Lincoln, Nebraska may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of romance, but this Midwest city offers many unique date ideas for couples. From scenic hiking trails to cozy cafes to exciting events, Lincoln has activities to appeal to all types of couples.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Stroll through the Sunken Gardens | A botanical oasis in the city with walkways, flowers, and fountains. |
| Live music at Zoo Bar | A historic indie music venue offering blues, rock, and more in an intimate setting. |
| Cruise down Highway 2 | Scenic drive with panoramic city views and sunset watching. |
| Hike in Wilderness Park | Trails through forests and prairies, with opportunities to spot wildlife. |
| Wine tasting at James Arthur Vineyard | Elegant wine tasting experience with Nebraska varietals and scenic vineyard views. |
| Show at Lied Center | Performing arts center featuring Broadway shows, musicals, and orchestras. |
| Picnic at Holmes Lake | Lakeside picnicking with paddleboat rides and relaxing atmosphere. |
| Beer tasting at Zipline Brewery | Craft beer tasting in a lively taproom setting. |
| Holiday lights at Lincoln Children’s Zoo | Walk through festive holiday light displays at the zoo. |
| Sporting event | Cheer for local teams at various sporting events. |
| Helicopter tour of Lincoln | Sunset helicopter tour over city landmarks and landscapes. |
Experience the charm and culture of Nebraska’s capital city while spending quality time with your significant other. Here are 12 of the top romantic things to do in Lincoln.
Take a stroll through the Sunken Gardens
Name and Location: The Sunken Gardens are located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus near the intersection of Q St and R St.
History and Significance: The Sunken Gardens were established in 1929 and feature beautiful floral displays, fountains, and winding paths.
What to Expect: Visitors can stroll through the peaceful gardens and view the many flowers, shrubs, and trees. The central fountain and lily pond are highlights.
Visitor Information: The gardens are open daily from 8am to 11pm. Admission is free.
Within Lincoln’s 27th and Capitol District is the tranquil Sunken Gardens. This botanical oasis within the city features curved walkways, arched trellises, vibrant flowers, and peaceful fountains. The paths wind through the gardens, allowing you to explore the many blooms and artwork.
Visit at sunset and walk hand-in-hand through the romantic lighting. Bring a blanket and bottle of wine to end your evening picnicking in this secret garden tucked away in downtown Lincoln.
Check out live music at Zoo Bar
Name and Location: Zoo Bar is located at 136 N 14th St in downtown Lincoln.
History and Significance: Zoo Bar opened in 1973 and is Lincoln’s longest running live music venue, hosting local and national acts.
What to Expect: Zoo Bar has live music almost every night, ranging from rock to blues to indie. There is a full bar and menu.
Visitor Information: Zoo Bar is open daily from 5pm to 1am. There is often a small cover charge for shows.
For an intimate music venue with major local flair, snag a booth at Zoo Bar. Opened in 1973, Zoo Bar is Lincoln’s longest running indie music joint, drawing huge regional acts. Their calendar includes blues, rock, alt-country and more.
Share a bucket of beers and cozy up next to your sweetheart as you get lost in the music. Zoo Bar’s retro vibes, great bands and dim lighting set the scene for a romantic and uniquely Lincoln date night.
Cruise down Highway 2
Name and Location: Highway 2 runs east-west across Nebraska, including through Lincoln.
History and Significance: Highway 2 has been a major thoroughfare across Nebraska since the 1920s. The Lincoln stretch offers scenic drives.
What to Expect: Driving along Highway 2, you’ll see the Nebraska countryside with rolling farmlands, woodlands, and prairie grasses.
Visitor Information: Highway 2 is open year-round. Drive carefully as parts are two-lane highway.
One of the most scenic drives in Lincoln is Highway 2 cutting across the south end of town. Cruise along this road with your significant other, passing by wild sunflowers and prairie grasses. Make stops at various pullouts to kiss with panoramic city skyline views.
At sunset, continue driving west to watch the sun dip behind the horizon. Bring a blanket and snacks to sit along the highway shoulder and take in unobstructed prairie views.
Hike Wilderness Park
Name and Location: Wilderness Park is located in southwest Lincoln, near S 1st St and W Calvert St.
History and Significance: Wilderness Park spans over 1,400 acres and offers excellent hiking opportunities with its miles of trails.
What to Expect: Hikers can choose from several loop trails of varying length and difficulty through prairie, wetlands, and woodlands.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily from 5am to 11pm. Pets must be leashed and hiking is the only activity permitted.
Immerse yourself in nature as you explore the trails of Wilderness Park hand-in-hand with your love. Just a few miles outside downtown Lincoln, this expansive park has 16 miles of hiking and biking trails through forests, wetlands and wild prairie.
Follow the Steamboat Trace Trail to see unique rock formations and blooming flora. Spot local wildlife like red foxes, owls and buffalo. With its natural beauty and serenity, Wilderness Park is a romantic escape right in Lincoln’s backyard.
Wine tasting at James Arthur Vineyard
Name and Location: James Arthur Vineyard is located at 2001 W Raymond Rd southwest of Lincoln.
History and Significance: James Arthur Vineyard opened in 1997 and was Nebraska’s first estate winery. They produce award-winning wines.
What to Expect: Visitors can taste James Arthur’s locally produced wines in their tasting room and enjoy the scenic vineyard views.
Visitor Information: The tasting room is open Wed-Sun 11am-6pm. Tastings start at $5 for 5 wines.
For an elegant date afternoon, head to James Arthur Vineyard for a specialized wine tasting. You’ll sample six wines including unique Nebraska varietals like Edelweiss alongside artisan meats and cheeses.
Enjoy picturesque views of the vineyards through the tasting room’s floor-to-ceiling windows. This upscale wine tasting experience is perfect for a romantic day spent bonding over shared interests in wine.
See a show at the Lied Center
Name and Location: The Lied Center for Performing Arts is located on the UNL campus at 12th and R Street.
History and Significance: The Lied Center opened in 1990 and brings world-class performing arts to Lincoln.
What to Expect: You can see touring Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances, and more in the state-of-the-art facilities.
Visitor Information: Show dates, times and ticket prices vary. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office.
Experience Lincoln’s arts scene with your date at the Lied Center for Performing Arts. This premier performing arts center located on UNL’s campus attracts major Broadway shows, musical acts, dancers and orchestras from around the world.
Dress up for an evening at the Lied Center seeing renowned performers. Share laughs and tears as you take in spectacular shows alongside your loved one in the elegant theater.
Picnic at Holmes Lake
Name and Location: Holmes Lake Park is located in Lincoln near S 70th St and Normal Blvd.
History and Significance: Holmes Lake was created in 1962 and is a popular recreation spot with its trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
What to Expect: Visitors enjoy walking or biking the trails around the lake and having picnics in the shaded picnic shelters.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily from 5am to 11pm. No entrance fees.
Pack a picnic basket filled with wine, cheese, fruit and other goodies to enjoy lakeside at Holmes Lake. Sit on the sandy beach or under a shade tree and feast while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Go for a paddleboat ride on the lake and relax floating across the water. With its playgrounds, trails, and relaxing vibe, Holmes Lake is a prime romantic picnic destination.
Beer tasting at Zipline Brewery
Name and Location: Zipline Brewery is located in east Lincoln at 2101 Magnum Circle.
History and Significance: Zipline opened in 2013 and crafts unique beer styles with locally sourced ingredients.
What to Expect: Zipline offers tours and free samples of their latest beers in the taproom. There is a rotating food truck on site.
Visitor Information: Open 7 days a week from 11am-9pm. No reservations needed for taproom tastings.
Share flights of unique craft beers at Zipline Brewery, located in Lincoln’s Haymarket District. This lively taproom serves a wide array of original brews along with ciders and seltzers.
Sip samples side-by-side at an indoor picnic table or out on the patio. Enjoy light snacks as you discover new favorite beers together. With its laid-back setting and delicious drinks, Zipline is perfect for a casual date.
See holiday lights at Lincoln Children’s Zoo
Name and Location: Lincoln Children’s Zoo is located at 1222 S 27th St.
History and Significance: The zoo puts on an annual holiday lights event with over 40 lit displays.
What to Expect: Visitors can walk through the zoo grounds and see colorful light displays including animal shapes, trees, and tunnels.
Visitor Information: The event runs late November through December 30. Ticket prices vary by date.
Bundle up and stroll through the Lincoln Children’s Zoo’s annual holiday light display during their “Zoo Lights” event. The zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland with colorful light displays of animals.
Cozy up on a lighted bench with hot cocoa and take in the festive atmosphere. Zoo Lights makes for a romantic winter date night stroll that will fill you with nostalgia and holiday cheer.
Catch a sporting event
Name and Location: Lincoln has various university and professional sports teams.
History and Significance: Lincolnites are passionate about supporting their beloved sports teams.
What to Expect: Choices include Husker football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and minor league baseball.
Visitor Information: Game schedules and ticket info can be found on the respective team websites.
Cheer on the Huskers together at one of Lincoln’s beloved sporting events for a fun spirited date. Football is king in this college town, but you can also catch volleyball, basketball, baseball and even roller derby.
No matter the sport, showing your team pride alongside your sweetie makes for a lively night out. Split popcorn and hot dogs while you scream yourselves hoarse rooting for the home team.
Take a helicopter tour of Lincoln
Name and Location: Helicopter tours depart from local airports or helipads in Lincoln.
History and Significance: Helicopter tours provide unique aerial views of Lincoln and surroundings.
What to Expect: Tours last 10-20 minutes. You’ll see top landmarks and get great views.
Visitor Information: Tours can be booked through companies like Eagle Aviation. Prices start around $49 per person.
For an unforgettable romantic experience, book a sunset helicopter tour of Lincoln. You’ll soar over Memorial Stadium, the Capitol building, UNL campus and other city sights from a breathtaking bird’s eye view.
Fly over vibrant sunflower fields and watch the sunset paint the landscape in dazzling hues. Viewing Lincoln’s beauty from new heights is a once-in-a-lifetime thrill to share with your special someone.
Conclusion
Lincoln may be an underrated city for romance, but it offers scenic nature, exciting entertainment, and cozy hangouts perfect for couples. From concerts and shows to outdoor activities to tasting local offerings, Lincoln has diverse date options to appeal to all interests and budgets.
The city’s welcoming Midwest vibe makes it easy to focus on each other and your shared joy. Lincoln allows you to create special memories that uniquely encapsulate your love story’s setting.