The Largest Nocturnal Animal Exhibit In The World Is In Nebraska, And It’s Magical

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is, by far, Nebraska's most popular tourist attraction. The acclaim is well deserved - the exhibits here are full of incredible creatures and some world-record-setting habitats. One of the most underrated among visitors is Kingdoms of the Night, an underground experience you can't find anywhere else.

Hiding beneath the world's largest indoor desert, which is itself inside the world's largest glazed geodesic dome, is another unforgettable record-setting attraction: the world's largest nocturnal display.

The display contains 42,000 square feet of exhibits spread over 1/4 of an acre, and its swamp is a massive 160,000 gallons.

On the lower level of the Desert Dome, the Kingdoms of the Night exhibit takes you through a simulated wet cave.

The "bottomless" water hole is always a favorite with kids. Don't worry, parents - it's kid-safe (and only 16 feet deep).

As you walk through the cave featuring more than 2,000 stalactites, you'll see habitats off to the sides.

If you're afraid of bats, be warned: there are thousands of them here - all safely contained, of course. Photos of the exhibits rarely turn out well thanks to the constant darkness, so be sure to remember this experience.

Keep traveling and you'll come to the world's largest indoor swamp.

Exhibits on snakes, amphibians, and other night-dwellers make up part of the experience, but the swimming beavers and huge gators are the true crowd-stoppers.

There are plenty of cuddly things to love in the underground area, too, including two sloths.

These gentle, friendly-looking creatures are perfectly content to just hang out and watch the scenery.

Dozens of species are represented in the exhibit from all corners of the world.

You may even discover animals you've never heard of, like these springhaas that share a habitat with the brush-tailed porcupine. Keep watching and you'll see these cute little rodents hopping, snacking, and playing.

In addition to showing off nocturnal animals, the Eugene T. Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night exhibit aims to educate visitors about the delicate, mysterious - and usually unseen - domain of nocturnal animals.

Did you know that owl monkeys, like these two adorable creatures, are the only nocturnal monkey?

There are so many incredible experiences to be had in the Kingdoms of the Night exhibit, but we won't spoil them for you. You'll just have to visit and see these fascinating, sometimes creepy, always amazing animals and habitats for yourself. Get information on ticket prices, hours, and other details on visiting the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium on its website.