Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, Omaha (must see)

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is a pedestrian and bicycle crossing over the Missouri River, linking Nebraska with Iowa. Formally opened on September 28, 2008, it was developed jointly by the two cities and the transportation departments of both states.

The bridge is named after Bob Kerrey, a former Nebraska governor and United States senator who received the Medal of Honor for his naval service during the Vietnam War and helped secure federal funding for the project. It provides a dedicated, vehicle-free route between the riverfront areas on both sides of the state boundary. The bridge is an S-curved, cable-stayed structure designed by HNTB and supported by two tall pylons rather than a single leaning tower. Its principal bridge structure measures approximately 2,224 feet, while descriptions including the approach sections commonly give an overall walkway length of about 3,000 feet. The 15-foot-wide deck accommodates walkers, runners, and cyclists and provides views of the Missouri River, nearby parks, and the downtown skyline. Near the middle, a marked state boundary allows visitors to stand with one foot in Nebraska and the other in Iowa, an activity often called “bobbing.”

The bridge connects the Omaha riverfront with Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park and links into extensive recreational trail systems on both sides of the river. It is used for everyday walking and cycling as well as selected community runs, group rides, and riverfront events. Visitors can cross the river, pause for photographs, or continue into adjoining parks and trails. Access may occasionally be restricted during high winds, ice, severe weather, maintenance work, or public events.