Big city with a small-town touch

There has to be a good reason why Warren Buffett, the third richest person in the world, would live in Omaha when he could make his home anywhere on Earth.

Could it be the steaks? Could it be the world famous zoo? Could it be the annual College World Series? The so-called Oracle of Omaha may not only know more than the average investor but also more than the average traveler. A quick tour around Omaha offers a glimpse as to why the 80-year-old CEO of Berkshire Hathaway has lived in the same neighborhood since 1957.

The city is full of history (think Malcolm X's birthplace) and cultural icons (think Marlin Perkins and "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom"). Visitors will find much to explore, from a lively historic district to the city's impressive version of a Central Park and its picturesque downtown on the Missouri River. And it's all an easy five-hour drive from the Twin Cities.

Gorillas in the midst

Apart from Buffett, Omaha's best-known attraction is probably the world renowned Henry Doorly Zoo (3701 S. 10th St.; 1-402-733-8400; www.omahazoo.com). The zoo has the world's largest geodesic dome, the largest indoor desert and the world's largest indoor rain forest. More than 25 million people have visited it in the past 40 years.

Old Market

Omaha is made up of diverse neighborhoods, many dating back to the city's founding in 1854. Probably the best known is the Old Market, the city's major historic district. The area, from Harney to Jackson Streets and 10th to 13th Streets, encompasses blocks of shops, art galleries, bars and restaurants. The area provides a great walking and dining experience (www.oldmarket.com).

Love for red meat

Omaha is world-famous for its steaks, what with its history of stockyards and meat processing. But ask 10 people to name the best place to get a steak and you will likely get 10 different answers. Buffett's favorite: Gorat's, where he reportedly routinely orders the T-bone, two orders of hash browns and a Cherry Coke. But that's not to say that Gorat's is the best steakhouse in Omaha. Still, the Buffett cachet makes it hard to pass up (4917 Center St.; 1-402-551-3733).

Heartland of America Park

Omaha at heart is a river town with the mighty Missouri River passing through it. Years ago the city created a magnificent waterfront park that Minneapolis and St. Paul might do well to emulate. The Heartland of America Park, at 8th and Douglas Streets, has hundreds of acres of space, a lake, walking trails, beautiful fountains and views of the downtown skyline.

Yes, Omaha has a skyline -- albeit a small one.

The College World Series has been played in Omaha since 1950, all at Rosenblatt Stadium (1202 Bert Murphy Av.). Next year the event moves to a new stadium in downtown Omaha, which is expected to revitalize the area even more.

The city has a vibrant music scene, especially indie rock. Omaha is also home to the largest community theater in the country, the Omaha Community Playhouse (6915 Cass. St.; 888-782-4338; www.omahaplayhouse.com).

Across the river, a short five-minute drive, is Council Bluffs, Iowa. If you're in the mood to do some gambling, the city has several casinos.