Gretna: A Community Guide for Families

Omaha Moms Blog is proud to present this community guide with Lynette Arrasmith from Churchill Mortgage and Shannon Salem from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate!
Gretna

Many people see Gretna as a “drive-thru community” with U.S. Highway 6 bustling with commuter traffic or the destination to shop at Nebraska Crossing Outlets. To us, Gretna is much more.

Gretna’s population has nearly doubled over the past 16 years. This growth has created two types of residents. The first being the generational family. You know, the family who raised their kids when there was only one elementary. They are the families who own businesses in the community and temporarily may have left, but have willingly returned to their hometown to raise their own family. The second type of resident is the new wave of young families looking for easy access to Omaha and Lincoln, but want the simplicity and character of raising their family in a small town.

Why Moms Love It

Gretna is a suburb of Omaha which offers mom’s the small town feel with the access to the city of Omaha. Gretna’s location allows the amenities of a metropolitan area with the access to outdoor adventures and rural living. With the Platte and Elkhorn Rivers only a few miles from Gretna it gives families easy access to some awesome outdoor recreation opportunities.

Local Family Favorites

Schramm Park State Recreation Center:: On the outskirts from metropolitan Omaha, Gretna offers some awesome outdoor opportunities. One of our favorites is Schramm Park and State Recreation. This park is truly a diamond in the rough along the rolling hills of the Platte River valley.

Schramm Education Center (Formerly AkSarBen Aquarium Outdoor Education Center):: Recently renovated, this education center is full of opportunities to get up-close and personal with native Nebraska fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Kids can discover and explore through their interactive classroom and nature library.

Petersen Park:: This barrier free park is located in the heart of Gretna. With newly installed equipment and
shade umbrellas this sand free playground is an accessible and a well thought out addition to the Gretna community. There are plenty of sensory and balance options for all children to enjoy.

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch:: This pumpkin patch is one of the larger fall attractions in the Omaha area. Vala’s is truly a unique experience for all ages with over 50 attractions and 3 live shows daily. For the little ones; children’s rides and the giant slide make the top of the list. For older kids or kids at heart; the spooky sheds and haunted trails or the apple blaster are must see attractions. The entire family will love the campfires, shows, and delicious food.

Gretna’s Children’s Library:: The Gretna Children’s library has it all. They take the traditional library model and make it incredibly kid friendly for example movement story time with songs and stories, or space camp with star gazing, and book of wizard book club.

Gretna Favorites for Food and Drink

The Beanery :: A local family owned coffee shop! After more than 15 years, The Beanery is a staple in the Gretna community. They have a Coffee Truck available for catering events and they love supporting local schools.

Donut Run:: A place that values its roots and really drives home the freshly baked factor! Not only are the donuts especially delightful, but the customer service represents the friendliness and warmth of the Gretna community.

Billy’s Gretna Café:: A one stop shop for breakfast food. If you’re looking for a great diner breakfast place, this cafe is it! 

We’ll Smoke you BBQ:: This BBQ place prides itself on its competition BBQ and they’ll certainly win your stomach over with some incredible food. Family-owned and homegrown—this definitely should be a stop for lunch or dinner!

MacDaro’s:: One of the newer spots in town! There are games at the table and legos for kids. There is also a patio that makes for a relaxing evening out.

Presented by Lynette Arrasmith and Shannon Salem

Lynette Arrasmith

Lynette Arrasmith 

Hi! My name is Lynette Arrasmith. I am a Home Loan Specialist with Churchill Mortgage—maybe you’ve heard about us on the Dave Ramsey Show! Why would a Home Loan Specialist be on a moms blog? Well, I’m a mom who was born and raised in the Omaha area too! Navigating through the home loan process can be time-consuming and stressful. I am here as a resource for you! What I hear from my clients is that they like my consultative style and the use of a tool that I use to create a Strategic Cost Analysis for you. My motto is to serve vs sell and always leave people better for the encounter. NMLS 400322

Churchill Mortgage

(402) 999-3362

Shannon Salem

Shannon Salem

Hi there! My name is Shannon Salem. I am a local realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Ambassador Real Estate here in the Omaha metro and an Omaha native! I really enjoy sharing my love of this city with anyone who will listen. Helping other families move towards their dream is the whole reason I do what I do. I’ve helped hundreds of families just like yours. My husband, Jeff, and I work side by side in our business while navigating through life with our 4 children. Besides real estate, my other passion is yoga and you can find me teaching a few weekly classes around town.

(402) 990-0179

This post is part of a 6 part series about why Omaha and the communities around it are a great place to raise a family. Check out the other communities featured in our  A Guide to Omaha Communities and learn more about our series sponsors Lynette Arrasmith and Shannon Salem.

Omaha Mom
Omaha Mom is written by moms, for moms. We provide genuine parenting resources, events and community through connecting and empowering local Omaha Moms.