Improving Tourism in Nebraska (Omaha, Lincoln: appointed, restaurants, costs)

[Steve_W]

Originally Posted by Gretchen B

I think some of the rural communities could be quaint and inviting. They just need to capitalize on their history and character, with some unique shops. Obviously if a town is too "out in the boonies" that won't work, but if it were close enough to I-80 or Lincoln, Omaha, or the Kearney areas it might work.

And I think Nebraska could advertise more. I think most people from other parts of the country have no idea what Nebraska has to offer. Maybe even some sort of a "safari" type outfitters/adventure for the city folk. Seriously, though. I think some urban people would love to experience a real trail ride or covered wagon trek or a sandhills birdwatching expedition. Nebraska needs to capitalize on its strengths instead of trying to imitate the big city boys. It's Nebraska's lack of population and true wilderness that may actually be it's biggest tourist draw.

There was an amusement park planned and approved for the city of Council Bluffs that was supposed to be comparable to a six flags. I'm not sure what happened with that though.

[tpabes]

Originally Posted by Steve_W

There was an amusement park planned and approved for the city of Council Bluffs that was supposed to be comparable to a six flags. I'm not sure what happened with that though.

Suprised it fell through, Council Bluffs has really been building lately, the thing is the park would be in Iowa, just like the casinos, which is another topic that was big in Nebraska for awhile. Speaking of the Omaha area and tourism, if they do indeed end up tearing down Rosenblatt, I hope the zoo gets a least some of the land (at least for parking!). We are very lucky to have the zoo we have in Omaha. I know the zoo has a lot of land, but that type of space right next door couldn't be passed up and even though I do not reside there and don't have to pay for an enterainment tax, I say Omaha needs to do whatever they have to, to keep the CWS (another big topic!)

[tpabes]

Originally Posted by mattpoulsen

Certainly Nebraska counties couldn't sustain a large amusement park like resort by themselves. I was suggesting that the "resort" be something significant enough to get people from Kansas, Colorado, S.D., and Wyoming to travel to it. Presented almost like an oasis in the middle of the country. However, the weather probably is the nail in the coffin. Mainly just wishful thinking on my part.

Ok, you lets say Mr. Buffet say he will pay for anything that we want to build, there are no politics involved, its a utopia for building. What would you build, improve, change, whatever to improve tourism in Nebraska? Be as crazy as you want. Open to everyone not just mattpoulsen.

[Steve_W]

Great Topic, which could probably be a thread starter? Syracuse, NY planned a huge indoor development which in essence would be its own indoor city. It would include amusement parks, casinos, restaurants, hotels, shopping...etc...etc. Nothing like a mall...more like a large version of an indoor village point. I have no idea if it was built or will be, however. Something like that could be a great catalyst for tourism near Omaha/Council Bluffs area as our climate hinders tourism here as well. Not sure how Buffet would feel about investing in a Casino though.

[mattpoulsen]

I like Steve's idea. The Mall of America indicates that this type of idea can be successful. I understand Steve isn't just talking about a mall, but the idea is there. There is no reason Nebraska can't do that. Plant that in between Lincoln and Omaha and that ugly 'ol I-80 corridor would develop and improve dramatically.

[Steve_W]

With a new regional airport (hub airport) in time could also boost tourism as it would bring down ticket prices, better accessibility and drive the economy in that area dramatically.

These kinds of Ideas are Nebraska's only hope to develop large amounts of tourism and in turn bring in large amounts of outside capital. Most people complain of the taxes here in Omaha but what do you expect when everything paid for in this city is with our dollars and only our dollars. In time maybe that would lower some taxes? (exception of property tax of course.)

[JesusisLord]

People aren't likely to visit Nebraska on vacation unless they are going to Mount Rushmore on the way, or going on their daugher's college trip to Nebraska University. The state doesn't have a big city with a tourist attraction! Obviously people from Iowa, Colorado, or Kansas might drive through, but that Nebraska road trip will be come a "yeah I did that twenty years ago adventure."

[Steve_W]

Originally Posted by JesusisLord

People aren't likely to visit Nebraska on vacation unless they are going to Mount Rushmore on the way, or going on their daugher's college trip to Nebraska University. The state doesn't have a big city with a tourist attraction! Obviously people from Iowa, Colorado, or Kansas might drive through, but that Nebraska road trip will be come a "yeah I did that twenty years ago adventure."

Um Yeah............. That's kinda why this thread is geared more towards building an attraction. We know there isn't anything significant here drawing tourism.

[Steve_W]

Originally Posted by tpabes

Suprised it fell through, Council Bluffs has really been building lately, the thing is the park would be in Iowa, just like the casinos, which is another topic that was big in Nebraska for awhile. Speaking of the Omaha area and tourism, if they do indeed end up tearing down Rosenblatt, I hope the zoo gets a least some of the land (at least for parking!). We are very lucky to have the zoo we have in Omaha. I know the zoo has a lot of land, but that type of space right next door couldn't be passed up and even though I do not reside there and don't have to pay for an enterainment tax, I say Omaha needs to do whatever they have to, to keep the CWS (another big topic!)

They are building a new stadium. It's going to be a while before it's announced I bet but I do know that they are. By the way, little known fact, the citizens of Omaha are going to be paying much much much less money for this stadium than they think. It's not going to be cheap but they aren't paying much...that's all I'm saying. Poor Fahey, taking all the heat for this stadium project and he really does have a good thing going at the moment. The only thing the citizens of Omaha can really be upset over (which I am totally not) is that it won't be at Rosenblatt anymore. I think the facility was outdated anyway. Repairs and updates would have to be done from the inside out and that's not good business.

[aerahrtlu]

I also like Steve's idea for an indoor thing. But, I would personally build it alittle farther west to draw people out that way, instead of in the Lincoln and Omaha region. Not like far west, but maybe halfway inbetween Lincoln and GI or something.
We need to draw more people towards the smaller populated areas of the state, instead of towards the bigger cities. That way people can see that Nebraska has more to offer than what's in Omaha or Lincoln.
I also think that it would help Nebraska if we built better and easier accessable roadways in western, northern and central NE.