Durham Museum

THE DURHAM MUSEUM

STEP INTO A BYGONE ERA 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 highlighting 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 moment you step inside the Great Hall, you’re swept back into the 1930s. 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 stories of people who once passed through the train station. Explore the lower level of the museum and experience Omaha’s history through a variety of permanent exhibits. Learn how people traveled in the 1940s and ‘50s when you climb aboard and stroll through historic passenger trains. Discover 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. Peek into the home of blue-collar workers to experience the way families lived over 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. The model trains are popular with little ones. The train set has interactive features that allows visitors to lower the crossing guards and turn on the lights. Temporary exhibits rotate in and out of the museum, with 2021 exhibitions including ‘Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked the World’ (Spring 2021) and ‘Beyond the Vote’ (Spring 2021). On the main floor, take a break and delight in 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.

History lovers should go to VisitOmaha.com for more info