s infamous bootlegging past to the site of the Trans-Mississippi Exposition. Select from several unique tours throughout the season, including our walking tours of downtown Omaha.
- 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 shuttle). Tour vehicle subject to change.
- 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.
All tours include admission to the museum (you can visit the museum before and/or after your tour depending on museum operating hours). To reserve a seat for the tour, register below or call us at 402-444-5027. Payment is due at the time of reservation. Membership discount applies only to those in the household (Note to members: Your discount will be applied near the end of the online registration process). Full refunds will be granted for cancellations requested two weeks in advance.
Reserve your spot today!
SIGN UP FOR A PUBLIC BUS TOUR
SIGN UP FOR A PUBLIC WALKING TOUR
BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR
MEET YOUR TOUR GUIDES
“I would highly recommend these tours to learn more about the history of Omaha. Time well spent.”
– River City History Tours guest
2025 BUS TOURS
From Expositions to Jazz Musicians
Sunday, June 29 (1PM) • Tuesday, August 12 (6PM) • Sunday, October 12 (1PM)
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!
Omaha’s Parks and Boulevards
Tuesday, July 15 (6PM) • Sunday, August 17 (1PM) • Sunday, October 19 (1PM)
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 developers laid out so many years ago.
Remember the Ladies! The Women of Early Omaha
Sunday, May 11 (1PM) • Tuesday, June 10 (6PM) • Sunday, July 20 (1PM)
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, St. Cecilia Cathedral, and so much more!
Last Call for Alcohol: Omaha’s Bootlegging History
Tuesday, June 24 (6PM) • Sunday, July 13 (1PM) • Tuesday, August 26 (6PM) • Sunday, September 28 (1PM)
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.
THE GRITTY CITY
Now back as a full-length tour!
Sunday, May 18 (1PM) • Sunday, August 3 (1PM) • Sunday, October 5 (1PM)
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!
OMAHA, CENTER OF THE NATION
Sunday, July 6 (1PM) • Tuesday, August 5 (6PM) • Sunday, September 21 (1PM)
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.
This tour is a reimagined offering of last year’s “Omaha & The Presidents” tours.
BUS Tour Registration
Note to members, your discount will be applied near the end of the registration process.
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“This tour given by an informed and passionate guide, was an exceptional means to learn and see the history of our city. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Sign me up for the next one!”
– River City History Tours guest
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN OMAHA WALKING TOURS
Join us on select Saturdays between May-October 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. Find all walking tour dates in the pulldown menu below.
WALKING Tour Registration
Note to members, your discount will be applied near the end of the registration process.
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“(The downtown walking tour) was a great tour. A blend of the past and present in a logical way, at a normal pace so I could look at what I was being told about and enjoy.”
– River City History Tours guest
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 a date, time and tour theme (subject to availability) and have the whole bus to yourself!
For us to provide you the best experience possible, we kindly ask that any private tour inquiries be submitted at least FOUR WEEKS prior to the anticipated tour date.
For more information or to schedule a private tour, contact The Durham Museum Education Department at 402-444-5027 or education@durhammuseum.org.
“Thank you so much for our amazing tour. Our guides were very informative and we enjoyed listening to the history pieces we never knew.”
– Private tour guest
