Lincoln, the capital city of Nebraska, is a pleasant midwestern city listed among the ‘Top 100 best places to live in America’. It offers the best of urban and rural life. Endless prairie grass and sprawling corn farms; enchanting big blue sky; cozy honky-tonks and steakhouses; a cultural mix of Iraqi, Vietnamese and Sudanese refugee resettlements; a vibrant city center; beautiful city gardens; and museums - these are some of the charms of this offbeat city that is often missed by travelers. In case you’re wondering if you’ll have enough things to do in Lincoln, Nebraska, check out our list of attractions and activities in Lincoln and you will surely have the best time here.
1. Appreciate fine arts at the Great Plains Art Museum
The Great Plains Art Museum celebrates the creative spirit of the Great Plains of North America through the art and literature of the region. It brings together art, artists, and audiences for rich cultural experiences. Book one of the free guided tours offered by the museum for a comprehensive overview of artwork on display or explore the museum at your own pace through a self-guided tour. They also organize free activities and events where you can meet the artists-in-residence and participate in workshops.
Great Plains Art Museum tour
Address: 1155 Q St, Lincoln, NE 68508, USA
Website: Great Plains Art Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (Closed on Mon, Sun, holiday weekends & between exhibitions)
Price: Free and open to the public
2. Devour the delicious burgers at Honest Abe's Burgers & Freedom
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Succulent, loaded burgers dripping with flavorful sauces - if this gets your mouth watering, then be sure to stop by at Honest Abe’s Burgers when visiting downtown Lincoln. Their burgers are a work of art and the pride of the town. Try their popular ‘Greatest Burger Ever’ with freedom fries and a special 'awesome sauce.’ Run by cousins Erik and Gabe, this traditional burger joint also offers gluten-free, vegan buns as well as vegan patty made with oats.
Honest Abe's Burgers and Freedom
Address: 126 N 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68508, USA
Facebook: Honest Abe’s
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 8.25 USD
3. Visit the historic Haymarket district
Traced back to Lincoln’s first decade, the historic Haymarket can be traced to the 1867 market square where wagons, camping equipment, and hay were traded. Now, this bustling market area is full of restaurants, boutiques, shops, nightclubs, antique shops, art galleries, and microbreweries. Visit the historic Haymarket area, buy souvenirs, book a walking tour, or stroll through the Railyard on Canopy Street and soak in the vibes.
Haymarket District
Address: 335 N 8th St B, Lincoln, NE 68508, USA
Website: Haymarket District
Opening hours: 10am - 8.30pm (daily)
Price: Free and open to the public
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4. Check out the State Capitol building
The Nebraska State Capitol stands apart from other state capitols because of its beautiful, elongated dome. Located in downtown Lincoln, it is the seat of the government for Nebraska. Made of Indiana limestone, this elegant building is often called the ‘Tower on the Plains.’ Take time to see the beautiful murals, the gorgeous balcony on the third floor, the observation deck on the 14th floor, and the busts of famous Nebraskans that line the hallways. You can take a group tour or explore on your own.
Nebraska State Capitol
Address: 1445 K St, Lincoln, NE 68508, USA
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free and open to the public
5. Experience Group Therapy Bike Tours to explore Lincoln in a unique way
Pedal your way to happiness with Lincoln’s unique group tour, Group Therapy. They offer 14-passenger and 6-passenger pedal-powered bike tours that show you around the city. Their tours are celebratory experiences brimming with fun, laughter, music, and enjoyment. With stops at pubs, popular attractions, interactions with fellow passengers and passers-by, time flies and before you know it you have pedaled your way around the city. Go on this tour for a memorable travel experience.
Group Therapy Bike Tours
Address: 2901 W Claire Ave, Lincoln, NE 68523-9345
Website: Group Therapy Bike Tours
Price: 180 USD to rent the Conference Bike for a maximum of 6 people. 350 USD to rent the traditional Trolly Bike tour for a maximum of 15 people. Contact them for a personalized, per seat quote.
6. Take a stroll in the Sunken Gardens
Located in the heart of downtown Lincoln, Sunken Gardens was built in 1930 on a low lying neighborhood landfill site. The project was created to generate employment during difficult economic circumstances. With beautiful rock landscapes, tulip gardens, sculptures, trails, and recreation centers this park offers a place for rejuvenation and relaxation. It is Nebraska’s only park to be included in National Geographic’s ‘300 Best Gardens to Visit in the U.S. and Canada.’
Sunken Gardens
Address: S 27th St & Capitol Pkwy, Lincoln, NE 68502, United States
Website: Sunken Gardens
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. Make your kids fall for the Lincoln Children's Zoo
Lincoln Children’s Zoo is designed to make children fall in love with animals. This popular zoo is home to over 400 animals including endangered ones like the snow leopard and the Humboldt penguin. Your kids will get to see the pygmy marmoset, the world’s smallest monkey, pygmy marmoset, dromedary camels, red pandas, and many other interesting animals. Check the website to attend one of their interactive and fun events.
Lincoln Children's Zoo
Address: 1222 S 27th St, Lincoln, NE 68502, USA
Website: Lincoln Children’s Zoo
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8.95 USD for children and seniors, 9.95 USD for adults
8. Enjoy mouthwatering baked food at The Rabbit Hole Bakery
See you in the morning for fresh baked goods!☀️☕️
Posted by The Rabbit Hole Bakery on Wednesday, 1 May 2019
The Rabbit Hole Bakery is your stop for a sweet fix. Choose from a batch of macarons fresh out of the oven, custom cakes, baked bread, and other delectable desserts bursting with flavor. This local bakery uses the freshest ingredients and most unique flavors to prepare their specialty pastries, cakes, and bread.
The Rabbit Hole Bakery
Address: 800 Q St, Lincoln, NE 68508, USA
Website: The Rabbit Hole Bakery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 10pm, 12pm - 6pm
Price: 10 USD
9. Visit the Governor's Residence
Nebraska Governor’s Mansion is a stately Georgian colonial-style home built in 1957. The mansion has 5 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, several meeting rooms, 4 fireplaces, and a 3-stall garage. The most interesting part of this tour is the collection of dolls, which once belonged to the first ladies of the state. It dates back to the territorial governor’s wife, who had a penchant for collecting dolls.
Governor's Mansion
Address: 1425 H St, Lincoln, NE 68508, USA
Website: Governor’s Mansion
Opening hours: 1pm - 4pm (Thu)
Price: Free
10. Calm your foodie soul by enjoying European food at The Toast
Posted by Toast on Thursday, 5 April 2012
Toast is a celebration of Lincoln. Owners Tony and Wendy Young and Mike Martin have used materials from The Burlington Train Station, Whittier Junior High School, and Mister C’s Steak House to create their fantastic eatery. Select from their delectable burgers, sandwiches, and dinner entrees for a quick meal. They also have deli and soup offerings on the menu. Their popular comfort foods: tomato ketchup and brown sugar-glazed meatloaf and cottage pie are great options for a leisurely meal.
Toast
Address: 570 Fallbrook Blvd #105, Lincoln, NE 68521, USA
Website: Toast
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 10pm
Price: 10 USD
11. Visit the Lester F. Larsen Tractor Museum
Posted by Larsen Tractor Museum on Tuesday, 23 April 2019
The Lester F. Larsen Tractor Museum is one of the more common museums in Nebraska. It was first established in 1980 and has been dedicated to documenting the entire history of the state’s tractor test law. Moreover, there’s not a lot of agricultural museums in the world, which is why people – both local and international tourists – are very much enthusiastic to get to know how tractor companies have been helping farmers ever since the early 1900s. To find this historic landmark, head east of the University of Nebraska. From there, you’ll be able to locate some local tour guides that would be happy to give you a knowledgeable tour regarding some of the state’s vintage tractors.
Lester F. Larsen Tractor Museum
Address: N 35th St & Fair St, Lincoln, NE 68583, United States
Website: Lester F. Larsen Tractor Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
12. Check out the exhibits at Nebraska History Museum
The Nebraska History Museum features around 125,000 artifacts that have been collected in the past 12,000 years of Nebraskan history. Some of the things you can expect from this historic landmark are as follows: educational programs for the children, unique artifacts that showcase the culture of the early communities, and other items that tell the story of how Nebraska came to be. There are also a wide array of collections and exhibits to be excited about. In addition, with the technological advancements of this era, the museum now offers online-only exhibits. However, if you want to experience firsthand the innovative displays of the museum, what better way to do that than to book a tour.
Nebraska History Museum
Address: 131 Centennial Mall N, Lincoln, NE 68508, USA
Website: Nebraska History Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5.30pm (daily)
13. Watch a baseball game at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park
Haymarket Park is what the Lincoln Saltdogs call home. If you ever find yourself in Nebraska for a few days, you have to visit this park – or the better option would be to watch a baseball game at Hawks Field at the Haymarket Park. Truly, you and the boys will have one of the most amazing and one-of-a-kind baseball game experiences in all of your life. Moreover, you can also bring the entire family as the environment is the perfect kind for everyone. The ballpark is always clean and well-maintained. You can also opt to take a good long walk around the field before the game. After which, you can end the day with a great snack at the Farmers Market near the park.
Hawks Field at Haymarket Park
Address: 403 Line Dr Cir, Lincoln, NE 68508, USA
Website: Hawks Field at Haymarket Park
Opening hours: 8.30am - 5pm (daily)
14. Visit the wonderful Sheldon Museum of Art
If you and your friends are art enthusiasts on a lovely trip to Nebraska, then might we recommend the Sheldon Museum of Art as your first stop on your fun-filled journey. For more than 50 years, this art museum has provided both locals and tourists with so many art pieces to admire. In addition, it also features educational programs and tours. Some of its exhibits include the Unquiet Harmony: The Subject of Displacement, which features the work of Carlos Alfonzo; In Conversation: Black, which showcases various black objects; Convergence on Paper: Printmaking and Photography from Piranesi to Pop and Intersecting Identities, both of which showcases collections about the history of Nebraska, and so much more!
Sheldon Museum of Art
Address: 12th and R streets on the campus of the University of Lincoln, NE 68508, United States
Website: Sheldon Museum of Art
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Escape to Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln is a great place for a holiday. This charming historic town, named after Abraham Lincoln, is the place to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can explore local treasures, dine at some great restaurants, enjoy the fun nightlife, and go on refreshing hikes. Plan a holiday to Lincoln to relax and refresh yourself.
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