9 Things to Do In Lincoln, Nebraska: Museums, Nature & More

Lincoln, the state capital of Nebraska, is rich in tourist attractions. You will have a long list of places and things to do in Lincoln.

For instance, the city is known for its amazing wildlife, natural beauty, and historical sites.

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Things To Do In Lincoln

Lincoln is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and families.

One of the places you should tour is the Lincoln monument, which has great historical importance.

Also, visit the governor’s mansion. While there, ensure to take pictures of the dolls collections, each representing the state’s first ladies.

Lincoln is also great for a family getaway. This is because there are activities to suit everyone.

For example, the kids will enjoy the botanical gardens and the fascinating zoos where they can see different species of animals.

Adults can visit the wilderness Park which is great for biking, hiking, and nature trails.

Enjoy The Wildlife And Natural Beauty Of Lincoln

Lincoln has diverse wildlife and is rich with natural attractions.

The city has various habitats where different species can roam and live without interfering with human activities.

1. The Sunken Gardens

The Sunken gardens are the only ones in Nebraska listed in the National Geographic Guide to Public Gardens.

The gardens were constructed almost a decade ago after the repurposing of a dump site.

Sunken gardens in Lincoln Nebraska — Sunken gardens

They feature a series of gardens with beautiful plantations, surrounded by small bridges and walls that are designed to descend to a pond.

These gardens are loved for their diversity in plantations, including flowers, trees, and shrubs that offer a fantastic display throughout the year, especially in summer and spring.

Visitors love the serene and peaceful environment favorable for picnicking, biking, and strolling.

2. Pioneers Park Nature Center

Pioneers Park Nature Center is a vast wildlife area with nature trails. This makes it ideal for biking, hiking, and other outdoor pleasures.

While there, take a walk through the prairie, listen to the birds, meet the different varieties of animals, relax on the benches, and smell the fresh air while you interact with nature.

The park also offers you an opportunity to learn about the woodland and wetlands of Nebraska.

Lastly, the park offers picnic areas where you can enjoy a good time with your family while participating in outdoor recreational activities.

3. Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Lincoln Children’s Zoo is specifically designed to give children a fantastic experience.

It offers educational programs and interactive exhibits. All these give your kids an excellent opportunity to learn about animals while interacting with them.

The ultimate goal of the zoo is to allow children to learn about various animals and be responsible for caring for them and their environment.

It has over 300 animals and features unique species such as:

The Pygmy Marmosets, The World’s Smallest Monkeys
Red Pandas
Dromedary Camels
Meerkats
Lemurs

Over 40 animals in the zoo are endangered, such as the Amur leopard and the Humboldt penguin.

4. Antelope Valley Wildlife Area

Antelope Valley Wildlife Area is an amazing site to visit while in Lincoln. It is great for wildlife viewing, especially deer. There are also plenty of bird species to see.

Since the area is vast, it offers exciting nature trails and picnic sites.

For example, the valley provides ample space for activities such as:

seasonal camping
hiking
biking
and hunting

What`s also unique about this place is that you don’t require a license or pass to be able to hunt in the area.

However, hunting some species of animals may require special permits.

Visit Some Educational And Historical Sites

Lincoln is rich in historical sites that offer significant knowledge of American history.

It is also home to among the best educational centers in the US. Come prepared to learn new and exciting facts.

5. Museum of American Speed

The Museum of American Speed was founded by Speedy Bill and Joyce Smith to preserve and interpret the different stages of the development of automotive history.

The museum is a private foundation federally recognized as part of US museums.

It offers you a feeling of more than observing a car collection; it is a celebration of how speed has been achieved over time.

It offers a thrill that captivates millions of automotive lovers and shows them the history of each vehicle model.

6. The University of Nebraska State Museum

Also referred to as the Morrill Hall, the University of Nebraska State Museum is among the most prominent historical museums in the US. It is located on the campus University of Nebraska.

Notably, the museum exhibits the cultural history of Nebraska and includes the state’s archeology, paleontology, and geology. It also documents the great plains of the regions.

What to Expect? Visitors can also learn about the natural history of the region. Artifacts and specimens such as native American culture, and minerals are displayed for educational purposes.

Be sure to check out remains of prehistoric creatures such as the mammoth.

Also, various interactive educational programs are enhanced with displays for better understanding and entertainment.

7. Nebraska State Capitol

The Nebraska State Capital is an essential building in Lincoln with offices of the state of Nebraska’s executive, legislative, and governmental branches.

The building is like no other; it has critical historical stories that provide satisfaction and American pride.

Essentially, it is a symbol of political power and state governance.

Additionally, it has a neoclassical architecture print that is one of the finest in the US. Murals, sculptures, and other classical works make this building a fascinating watch.

Also, the tower provides a mesmerizing panoramic view of Lincoln City and its outskirts, including the countryside.

The Sporting Side Of Lincoln

Lincoln is a great city for outdoor lovers. The stadiums and parks provide excellent opportunities for sporting events.

On weekends, the Memorial Stadium welcomes fans from all corners of the US, making Lincoln a vibrant city.

8. Memorial Stadium

Every weekend close to 90,000 fans step onto the Memorial Stadium to cheer on the home team Cornhuskers.

The history of the Memorial Stadium dates back to the 1920s when there was joint support to build the stadium.

Memorial Stadium Lincoln, Nebraska — Memorial Stadium

It is a great historical site since it was named in honor of patriotic Nebraska citizens who fought in World Wars I and II, the Spanish-American War, and the Civil War.

Over time, the stadium has accumulated a rich historical heritage that is part of the Nebraska celebration.

9. Pinnacle Bank Arena

The Pinnacle Bank Arena encompasses a multi-purpose arena for myriads of events and activities, including:

trade shows
sports
and concerts

The arena also hosts the Cornhuskers basketball teams for men and women with a 15000 sitting capacity.

It is a great sporting place to visit since it is located in the Haymarket district, with numerous malls, restaurants, and entertainment joints.

The state-of-the-art building has a modern design boosted with advanced technology and impressive acoustics.

It’s among the premium venues in the region for sporting and entertainment events.

Final Thought

Lincoln offers a perfect destination for visitors who want to have a good time and learn at the same time.

With its impressive wildlife sceneries, educational centers, museums, parks, and sporting sites, you will be spoilt for things to do in Lincoln. Lastly, the locals are friendly and will help you settle with ease.