Welcome to Gretna
A step back in time with well-maintained 19th-century luxury homes
Located a few miles north of Interstate 80, Gretna is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Omaha metro area. It has maintained its small-town charm and friendliness throughout its growth while adding many amenities.
The core of Gretna is the main street, surrounded by well-maintained homes built from the 1800s to the present day. Real estate options include historical homes that fill the brick-paved streets to acreage communities on the city's outskirts. New homes are consistently being built, and you'll find various traditional farming communities around the town.
The history of Gretna traces back to 1889, when it was incorporated following the construction of a short railroad between Ashland and Omaha in 1886.
What to Love
- One of the fastest growing cities in Nebraska since 2000
- Advantages of small-town living paired with the convenience of a major metropolitan area only a few minutes away
- Charming classic homes dotting the luxury real estate space
Local Lifestyle
With easy access to the interstate and three highways, many people living in Gretna work in Omaha and Lincoln. This makes residents close to premium shopping, fitness centers, salons, restaurants, medical centers, and professional services. The city of Gretna offers a full range of recreational programs and amenities, including sports clubs, a swimming pool, parks, and a library.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard is a wholesome family entertainment destination that hosts fall festivals and activities that families can enjoy with each other. It operates from September through October, celebrating the harvest with a medley of bright colors and distinctive flavors. It offers a ton of fun activities, including tractor rides to pick pumpkins, pony rides, and train rides. Some themed attractions you can experience include the Haunted House, Pumpkin Mine, Storybook Barn, and the Spook Shed.
Be sure to visit
Schramm State Recreation Area to catch intriguing displays of fish and picnicking. The picturesque Platte River is home to the exceptional Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, with wooded habitats that teem with warblers during spring migration. It is also the site of Nebraska's first fish hatchery, which is now a fish management museum. After a few hours of exploring, you can enjoy a picnic while taking in the beautiful countryside views.
For a fun-filled day of shopping, head to
Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall. The outdoor lifestyle center is home to more than 85 global and national retail brands, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Under Armour, and Kate Spade New York. It also has several full-service restaurants and hosts fun community events for the whole family.
Things to Do
The
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is less than 10 miles from Gretna. It offers group meeting facilities and an array of activities like miniature golf, tennis and basketball courts, picnicking, hiking, a nature conservatory, horseback trail rides, and more.
You can experience a four-mile drive through the wilderness wildlife and get up close and personal with native wildlife at the
Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park in neighboring Ashland. While at the zoo, explore the Wolf Canyon Overlook, a 30-foot boarded walkway that allows visitors to peer in on a wolf pack as it stalks the wilderness.
Head to the
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum to learn about aircraft and missiles. The facility features two aircraft display hangars, a children's interactive gallery, a glass atrium, a traveling exhibit area, and a 200-seat theater.
Schools
Gretna is part of the Gretna Public Schools District. Here are some top schools to enroll your children in.
- [Gretna High School Grades] 9-12
- [Arbor View Elementary Grades] K-5
- [Aspen Creek Middle School Grades] 6-8
- [Whitetail Creek Elementary Grades] PK-5
