Your Ultimate Fall Guide to Omaha

Written By Sarah Maier

Pumpkin patches, ghost stories, and everything in between.

Autumn in Omaha is magical. The city takes on a new character as we wave goodbye to hot summer days and usher in cool temps, crisp air, and colorful leaves. It’s tempting to cozy up indoors with a hot cup of coffee under a warm blanket, but don’t miss out on all the fun fall activities Omaha has to offer! There are so many wonderful things to do with family and friends this season that I put together this fall guide to Omaha.

Local Favorites

No fall in Omaha is complete without a visit to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna, NE. For over four decades, a trip to Vala’s has been a beloved tradition for countless Omaha families. Vala’s offers 50+ attractions in addition to 55 acres of pumpkins to pick from. From hayrack rides and a corn maze to pig derby races and animatronic scarecrow bands, Vala’s has something for everyone. Don’t forget to grab a giant turkey leg when you go! Check out everything Vala’s has to offer here.

The Bellevue Berry Farm has been a family owned and operated berry and pumpkin farm since 1983. In addition to offering over 20 acres of berries and pumpkins to choose from, the Bellevue Berry Farm offers a host of autumn activities. Catch a hayride through the woods, visit a real Old West ghost town, and let the kids explore a three story, 120-foot long pirate ship.

Visit Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch in Blair, NE, to find the perfect pumpkin this fall. You can get lost in a 10-acre corn maze, visit their petting zoo, and see the nation’s largest indoor tornado simulator, among over 30 other attractions.

Events

Omaha has plenty of fall events that you don’t want to miss. Stop by the harvest edition of Junkstock, one of the best vintage & junk festivals in the country, which takes place over two weekends in October. If you missed it last weekend, you still have time to catch it October 9th through the 11th.

Fall is a wonderful time to visit the Henry Doorly Zoo, especially for their annual Halloween event, Zootacular. Taking place October 14th, 16th-18th, 23rd-25th, and 30th, you won’t want to miss trick-or-treating at the zoo, live entertainment, and visiting the animal exhibits after hours.

There are plenty of other trick-or-treating opportunities available around town, too. Here are a few places you can take the kids to stock up on candy this October:

Autumn Outdoors

Want to get outdoors to soak in the beautiful fall foliage? The Omaha metro has got you covered with plenty of great parks and trails. Put on your hiking shoes, pack a thermos of hot apple cider, and crunch some leaves underfoot exploring nature at these outdoor spaces:

  • Chalco Hills Recreation Area: more than 7 miles of trails around Wehrspann Lake. The main entrance is off 154th St and Giles Rd.

  • Elmwood Park: one of Omaha’s most historic parks. Great for picnics and walking. Located near UNO’s campus between Pacific St and Dodge St.

  • Fontenelle Forest: located 15 minutes south of downtown with 17 miles of trails to explore. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

Haunted Houses

If you’re feeling particularly spooky this Halloween, you’ll have no trouble finding a good scare in Omaha. In fact, beyond scary Halloween attractions, our city has a few urban legends of real ghosts lurking around the metro.

Hummel Park is known for being haunted. It sits above a cliff known as the “Devil’s Slide” and contains the “Stairs to Hell,” which reportedly change in number when ascending or descending. The halls of Central High School are supposedly haunted by a former school custodian. Some witnesses have heard the sounds of sweeping in the hallways while others have even seen a shadowy entity waving at students from the dean’s office.

If you prefer ghosts, ghouls, and monsters that are not real, check out any of Omaha’s haunted houses. It’s a good idea to confirm age restrictions before visiting:

Omaha has so much to offer when planning your fall adventures. It’s also a great time to tour homes to know exactly what you’re getting. You’ll see how the furnace runs after being off all summer, and it’s easier spot any drafty spots throughout the house as temperatures drop. With falling leaves, you can also assess any loose branches or hanging limbs in trees after storm season.

If you’re buying or selling this fall, don’t let fear haunt your home search. Whether it’s a fear of overpaying, fear of interest rates, or fear of the entire home-buying process, I’m here to help. Call me at 402-830-2879 or visit smpavelrealtor.com to simplify your home search.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fall in Omaha

When does Vala’s Pumpkin Patch close this season? Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Patch, and Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch all close November 1st this season.

Where can I go hiking in Omaha this fall? You can go hiking at Chalco Hills Recreation Area and Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue, both of which have miles of trails.

Are there any trick-or-treating events in Omaha? Yes, check out Tricks & Treats at Westwood Plaza, Baseballoween at Werner Park, or Trick or Treat with the Animals of Gifford Farm. Click here for more events.

Sarah Maier
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