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 2026 winners throughout National Travel & Tourism Week, May 3–9.
Here’s how the program rolled out:
- Nominations: February 2 – February 23 | CLOSED
- Voting: March 2 – April 2
- Winners Announced: May 4
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 2026 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.
- Dreamland Theater (Carson)
- Catch the magic of the movies at Dreamland Theatre, a beautifully restored 166-seat gem in the heart of downtown. Showing new-release films at family-friendly prices, it’s an affordable night out with vintage charm. From date nights to family fun, Dreamland delivers big-screen entertainment in a classic small-town setting.
- Farmer's Market Council Bluffs
- Held on the north side of Bayliss Park, Farmers Market Council Bluffs brings the community together Thursday evenings from early May through late September. Shop locally grown produce and handmade goods while enjoying live music, group fitness, kids activities, and special events. It’s a fresh, fun way to spend a summer evening in the heart of downtown.
- Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park
- Stretching along the scenic Missouri River, Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park is a vibrant green space perfect for walking, biking, and community events. It’s also the Iowa gateway to the iconic Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. Families can explore Belles’ Play Garden, a river-inspired playground, or gather at the River’s Edge Pavilion for special events and celebrations.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Judge Richard Air BnB (Carson)
- Why rush home when the night is just getting started? Stay steps away from the tasting room at Judge Richard Airbnb, where cozy, thoughtfully designed rooms reflect the same care as the cocktails you’ve been enjoying. Sip, stay, and soak in the small-town charm that makes Carson one of Iowa’s best-kept secrets.
- My Place Hotel
- Comfort meets convenience at My Place Hotel, a smart choice for both short and extended stays. Each room features a full-size refrigerator, two-burner cooktop, microwave, and cookware—perfect for feeling at home on the road. With onsite laundry and a 24-hour snack store, it’s an easy, affordable stay just minutes from area attractions.
- 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.
- Christy Creme
- A local favorite since 1954, Christy Creme is a third-generation, family-owned classic serving up nostalgic drive-in flavor. Sink your teeth into Omaha Steaks burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, and golden fries, then top it off with soft-serve cones, sundaes, shakes, malts, and floats. It’s a timeless spot for comfort food and sweet treats done right.
- Home Team Cookout
- Bring your appetite to Home Team Cookout, where every day feels like game day. From crowd-pleasing appetizers and juicy burgers to brats and hearty sandwiches, it’s the perfect spot to fuel up with family and friends. With a Little League menu just for kids, everyone on the team leaves happy.
- The Back Forty (Macedonia)
- Pull up a chair at Back Forty Bar & Grill, a small-town favorite known for doing things right. Enjoy homemade lunch specials, hand-tossed pizzas, and a Saturday night prime rib that keeps locals coming back. It’s classic comfort food served with friendly, hometown hospitality.
- The Porch
- Gather with friends at The Porch, where homestyle favorites and laid-back vibes go hand in hand. Enjoy gourmet mac and cheese, pizza, burgers, and an unlimited salad bar, plus 10 beers on tap. When the weather’s warm, the spacious patio opens to sand volleyball courts—making it the perfect spot for spring and summer evenings.
- Anytime Tees
- Bring your ideas to life at Anytime Tees, your go-to shop for custom t-shirts, apparel, and promotional products. Serving businesses, schools, and organizations across the Omaha-Council Bluffs area, they combine high-quality printing with personalized service, ensuring every design shines.
- Avoca Flower Shop (Avoca)
- Brighten someone’s day with a visit to Avoca Flower Shop, a charming florist and gift boutique known for creativity and care. From everyday bouquets and wedding arrangements to sympathy tributes and seasonal centerpieces, each design is thoughtfully crafted. Guests can also explore a curated selection of gifts, home décor, and specialty items—perfect for any occasion or just because.
- 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
- Central Perch
- Discover unique finds at Central Perch, a women-owned boutique celebrating local creativity. Browse home décor, gifts, vintage furniture, antiques, and custom pieces crafted by talented area makers—perfect for adding character and charm to any space.
- 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.
During National Travel & Tourism Week, May 3 - 9, 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:
2025
- Best Attraction: Hitchcock Nature Center (Honey Creek)
- Best Hotel: Harrah’s Hotel & Casino
- Best Restaurant: Boxer Barbeque
- Best Retail Business: Bloom Works Floral
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
If you have any questions about the Omaha Metropolitan Area Tourism Awards, please contact CBCVB Executive Director Mark Eckman, at [email protected].
