Should we fly to Omaha, NE or Lincoln, NE?
Aug 15th, 2003, 10:54 AM
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Should we fly to Omaha, NE or Lincoln, NE?
We are thinking about visiting for 3-4 days Grand Island, NE in March 2004. Trying to figure out which airport should we use. Is for any reason the airport in Omaha beter than in Lincoln? Or should we just fly to Lincoln since it is closer to Grand Island? We will be renting a car. I would appreciate if you share your personal experiences with these two airports.
Any suggestions on accommodations around Grand Island?
Thanks
Any suggestions on accommodations around Grand Island?
Thanks
Aug 15th, 2003, 03:21 PM
#2
We had to get to Lincoln a couple of weeks ago and compared the choices (flights to either via Denver in our case.) The flights to Lincoln were more expensive and on smaller aircraft, so we picked Omaha. We then drove a rental car to the Lincoln airport to meet our party (the car added to the airfare was still cheaper). It took an hour on the freeway from OMA. Navigation was easy. The Omaha airport is pretty small compared to most; the Lincoln airport is very cosy and actually looked pretty user-friendly.
I'd let budget and timing be your guide. If we were going again we'd probably choose Lincoln and skip the drive. If you're going on to Grand Island you'll save an hour's drive each way.
Can't comment on Grand Island accommodations - we went past at around 80 mph.
I'd let budget and timing be your guide. If we were going again we'd probably choose Lincoln and skip the drive. If you're going on to Grand Island you'll save an hour's drive each way.
Can't comment on Grand Island accommodations - we went past at around 80 mph.
Aug 15th, 2003, 03:27 PM
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I wouldn't say one airport is better than the other--I've flown in and out of both. Omaha's is larger but not impressively so. I guess it all boils down to what sights you want to see on the way to GI. By flying into Omaha you could stop at the Strategic Air Command (SAC) in Omaha, for example, then drive 45 minutes down the road to Lincoln and see the sights there before continuing to Grand Island (only an hour or so from Lincoln). I'm partial to Lincoln, having lived there before moving to western Nebraska but it really depends on how much time you have and what you want to see. Im assuming that you have a definite reason to go to Grand Island (not that it isn't nice...)? I've never stayed in GI hotels but have heard nice things about a B&B called the Kirschke House. There are two Holiday Inns in town as well as a HI Express. Let me know if you have any other questions--not sure I was ANY help here!
Aug 15th, 2003, 06:22 PM
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If you can get a good deal on tickets and want to avoid big city driving, choose Lincoln as it's easier to get in and out of--but Omaha is not that big of a deal either. You just have to take the Interstate all the way downtown and north aways on an industrial road. Unless you want to do some sightseeing in Omaha (highly recommend the Henry Doorly Zoo,even in March), go Lincoln.
Aug 16th, 2003, 07:56 AM
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If you can't find a good deal into Lincoln or Omaha, you might also try Kansas City. The airport is on the side closest to Nebraska and many folks come down from Omaha to fly direct or less expensive.
Keith
Keith
Aug 18th, 2003, 02:45 AM
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Thank you Garddyloo, Tess, Happytourist and Keith. You are great help.
From your posts I concluded that we will just have to compare prices and if there is not a big difference we will fly to Lincoln. At this point there is a huge difference of about $300.00 Flying to Omaha is less expensive and this will be our reason to fly there. It is too early to buy our tickets anyway.
I did not do enough research regarding places we would like to see between Omaha and Lincoln but our reason for visiting Grand Island is to see and photograph sandhill cranes as they congregate along Platte River.
It looks that driving to Grand Island from Kansas City is much longer than from Omaha. Isn't it? We will keep comparing prices.
Tess, we are considering Holiday Inns. We will need to find out which one has better quality and service and is closer to the Crane Meadows Nature Center and all places where we can observe sandhills. Any suggestions? I checked the Kirschke House website but lately we are not too comfortable with B&Bs.
Thanks
From your posts I concluded that we will just have to compare prices and if there is not a big difference we will fly to Lincoln. At this point there is a huge difference of about $300.00 Flying to Omaha is less expensive and this will be our reason to fly there. It is too early to buy our tickets anyway.
I did not do enough research regarding places we would like to see between Omaha and Lincoln but our reason for visiting Grand Island is to see and photograph sandhill cranes as they congregate along Platte River.
It looks that driving to Grand Island from Kansas City is much longer than from Omaha. Isn't it? We will keep comparing prices.
Tess, we are considering Holiday Inns. We will need to find out which one has better quality and service and is closer to the Crane Meadows Nature Center and all places where we can observe sandhills. Any suggestions? I checked the Kirschke House website but lately we are not too comfortable with B&Bs.
Thanks
Aug 18th, 2003, 05:35 AM
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Wildflower,
The I-80 Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express (also near I-80) would be the closest hotels to the sanctuary. I believe the Express is closest. These two hotels are nicer than the Midtown Holiday Inn anyhow. Flying into Kansas City would add about 3 hours driving time but it's a very easy drive. The cranes are an awesome sight and worth the trip--I'm afraid we (I)take them for granted sometimes.
The I-80 Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express (also near I-80) would be the closest hotels to the sanctuary. I believe the Express is closest. These two hotels are nicer than the Midtown Holiday Inn anyhow. Flying into Kansas City would add about 3 hours driving time but it's a very easy drive. The cranes are an awesome sight and worth the trip--I'm afraid we (I)take them for granted sometimes.
Aug 20th, 2003, 07:32 AM
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Keith, thank you for a great suggestion. My husband would love this museum. Is this the one located in Ashland, exit 426 or the one in Omaha?
Tess, last night I looked at the map of Nebraska and I noticed that the Crane Meadow Center is located near Grand Island but the Row Sanctuary is near Kearney. We are planning on visiting both. Would you suggest staying at the Holiday Express in Grand Island or the Firfield Inn in Kearney. It looks that crane activities take place in between these two towns.
Can you recommend interesting art or science museum or any historic sites in that area? We would love to find some walking paths and hiking trails. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. Tess, thank you for your wonderful help
Aug 20th, 2003, 08:04 AM
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Wildflower, I hesitated suggesting this earlier since it's further west but I'd definitely consider staying in Kearney. Kearney's home to the Univ. of Nebraska-Kearney and has a little more atmosphere (in my opinion) than Grand Island. The Holiday Inn Express in Kearney is new and very very nice, plus it's right by the Interstate. We've also stayed at the Hampton Inn, which I'd recommend. Both places have breakfast. The Wingate Inn is another good place. Wouldn't recommend Ramada--very '70's, smells musty and is just nasty. Between soccer tournaments and other 'kid stuff' we've stayed in a bunch of Kearney hotels--oh, the Country Inn and Suites is also a good place to stay but I'd still go with the HI Express. As far as things to do in or near Kearney, definitely take time to visit the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument (aka 'The Arch' 
. I believe it's the only historical monument that has been granted air rights over a federal interstate--and you can bet it caused a stir in Nebraska when it was built--good and bad. It was in the movie "About Schmidt" if you've seen that. The arch spans the interstate a couple miles east of Kearney--I think you'd like it. It's one of those things that everyone should do once. Kearney also houses the Museum of Nebraska Art which I'm ashamed to say I've never visited. Like I said, we're usually camped out at soccer fields when visiting Kearney. I can't help with hiking trails, etc.--sorry. I'd expect the Kearney Chamber or Nebraska Travel and Tourism office could help there. Gee, I'm getting excited for your trip and I'm not even going!
. I believe it's the only historical monument that has been granted air rights over a federal interstate--and you can bet it caused a stir in Nebraska when it was built--good and bad. It was in the movie "About Schmidt" if you've seen that. The arch spans the interstate a couple miles east of Kearney--I think you'd like it. It's one of those things that everyone should do once. Kearney also houses the Museum of Nebraska Art which I'm ashamed to say I've never visited. Like I said, we're usually camped out at soccer fields when visiting Kearney. I can't help with hiking trails, etc.--sorry. I'd expect the Kearney Chamber or Nebraska Travel and Tourism office could help there. Gee, I'm getting excited for your trip and I'm not even going!
Aug 20th, 2003, 09:28 AM
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The SAC museum is near Ashland. It moved there a few years ago.
Two huge hangers plus attahced buildings. The planes are all inside, starting with the Blackbird in the lobby.
My favorite plane is a little one called the Gremlin which was made to hang from a long range bomber and drop off to give fighter support.
In addition to the US planes they have several space craft and a Mig.
Keith
Two huge hangers plus attahced buildings. The planes are all inside, starting with the Blackbird in the lobby.
My favorite plane is a little one called the Gremlin which was made to hang from a long range bomber and drop off to give fighter support.
In addition to the US planes they have several space craft and a Mig.
Keith
Aug 21st, 2003, 07:33 AM
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We got our reward tickets from Continental!!
So we will be arriving in Lincoln, although it means one extra connecting flight.
I checked on its website and called Holiday Inn Express. It is fully booked!
Holiday Inn is booked
Wingate Inn is booked.
I didn?t realize that this small town could be so busy but all those birders are flying in at the same time.
I need to check the Country Inn and Suites, Hampton Inn and Fairfield Inn.
Tess, do you know anything about Fairfield Inn? We could use our Marriott?s points. All your suggestions are greatly appreciated. We will certainly visit the Arch and the Museum of Nebraska Art. Thanks again
Keith, my husband would love to visit the SAC museum but now since we will be flying to Lincoln I don't know what we should do. Do you think this would be an easy drive from Lincoln to Ashland?
So we will be arriving in Lincoln, although it means one extra connecting flight.
I checked on its website and called Holiday Inn Express. It is fully booked!
Holiday Inn is booked
Wingate Inn is booked.
I didn?t realize that this small town could be so busy but all those birders are flying in at the same time.
I need to check the Country Inn and Suites, Hampton Inn and Fairfield Inn.
Tess, do you know anything about Fairfield Inn? We could use our Marriott?s points. All your suggestions are greatly appreciated. We will certainly visit the Arch and the Museum of Nebraska Art. Thanks again
Keith, my husband would love to visit the SAC museum but now since we will be flying to Lincoln I don't know what we should do. Do you think this would be an easy drive from Lincoln to Ashland?
Aug 21st, 2003, 01:02 PM
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The mueseum is about half way between Omaha & Lincoln, so the drive shouldn't be bad. Less than 30 miles from the Lincoln Airport.
And if I remember correctly, the speed limit is something like 80 MPH!
Keith
And if I remember correctly, the speed limit is something like 80 MPH!
Keith
Aug 21st, 2003, 06:01 PM
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Wildflower,
We love Marriott rewards points, too! You'll be fine at the Fairfield--it seems to me like it was built in the mid 90's so it's pretty new. Location is good--right on hotel row less than a mile from I-80. I forgot to mention that Kearney hotels are almost ALWAYS full--doesn't matter what time of the year you're looking. Since Kearney's located about in the middle of the state, school and state events are often held there. We live WAYYYYY out west and are still a 4 1/2 hour drive to Kearney.
Anyhow, good luck with booking the Fairfield.
We love Marriott rewards points, too! You'll be fine at the Fairfield--it seems to me like it was built in the mid 90's so it's pretty new. Location is good--right on hotel row less than a mile from I-80. I forgot to mention that Kearney hotels are almost ALWAYS full--doesn't matter what time of the year you're looking. Since Kearney's located about in the middle of the state, school and state events are often held there. We live WAYYYYY out west and are still a 4 1/2 hour drive to Kearney.
Anyhow, good luck with booking the Fairfield.
Aug 21st, 2003, 06:57 PM
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For the historical piece - you may want to check out the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island. It is a "living history" type of place. I haven't been there for years, but it was very interesting.....www.stuhrmuseum.org.
Aug 22nd, 2003, 05:48 AM
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Maple, thank you. We added the Stuhr Museum to our list. There are many things we are interested in seeing. Hopefully the Henry Fonda?s house will be open in March when we visiting. Is this museum honestly located on 200 acres? What a space. Yes, we have to go there!!!!!!!!!
Tess, this is what we say too! We live wayyyyyy up Upstate New York.
I booked our accommodation at the Fairfield Inn. The rate is $45.00 per night. So we concluded that it wasn?t worthy to waist Marriott?s points.
For our last night we need to stay somewhere in the Lincoln area. I don?t think we need to be near the airport as w'll have a rental car. Besides we would like to visit the SAC museum in Ashland, then return to Lincoln to visit the University of Nebraska State Museum or the Museum of Nebraska History. What can I say. We love museums! We often find some undiscovered gems in small towns.
You mentioned that you lived in Lincoln. Would you please suggest hotel and restaurant there
Tess, my husband and I truly treasure your immense help. Thank you
Aug 22nd, 2003, 06:03 PM
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Wildflower,
It's my pleasure! I love my state and am thrilled that someone is making it their vacation destination. I've always said that Nebraska's charms are subtle but amazing to those who are open to them. Lincoln is wonderful--try and stay in the downtown Haymarket area if you can--it would be a nice ending to your trip. Unfortunately the only Marriott property in Lincoln is a Fairfield Inn in north Lincoln--don't do it. The Embassy Suites is a new hotel downtown--we love it there. You're close to the Univ. of Nebraska campus and the football stadium--nirvana to anyone who bleeds Husker red. The Holiday Inn is also a good place to stay in the Haymarket--they're both within walking distance to many fun and interesting restaurants as well as to the museums that you mentioned. For casual dining we love Lazlos. La Paloma (both of these in the Haymarket) is authentic Mexican food--delicious. If you want something a little different and pretty casual, try Rock and Roll Runza downtown. Runzas (or cabbage burgers as they're known in my family) are a German-Russian delicacy: hamburger, cabbage and spices wrapped in dough and baked. Totally yum and very Nebraskan. There are Runza restaurants all over Nebraska but this is the cutest--50's themed with waitresses who rollerskate. My kids love it there. There is also a Runza restaurant in Kearney--try one at some point in your trip--their cheese runzas are the best (next to my Mom's homemade ones). If you have time, walk through or tour the state capital--it's gorgeous and home of the nation's only unicameral legislature (for what it's worth). We lived way out south in suburbia during our Lincoln years but trekked to the Haymarket on a regular basis just because there's always something going on.
It's my pleasure! I love my state and am thrilled that someone is making it their vacation destination. I've always said that Nebraska's charms are subtle but amazing to those who are open to them. Lincoln is wonderful--try and stay in the downtown Haymarket area if you can--it would be a nice ending to your trip. Unfortunately the only Marriott property in Lincoln is a Fairfield Inn in north Lincoln--don't do it. The Embassy Suites is a new hotel downtown--we love it there. You're close to the Univ. of Nebraska campus and the football stadium--nirvana to anyone who bleeds Husker red. The Holiday Inn is also a good place to stay in the Haymarket--they're both within walking distance to many fun and interesting restaurants as well as to the museums that you mentioned. For casual dining we love Lazlos. La Paloma (both of these in the Haymarket) is authentic Mexican food--delicious. If you want something a little different and pretty casual, try Rock and Roll Runza downtown. Runzas (or cabbage burgers as they're known in my family) are a German-Russian delicacy: hamburger, cabbage and spices wrapped in dough and baked. Totally yum and very Nebraskan. There are Runza restaurants all over Nebraska but this is the cutest--50's themed with waitresses who rollerskate. My kids love it there. There is also a Runza restaurant in Kearney--try one at some point in your trip--their cheese runzas are the best (next to my Mom's homemade ones). If you have time, walk through or tour the state capital--it's gorgeous and home of the nation's only unicameral legislature (for what it's worth). We lived way out south in suburbia during our Lincoln years but trekked to the Haymarket on a regular basis just because there's always something going on.
Aug 25th, 2003, 03:12 AM
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Tess, I took your hint under consideration and reserved our room at the Embassy Suites. Now what I have to do is wait for some decent prices of car rentals. Then, before we know, it will be March 2004. There are so many things to do in Nebraska beside watching and photographing sandhill cranes. All the museums sound just what we love to visit and we have to try those Nebraskan cabbage burgers. I am saving your suggestions for dining out in Lincoln. Unfortunately we will have there only part of a day. I added the State Capitol to our list. If you have any other recommendations please post them here. Thank you for your immense help with organizing our trip.
Do you think that getting to the Lincoln airport one hour before departure will give us enough time for returning our car and checking in? Our departure is on Sunday morning.
Do you think that getting to the Lincoln airport one hour before departure will give us enough time for returning our car and checking in? Our departure is on Sunday morning.
Aug 25th, 2003, 09:00 AM
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I would get there earlier just because--you never know what security will be like by then. Of course, I'm married to the man who just isn't happy unless he's the first one anywhere--so I've been brainwashed on being early for the past 20 years--ha! I wish you a wonderful trip--let me know if you have any other questions and make sure and post a trip report when you get back!
