Experience the magic of glamping at Desert Dome. Embrace the call of the wild, explore mystifying caves, witness breathtaking wildlife, all under a starlit sky. Step into a captivating adventure!
Address: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
Google Maps Page: https://maps.google.com/?cid=15051211353943780094
Website: http://omahazoo.com/exhibits/desert-dome
Accommodation Options
Welcome to Desert Dome, Omaha’s unique glamping accommodation like no other! Nestled beneath the world’s largest glazed geodesic dome, this distinctive retreat effortlessly blends excitement and relaxation, as it flawlessly mimics the environment of three diverse deserts – the Namib Desert of southern Africa, the Red Center of Australia and the Sonoran Desert of the southwest United States.
Desert Dome offers a striking 84,000 square feet area to explore, divided over two levels. Step into an intriguing world where you can walk amongst lush succulents, flourishing palms, mesquite trees, and rare plants like the endangered Welwitschia. Each desert’s unique ambiance and essence is painstakingly recreated, complete with authentic elements like a 30-foot tall sand dune boasting 300 tons of red sand from Phoenix, Arizona.
For thrill-seekers and wildlife enthusiasts, reptile lovers are in for a treat with the Desert Dome’s authentic caves housing 21 fearsome species from Africa and Australia. In fact, the Dome is home to the inland taipan, the world’s most venomous land snake.
Explore the wonders of the Red Center – a remarkable isolated desert in Australia, featuring prominent formations like Ayers Rock and Wave Rock, both sculpted by nature.
Switch terrains to the Sonoran Desert, the world’s second most biologically diverse desert. Here, you can watch ocelots and peccaries while wandering past bobcats and even enter the Rattlesnake Canyon, which houses the world’s largest indoor rattlesnake exhibit. Quail call this endangered Saguaro cactus forest their home, alongside 14 species of reptiles and amphibians.
Young ones will be fascinated by the Desert Dome’s Sun Room, a specially designed area that showcases the zoo’s newly hatched or young reptiles and amphibians.
We guarantee that every aspect of our glamping stay is designed to offer our guests an immersive experience. From the vibrant animal species to the remarkable ecosystem, Desert Dome is an extraordinary retreat that will let your imagination run wild, transporting you effortlessly to different corners of our incredible world. Whether you’re intrigued by wildlife, deserts, or simply crave a break with a twist, a stay at Desert Dome is one escapade you’ll cherish forever.
The Glamping Experience at Desert Dome
As the sun sets on a serene landscape, the magic of glamping at Desert Dome unfolds unfurling a surreal nocturnal tale. Picture a sprawling kingdom beneath the night sky where stars twinkle like diamonds on black velvet canvass. Lying nestled among exotic flora and fauna, the Desert Dome paints a picture of fascinating wilderness, where glampers awake to a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
Underneath the awe-inspiring dome, you’ll find a mystical world that stretches beyond the sensory experience. The cool touch of underground caves invites you to transcend the realm of sunlight and step into the mystifying Kingdom of the Night. As you navigate through the caverns, the slight chill in the air wraps you in a snug cocoon, while the soft gurgling of secluded water pools becomes your gentle serenade.
The edgy thrill of stepping over glass surfaces with a sheer drop off below adds an adrenaline spike. It’s about a fleeting heartbeat and an edgy whisper of raw wilderness that leaves a lasting impression.
Exploration continues as you find yourself walking amidst a swamp, a sight reminiscent of the legendary Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland. The entry through a teeny-tiny cabin adds an essence of adventure and ignites the child-like curiosity within you.
The dome offers a wildlife variety that is nothing short of breathtaking. Reptiles slithering, birds chirping, fish swimming, amphibians hopping, and mammals wandering around, their eyes flickering in the night, enveloping you in a realm of natural convergence. Meerkats stare at you curiously, while Klipspringers exhibit an enthralling display of their jumping prowess. A rattlesnake twists and turns with an aura of majestic lethality, bewitching with its hypnotic charm.
All this and more, the Desert Dome is indeed a challenge to describe – a sensory overload of sights and sounds, feelings and impressions. It’s not just a place to be visited, but an experience to be lived. It’s an adventure luring you towards walking on the wild side. It is a symphony of nature and wilderness, meant to be savored, meant to be cherished. You’ll be left yearning for more – of the enchanting nights under the dome, of the captivating charm of nocturnal creatures, and of a glamping experience like no other.
Activities at Desert Dome
Dive into an intriguing journey fuelled by curiosity and thrill as you venture into the captivating Kingdoms of the Night under the mighty Desert Dome. Submerge yourself into the dimly-lit caves full of mystery where open pools of water wait to amaze you with the startling realities of nature. Don’t rush, for the extraordinary sees through the looking glass beneath the calm surface aren’t meant to be missed.
Venture into the realm of the dark and discover the evocative swamplands through a quaint cabin entrance. Your journey here will feel like a trip straight out of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland, flooding you with all sorts of exciting vibes. Conquer the challenge of wildlife photography in dimly lit conditions, capturing the striking intricacies of the landscape that envelop you.
Unveil the uncanny nocturnal basement, a magnet for anyone drawn to eerie and entrancing displays. Revive your love for wildlife zoology as you descend beneath and lose yourself in exploring various nocturnal creatures and diverse ecosystems. This is an extraordinary encounter that you won’t want to miss.
Witness the wide collection of animals thriving in their naturally-inspired habitats, making the visit truly heart-warming and fulfilling. Admire the resilient reptiles, the graceful birds, the striking mammals, the intriguing amphibians, and the fascinating aquatic creatures, all under one roof. Each one eagerly waits, peeping from their comfortable corners, to impress and amaze you with their charismatic traits.
Witness the awe-inspiring sight of the Klipspringers making their daring jumps with agility. Observe the adorable Meerkats, the awesome snakes, and prepare to be wowed by the rattlesnake, an emblem of the desert’s raw wilderness. The bewitching aura, teeming with real, exotic plants and animals, will leave you in a delightful daze, making it an experience too exquisite to put into words. This is surely a desert extravaganza not just for the wildlife enthusiast but for anyone who wishes to experience the marvel of nature at its rugged best.
What is the area around Desert Dome like (Omaha)?
Omaha, Nebraska covers an area of approximately 142.56 square miles, stretching along the banks of the Missouri River. The city’s terrain is a mix of gently rolling hills and flat plains, with some areas more urbanized and others maintaining their natural greenery. The land around Omaha is known for its fertile soil, owing to its location within America’s Corn Belt.
Omaha itself has a variety of both natural and human-made attractions. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, for instance, might not be a “natural” site, but it offers visitors the chance to see exotic animals within naturalistic enclosures, including one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests and deserts.
For nature lovers, there are numerous parks through Omaha. The Fontenelle Forest Nature Center comprises of nearly 2,000 acres of forest, streams, and prairies, and features walking trails that take you through the heart of Nebraska’s natural beauty. The Lewis and Clark Landing is a riverfront park that tells the history of the famous explorers’ journey, offering beautiful views of the Missouri River.
Additionally, the Lauritzen Gardens – Omaha’s Botanical Center, offers a picturesque landscape of various types of gardens, such as rose gardens, herb gardens, and a Victorian garden, all in tranquil settings with carefully curated plants. It also provides a fantastic view of the river and downtown Omaha.
Just outside of Omaha, the picturesque Loess Hills stretch north along the river, offering opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and nature photography.
What Wildlife might you see at Desert Dome?
Omaha, Nebraska, is an urban area but its parks, zoos, and nearby natural habitats offer opportunities to encounter a variety of wildlife. Some of the most common species you can expect to see include squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and a large variety of birds like American robins, starlings, sparrows, and hawks.
In Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, you can also see exotic animals such as lions, gorillas, giraffes, tigers, polar bears, penguins, sea lions, and a range of reptiles, fish and invertebrates.
Fontenelle Forest in nearby Bellevue is home to deer, wild turkeys, a variety of waterfowl and many species of songbirds.
If you visit the area waterways, like the Missouri River or one of Nebraska’s many lakes, you might encounter beavers, muskrats, Canadian Geese, mallards, various types of fish, and sometimes even bald eagles.
It is important to observe wildlife responsibly, and remember not to disturb or feed wild animals.
When is the best time to visit Desert Dome?
Omaha, Nebraska is a city that experiences all four seasons, each having its distinct characteristics.
1. Winter (December – February): Winter in Omaha is cold and snowy with temperatures hovering generally between 20ƒ€š‚°F to 40ƒ€š‚°F. It might not be ideal for tourists who dislike the cold, though the snow makes the city look beautiful. If you’re a fan of winter sports or activities like indoor theater or museums, this could be a nice time to visit.
2. Spring (March – May): Spring is a wonderful time to visit Omaha. The weather warms up, with temperatures generally ranging from the mid-40s to the 70s. The city blossoms with the onset of flowers and foliage. Snow is still a possibility in early March.
3. Summer (June – August): Summers are typically hot and humid, with temperatures often soaring above 90ƒ€š‚°F. It’s a great time for outdoor activities. Be prepared for occasional thunderstorms due to the city’s mid-continental climate.
4. Autumn (September – November): Autumn in Omaha is truly magnificent. Temperatures generally range from the 50s to the low 70s. The leaves change colors making the scenery beautiful.
Regarding the best time to visit, it largely depends on what you want to do. For the best weather, late spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October) would be ideal. These times offer mild, comfortable temperatures and the city’s natural beauty can be fully appreciated. Summers can also be a good time, especially if you want to attend the famed College World Series in June.
Do remember, Omaha has a rich culture and various indoor attractions too like the Omaha Children’s Museum, the Durham Museum, or Joslyn Art Museum, making it a destination to be enjoyed round the year. Always check the weather beforehand to pack appropriately.
Before you travel!
While we strive to provide accurate and comprehensive details about various glamping locations across the USA, it’s important to note that we haven’t personally visited each and every site mentioned in this website. As such, there might be occasional discrepancies or outdated information in our descriptions. Before finalizing any travel plans or making decisions based on our content, we strongly recommend reaching out to the specific glamping location to verify any details or gather additional information. Your adventure deserves thorough planning, and a quick check can ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate details!
