10+ Popular Instagram Photo Spots In Omaha

Visitors to Omaha and locals alike love getting that “just perfect” photo. To help you find your next Instagram pic, here are a list of Omaha’s most Instagrammable photo spots!

Not an Instagrammer, but just want a great backdrop for family photos? Keep reading! At the end of this post, I share some great spots for family pictures.

Updates: This post was first published in March 2021 and has been updated in September 2021 with recent closures.

Instagrammable Omaha

I recruited my adorable niece to help with some of these. She’s way more photogenic than I am. You don’t need an Instagram account to warrant taking a picture at any of these places.

Little Italy Spaghetti Fork (“Stile di Famiglia”)

Where: 1115 S. Seventh St.

Omaha’s Little Italy neighborhood was once home to popular restaurants (read about some of them in my book, “Lost Restaurants of Omaha.”) This 15-foot tall fork pays homage to one of the most memorable, Caniglia’s.

Lauritzen Gardens Conservatory

Where: 100 Bancroft St.

No matter the time of year, the conservatory at Lauritzen Gardens is full of photo opps (I even had my wedding there). Find tropical backdrops, Victorian-looking settings, and a ton of green there. Temporary exhibits regularly add more Insta-worthy shots.

Of course, in-season spots around the outdoor gardens are also brimming with great shots. My favorites are the Victorian Gardens and Garden in the Glen.

Tip: Pro photography for portraits require special permission at the gardens.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Where: 3701 S. 10th St.

There could be a single post highlighting all of the Instagrammable spots at the zoo. Some of the highlights can be found in the Desert Dome, the jelly fish inside the Aquarium, and several angles around the indoor rainforest.

Related post: 40 Expert Tips For Visiting Omaha’s Zoo

Bob Kerrey bridge state line

Where: 705 Riverfront Drive

The Bob, the familiar name for the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge that spans the Missouri River, is frequently in the backdrop of Instagram photos. Most people go with the “straddling the Nebraska-Iowa state line” photo. 

If you’re more of a landscape photographer, get a wide shot of the winding bridge with the cityscape in the background. (You’ll have to be on the Council Bluffs side of the river for that one.

Mulhalls

Where: 3615 N. 120th St.

There’s a reason so many people have take their family Christmas pictures and senior pictures at Mulhalls. The garden shop has gorgeous photo opportunities, often changing for the season. 

Look for the old truck for one of the most popular shots.

Passageway

Where: 417 S. 11th St.

This indoor spot in the Old Market could trick your eyes – you’d think you’re outdoors with stringed lights and greenery cascading all around the brick walls. 

Take a selfie here but don’t plan an all-out photo shoot. There are strict photography rules there.

While you’re in the Old Market, take a stroll and find more random photo opps. The brick roads and warehouses make sweet contrasts. A few of the restaurants also craft photo-worthy plates of food, too.

Blackstone District

Where: From 37th to 41st streets between Farnam and Leavenworth streets

Even without going into any of the restaurants or shops in the Blackstone District, you’ll find backgrounds for gorgeous photos. Be on the lookout for the outdoor murals.

Several Blackstone District restaurants are so tastefully designed, you’ll want to snap another photo. A few that come to mind: Early Bird and Coneflower Creamery. I’ve seen some great photos come from the new food hall, The Switch, and the new hotel, Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel.

The Love Mural

Where: Behind Love’s Jazz & Art Center on North 24th Street

One of the most recognizable murals in Omaha, the Love Mural is found in the historic North Omaha neighborhood. Created during his residency at the Bemis Center, New York artist Cey Adams designed this mural to reflect the hopes of the community for the future while also referencing its past.

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard

Where: 12102 S. 180th St., Gretna, Neb.

Obviously being a pumpkin patch, Vala’s is a pretty seasonal photo opportunity spot. Think beyond pumpkins, though. There are old farm equipment throughout the grounds, a beautiful wildflower field, and if you time it right, sunflowers in bloom.

And their milkshakes are also a great Insta photo prop.

Nelson Produce Farm

Where: 10505 N 234th St., Valley, Neb.

Speaking of sunflowers, the iconic photos you often see of people standing in a big sunflower field? They’re usually taken at the Nelson Produce Farm. Sunflower season is pretty short, but don’t worry, there are other colorful photo spots.

It’s a bit of a drive, though, so I wouldn’t just plan on going out there just for photos.

Junkstock at Sycamore Farms 

Where: 1150 River Road Drive, Waterloo, Neb.

Just about every turn at the huge Junkstock event has a photo opportunity, some that seem created just for your Instagram feed. You almost forget to shop while you’re there.

Random spots for the ‘gram

Keep your eyes open and you’ll find more Instagrammable parts of Omaha. I’ve spotted a couple staged set-ups inside Oak View Mall (top floor, near the food court), as well as a pretty cool Omaha mural inside Ramada Plaza Omaha Hotel and Convention Center.

Places to take family photos in Omaha

This could be a whole post of its own. Everyone is always asking for ideas on where to get great outdoor pictures in Omaha for family portraits, senior pictures, or simply special moments with kids.

You’ll always find roaming photographers and families in the Old Market because of the warn brick buildings and unique architecture.

For parks, scout out areas at:

• Memorial Park (maybe the rose garden, maybe the trees near it), 6005 Underwood Ave.
• OPPD Arboretum at 108th and Blondo streets
• Elmwood Park grotto, 802 S. 60th St.
• Chalco Hills Recreation Area, 8901 S. 154th St.
• Dappen Tree Farm, 20873 Greenview Road, Council Bluffs, Iowa
• Joslyn Castle (indoor and outdoor, but you need to reserve a time), 3902 Davenport St.
• A lot of people go to Mullhalls, too.