Lackluster, endless corn fields. Desolate farmland. Bleak, dreary, snow-filled skies.

When many outsiders picture the city of Omaha, these are typical images that come to mind.

Similarly, when out-of-state Creighton students first arrive to campus, their initial impressions of Omaha aren’t necessarily good ones.

“I remember saying that I never realized how much I liked Kansas City until I started living in Omaha,” said Business senior Kate Larcom. “I would definitely say I initially felt like there was more to do at home than in Omaha.”

For many freshmen unfamiliar with the area, not having a car at their disposal contributes to their poor impressions of the city, as many find themselves restricted to the boundaries of campus.

“I didn’t have a car here at first, so I was pretty much confined to campus, but when I did get the chance to leave, trips to Target were always exciting,” Larcom said.

Yet as time passes, trips to Target are no longer considered the peak of most students’ weeks.

“When I was able to bring my car from home, I was able to venture off campus,” said Business senior TJ Barrett, a native of Oregon. “I was finally able to explore the surrounding area and see that there was more to Omaha than I thought.”

After non-native students slowly become more acclimated with college life and the city, their perceptions of Omaha typically begin to change. They begin to uncover the city’s culture that may not initially be apparent.

“My opinion of the city has shifted tremendously now that I am a senior,” Larcom said. “It turns out Omaha actually does have a lot of personality and things to do – you just have to know where to look for them.”

Deborah Ward, director of Marketing and Public Relations at the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau, said Omaha’s growth has provided people with ample entertainment opportunities.

“The city’s growth over the last couple of years, with the addition of the Qwest Center, the Holland Center for Performing Arts, Film Streams, the North downtown developments, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and the zoo expansion have all helped grow Omaha’s reputation as a city,” Ward said.

Students who spend months or years in Omaha begin to gradually uncover these various prospects for fun that the city offers.

“Now that I know my way around, I like to venture around the Old Market, hang out in Dundee, go shopping, visit the zoo, spend time in Memorial Park and hang out at the Slowdown for shows,” Larcom said.

Along with these attractions, there are several neighborhoods and communities within the city that all have their own unique flair. One of the most well-known examples is Dundee. Famous for its restaurants, bars, boutiques and atmosphere, the district is a popular go-to place for both natives and visitors. The area even features a historical attraction that is commonly overlooked.

“There is a plaque near what is now the eCreamery, at 50th and Underwood, that refers to a Japanese balloon bomb that exploded over the Dundee neighborhood in World War II,” Ward said. “It didn’t do any damage, but was kept a secret until the day after Japan surrendered.”

Both the less obvious attractions and the various cultural communities throughout Omaha have a tendency to remain hidden, especially to those not native to the area.

“The South 24th Street neighborhood is growing into a unique destination,” Ward said. “As a nationally registered historic district, it’s filled with colorful murals, folk art, pottery shops, Mexican restaurants and the first Latino art, history and cultural center in the Midwest.”

As students explore such communities that provide glimpses into the rich culture of Omaha, they also tend to become fond of the people they encounter along the way.

“This is a city that you may not think has a ton to offer, but it really is a place full of great people,” Barrett said.

To discover both the people of Omaha and all that the city has to offer, many seniors stress the need to be adventurous and explore the city.

“You just have to jump in a car with some friends and be willing to explore,” Larcom said. “There is just so much to do here, and I wish someone would have told me that my freshman year.”