Henry Doorly Zoo
An Omaha zoo with the largest indoor desert and one of the largest indoor rainforests in the world, both under domes.
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The zoo's approach has been to build large enclosed environments, which suits a city with severe winters. The Desert Dome, opened in 2002, is a geodesic dome about seventy metres across holding three desert environments - Namib, Red Centre and Sonoran - and is the largest indoor desert anywhere. Beneath it, Kingdoms of the Night is the largest nocturnal exhibit in the world, including an indoor swamp. The Lied Jungle is among the largest indoor rainforests. Scott Aquarium has a shark tunnel. The zoo also runs a genetics research centre working on assisted reproduction for endangered species, and holds one of the larger collections of great apes in the country.
What you actually see
- The Desert Dome - seventy metres across, three deserts under one roof.
- Kingdoms of the Night - the largest nocturnal exhibit anywhere.
- The Lied Jungle - among the largest indoor rainforests.
- A working genetics research centre - on the same site.
When to go
Year round; the indoor exhibits make winter viable. A full day.
Honest expectations
It is large and takes a full day. Summer weekends and school holidays are very busy. Some exhibits and the train cost extra. Parking fills at peak.
Nearby
The Old Market district is north in downtown Omaha.
What to pack for Henry Doorly Zoo
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
