The Completely Free Hot Shops Art Center Hiding in Nebraska is a Must-Visit

If you live in or near (or simply even in the same state as) the city of Omaha, there's an awesome, not-so-little artist's paradise you need to make a day trip out of. There are many fabulously fun things to do in Omaha, Nebraska, so if you're craving something a little on the more low-key side, Hot Shops Art Center is calling your name.

Hot Shops is a 92,000-square-foot warehouse dedicated entirely to, well, the hottest art trends of right now. And I mean that literally: There are four art mediums practiced here. You can expect some world-class glass-blowing, pottery, bronze casting, and blacksmithing within these walls, and you are encouraged to explore.

The adventure begins as soon as you set foot in any one of the 50 amazing studios onsite. Check out the jaw-droppingly awesome artworks from some of the nation's most amazing, talented artists, and learn the processes they use to create such incredible pieces. There are two galleries, as well, both of which showcase the best works of the artist collective as a whole.

I'm personally a big fan of glass-blowing; it's a delicate, but demanding, art form that takes hundreds, if not thousands, of hours to master. But, goodness, the bronze casting done here is amazing too... and if you're anything like me (I suspect you are; you're here after all) you might just leave with of all sorts of new special interests. Talk about inspiration!

Hot Shops Art Center is open seven days a week all year long. Best of all, it costs nothing - you get one heck of a day trip in Nebraska at no cost (other than perhaps the cost of gas to get here) and you also have the experience of a lifetime if you're an artist looking for a new medium to explore.

For more information about this awesome artists' collective, be sure to check out the official Hot Shops Art Center website. Visiting or new to Omaha and need a nice place to stay? Check out all the bargains offered by our friends at Extended Stay America!

If you find you can't get enough of all the amazingness that is the Cornhusker State, check out all the best trips to take in Nebraska.