Omaha International Boat, Sports & Travel Show

Every February, when the lakes around Omaha are still frozen, the region's anglers, boaters, campers and hunters pack the CHI Health Center for the Omaha International Boat, Sports & Travel Show. The 2027 edition is billed as the 79th annual show, which makes it one of the longest running consumer shows in the city.

The convention floor fills with new fishing boats, pontoons, ski boats and personal watercraft, along with campers, travel trailers and motorhomes. Dealers, outfitters and service providers set up booths, so it is a place where people actually shop and book: guided fishing trips, Canadian lodges, hunting outfitters and family getaways.

It is not just a sales floor. Past shows have featured a cold water trout tank, a walk-in parakeet aviary, animal displays from Safari North Wildlife Park and a Nebraska Game and Parks archery range, which keeps kids busy while adults compare hulls and horsepower.

Crowds are heaviest on Saturday. Weeknight and Friday afternoon visits are calmer if you want time to talk with dealers.

Highlights

• Hundreds of dealers, outfitters and service providers
• New boats, motors, trailers and personal watercraft
• RVs, campers and motorhomes to walk through
• Fishing and hunting trips you can book at the show
• Trout tank, parakeet landing and archery range for kids

Tips for going

• Kids 5 and under get in free; check the show site for current adult and youth prices before you go.
• Saturday is the busiest day; Thursday evening or Friday afternoon is quieter for serious shopping.
• Parking is in the CHI Health Center lots and garages next to the building; carpool if you can on Saturday.
• Bring a list of questions and a budget if you are shopping for a boat or RV; show-only pricing is common.
• The Old Market and North Downtown restaurants are a short walk or ride away for lunch.