Lincoln, Nebraska may not be on every traveler’s radar, but the state capital has an impressive array of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Tour the State Capitol | Visit the iconic capitol building with guided tours and views. |
| Stop at the University of Nebraska State Museum | Explore Nebraska’s natural history with diverse exhibits. |
| Cheer on the Huskers at Memorial Stadium | Experience the excitement of a football game at the stadium. |
| See a Show at the Lied Center for Performing Arts | Enjoy various performances at this premier arts center. |
| Hike Wilderness Park | Explore a large park with diverse trails and wildlife. |
| Try a Craft Brew in the Haymarket | Sample local craft beers in the vibrant district. |
| Tour the State’s Most Beautiful Monument | Visit the Nebraska State Capitol Sower Monument at Wyuka Cemetery. |
| Discover Lincoln at the History Museum | Dive into Lincoln’s past with historical exhibits. |
| Take in Art at the Sheldon Museum of Art | View American art at this museum on the University of Nebraska campus. |
| Cruise on a Covered Wagon Ride | Enjoy a unique ride through local farms and history. |
| Explore Innovation at the James Arthur Vineyards | Taste wines and learn about local vineyard practices. |
| Shop and Eat Your Way through the Railyard | Experience the local food and shopping scene. |
From museums and historical sites that showcase Nebraska’s heritage to outdoor recreation, sports, and vibrant arts and culture, Lincoln has something to offer everyone. If you’re planning a trip to Lincoln, make sure to include these top 12 things to do on your Nebraska itinerary.
Tour the State Capitol
Name and Location: Nebraska State Capitol, 1445 K St, Lincoln, NE
History and Significance: The capitol’s towering 400-foot dome nicknamed “Tower on the Plains.” Built in 1932.
What to Expect: Guided tours of the beautiful interior featuring mosaics, architectural details, legislative chambers and the 14th floor observation deck.
Visitor Information: Free guided tours daily. Open weekdays 8am-5pm, weekends 10am-5pm.
One of Lincoln’s most iconic attractions is the impressive State Capitol building. The capitol, known for its 400-foot tower, is situated on expansive grounds that contain lush gardens, monuments, and fountains. Free guided tours are offered daily to take visitors inside the government building while learning about its history and architecture.
The ornate interior contains arched hallways, a rotunda with intricate tile floors, governor’s office, and legislative chambers. Make sure to explore the 14th floor observation decks for incredible panoramic views of Lincoln.
Stop at the University of Nebraska State Museum
Name and Location: University of Nebraska State Museum, 645 N 14th St, Lincoln, NE
History and Significance: Founded in 1871, features exhibits on natural history, anthropology, paleontology and more.
What to Expect: See the museum’s famous elephant and mammoth fossil mounts, Native American artifacts, and special exhibitions.
Visitor Information: Free general admission. Open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm, Thurs until 8pm.
The University of Nebraska State Museum in Lincoln contains fascinating displays highlighting Nebraska’s natural history. Visitors can explore several floors filled with exhibits like full dinosaur skeletons, complete skeletons of mammoths and mastodons, the geology hall of gems and minerals, and Morrill Hall which features over 1,200 mounted specimens of birds and mammals.
Other highlights include one of North America’s most complete fossil remains of the Columbian Mammoth and the museum’s expansive research collections. With hands-on displays and intriguing artifacts, it’s one of the top things to do in Lincoln for families.
Cheer on the Huskers at Memorial Stadium
Name and Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
History and Significance: Home stadium of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team since 1923. Seats over 85,000.
What to Expect: Experience the energy and traditions of Huskers game day and watch Big Ten football live.
Visitor Information: Games in fall months. Ticket prices vary. Purchase online or at box office.
Lincoln has one of the most devoted football fanbases in the country. On game days in the fall, the entire city buzzes with excitement and pride for their beloved Huskers NCAA team. Be part of the action by catching a game at the impressive 90,000 seat Memorial Stadium.
Opened in 1923, it provides an electric atmosphere whether you’re cheering from the stands or taking part in pre-game tailgates. If you can’t make it for a game, stadium tours offer a chance to glimpse field level views and learn about its storied past.
See a Show at the Lied Center for Performing Arts
Name and Location: Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N 12th St, Lincoln, NE
History and Significance: Opened in 1990 on UNL campus, hosts Broadway, concerts, speakers.
What to Expect: See touring Broadway productions, dance performances, concerts from classical to pop in a beautiful venue.
Visitor Information: Schedule and tickets online. Prices vary by show.
Lincoln’s premier performing arts center, the Lied Center for Performing Arts, is located on the University of Nebraska campus. The state-of-the-art theater opened in 1990 and hosts touring Broadway productions, concerts, ballet, speakers, and more.
With 2,500 seats, excellent acoustics, and great views from every angle, it’s a wonderful venue to see world-class entertainment. Upcoming highlights for shows in Lincoln include Alton Brown Live, Chicago Dance Crash, and Lea Salonga.
Hike Wilderness Park
Name and Location: Wilderness Park, 1228 S Coddington Ave, Lincoln, NE
History and Significance: Vast preserved area along Salt Creek greenway with miles of trails.
What to Expect: Hike through woodlands, meadows, and prairie. Spot native wildlife and plants.
Visitor Information: Free. Open daily 5am-11pm. Some areas closed seasonally.
Lincoln has an impressive greenspace right in town called Wilderness Park. This expansive 1,471 acre park contains 16 miles of diverse hiking and biking trails that wind through forests, prairies, and wetlands along Salt Creek.
The park is home to over 300 plant species, over 200 species of birds, and wildlife like white-tailed deer, beaver, foxes, and more that can be spotted on the trails. Salt Creek is also popular for kayaking. With convenient access yet a remote feeling, Wilderness Park is where locals go to enjoy nature without leaving the city.
Try a Craft Brew in the Haymarket
Name and Location: Haymarket District, Downtown Lincoln
History and Significance: Revitalized historic area with shops, restaurants and breweries.
What to Expect: Sample local craft beer at breweries like White Elm, Code Beer, and Zipline. Lively nightlife.
Visitor Information: Free to walk around. Brewery hours vary.
Beer lovers will find paradise in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District downtown. This pedestrian-friendly area with trendy shops, galleries, and eateries also contains several standout microbreweries and taprooms. Don’t miss White Elm Brewing’s variety of creative experimental beers or Code Beer Company’s family-friendly taproom.
Other local options include Blue Blood Brewing, Zipline Brewing, and Boiler Brewing serving unique craft beers in cool industrial spaces. Many also offer tours and food menus. With its concentration of local breweries and great atmosphere, the Haymarket is the place to be to try Lincoln’s impressive craft beers.
Tour the State’s Most Beautiful Monument
Name and Location: Nebraska State Capitol, 1445 K St, Lincoln, NE
History and Significance: The impressive 400-foot tall capitol dome is the state’s most iconic landmark.
What to Expect: Guided tours of the ornate interior, legislative chambers, fascinating history and architecture.
Visitor Information: Free tours daily. Open weekdays 8am-5pm, weekends 10am-5pm.
Situated in Wyuka Cemetery is the Nebraska State Capitol Sower Monument. This 19-foot bronze statue depicts a man scattering grain seed. While that may seem like an odd tourist attraction, the Sower statue is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing monuments in the country.
The statue previously sat atop the capitol building until it was replaced with a replica. Visitors are drawn to the impressive size, detailed form, and symbolism of the piece. Wyuka Cemetery provides a peaceful setting to admire it up close and take some photographs. It’s one of Lincoln’s hidden gems.
Discover Lincoln at the History Museum
Name and Location: Lincoln History Museum, 131 Centennial Mall N, Lincoln, NE
History and Significance: Details the development and stories of Nebraska’s capital city.
What to Expect: Exhibits, artifacts and interactive displays covering Lincoln’s past, people, culture, and architecture.
Visitor Information: Free general admission. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm, Sat-Sun 1:30pm-4:30pm.
Immerse yourself in Lincoln’s past through displays and artifacts at the Lincoln History Museum. Exhibits highlight notable residents, vintage photographs, important architecture, local businesses that shaped the city, and more. Visitors can also explore handcrafted miniature replicas of the city in different eras.
Temporary and traveling exhibits often focus on various cultural groups that settled in Lincoln. Be sure to ask about scavenger hunt activity sheets for kids to keep them engaged during visits. With so many interactive elements, the museum brings local history to life.
Take in Art at the Sheldon Museum of Art on UNL’s Campus
Name and Location: Sheldon Museum of Art, 12th and R St, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
History and Significance: Excellent collection of 20th century American art. Part of UNL.
What to Expect: View galleries of paintings, photographs, sculptures. Attend talks, concerts, events.
Visitor Information: Free admission. Closed Mondays. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm, Thurs until 8pm.
Lincoln is home to an impressive art museum right on the University of Nebraska campus. The Sheldon Museum of Art contains over 12,000 works in its permanent collection, with an emphasis on 19th and 20th century American art.
Notable artists include Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Jackson Pollock. The Sheldon also has the largest collection of works by Nebraska artists. In addition to viewing well-known pieces, visitors can take docent-led tours, enjoy lectures, and participate in classes. With free admission, it’s an essential art stop when exploring Lincoln.
Cruise on a Covered Wagon Ride
Name and Location: Wilderness Stables, 1401 W. Fletcher, Lincoln, NE
History and Significance: Experience pioneer life cruising through Wilderness Park by covered wagon.
What to Expect: 45 minute covered wagon tours with entertaining costumed guides sharing stories.
Visitor Information: Wagon rides May-October. Call to book. Ticket prices apply.
For a unique perspective of Lincoln, take a ride on an old-fashioned covered wagon. Pioneers in Agriculture offers narrated covered wagon rides that pass by local farms while sharing stories and history of Nebraska’s agriculture heritage. Rides are available in the daytime or evening by reservation.
If you visit during the holidays, be sure to reserve their special Lantern Light Wagon Ride for carols and cozy campfires. Covered wagon rides provide an immersive experience into rural life and show a different side of Lincoln and its surroundings.
Explore Innovation at the James Arthur Vineyards
Name and Location: James Arthur Vineyards, 2001 W Raymond Rd, Raymond, NE
History and Significance: Local winery pioneering cold-climate grapes and winemaking.
What to Expect: Tour the vineyards, taste wines, enjoy gourmet food pairings. Relaxing, scenic ambiance.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Free tastings and tours. Meal reservations required.
Though known for corn, Nebraska has an emerging wine scene evident in Lincoln at James Arthur Vineyards. This local boutique vineyard has a beautiful tasting room situated on a scenic hilltop overlooking rows of vines. James Arthur focuses on crafting wines from cold-climate grapes that grow well in Nebraska’s terroir.
Visitors can taste through wines like the award-winning Buddhist Bend and other unique varietals during a tasting. Make sure to ask the knowledgeable staff about the innovative trellising, nylon training, and machine-harvesting methods used on site as well. It provides wine lovers with a memorable Nebraska experience.
Shop and Eat Your Way through the Railyard
Name and Location: The Railyard, Lincoln, NE
History and Significance: Revitalized historic area with restaurants, shops, entertainment.
What to Expect: Unique shops and dining in converted railroad buildings. Events at the Farmers’ Market.
Visitor Information: Free to stroll. Shops/restaurants open daily. Farmers’ Market on Sundays.
No visit to Lincoln is complete without visiting the trendy Haymarket and Railyard districts. These areas are filled with local shops selling home décor, clothing, antiques, art, and more. You’ll also find cafes, restaurants, and bars, many specializing in artisanal local food and drink.
The Railyard has an indoor farmers market on weekends too. With old brick warehouses converted into hip commercial spaces, these neighborhoods are perfect for strolling, window shopping, and tasting your way around Lincoln’s food scene.
Conclusion
From its top-notch museums and performing arts to outdoor spaces, craft breweries, sports, and unique attractions, Lincoln offers up diverse experiences for travelers. Learning about Nebraska history, culture, and innovations while enjoying nature and entertainment, visitors get a well-rounded taste of what the capital city has to offer.
Whether planning a weekend getaway or stopping through on a Midwest road trip, make sure to include these top 12 things to do on your Lincoln itinerary. With such variety, you’re guaranteed to find activities that feed your passions and interests.