Being the capital city of Nebraska, Lincoln bustles with enthralling attractions and activities, from romantic gardens and wineries to several museums and boundless nature parks.
The city was founded in 1856, and the historic vibe from its birth still wafts through the streets of its historic district and the exhibits of its many museums.
Whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover or an aesthete, Lincoln boasts a lot of destinations that cater to an assortment of interests.
To give you an idea of what’s in store, here’s a list of the best things to do in Lincoln, NE.
1. Sunken Gardens
2600 D Street
Lincoln, NE 68502
(402) 441-7847
The Sunken Gardens has been around since the 1930s and is the only garden in Nebraska listed in the “300 Best Gardens to Visit in the United States and Canada” by National Geographic’s Guide to Public Gardens.
Why You Should Go
Believe it or not, this 1.5-acre wonderland of blooms stands on what was formerly a neighborhood dumpsite.
Today it’s an enchanting paradise of flowers, art, and water features.
What to Do
Visiting the iconic Sunken Gardens is one of the top free things to do in Lincoln.
Stroll the brick path, breathe in the floral scents, and surround yourself with art.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel
2. Museum of American Speed
599 Oak Creek Drive
Lincoln, NE 68528
(402) 323-3166
Museum of American Speed focuses on preserving and sharing the automotive history of the United States to the public.
Why You Should Go
If you and your squad have a fascination for cars, the Museum of American Speed is one of the best places to visit in Lincoln for you.
This fascinating museum has a vast collection of cars that date back to the 1920s!
What to Do
Explore cars and engines, go through historical resources in the library, watch short films about cars, listen to recordings, and participate in fun events, like the Speedsters Reunion, where you can look at a display of vintage cars and dress up.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Place Lincoln/Downtown-Haymarket
Related: Best Restaurants in Lincoln
3. Lincoln Children’s Zoo
1222 S 27th Street
Lincoln, NE 68502
(402) 475-6741
At least 400 animals and more than 40 endangered species make their home at Lincoln Children’s Zoo.
Why You Should Go
If you are looking for cheap and fun things to do in Lincoln, Nebraska with the kids, the Lincoln Children’s Zoo is the best place for that.
This family-oriented zoo offers up-close encounters with gentle animals in a well-maintained and safe environment.
What to Do
You and the little ones can have a great time observing lots of animals here, interact with them, or even watch them paint for you.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Graduate Lincoln
4. University of Nebraska State Museum
Morrill Hall, 645 N 14th Street
Lincoln, NE 68588
(402) 472-2637
The University of Nebraska State Museum has been around since 1871, featuring the biodiversity, anthropology, and natural history of the state.
Why You Should Go
Not only does this university feature dioramas, actual fossils, and ancient weapons; the University of Nebraska also covers indigenous peoples and astronomical knowledge.
What to Do
Enjoy hands-on exhibits to learn about the ancient past and have a glimpse of the far future.
Browse through displays of fossils, artifacts, gems, and photographs, and don’t forget to witness a planetarium show.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lincoln North Hotel and Conference Center, NE
5. Nebraska State Capitol
1445 K Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 471-0448
Constructed of Indiana limestone, the Nebraska State Capitol was built in 1922.
Why You Should Go
One of Lincoln’s most iconic attractions in Lincoln is the State Capitol Building, a majestic architectural feat from outside and an even more regal sight to behold indoors.
What to Do
Guests are invited to tour the elegant rooms of this historic tower and stroll around the ornate promenade.
You can also visit the observation deck on the 14th floor for a unique view of this state’s wide-open plains.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Lincoln Airport, NE
6. Lincoln Children’s Museum
1420 P Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 477-4000
Lincoln Children’s Museum is a three-story museum set up like a tiny city for tiny tots, teeming with all the top things to do in Lincoln with kids.
Why You Should Go
This dynamic children’s center aims to inspire and educate your youngsters with a wide variety of delightful hands-on activities.
From their science center to their water park, there’s plenty here to ignite a child’s mind.
What to Do
When it’s raining or cold, children can still enjoy all the fun they want as they learn about life through play or actually join in the fun with them.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln I – 80, an IHG hotel
7. Sheldon Museum of Art
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
12th and R Street
Lincoln, NE 68588
(402) 472-2461
Completed in 1963, the Sheldon Museum of Art showcases art from the 1800s to the 1900s.
Why You Should Go
The sprawling Sheldon Museum of Art is home to more than 12,000 works of art across various disciplines and styles, covering American impressionism, early modernism, abstract expressionism, pop art, minimalism, and so much more.
What to Do
Immerse yourself in art and history by strolling through the museum’s gallery, exhibits, and gardens, or check their calendar for exciting stuff to do during their events.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sleep Inn & Suites University
8. Deer Springs Winery
16255 Adams Street
Lincoln, NE 68527
(402) 327-8738
Opened in 2007, Deer Springs Winery is Lincoln’s award-winning winery located about 15 minutes away from downtown.
Why You Should Go
Deer Springs Winery sits on a family homestead of the owners’ ancestor, Patrick O’Haloran.
Since its opening as a winery, it has been highly praised for its farmhouse ambience, brews, and menu offerings.
What to Do
Are you on an anniversary getaway?
How about a date night this weekend?
One of the best things to do in Lincoln for couples is to raise your glasses and have a toast as you try out Deer Springs Winery’s excellent wines and enjoy locally made bread and cheeses.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: New Victorian Inn & Suites Lincoln
Also See:
Things to Do in Omaha, NE
Best Restaurants in Kearney, NE
9. Hamann Rose Garden
S 27th Street
Lincoln, NE 68502
(402) 441-7847
Hamann Rose Garden is just actually across the street from the Sunken Gardens, creating a lush floral landscape on the southeast corner of 27th Street.
Why You Should Go
Characterized by fountains, sculptures, and varied rose subspecies, this garden is definitely one of the most beautiful things to see in Lincoln!
What to Do
Like the Sunken Gardens, the jaw-dropping Hamann Rose Garden can be enjoyed for free!
Bring your loved ones along, stroll the stone path, and take lots of photos.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Lincoln Downtown/Haymarket
Related: Fun Things to Do in Nebraska
10. LUX Center for the Arts
2601 N 48th Street
Lincoln, NE 68504
(402) 466-8692
The LUX Center for the Arts connects artists and cultural organizations to the local community through exhibits, classes, and events.
Why You Should Go
LUX Center for the Arts is the city’s community arts center, where people from all walks of life gather to learn about art and celebrate it.
What to Do
Experience local, regional, and national art at the galleries or join pottery making, printmaking, painting, jewelry, or drawing classes!
Also check their calendar for exciting, artsy events.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: MainStay Suites University
11. Historic Haymarket District
8th and P Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 435-7496
Dating back to 1867, the Haymarket District was originally an open-air marketplace for produce and livestock.
Why You Should Go
Downtown Lincoln actually has a historic section listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Home to warehouses now readapted into restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries.
What to Do
Feel the spirit of the 1800’s at Iron Horse Park, and see the brick mural of Lincoln’s first steam train and an 1890s water tower fountain.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Lincoln tonight, explore the district’s breweries, pubs, studios, restaurants, and escape room.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites Lincoln
Related: Nebraska: Places to Visit
12. Governor’s Residence
1425 H Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 471-3466
Just a stone’s throw away from the Nebraska State Capitol, the Governor’s Residence sits on an entire city block.
Why You Should Go
The Governor’s Residence is literally where the governor of Nebraska and his family reside.
Landscaped with large lawns, gardens, walking paths, and a fountain, the property resembles a park with a 31-room historic Georgian Colonial mansion.
What to Do
Book docent-led tours ahead to fully experience the residence.
Since the mansion is just across the street from the Capitol, you can visit both in one trip.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn South Heritage Park
13. National Museum of Roller Skating
4730 South Street
Lincoln, NE 68506
(402) 483-7551
The National Museum of Roller Skating opened in 1982 and currently houses the largest collection of roller skating items in the entire world.
Why You Should Go
The artifacts at the Museum of Roller Skating date far back to the early 1800s!
The museum also includes the sport’s history, which began in the 1760s.
You’ll be surprised by just how people have been enjoying the sport for four centuries now.
What to Do
Find out just how colorful and interesting the world of roller skating is as you make your way through displays of the funny forms of early skates, quirky roller skate inventions, and even news stories of roller skate-related murders.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Lincoln Southeast
14. Pioneer Park Nature Center
3201 S Coddington Avenue
Lincoln, NE 68522
(402) 441-7895
The vast Pioneers Park Nature Center is a vast sanctuary of prairie, wetland, and woodland habitats.
Why You Should Go
Pioneers Park spreads across 668 acres of Nebraska’s stunning natural landscape, a haven for outdoorsy adventurers who wish to sample the backcountry character of the Cornhusker State.
What to Do
Set out an adventure through eight miles of trails that offer views of roaming wildlife, ponds, creeks, and prairie foliage.
The park’s Nature Center also offers tons of free activities and live animal exhibits.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Lincoln Airport, NE
15. International Quilt Museum
1523 N 33rd Street
Lincoln, NE 68503
(402) 472-6549
Located in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, this museum aims to celebrate the cultural and artistic significance of quilts to American and European society.
Why You Should Go
The International Quilt Museum at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is actually the world’s largest collection of publicly held quilts dating from the early 1600s to present!
What to Do
See real quilts made from centuries ago until the contemporary era and learn just how much quilts reveal the life and aesthetic of Western society.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Staybridge Suites Lincoln I-80, an IHG hotel
16. Antelope Park
23rd and N. to 33rd and Sheridan Boulevard
Lincoln, NE 68510
(402) 441-7847
The area that the Hamman and Sunken Gardens actually belongs to is part of the 92-acre Antelope Park, which has several more attractions to offer.
Why You Should Go
Antelope Park is not only home to gardens; it boasts a golf course, sports fields, picnic areas, hiker and biker trails, a playground, public art, rentable shelters, and even an entertainment space for shows.
What to Do
If you allocated a lazy day during your vacation, you can spend as many hours as you want around Antelope Park.
Stroll the gardens and trails, give the kids a dose of good old outdoor recreation, and catch free concerts if you’re lucky.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: AmericInn by Wyndham Lincoln South
17. Pho Factory
940 N 26th Street #206
Lincoln, NE 68503
(402) 261-3213
Smacked right in the middle of downtown is a famous Vietnamese restaurant and bar serving family recipes.
Why You Should Go
Pho Factory opened in 2012 as a haven for the Asian American citizens of Lincoln and other gastronomically adventurous visitors.
It’s the best spot to sample a taste of the Orient.
What to Do
After experiencing all the best things to do in Lincoln, NE, reward yourself with the Pho Factory’s egg rolls, spring rolls, rice platters, noodle platters, and soups prepared by trained chefs.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn and Suites – Lincoln Northeast
Related: Best Hotels in Lincoln
Map of Things to Do in Lincoln, NE
Lincoln Things to Do: The 17 Best Activities for [currentyear]
- Sunken Gardens
- Museum of American Speed
- Lincoln Children’s Zoo
- University of Nebraska State Museum
- Nebraska State Capitol
- Lincoln Children’s Museum
- Sheldon Museum of Art
- Deer Springs Winery
- Hamann Rose Garden
- LUX Center for the Arts
- Historic Haymarket District
- Governor’s Residence
- National Museum of Roller Skating
- Pioneer Park Nature Center
- International Quilt Museum
- Antelope Park
- Pho Factory
