The votes are in! The Omaha Metropolitan Area (OMA) Tourism Awards celebrate the attractions, restaurants, hotels, and retail shops that create unforgettable experiences for both locals and visitors. While our focus is on the incredible tourism businesses in Pottawattamie County, the program also recognizes outstanding finalists from across Douglas County.
After a season of enthusiastic community participation, we’re excited to announce the 2025 winners throughout National Travel & Tourism Week, May 4–10.
Here’s how the program rolled out:
- Nominations: February 10 – March 7
- Voting: March 12 – April 2
- Winners Announced: May 4 – 10
As we gear up to announce this year’s winners, take a final look at the incredible finalists below. The top five most-nominated businesses in each category were selected based on community submissions. From there, the public cast their votes to help choose the 2025 winners—each one a shining example of what makes our local tourism scene truly special.
This year’s program is made possible with support from the Metropolitan Hospitality Association and the Pottawattamie Tourism Committee, whose continued partnership helps us spotlight the region’s most memorable experiences.
- Arrowhead Park (Neola)
- With a scenic lake, cozy cabins, and miles of woodland trails, Arrowhead Park is a peaceful escape for outdoor lovers. From fishing and paddling to playgrounds and horseback riding, it’s the perfect place to unplug and explore year-round.
- With a scenic lake, cozy cabins, and miles of woodland trails, Arrowhead Park is a peaceful escape for outdoor lovers. From fishing and paddling to playgrounds and horseback riding, it’s the perfect place to unplug and explore year-round.
- Botna Bend Park (Hancock)
- Nestled along the West Nishnabotna River, Botna Bend Park blends small-town charm with big outdoor adventure. Paddle the scenic water trail, spot bison and elk, and let the kids roam free in the nature playscape—it’s a wild and wonderful getaway for all ages.
- Nestled along the West Nishnabotna River, Botna Bend Park blends small-town charm with big outdoor adventure. Paddle the scenic water trail, spot bison and elk, and let the kids roam free in the nature playscape—it’s a wild and wonderful getaway for all ages.
- Hitchcock Nature Center (Honey Creek)
- Perched in the stunning Loess Hills, Hitchcock Nature Center is a year-round haven for hikers, campers, and nature lovers. Explore rare prairie landscapes, spot soaring hawks, or unwind with stargazing and seasonal adventures in this truly one-of-a-kind preserve.
- Perched in the stunning Loess Hills, Hitchcock Nature Center is a year-round haven for hikers, campers, and nature lovers. Explore rare prairie landscapes, spot soaring hawks, or unwind with stargazing and seasonal adventures in this truly one-of-a-kind preserve.
- Hoff Family Arts + Culture Center
- Where history meets creativity, the Hoff Center is a dynamic hub for the arts in downtown Council Bluffs. From ballet and live theater to galleries, classes, and culinary arts, this beautifully restored space is bursting with inspiration—and always worth a visit.
- Where history meets creativity, the Hoff Center is a dynamic hub for the arts in downtown Council Bluffs. From ballet and live theater to galleries, classes, and culinary arts, this beautifully restored space is bursting with inspiration—and always worth a visit.
- Union Pacific Railroad Museum
- Step into railroad history at this one-of-a-kind museum housed in a grand 1903 Carnegie Library. With immersive exhibits and fascinating artifacts, it tells the story of how the Union Pacific helped shape the American West—and continues to move the nation forward. *Won 2022 OMA Tourism Award for Best Attraction
- Country Inn & Suites – Council Bluffs
- With a cozy vibe and unbeatable location, Country Inn & Suites connects you to all the action—literally. Attached to the Mid-America Center and steps from casinos, shopping, and dining, it’s a convenient and comfortable home base for your Council Bluffs stay.
- With a cozy vibe and unbeatable location, Country Inn & Suites connects you to all the action—literally. Attached to the Mid-America Center and steps from casinos, shopping, and dining, it’s a convenient and comfortable home base for your Council Bluffs stay.
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Enjoy a modern stay at this convenient hotel near I-29 and I-80, offering spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center. With easy access to top local attractions and a free 5-mile shuttle service, it's a perfect spot for both relaxation and exploration. *Won 2022 OMA Tourism Award for Best Hotel
- Enjoy a modern stay at this convenient hotel near I-29 and I-80, offering spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center. With easy access to top local attractions and a free 5-mile shuttle service, it's a perfect spot for both relaxation and exploration. *Won 2022 OMA Tourism Award for Best Hotel
- Harrah’s Hotel & Casino
- With 251 deluxe rooms and a bustling casino offering slots, table games, and sports betting, Harrah's is the perfect place for a fun getaway. Enjoy dining with a view at the 360 Steakhouse, or catch a live concert at Stir Concert Cove during the summer months.
- With 251 deluxe rooms and a bustling casino offering slots, table games, and sports betting, Harrah's is the perfect place for a fun getaway. Enjoy dining with a view at the 360 Steakhouse, or catch a live concert at Stir Concert Cove during the summer months.
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Connected to Horseshoe Casino, this hotel offers 153 rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and 5,500 square feet of event space, including a 3,200-square-foot ballroom. Ideal for both business and leisure, guests enjoy convenient access to dining, shopping, and entertainment options nearby.
- Connected to Horseshoe Casino, this hotel offers 153 rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and 5,500 square feet of event space, including a 3,200-square-foot ballroom. Ideal for both business and leisure, guests enjoy convenient access to dining, shopping, and entertainment options nearby.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott
- Located in the heart of the Mid-America Center Entertainment District, this hotel offers 151 spacious suites with separate workspaces, wet bars, and refrigerators. Guests can enjoy an outdoor patio, free breakfast, fitness center, and convenient access to nearby casinos, shopping, and Omaha attractions.
- 712 eat + drink
- A contemporary American restaurant celebrating local flavors, 712 Eat+Drink features scratch-made dishes with locally sourced ingredients. The bar offers 23 craft beers on tap, craft cocktails, and a wine list, all set against a 44-foot mural honoring Council Bluffs.
- A contemporary American restaurant celebrating local flavors, 712 Eat+Drink features scratch-made dishes with locally sourced ingredients. The bar offers 23 craft beers on tap, craft cocktails, and a wine list, all set against a 44-foot mural honoring Council Bluffs.
- Barley’s
- Enjoy 32 craft beers on tap, along with delicious cocktails, at Barley's. Their menu offers everything from pizza and burgers to fresh salads, all prepared with high-end restaurant quality. With charming vintage décor, Barley’s features private party rooms and a cozy tap room perfect for any gathering.
- Enjoy 32 craft beers on tap, along with delicious cocktails, at Barley's. Their menu offers everything from pizza and burgers to fresh salads, all prepared with high-end restaurant quality. With charming vintage décor, Barley’s features private party rooms and a cozy tap room perfect for any gathering.
- Boxer Barbeque
- Enjoy award-winning, slow-smoked meats and sides at Boxer BBQ, served in a renovated 1877 building. Pair your meal with craft beers, cocktails, or wine while listening to blues. Boxer BBQ also offers a charming event space for up to 120 guests, perfect for special gatherings. *Won 2022 OMA Tourism Award for Best Restaurant
- Enjoy award-winning, slow-smoked meats and sides at Boxer BBQ, served in a renovated 1877 building. Pair your meal with craft beers, cocktails, or wine while listening to blues. Boxer BBQ also offers a charming event space for up to 120 guests, perfect for special gatherings. *Won 2022 OMA Tourism Award for Best Restaurant
- Henry’s Diner (Crescent)
- Henry's Diner has been a local favorite since 1983, serving delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner with daily specials. Whether you're dining in or grabbing carry-out, this family-owned gem in Crescent offers great food at affordable prices. Open seven days a week, it's the perfect spot for any meal of the day.
- Henry's Diner has been a local favorite since 1983, serving delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner with daily specials. Whether you're dining in or grabbing carry-out, this family-owned gem in Crescent offers great food at affordable prices. Open seven days a week, it's the perfect spot for any meal of the day.
- Tish’s Restaurant
- This beloved CB spot offers ribeye, salmon, sandwiches, and flatbreads. Located near the casinos and sports complex, this Council Bluffs gem uses fresh, gourmet ingredients and homemade sauces. With a large patio, heaters, and a banquet room for up to 100 guests, it's perfect for a relaxing meal or special occasion.
- Bev’s Porch (Neola)
- Tucked in one of Neola's oldest buildings, this charming shop serves handcrafted lattes, cappuccinos, smoothies, and more. It also features local goods like soaps, woodwork, candles, and home décor. Whether you're sipping a drink, shopping, or working with free WiFi, Bev’s Porch is a cozy retreat.
- Tucked in one of Neola's oldest buildings, this charming shop serves handcrafted lattes, cappuccinos, smoothies, and more. It also features local goods like soaps, woodwork, candles, and home décor. Whether you're sipping a drink, shopping, or working with free WiFi, Bev’s Porch is a cozy retreat.
- Bloom Works Floral
- Located on Council Bluffs' Historic 100 Block, this floral shop specializes in custom wedding designs, prom accessories, and sympathy arrangements. Delivery is available throughout the Council Bluffs/Omaha area. Contact them to create the perfect floral piece for your special occasion!
- Located on Council Bluffs' Historic 100 Block, this floral shop specializes in custom wedding designs, prom accessories, and sympathy arrangements. Delivery is available throughout the Council Bluffs/Omaha area. Contact them to create the perfect floral piece for your special occasion!
- Dusted Charm
- Also located on Council Bluffs' Historic 100 Block, Dusted Charm offers women's apparel, shoes, accessories, home décor, makeup, snacks, children's books and toys, and unique gifts. Shop in-person or online, and enjoy live style shows featuring on-trend looks and exclusive deals. *Won 2022 OMA Tourism Award for Best Retail Business
- Also located on Council Bluffs' Historic 100 Block, Dusted Charm offers women's apparel, shoes, accessories, home décor, makeup, snacks, children's books and toys, and unique gifts. Shop in-person or online, and enjoy live style shows featuring on-trend looks and exclusive deals. *Won 2022 OMA Tourism Award for Best Retail Business
- The Olive Branch
- A beloved Council Bluffs gem for over 20 years, The Olive Branch is filled with one-of-a-kind treasures. From home décor and handmade goods to baby gifts, toys, and Polish pottery, it's the perfect spot to treat yourself or find a thoughtful gift that stands out from the ordinary.
- A beloved Council Bluffs gem for over 20 years, The Olive Branch is filled with one-of-a-kind treasures. From home décor and handmade goods to baby gifts, toys, and Polish pottery, it's the perfect spot to treat yourself or find a thoughtful gift that stands out from the ordinary.
- The Sugar Makery
- A sweet-and-salty wonderland, The Sugar Makery BitterSweet Dessert Bar tempts with handcrafted chocolates, gourmet popcorn, creamy fudge, and nostalgic sweets—all made in-house with real butter and cane sugar. It’s a deliciously fun stop for treats you’ll want to take home (or not share at all).
During National Travel & Tourism Week, May 4 - 10, 2025, the award winners will be publicly recognized through a paid media campaign. Help us shine a spotlight on the professionals who make our travel industry thrive—let’s celebrate the difference they make every day!
Past Winners:
Please note: 2024 and 2023 OMA Tourism Award winners were not eligible for nominations this year.
2024
- Best Attraction: Mt. Crescent Ski Area
- Best Hotel: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites @ Ameristar
- Best Restaurant: Pizza King
- Best Retail Business: The Unique Boutique Iowa
2023
- Best Attraction: Dreamland Theatre (Carson)
- Best Hotel: Ameristar Casino Hotel
- Best Restaurant: Back Forty (Macedonia)
- Best Retail Business: The Occasional Collective (Treynor)
2022
- Best Attraction: Union Pacific Railroad Museum
- Best Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Council Bluffs
- Best Restaurant: Boxer BBQ
- Best Retail Business: Dusted Charm
2021
- Best Attraction: Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard
- Best Hotel: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites @ Ameristar
- Best Restaurant: Pizza King
- Best Retail Business: Anytime Tees
The Omaha Metropolitan Area Tourism Awards are brought to you by these partner destinations:
If you have any questions about the Omaha Metropolitan Area Tourism Awards, please contact CBCVB Executive Director Mark Eckman, at [email protected].
