Lincoln, the capital city of Nebraska, holds significant historical and cultural importance. Visualize strolling through legendary pathways, unearthing extraordinary treasures off the beaten path, and relishing local delicacies in the core of America. Lincoln offers a variety best suited for any preferences or needs— from inexpensive yet comfortable accommodations to memorable dining experiences.
To delve into the city's vibrant culture and rich history, ensure you visit spots like the Nebraska State Capitol or Sunken Gardens. If you need some relaxation, consider unwinding at one of the tranquil parks or taking a break by immersing yourself in the energy of museums and markets around town. When it comes to choices for visitors, Lincoln certainly does not disappoint.
Prepare for an unforgettable experience as you explore Lincoln and everything it offers, revealing itself as one of the Midwest's hidden gems.
01 Visit the Nebraska State Capitol
The Nebraska State Capitol was built by famous New York architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue as a very fine example of Art Deco. The museum was constructed from Indiana Limestone from 1922 to 1932. The 400-foot tower houses the Nebraska government's judicial and executive offices. The first unicameral state legislature in history is also found here. The Capitol features magnificent carvings and a golden dome topped with a statue of "The Sower."
Free guided tours depart from the second-floor north door every hour from nine to four in the evening, Monday through Friday. The observation deck on the fourteenth floor offers views of the entire city.
02 Hang out at the Sunken Gardens
The Sunken Gardens are a wonderful getaway for both young and older adults. The Garden is well-known for its beautiful floral arrangements and impressive landscape design. Enjoy the natural beauty of carefully groomed gardens with bright greenery and seasonal flowers. The walking trails, featuring gorgeous floral arrangements and quiet natural environs, give tourists a memorable experience.
The gardens wonderfully transform with the seasons, presenting a breathtaking assortment of floral displays. There is always something interesting or something new to see. You will gasp at the vivid colors of spring tulips, the scented flowers of roses during the summer, and autumn chrysanthemums with rich colors. Therefore, it's a favorite place for residents and tourists due to its ever-changing flower displays that make each trip here special and captivating.
03 Visit the Lincoln Children's Zoo
The Lincoln Children's Zoo has multiple interactive exhibits for all age groups, which help educate visitors. The zoo boasts over 40 endangered animals, including the Sumatran Tiger and Matschie's Tree Kangaroo. Visitors can also interact with unique creatures not commonly found in other facilities. Children get to feed giraffes and see cheetahs gallop. They also allow interactions with exotic animals such as fossa, ring-tailed lemurs, red pandas, and Meerkats.
Throughout the year, the zoo organizes seasonal events and programs. The events include a "Boo at the Zoo" Halloween party, summer camps, and educational workshops. These activities offer youngsters a unique opportunity to learn about animal protection while connecting with nature.
04 Discover the Sheldon Museum of Art
The Sheldon Museum, located on the University of Nebraska campus, is a prominent destination for art enthusiasts. It boasts an extensive collection of American art. It also houses works representing 19th-century landscape, American Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, and contemporary art.
The outdoor sculpture garden is a place to visit. It has 36 gigantic sculptures throughout the year. The museum's exhibition programs are extensive, with around 20 exhibitions in a year focused on various aspects of America's creative arts. To have an exciting and satisfying experience in creation while seeing art objects or moving along attractive outdoor statues, take a trip to the Sheldon Museum of Art.
05 Explore the Museum of American Speed
The Museum of American Speed takes visitors on a thrilling tour through Nebraska's 12,000-year history and culture. You will discover incredible artifacts from Nebraska's ancient times when you come. The information stretches from pre-statehood to the present. The unique exhibits highlight pre-statehood Nebraska life, the state's early years, and key historical events in Nebraska. The Museum of American Speed is constantly expanding. It holds a collection of over 125,000 artifacts depicting Nebraska's story.
The museum offers guided tours and special exhibitions if you want to learn more. The tours offer deeper insights into the intriguing world of American speed. The museum is also ideal for conferences, dinners, and other events.
For more information and bookings, call the museum at 402-323-3166.
06 Check out Pioneer Park Nature Center
Nature lovers who yearn to experience nature in all its glory should head to the Pioneers Park Nature Center. The stunning haven is a sprawling 668-acre sanctuary that has numerous hiking routes through prairies, woodlands, and marshes. The routes provide plenty of chances to spot wildlife. Watch for various bird species, deer, and bison as you explore the diverse landscapes. Since the 1940s, Pinewood Bowl, located in Pioneers Park, has been a beloved attraction. This remarkable attraction stands out for its distinctive natural hollow shape, specifically crafted to provide an exceptional experience for visitors. The beauty of the area is enhanced by strategically placed floodlights that highlight the stunning scenery and create captivating shadows of the surrounding pine trees.
The Nature Center provides educational programs that ignite interest in environmental education among individuals of every generation. Events include workshops, narrated nature walks, and seasonal festivals. The events are intended to promote a greater understanding and enjoyment of the natural world. The visitor center has interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and a reference library to supplement your educational experience.
07 Unwind at Haymarket District
The Haymarket District is a dynamic, historic district with various places to dine, shop, and enjoy. It offers a distinctive fusion of contemporary attractions and ancient charm. The district is well-known for its rich past and picturesque brick lanes. In addition to a variety of delicious food in the best spots, such as Lazlo's Brewery, Rabbit Hole Bakery and Grill, Alchemy, and a dynamic nightlife, you may explore a selection of its numerous stores.
Additionally, you should notice the thriving Haymarket District farmers market, which is open from May to October. You can buy locally crafted crafts, artisanal items, and fresh fruit here. The region is a center of activity and community because it hosts several annual festivals and local events.
08 Visit the University of Nebraska State Museum
The University of Nebraska State Museum is located in Morrill Hall. It is well-known for its magnificent natural history collections and entertaining exhibitions. Visitors can visit a wide range of exhibits, including the well-known collection of Nebraska fossil elephants and other interactive displays related to paleontology, anthropology, and geology.
Another attraction of Morrill Hall is the Mueller Planetarium, which delivers enthralling programs that take viewers through space and provide pleasure and education. The museum offers a variety of educational activities for visitors of all ages that encourage curiosity and education. Some activities include interactive workshops, special events, and guided tours. They are all intended to spark an interest in science and natural history.
09 Have Fun at Memorial Stadium
In this state, Memorial Stadium is a beloved landmark where fans flock to cheer on their Nebraska Cornhuskers during fall afternoons. It can hold over 85K enthusiastic fans at once. For nearly 382 straight games since 1962, it has sold out—more than any other NCAA Division I-A school. The stadium also conducts tours around it behind the scenes.
Since its inception in 1994, the facility seamlessly blends modernity with tradition while being equipped with up-to-date amenities such as jumbotron screens for instant replay purposes. Its corners have inspiring comments from former UNL professor Hartley Burr Alexander. The words represent courage, charity, fairness, and honor.
Game days are packed with enthusiastic fans, creating a sense of community and school spirit. Memorial Stadium offers an opportunity to experience Nebraska's rich football legacy.
10 Tour the International Quilt Museum
The International Quilt Museum, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, has the largest and most varied collection of quilts and textile art worldwide. This includes works from as far back as the 1600s to date. Exploring this museum's vast collection of historical and contemporary quilts gives visitors an intimate sense of the worldwide methods of creating patchwork.
Each visit guarantees a different experience with a special exhibition that ranges in topics, genre, or artist. The museum is well known for its educational programs and symposia that offer opportunities for people to study about the history surrounding making quilts.
11 Take a walk through Antelope Park
Antelope Park provides various recreational options for any visitor, regardless of age. Those who love the outdoors widely recognize the park for its numerous pedestrian trails, where people can walk or jog while surrounded by nature. There are numerous bike paths as well. The park offers a wide range of attractions that cater to the interests of tourists. One of the notable attractions is the Sunken Gardens, a beautiful garden that showcases a variety of plants and flowers.
Another must-visit spot in the park is the Veterans Memorial Garden, Elks baseball field. Strolling Garden boasts the largest playground area in the region. The well-maintained playgrounds allow families to allow their children to play and enjoy themselves while exploring nature, meeting the needs of parents and kids alike. Picnic areas can be found all over the park: perfect places to gather with others for social meals, surrounded by natural beauty, encouraging visitors to enjoy leisurely activities during their visit to these locations.
In addition, Antelope Park holds events during particular seasons, such as community festivals, outdoor concerts, and educational programs.
12 Visit the Lester F. Larsen Tractor Test and Power Museum
The Museum in Lincoln offers a glimpse into agricultural history. It carries a large collection of tractors and power equipment. The museum commemorates technological advancements in farming on the University of Nebraska campus by displaying historical and contemporary tractors. Viewers can investigate interactive displays and discover the importance of tractor testing.
The museum offers guided tours and educational programs. You may also get in-depth information about the evolution of agricultural technology and its effects on farming methods. It's important to note that admission is by donation only, with a suggested $5 per adult guest.
Veterans, military families, and UNL students and staff are let in free of charge.
13 Try a daytime visit to Lincoln Children's Museum
The Lincoln Children's Museum sits in a 23,000-square-foot room full of amazing exhibitions. The three-floor wonderland ignites young imaginations through the magic of play. Our hands-on displays and events aim to spark creativity and inspire future discoveries in the arts, sciences, and humanities.
From jumbo games on every floor to bubbling experiments and creative crafts like Oobleck and pop rock art, there's something for every child to explore and enjoy. Members and guests with regular admission, or Museums for All, can also enjoy free event activities.
14 Stroll along the Branched Oak State Recreation Area
Branched Oak State Recreation Area is a large 1,800-acre lake with beautiful surroundings, providing many outdoor activities. Enthusiasts of boating, fishing, and camping swarm to this location to take advantage of the fourteen access points, including two fancy campgrounds, the Middle Oak Creek and South Shore, and seven rustic spots. There is something for everyone, including swimming places, boat ramps, picnic sites, and locations for fishing and hunting. Remember to bring your park permit so you can use these facilities.
If you'd rather stay on land, Branched Oak also has plenty of beautifully maintained hiking and biking routes and well-equipped picnic sites where you can have a meal while taking in the beauty of the natural world.
15 Check out Holmes Lake Recreation Area
Holmes Lake Recreation Area is in a beautiful location situated amidst the natural beauty of Antelope Creek, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy various activities. The 111-acre lake provides numerous opportunities for boating and fishing, allowing fishermen to catch a variety of fish species. Walking paths wind around the shoreline, offering lovely scenery and interesting hikes for those who enjoy being outside.
The park also includes huge picnic areas with grills and tables, which are ideal for gatherings and outdoor dining. Playgrounds allow children to run around, providing a fun-filled day for families. Holmes Lake Recreation Area is suitable for a relaxing escape in the wonderful outdoors.
16 Visit the Nebraska History Museum
Plan a visit to this museum and enjoy a thrilling tour through the state's 12,000-year history and culture. You will also learn about the incredible antiques and stories from Nebraska's rich history. Established in the heart of downtown Lincoln on Centennial Mall and P Streets, this museum offers exclusive exhibits that demonstrate what Nebraska was like before becoming a state. The museum is in the habit of supplementing its collection with over 125,000 relics that speak to the past of Nebraska.
Additionally, consider participating in various adult and child-oriented educational activities and enjoying valuable experiences. Remember to attend the museum's special events, which provide exceptional chances to interact dynamically with Nebraska's past.
17 Attend a concert at Pinewood Bowl Theater
An outdoor amphitheater that is situated in a beautiful evergreen space is what Pinewood Bowl Theater is all about. In other words, it brings life and entertainment into the open air. The natural surroundings and outdoor stage provide concertgoers with an immersive experience.
Take in many events, such as plays, concerts, and other live acts, all set against the picturesque outdoor scenery. Pinewood Bowl Theater has something for everyone, including theater productions and music festivals. Visit their website to see the event calendar and ticket details, plan your visit, and buy your tickets in advance.
18 Treat yourself to a drink at Boiler Brewing Company
Boiler Brewing Company is located in downtown Lincoln's historic Grand Manse building. It serves a diverse selection of artisan beers, mead, and cider. If you would like to indulge in greatness, join us for a brewery and history tour every first Sunday of the month at 2:00 PM.
You'll start in our tap room and go through the interesting history and architecture of the Grand Manse. After tasting our award-winning beers, you will be privileged to hear Brewmaster Tim Thomssen explain the brewing process. Afterward, you can relax in the tap room with a pint.
19 Wine tasting at James Arthur Vineyards
James Arthur Vineyards is a wonderful winery in Nebraska's scenic countryside. It has a lovely tasting room, a delightful gift shop, and elegant event spaces.
James Arthur Vineyards takes pride in its huge variety of outstanding wines produced from French hybrid grapes along with American varieties. They have refreshing white wines and full-bodied reds aged in barrels, not forgetting sweet dessert wines that can accommodate any palate.
In addition to wine tastings and excursions, they provide a variety of other pleasant activities all year. James Arthur Vineyards frequently conducts entertaining events, such as comedy concerts, wine and astronomy parties, and sumptuous "Sundaes on Sunday" gatherings.
20 Wrapping it up
Explore Lincoln, Nebraska's many delights! There is an adventure for everyone, whether you are in for a hike, a cultural experience, or want to explore nature. Additionally, there are numerous culinary and drink options available from different parts of Lincoln, including Boiler Brewing Company for beer lovers and James Arthur Vineyard for wine enthusiasts. Now is the perfect time to set out on your adventure; share it with us and let us know what you enjoyed most about Lincoln, Nebraska!
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