Omaha Holiday Inn Defies Shutdown Order, Keeps Water Park Open

Douglas County Health Department revokes permits but hotel continues operations

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Holiday Inn Downtown Omaha has continued operating its water park despite a December shutdown order and permit revocation from the Douglas County Health Department. The health department says the hotel remains out of compliance with public health and safety regulations, and has urged visitors to be aware of potential risks until full compliance is met.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges local health authorities face in enforcing safety regulations, especially when businesses choose to defy orders. It raises concerns about public health and safety at the hotel's water park, which remains open despite the lack of proper permits and compliance.

The details

In December, the Douglas County Health Department ordered the Holiday Inn Downtown Omaha to shut down its water park operations due to safety violations. On Tuesday, the hotel's owner received a citation from the Omaha Police Department and had all permits revoked. However, the water park has continued operating despite the shutdown order and permit revocation.

  • In December 2025, the Douglas County Health Department ordered the Holiday Inn Downtown Omaha to shut down its water park.
  • On February 28, 2026, the hotel's owner received a citation from the Omaha Police Department and had all permits revoked.

The players

Douglas County Health Department

The local health authority that ordered the Holiday Inn Downtown Omaha to shut down its water park operations due to safety violations.

Holiday Inn Downtown Omaha

The hotel that has continued operating its water park despite the shutdown order and permit revocation from the Douglas County Health Department.

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What’s next

The Douglas County Health Department is expected to take further enforcement action against the Holiday Inn Downtown Omaha if it continues to operate the water park without proper permits and safety compliance.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between businesses seeking to operate and local authorities tasked with enforcing public health and safety regulations. It underscores the need for stronger mechanisms to ensure compliance and protect the public, even in the face of business resistance.