Timed reservations are required to visit the now reopened Lauritzen Gardens botanical center in Omaha, NE Thursday, June 11, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
Life in Siouxland as elsewhere is beginning to return to some kind of normal. And for those folk I encountered visiting the Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, NE recently, most don’t mind the slow reopening. The gardens now allow patrons and visitors to walk the grounds although indoor exhibits and some other areas are still sequestered and people are advised to wear masks, although it’s not necessary. And one must make reservations ahead of time to enter at a specified date and time.
Signs ask visitors and patrons to respect others space at the newly reopened Lauritzen Gardens botanical center in Omaha, NE Thursday, June 11, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
Most visitors are wearing face masks at the reopened Lauritzen Gardens botanical center in Omaha, NE Thursday, June 11, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
But it was nice to get out and enjoy the beauty of the gardens. Entry begins at 11 am and during the summer months it’s not an ideal time for photographing outdoor subjects due to the harsher light at that time, unless one wants to create light and shadow photographs. Previously the gardens opened around 9 am, when the summer light is a little more directional and not yet so harsh.
Visitors and patrons can once again see the blooming spectacle at the recently opened Lauritzen Gardens botanical center in Omaha, NE Thursday, June 11, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
Shady paths are always a welcome sight on a hot day at the Lauritzen Gardens botanical center in Omaha, NE Thursday, June 11, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
So it’s nice to be able to walk a shaded path and take a break from the sun overhead as the day also heats up. Living in the Midwest doesn’t mean one becomes used to heat and humidity, one just learns to mitigate the effects if possible.
Signage informs visitors and patrons about ongoing projects at the recently reopened Lauritzen Gardens botanical center in Omaha, NE Thursday, June 11, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
Visitors and patrons enjoy a day out at the recently reopened Lauritzen Gardens botanical center in Omaha, NE Thursday, June 11, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
With the timed entries there were not too many folk wandering about the paths, and those who were put masks on when they encountered others along the way. And all remarked how nice it was to be able to enjoy the gardens again, closed since mid March, and spend some time just enjoying the beauty and quiet.
Jerry Mennenga
Sioux City, Iowa
Recently reopened Lauritzen Gardens botanical center in Omaha, NE Thursday, June 11, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
People enjoy a day out at the recently reopened Lauritzen Gardens botanical center in Omaha, NE Thursday, June 11, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
lostinsiouxland 
Jerry, You inspired me! I’m headed west for the 4th of July weekend! I’m traveling through Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas! I’m headed across Missouri on Hwy 36 to St. Joseph and then into southeast Nebraska to see Homestead National Monument. Have any tips for me?
Allison, Good for you. I have never been to that particular place in Beatrice. I need to explore more of Nebraska myself. Just make certain you check whatever listings there are for the monuments, etc., as they operate a little differently than the state controlled parks and places. Since you will be crossing I-29 and if you have the time, go to Omaha and visit the Henry Doorly Zoo. You need to make a “timed” entrance and secure your ticket(s) in advance. But the zoo is well worth a trip. It has opened up more exhibits recently and one can see some young animals with their parents. I went this past week. Be aware though that people are not exactly cognizant about others’s space and wearing a mask. At some animal exhibits they went shoulder to shoulder pushing to see or spreading out across walkways and not giving way to others. I don’t understand that. It’s like this virus thing is not happening. Enjoy the road trip. Look forward to some future posts. jerry
Thanks for the tips! I’ll see if I have time to swing up to Omaha!