Lincoln, Nebraska: 10 Best Things To Do Near the Capital

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10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Lincoln, Nebraska (Lancaster County)

Planning a trip to Lincoln, Nebraska and wondering what to do? Or maybe you’re driving through the Cornhusker State and want a fun stop along I‑80. Either way, Lincoln in Lancaster County is a surprisingly lively city with plenty to see, eat, and explore. Below are 10 easy, fun things to do near Lincoln, Nebraska that work well for couples, families, solo travelers, and friend groups.

1. Tour the Nebraska State Capitol

If you do only one thing in Lincoln, make it the Nebraska State Capitol. The building is hard to miss. It rises 400+ feet into the sky with a tall central tower and a statue called the “Sower” on top. Even people who aren’t into politics or architecture usually end up impressed.
  • Where: Downtown Lincoln
  • Why go: Free tours, amazing city views from the top, and tons of Nebraska history
  • Tip: Visit on a weekday to see the building in action
Walk through the marble halls, peek into the legislative chamber, and look for the beautiful mosaics that tell the story of Nebraska. If you’re not too tired, take the elevator up for a view over Lincoln and the surrounding Lancaster County landscape. On a clear day, it feels like you can see forever across the plains.

2. Stroll the Historic Haymarket District

Just a short walk from the Capitol, you’ll find the Historic Haymarket District, one of the best places in Lincoln for food, drinks, and people‑watching. Old brick warehouses have been turned into:
  • Locally owned restaurants
  • Breweries and bars
  • Coffee shops
  • Boutiques and galleries
In the warmer months, the Haymarket really comes alive. You might catch:
  • Outdoor concerts
  • Street festivals
  • Farmers markets with fresh produce and local crafts
If you love walking neighborhoods with character, this is your spot. Grab a coffee, wander the brick sidewalks, and look up at the old painted signs on the buildings. It’s a great place to start or end your day in Lincoln.

3. Get Close to Nature at the Sunken Gardens

The Sunken Gardens are one of Lincoln’s most peaceful (and most photographed) places. Built in the 1930s, this small but beautiful garden sits below street level, almost like a hidden bowl of flowers and greenery. It’s a pleasant surprise in the middle of the city.
  • Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall
  • Cost: Free
  • Good for: Relaxing, quiet walks, travel photos, proposals, and picnics nearby
Every year the city changes the flower design, so if you’ve been once, it’s still worth going again. I’ve seen families do quick photo sessions here, couples sitting on benches just talking, and travelers like you and me simply taking a breather in between stops.

4. Spend a Day at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo

If you’re traveling with kids, don’t skip the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. Even if you’re not, it’s still a fun, easy half‑day activity. The zoo is just the right size: big enough to be interesting, small enough that you don’t feel worn out after a few hours. You’ll find:
  • Giraffes
  • Red pandas
  • Big cats
  • Interactive exhibits and animal encounters
There’s a little train, play areas, and plenty of shade, which really helps on hot summer days. Travel tip: Pair the zoo with a visit to the nearby Sunken Gardens. They’re close enough that you can do both with one parking spot and a short walk.

5. Explore the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Campus & Memorial Stadium

Lincoln is a full‑on college town, and the heart of it is the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL). Take a walk through campus and you’ll see:
  • Classic red‑brick buildings
  • Shaded walkways
  • Student hangouts and coffee shops
But the real star is Memorial Stadium, home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. On game days, the stadium turns Lincoln into one of the largest “cities” in Nebraska all by itself. Even if you’re not visiting during football season, it’s fun to:
  • Walk by the stadium and see the huge “N”
  • Take photos outside the gates
  • Check out nearby sports bars filled with Husker gear
If you time it right, you might be able to join a tour and see the inside of the stadium. For sports fans, that’s a bucket‑list kind of moment.

6. Discover Art and History at the Sheldon Museum of Art & Morrill Hall

Looking for things to do in Lincoln that are indoors (hello, winter or summer heat)? Head for the museums. Sheldon Museum of Art Located right on the UNL campus, the Sheldon features:
  • American art from the 19th century to today
  • Well‑known artists and rotating exhibits
  • Outdoor sculptures you can enjoy just by walking around
You don’t need to be an art expert to enjoy it. The building itself is beautiful, and it’s a calm, quiet space if you need a break from running around. Morrill Hall (University of Nebraska State Museum) Just a short walk away, Morrill Hall is perfect if you enjoy dinosaurs, fossils, and natural history. Highlights include:
  • Life‑size fossil displays
  • Dinosaur skeletons
  • Exhibits on Nebraska’s ancient past
Kids can get hands‑on in the discovery areas, and adults usually find the prehistoric Nebraska exhibits surprisingly fascinating. It’s a cool way to understand what this part of the Great Plains looked like millions of years ago.

7. Walk, Bike, or Paddle at Holmes Lake Park

Need some fresh air? Holmes Lake Park is one of the best outdoor spots in Lancaster County. The park centers around a large lake and is popular for:
  • Walking and jogging the paved paths
  • Fishing along the shore
  • Kayaking or paddle boarding when the weather is warm
  • Picnics and family gatherings
It’s only a short drive from downtown Lincoln, but it feels worlds away. At sunset, the light over the water can be beautiful, especially in late summer and early fall. If you’re on a longer road trip across Nebraska, this is a great place to stretch your legs, let the kids run around, or just sit by the water for a bit of quiet.

8. Step Back in Time at the Nebraska History Museum

To really understand Lincoln and Lancaster County, spend some time at the Nebraska History Museum. Inside, you’ll find:
  • Stories of Native American tribes from this region
  • Exhibits on pioneers and homesteaders
  • Artifacts from Nebraska’s early towns and farms
  • Displays about the state’s role in U.S. history
The museum does a nice job of keeping things simple and visual, so it’s easy to follow even if you’re not a “museum person.” You’ll walk out with a better feel for how this part of the Midwest grew from open prairie into the city you’re visiting today.

9. Enjoy the Outdoors at Pioneers Park Nature Center

Just west of Lincoln, still in Lancaster County, you’ll find Pioneers Park Nature Center, a peaceful escape full of trails and wildlife. The Nature Center covers several hundred acres of:
  • Prairie
  • Woodlands
  • Wetlands
What you can do:
  • Walk easy trails (good for most ages)
  • Look for bison and elk in fenced areas
  • Spot birds and other wildlife
  • Visit the small hands‑on education center
This is a great spot if you want to see what Nebraska looked like before cities and highways. On a calm day, with the wind moving through the tall grass, it has that wide‑open Great Plains feeling that’s hard to describe but easy to love.

10. Taste Local Flavor in Lincoln’s Breweries, Coffee Shops & Eateries

No list of things to do in Lincoln would be complete without talking about the food and drink scene. Around downtown, the Haymarket, and other neighborhoods, you’ll find:
  • Craft breweries pouring IPAs, lagers, and seasonal beers
  • Cozy coffee shops perfect for working, reading, or just people‑watching
  • Local restaurants serving everything from farm‑to‑table dishes to burgers and pizza
If you like trying local beer when you travel, plan a mini “brewery crawl” and sample what Lincoln’s brewers are making. Many spots also have good food, so you can turn it into a full evening. On the flip side, if early mornings are more your style, grab a latte and a pastry, then walk around the Haymarket or UNL campus as the city wakes up.

Planning Your Lincoln, Nebraska Trip

Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
  • Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for gardens, parks, and outdoor events.
  • Getting around: A car is helpful, but many main attractions are a short drive or even walkable around downtown and campus.
  • Weather: Summers can be hot; winters can be cold and windy. Pack layers and check the forecast.
Whether you’re interested in history, college sports, outdoor adventures, or local food and drink, Lincoln in Lancaster County offers an easy, friendly slice of Nebraska life.

What Did We Miss? Share Your Lincoln Favorites!

Have you spent time in Lincoln, Nebraska or around Lancaster County?
  • Do you have a favorite local restaurant or coffee shop?
  • Is there a hidden park or viewpoint you think more visitors should know about?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments so other travelers can discover them too. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are planning a road trip through Nebraska or a visit to Lincoln. The more we share our experiences, the easier it gets for everyone to plan a great trip.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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