The Cornhusker State brings to mind an expanse of flat fields, not rock climbing. But, the mid-west state is home to its share of climbing lovers. Despite a lack of caliber outdoor climbing resembling the New or Red River Gorge, Omaha, Nebraska, is home to a few indoor climbing gems that satisfy a rock climbing addiction.
The three main climbing centers in and around Omaha, Nebraska, are MW Climbing (a boulder-only facility), Approach Climbing Gym, and the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) Rec Center. In addition to various climbing options, each location has a unique feature, helping it stand out. Let’s dive into each so you can decide which rock climbing gym you’ll visit next!
This bouldering-only gym is one of two locations, with the second gym in Lincoln. MW Climbing welcomes climbers of all levels to enjoy its 100+ boulder problems, yoga classes, and cafe/co-working space.
Options to visit include:
$15 Day pass
$60 5-visit punch pass
$2 climbing shoe rentals
$70 Monthly or $840 Annual Pre-paid Membership
$25 14-Day trial membership
Variable Pricing Group Packages
MW Climbing offers various youth programs, including a Rec League, Club Team, and Summer Climbing Camp. Below is a basic overview of each. Click on this link to learn more about the programs on the MW Climbing website.
MW Climbing’s standout feature is the cafe and coworking space. Archetype, a local Omaha coffee company, supplies MW Climbing, which offers a variety of coffees, teas, and lemonade.
Approach Climbing Gym - Ropes and Boulders
Approach Climbing Gym offers expansive ropes, bouldering terrain, and programming for climbers of all levels. The gym’s unique feature is the climbing options for kids aged two to five. Most commercial gyms will not allow anyone under five to participate due to liability conflicts. However, for parents who love to climb and have little ones to care for, the Approach Climbing Gym is the place to check out.
Options to visit include:
$162 10-Visit Punch Pass
$18 Day Pass for a 3-hour Climbing Slot
$25/hour staff belay for groups of 3 or more
Rentals: Climbing shoes, harness, chalk, and crash pads
Variable pricing for group packages (merit badges, birthday parties, team building)
$7 Day pass for Kids ages 2-5 or $50 10-Visit Pass
The gym offers youth programs, from homeschool climbing clubs to climbing teams, summer camps, and youth lessons. You can find out more about each here! Despite the increased accessibility of youth climbing, Approach also offers extensive adult programming, including:
Technique workshop
Top rope class and certification
Lead climbing and Belaying
Private lessons
Private outdoor guide
Adaptive climbing
Education and training on climbing basics, movement and technique, intro to bouldering, top rope belay, lead climb and belay, outdoor sport climbing, and rappelling
UNO's Recreation Center offers bouldering and rope climbing free to students and community members who purchase a guest pass ($10). While it is smaller than the commercial climbing gym in space/program offerings, it could be a great budget option for those looking to try climbing for a day. As per the site, the minimum age for climbing wall users is five, and every participant under 19 must have their waiver signed by their legal guardian.
UNO offers top-rope belay and lead climbing classes at non-member prices of $12 and $30, respectively. Campus Rec Member pricing is $10 and $20, respectively. The facility also offers climbing shoe rentals with one-day, 10-day, and 25-day options and harnesses, belay devices, helmets, and lead ropes/quickdraws.
Before you plan your climbing session, it's always a good idea to check the climbing wall's website for hours. They vary throughout the academic year and across days of the week.
The climbing scene in Omaha, NE, is ready to explore. While you may need to venture out to find real rock faces, indoor climbing is a thrill. MW Climbing, Approach Climbing Gym, and the University of Nebraska Omaha offer diverse bouldering, rope climbing, and fitness programming options. The best part? You have the freedom to try them all. Whether you want to grab a post-session coffee at MW Climbing, bring your kids to Approach Climbing and Fitness, or learn to lead at UNO, the adventure is yours.
If you've had the opportunity to visit any of these locations, we'd love to hear about your experience. Share your favorite gym and why you think others should come and climb there. Your insights could help fellow climbers make their decision!
Opmerkingen