Creativity, community, and coffee shops come together to form Elkhorn, a part of Omaha that’s welcoming but still retains its strong independent identity and is one of the city’s more unique neighborhoods.
Just stroll through Olde Town Elkhorn and you’ll see what makes this place special. Local artwork is everywhere, from the walls of coffee shops to art galleries and even just the building walls themselves! People are friendly and welcoming, the ice cream parlors are always busy, and there’s a quirky, interesting shop on every corner. To experience the best of Elkhorn, check out our neighborhood guide.
HurrdatONE: Your Omaha Neighborhood Experts
The HurrdatONE team is local to Omaha, and proud to call it home. We’ve personally spent time in Elkhorn and dozens of other Omaha-area neighborhoods, seeking out the local spots, hidden gems, and community favorites that make each one unique. From family-owned restaurants to parks, breweries to dive bars, we’ve walked the streets, talked to business owners, and experienced these neighborhoods firsthand.
- Top Entertainment Spots in Elkhorn
- Local Restaurants & Elkhorn Neighborhood Bars
- Parks & Outdoor Spaces in Elkhorn
- A Quick Note on Getting to Elkhorn
Top Entertainment Spots in Elkhorn
Indian Creek Golf Course
Indian Creek Golf Course is one of the most respected public golf courses in the Omaha metro. The course is well-maintained and offers a layout that challenges experienced golfers without punishing casual players, striking a balance that keeps it busy with a wide range of skill levels throughout the season. The clubhouse provides a solid post-round experience, especially inside its restaurant Approach, which offers fine dining worthy food in a casual atmosphere. Tee times book up quickly on weekends, so planning ahead is worth it.
- Perfect For: Weekend rounds with a foursome, solo rounds on a weekday morning
- Address: 3825 N 202nd St, Elkhorn, NE 68022
- Cost: Prices vary depending on time and day
- Parking: Free attached lot
- Hours: Open daily 6 a.m.–8 p.m.
The Garden Gallery
The Garden Gallery is the kind of Elkhorn business that earns a loyal following not through flashy marketing but through authentic quality and community presence. As a local art gallery and garden-focused retail space, The Garden Gallery offers something genuinely distinct from the rest of Elkhorn’s commercial landscape. It’s a natural stop for anyone who appreciates locally made art, thoughtful gifts, or simply a beautiful space to browse. The gallery also hosts events that bring the community together in ways that feel organic rather than promotional. If you’re shopping for a gift that actually means something or looking for a piece of local art for your home, The Garden Gallery deserves a visit.
- Perfect For: Unique gift shopping, local art collectors and garden enthusiasts
- Address:2721 N 206th St, Elkhorn, NE 68022
- Cost: Free to peruse, pieces of art are priced individually
- Parking: Street parking
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Main Street Studios
This former garage has been converted into a beautiful living art gallery that hosts resident artists. They create paintings, bronze and silver sculptures, and both blown and stained glass masterpieces. There are two large gallery spaces to browse finished pieces and individual in-house studios where you can watch the artists work. Main Street Studios rotates in featured artists and host open houses several times a year.
- Perfect For: Perusing local art
- Address: 2610 N Main St, Elkhorn, NE 68022
- Cost: Free
- Parking: Street parking
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Local Restaurants & Elkhorn Neighborhood Bars
Jukes Ale Works
Jukes Ale Works is Elkhorn’s go-to neighborhood brewery and one of the friendliest taprooms you’ll find anywhere in the metro. The brewery produces its own craft beers on-site, giving the space a friendly brewpub atmosphere that feels earned rather than manufactured. The food menu holds its own alongside the beer, with a rotating selection of pub fare that pairs well with whatever’s on tap. The bar area has a comfortable, lived-in feel, and the outdoor patio is a strong option when the weather cooperates.
- Perfect For: Post-round drinks after Indian Creek, casual weeknight dinner with neighbors
- Address: 20560 Elkhorn Dr, Elkhorn, NE 68022
- Cost: $–$$
- Parking: Free street parking
- Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Tuesday & Thursday 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Dairy Chef
There’s no beating Dairy Chef for soft serve in Omaha, and Elkhorn residents are fortunate to have one of the most beloved locations in the metro right in their backyard. The ice cream has a smooth, silky consistency, and Dairy Chef loads it with whatever toppings you choose, from fresh fruits and nuts to cookie dough, candy bars, and waffle cone pieces. The outdoor ordering window setup is pure Midwestern summer nostalgia, and the lines that form on warm evenings are a testament to how seriously Elkhorn takes its dessert. Don’t be put off by the wait, as the turnover is fast, and the payoff is absolutely worth it. This is a mandatory stop on any Elkhorn visit between late spring and early fall.
- Perfect For: Summer evening family outings, post-park treat runs
- Address: 3223 N 204th St, Elkhorn, NE 68022
- Cost: $
- Parking: Free parking
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday noon-9 p.m.
Maximo’s Cantina
Maximo’s Cantina brings solid Mexican food to Elkhorn with a warm, casual atmosphere that works equally well for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner. The menu leans into traditional cantina staples such tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas executed with care and consistency that has built Maximo’s a loyal following in the neighborhood. The interior is colorful and inviting, and the staff has a reputation for making regulars feel welcome. If you’re coming with a group, the shared plates and pitcher margaritas make for an easy, low-pressure evening. It’s the kind of place West Omaha and Elkhorn residents return to regularly rather than saving for a special occasion.
- Perfect For: Family dinner nights, group outings with pitcher margaritas
- Address: 2613 N Main St, Elkhorn, NE 68022
- Cost: $
- Parking: Free street parking
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Coneflower Creamery
The creamy consistency and velvety mouthfeel of Coneflower‘s ice cream have earned it not only the adoration of Omaha faithful, but national recognition. Yelp named Coneflower the best ice cream shop in America in 2023, and a few spoonfuls are all you need to understand why. Coneflower’s farm-to-cone philosophy means seasonal ingredients and rotating flavors that actually reflect what’s growing and what’s good; there are no artificial dyes or shortcuts here. The Elkhorn location serves the same award-winning product as the original Blackstone District shop and the Millwork Commons outpost, making it an anchor for the west side. If you’re introducing someone to Omaha’s food scene for the first time, Coneflower is one of the places you take them.
- Perfect For: Introducing out-of-town guests to Omaha’s food scene, date night dessert
- Address: 2625 N Main St, Elkhorn, NE 68022
- Cost: $$
- Parking: Free street parking
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday noon-10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Parks & Outdoor Spaces in Elkhorn
Ta-Ha-Zouka Park
Ta-Ha-Zouka Park is one of the most underappreciated green spaces in the Omaha metro, and Elkhorn residents know it well. The park offers a genuinely peaceful setting that’s hard to find this close to a major city. Amenities include picnic shelters, open green space, and pickleball courts that makes it a natural destination for families, dog walkers, and anyone who needs a few hours away from screens. The park’s name comes from a Ponca chief, grounding it in the deeper history of this part of Nebraska. On a warm weekend morning, Ta-Ha-Zouka fills with locals in a way that feels more like a neighborhood gathering than a public park visit.
- Perfect For: Weekend family picnics, morning walks, pickleball matches
- Address: 905 Elkhorn Drive, Elkhorn NE 68022
- Cost: Free
- Parking: Free on-site lot
- Hours: Daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
Elkhorn Shores Campground
Elkhorn Shores Campground gives the metro an accessible camping option that doesn’t require a two-hour drive to the Sandhills. Situated near the Elkhorn River, the campground offers a combination of tent and RV sites alongside amenities that make it usable for both seasoned campers and families trying it for the first time. The river access is a draw, and the surrounding natural environment provides enough separation from suburban Omaha to make the experience feel like an actual getaway. It’s a strong option for a long weekend in late spring or early fall when the crowds at more well-known sites are at their peak.
- Perfect For: Long weekend getaways without leaving the metro, first-time camping families
- Address: 233rd & West Maple Road, Elkhorn, NE 68022
- Cost: Rates vary
- Hours: Daily noon–9 p.m.
A Quick Note on Getting to Elkhorn
Getting to Elkhorn from Midtown Omaha is straightforward and takes roughly 20–25 minutes without traffic. The most direct route is to take West Dodge Road (US-6) west from downtown until you reach the Elkhorn area, where you’ll connect to the neighborhoods and venues listed in this guide. West Dodge is a major commercial corridor, so the drive is easy to navigate even on your first visit.
Parking throughout Elkhorn is generally free and plentiful. Olde Town Elkhorn has street parking along the main corridor, and most restaurants, parks, and entertainment venues have dedicated lots.
