Travel and Places

Omaha’s unknown: A tour of hidden gems

The Invisible Art Gallery on Leavenworth

In a barely noticed alley off Leavenworth Street, the Invisible Art Gallery presents its non-existent masterpieces. With a collection so advanced it’s invisible, this gallery challenges patrons to find deeper meaning in… well, nothing. “I stared at a blank wall for an hour, and I think I felt something,” says a bewildered art enthusiast.

Dodge Street’s Underground Submarine Races

Beneath the bustling surface of Dodge Street lies a secret world of luxury and competition: the Underground Submarine Races. Omaha’s wealthy convene in these hidden tunnels to cheer on miniature submarines. “It’s like watching snail races, but with more pressure,” chuckles an anonymous socialite.

The Whispering Library in Old Market

Hidden in a corner of Old Market, the Whispering Library is a paradoxical haven where all books are blank. Visitors are encouraged to listen to the silence of the pages. An Old Market artist muses, “It’s either a profound experience or an elaborate prank.”

The Upside-Down Café in Benson

Benson, known for its quirky vibes, is home to the Upside-Down Café. Defying gravity, this café offers a dining experience where even the coffee is served upside down. “Last time I tried to sip my latte, I spilled it on what I thought was the table but was actually the ceiling,” laughs a regular.

The Labyrinthine Laundromat near Aksarben Village

Just a stone’s throw from Aksarben Village, this laundromat is a maze of endless washers and dryers. Patrons navigate this puzzling place in hopes of finding their way out with the freshest clothes in town. “I’ve been trying to exit for two weeks. On the plus side, I’ve never had cleaner shirts,” texts a patron from somewhere between the dryers.

In these hidden corners of Omaha, from Leavenworth to Aksarben, the line between reality and absurdity is blurred, creating a cityscape that is as bizarre as it is endearing. It’s Omaha, but not as you know it.

Joe Ditzel

Joe Ditzel is a keynote speaker, humor writer, and really bad golfer. You can reach him via email at [email protected] as well as Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.