Park Name	Features
Pioneers Park	Over 500 acres with tennis courts, athletic fields, nature center, zoo, and skatepark.
Sunken Gardens	Botanical garden with floral displays, waterfalls, and thematic gardens.
Holmes Lake Park	Offers boating, fishing, swimming, and trails around Holmes Lake.
Wilderness Park	Large natural area with diverse habitats, trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Antelope Park	Central location, Fountain Lake, playgrounds, and sports courts.
Union Plaza	Surrounds Nebraska State Capitol with trees, fountains, monuments, and a farmers market.
Jamaica North Trail	7-mile trail for hiking and biking through natural scenery.
Prescott Park	Artistic park with sculptures, exhibits, and live music.
Peter Pan Park	Splash pads, playgrounds, and sports courts for summer fun.
Woods Park	Nature trails, sports complexes, and community playhouse.
Mahoney Golf Course	18-hole golf course with natural scenery and a clubhouse.
Jensen Park	Lakeside park with fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking trails.
Arbor Day Farm	Focus on tree cultivation, nature trails, and educational programs.

From scenic nature preserves to manicured gardens, Lincoln’s parks provide plenty of options for play, relaxation or connecting with nature. To experience the best Lincoln’s parks have to offer, here are 12 top picks that showcase the diversity and beauty of these public outdoor spaces.

Pioneers Park

Name and Location: Pioneers Park, SW Corner of S Coddington Ave & W Van Dorn St, Lincoln, NE

History and Significance: 668-acre park with lush gardens, nature center, amphitheater, and more.

What to Expect: Walking trails, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Nature Center, golf course, tennis courts, picnic areas.

Visitor Information: Free admission. Open daily 5am-11pm. Nature Center open Tue-Sat 10am-4pm.

Pioneers Park stands out as Lincoln’s most expansive and popular public park. Encompassing over 500 acres, the park boasts ample amenities for recreation and entertainment. Sporting facilities include tennis courts, athletic fields, disc golf course and an archery range. The park roads wind through native prairie grasses and woodlands perfect for scenic strolls.

Two scenic ponds offer fishing opportunities as well as paddleboat rentals in summer. Other highlights include the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, the expansive Pioneers Park Nature Center, and the Nellessen Skatepark for skaters. With so much to experience, Pioneers Park provides outdoor fun for all interests.

Sunken Gardens

Name and Location: Sunken Gardens, 27th & Capitol Pkwy, Lincoln, NE

History and Significance: Formal public sunken garden operating since 1930.

What to Expect: Strolling paths through floral displays, World War I memorial, fountain, lily pond.

Visitor Information: Free admission. Open daily dawn to dusk.

For horticultural beauty, Lincoln’s Sunken Gardens is a must-see attraction. Also known as the Lincoln Municipal Garden, this 100-acre botanical garden provides stunning floral displays. The cascading waterfall and signature sunken garden filled with vibrant blooms are highlights. Visitors will also enjoy strolling through the rose gardens, rock garden, herb garden and peaceful Japanese garden.

Two greenhouses showcase tropical and desert species. Music and light shows occur seasonally. Home gardeners can get inspiration from the themed demonstration plots. For a tranquil urban oasis to refresh your senses with natural splendor, Sunken Gardens is a Lincoln jewel.

Holmes Lake Park

Name and Location: Holmes Lake Park, S 70th St & Normal Blvd, Lincoln, NE

History and Significance: Urban park featuring a 42-acre lake with recreational opportunities.

What to Expect: Jogging/biking trail, swimming, paddleboating, playground, picnic sites, hiking path.

Visitor Information: Free admission. Open daily 5am-11pm. Boat rentals available.

Situated around the scenic Holmes Lake, this park in southeast Lincoln offers fantastic recreation opportunities. Visitors can boat, kayak and stand up paddle on the water. Two swimming beaches provide reprieve from summer heat. Miles of trails on the wooded lakeshores are ideal for hiking, running and cycling.

Other amenities include playgrounds, picnic areas and courts for tennis and sand volleyball. The park is also home to the Jayne Snyder Trails Center with exhibits on local ecology. From family picnics to lakeside trails, Holmes Lake Park invites visitors to make the most of the glistening lake.

Wilderness Park

Name and Location: Wilderness Park, 1228 S Coddington Ave, Lincoln, NE

History and Significance: Vast conserved area with native landscapes along Salt Creek.

What to Expect: 16 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Spot wildlife and natural scenery.

Visitor Information: Free admission. Open daily 5am-11pm. Some areas closed seasonally.

For a peaceful prairie getaway, Lincoln’s expansive Wilderness Park can’t be beat. Encompassing 1,472 acres on the city’s western fringe, the park contains a mix of habitats including wetlands, woodlands and wildflower meadows. Over 14 miles of trails provide ample room to hike, bike or ride horseback through the scenic landscape.

Parts of the park are left wild for wildlife observation. Two picnic shelters are available for gatherings. Ongoing restoration efforts keep the park ecosystem healthy. With its size and diversity, Wilderness Park promises a scenic outdoor escape in Lincoln’s own prairie wilderness.

Antelope Park

Name and Location: Antelope Park, Sumner St & Sheridan Blvd, Lincoln, NE

History and Significance: One of Lincoln’s original parks, established in 1887.

What to Expect: Circular walking path, recreational facilities, LINcoln Rose Garden, playground, picnic sites.

Visitor Information: Free admission. Open daily 5am-11pm.

Centrally located Antelope Park provides a popular green space near downtown Lincoln. Its most notable feature is the shimmering Fountain Lake at the park’s heart. Pedal boats and kayaks available for rental let you explore the lake’s waters. Anglers can try their luck fishing for the lake’s stocked rainbow trout.

Other amenities include playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, walking paths and a skatepark. Family-friendly festivals like the annual Easter egg hunt occur seasonally. Grab lunch from the onsite cafe to enjoy in the park. For convenient access to play and natural scenery, Antelope Park is a neighborhood treasure.

Union Plaza

Name and Location: Union Plaza, 21st & O Streets, Lincoln, NE

History and Significance: Open community space with fountains and art downtown.

What to Expect: Large central fountain, events and music performances, art exhibits, federal building.

Visitor Information: Free and open 24/7. Metered street parking nearby.

For historic beauty, Union Plaza offers a scenic downtown oasis. Developed in the late 1800s, the plaza surrounds the impressive Nebraska State Capitol building. Towering trees, fountains, monuments and paths encircle the Capitol’s grounds, providing a lush landscape.

Climb the expansive staircase up to see the Sower statue atop the Capitol building. Check out the seasonal floral displays and Lincoln icon sculptures. The plaza comes to life on weekends with a popular farmers market. With so much history and charm, Union Plaza is a Lincoln must-visit.

Jamaica North Trail

Name and Location: Jamaica North Trail, along Salt Creek, Lincoln, NE

History and Significance: Paved recreation trail running from Downtown to Wilderness Park.

What to Expect: Walk, run or bike the 7.5 mile trail. Access from multiple points. Views of Salt Creek.

Visitor Information: Free and open 24 hours. Parking at access points.

Nature lovers will appreciate the Jamaica North Trail for hiking and biking through native scenery. This recreation trail stretches over 7 miles from downtown to Pioneers Park. Most of the crushed gravel path follows scenic Salt Creek, taking in wetlands, woodlands and prairie. Interpretive signs describe the ecology and wildlife along the way.

Parking and trail access points are available along the route. The path offers a family-friendly cycling adventure suitable for all skill levels. For an easy introduction to Lincoln’s shortgrass prairie landscapes, the Jamaica North Trail is just the ticket.

Prescott Park

Name and Location: Prescott Park, 900 Cleveland Ave, Lincoln, NE

History and Significance: Quaint neighborhood park in Lincoln’s Prescott area.

What to Expect: Open green space, walking trails, playground, picnic tables, scenic pond.

Visitor Information: Free admission. Open daily 5am-11pm. On-street parking only.

An artistic oasis awaits in downtown Lincoln’s Prescott Park. Manicured lawns, mature trees, and floral plantings make this small 1.5 acre park an inviting retreat. The park’s unique identities are the two reproductions of iconic statues – Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker and the Lion of Lucerne. Replicas of these famous sculptures sit among modern art installations.

Temporary exhibits and live music during warmer months add to Prescott Park’s appeal. Embracing green space and the arts, Prescott Park cultivates beauty in the heart of the city.

Peter Pan Park

Name and Location: Peter Pan Park, 1035 Garfield St, Lincoln, NE

History and Significance: Whimsical park featuring bronze Peter Pan statue and playground.

What to Expect: Peter Pan statue, imaginative playground inspired by the story, green space.

Visitor Information: Free admission. Open daily 5am-11pm. Street parking available.

On hot summer days, Peter Pan Park’s splash pads and gushing fountains offer the perfect spot for water play. This fun neighborhood park has two zero-depth splash pad areas with dozens of spray features. Bucket dumps, water jets and sprinklers keep kids happily occupied for hours. The park also has playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts for dry land recreation.

Surrounding lawns and shade trees provide space to spread out picnics. On sweltering afternoons, Peter Pan Park is the place for cooling water fun in the sun.

Woods Park

Name and Location: Woods Park, S 31st & J St, Lincoln, NE

History and Significance: Lush neighborhood park with many recreation amenities.

What to Expect: Rose garden, tennis courts, playgrounds, walking trails, picnic spots, recreation center.

Visitor Information: Free admission. Open daily 5am-11pm. Street parking available.

Nestled along Salt Creek, Woods Park combines nature trails with popular sports complexes. Hiking and biking paths follow the creek’s wooded banks and ponds. The grassy park grounds have diverse facilities for tennis, baseball, softball, soccer and more. Two reservable outdoor shelters are ideal for gatherings.

The park is also home to the Lincoln Community Playhouse for theatrical performances. With athletic courts, nature trails and scenic waterways, Woods Park has broad appeal for recreation and the arts.

Mahoney Golf Course

Name and Location: Mahoney Golf Course, 7900 Adams St, Lincoln, NE

History and Significance: Public 18-hole golf course operated by Lincoln Parks & Rec.

What to Expect: Golf course with rolling hills, putting greens, pro shop, driving range, and cafe.

Visitor Information: Daily fees to play apply. Open daily, hours vary by season.

For pleasant scenery and a challenging round of golf, Mahoney Golf Course is a favorite Lincoln park escape. This 18-hole course takes advantage of the natural beauty of Wilderness Park’s prairie and Salt Creek valley. Mature cottonwoods line the fairways, with elevation changes adding character to each hole. Other features include a driving range and putting green to practice skills.

The rustic clubhouse has a restaurant serving up classic golf fare and drinks overlooking the course. Affordable rates make Mahoney Golf Course a top value for golfers of all skill levels.

Jensen Park

Name and Location: Jensen Park, S 27th & Pine Lake Rd, Lincoln, NE

History and Significance: Large neighborhood park featuring a popular splash pad.

What to Expect: Splash pad, playgrounds, hiking/biking trails, tennis courts, picnic areas.

Visitor Information: Free admission. Open daily 5am-11pm.

Alongside a placid lake, Jensen Park welcomes visitors to make the most of its pristine setting. Park activities revolve around its glistening centerpiece, Branched Oak Lake. Fishing, boating and swimming opportunities abound in the lake’s waters. Sandy beaches provide prime spots for sunbathing or building sandcastles.

Beyond the lake, amenities include playgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas, and reservable shelters. For a family or solo retreat focused on fun by the water, Jensen Park at Branched Oak Lake is tough to top.

Arbor Day Farm

Name and Location: Arbor Day Farm, 2611 Arbor Ave, Nebraska City, NE

History and Significance: Historic Tree City USA location with orchards, trails, activities.

What to Expect: Tree planting, children’s activities, scenic grounds, Lied Lodge, orchards, and trails.

Visitor Information: Free admission to grounds. Lied Lodge has an admission fee. Open daily.

Celebrate trees and nature’s beauty at Arbor Day Farm located on the northeast edge of town. Operated by the Arbor Day Foundation, the farm’s central focus is tree cultivation and woodland conservation. Miles of nature trails wind through diverse wooded areas showcasing American hardwood trees. Guided tours and interpretive programs are available.

Other amenities include picnic grounds, children’s play areas, and gardens displaying colorful botanicals. The Lied Lodge houses interactive tree-themed exhibits. For an immersive tree adventure, Arbor Day Farm is an inspiring park experience.

Conclusion

Lincoln is blessed with outstanding parks that provide room to roam in both natural and developed landscapes. Spanning prairie wilderness, formal gardens, recreation facilities and more, Lincoln’s diverse parks have something to satisfy every interest.

Whether you love golfing, hiking, disc golf or simply relaxing in flower gardens, Lincoln’s magnificent parks offer welcoming outdoor spaces that enhance the city’s exceptional quality of life. When visiting Nebraska’s capital, make sure to spend time exploring these urban oases.