Durham Museum

HOP ABOARD HISTORY AT AN ART DECO TRAIN STATION-TURNED-MUSEUM.

Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2017, this treasured Omaha attraction is filled with an extraordinary array of permanent exhibits showcasing the region’s history including restored train cars, 1940s store fronts, informational displays, and historical artifacts of the region. Train enthusiasts and history buffs alike will delight in The Durham Museum’s offerings.

THE DURHAM MUSEUM

Step into a bygone era as you enter the museum’s Great Hall. Enjoy the same grandeur that millions of rail travelers experienced during the train station’s heyday from 1931-1971. From its terrazzo tile flooring to the ceiling’s $10,000 gold leaf decoration, the lobby is a sight to behold. Life-like bronze statues of couples, military men and children placed throughout come alive with travel stories of people who once passed through the station.

Downstairs, experience Omaha’s history through a variety of permanent exhibits. Climb aboard and stroll through historic passenger trains from the 1940s and ‘50s, learn about the fascinating culture of the Omaha Native American Tribe by stepping into a rawhide tepee or sitting by the fire in a replica earth lodge and peek into the home of blue collar workers to experience the way families lived over a 100 years ago. View some of the rarest coins and documents in the world in the Byron Reed Collection, and walk through the Buffett Grocery Store–a replica of the original store operated by three generations of the storied Buffett family from 1869 to 1969. Little ones will especially enjoy the model trains with interactive features and the new STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) space.

Temporary exhibits rotate in and out of the Museum, with 2020 exhibitions including Pulitzer Prize Photographs (February 22–May 3), ‘Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked the World’ (May 30–September 6) and ‘The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited’ (October 3–January 10, 2021).

THE HOLIDAYS Christmas at Union Station is a magical way to celebrate the holiday season in Omaha. Marvel at the region’s largest indoor tree, and enjoy special events like the annual tree lighting ceremony, Ethnic Holiday Festival, a holiday concert series, family nights with Santa and Noon Year’s Eve.

On the main floor, satisfy your hunger for both food and nostalgia at the train station’s original 1930s soda fountain. Enjoy a sandwich and an old-fashioned phosphate made with your favorite flavoring and soda water straight out of the fountain dispenser; add some hand-scooped ice cream to make a luscious ice cream float. Malts, shakes and sundaes are also among favorites. The adjoining retro candy shop offers a variety of nostalgic, hard-to-find candies along with fresh popped popcorn.