Location: Lincoln
Top Things to do in Lincoln
What to do and see in Lincoln, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Named after Abraham Lincoln, this state capital is a great place for children, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. Soak in the panoramic view of the city from the observation tower of the 400-foot high capitol building, whose white stone Art Deco spire can be seen from miles around. Then take a tour of the building and its grounds, where you'll find a Lincoln monument created by the same artist who sculpted the famous Lincoln statue in Washington, D.C. While you're on a history roll, visit the Governor's Mansion, whose Georgian Colonial exterior belies the varied architectural styles inside, and be sure to see the collection of dolls representing the state's first ladies dressed in their inaugural gowns. Kids will love the Folsom Children's Zoo & Botanical Gardens, where they can circle the zoo in a miniature train and see over 300 animals living among spectacular gardens. For some outdoor fun, head to one of the city's beautiful parks, the largest of which is Wilderness Park, whose hiking, biking and equestrian trails will keep you on the move for hours.
Restaurants in Lincoln
1. Museum of American Speed
Overall Ratings
5 based on 345 reviews
Reviewed By Erin B - Denver, Colorado
This place has an absolutely enormous collection of automotive memorabilia. It was so much larger than I was expecting. Very well laid out and displayed. The hours are limited so, definitely check if they fit within your visit. It's a pretty impressive collection spanning several decades and styles.
2. Sunken Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 565 reviews
Reviewed By ZipZip54 - Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln's Sunken Gardens are always worth a visit. Lovely gardens, water features, and surprising tranquility for a location on major streets. It's different every year, and different from summer into fall, so it's worth repeat visits. Occasionally a friend and I will pick up lunch and take it to the Gardens--always the best lunch in town that way. The Gardens have an interesting history. The location was a city garbage dump. A local citizen had a vision for something better, and the Gardens were created. It's free and there's free parking. Occasionally used for weddings.
3. Memorial Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 414 reviews
Reviewed By Paul D - Lincoln
The atmosphere is electric!! The sea of red is mind boggling! It is the most amazing college football stadium I have ever been in
4. Lincoln Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
The Lincoln Children's Museum invites families to create, discover and learn through the power of play. Offering three floors and 23,300 square feet of hands-on exhibits and imaginative programs that allow children and adults to discover the adventure of learning through play together.
Reviewed By IkeEsq - Alexandria, VA
My son is 9 and he had a great time here although most of the kids seemed to be around 3-7 yo. The place is huge, with 4 (I think) floors of activities, including water flows, building blocks, tunnels, a stage with costumes, and a whole bunch of little sets (grocery, hospital, etc.).
5. Nebraska State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 701 reviews
Beautiful mosaic ceilings and floors, paintings and sculptures inside the 400-foot high capitol building are as impressive as its marble, bronze and gold leaf exterior and white tower topped by a bronze statue. Free guided tours are available.
Reviewed By Mark W - Seattle, Washington
We did not have time for the tour but enjoyed exploring the building. The mosaics on ceiling and walls are impressive. Don't forget to look down, You are walking on incredible art in the marble floors. Also, step into the library on the second floor (be quiet, people are working).
6. Lincoln Children's Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Lincoln Children's Zoo is rated among the best zoos for children by Parent Magazine and is home to over 400 animals, including the world's smallest monkeys (pygmy marmosets), ring-tailed lemurs, dromedary camels, red pandas, meerkats, and more!. Over 40 of our animals are endangered, including the Humboldt Penguin, Amur leopard and Matschie's tree kangaroo. Featuring interactive Zoofari stations with Larry the Cable Guy, up-close animal encounters and the historic ZO&O Railroad, the Zoo is the perfect destination for the entire family. Lincoln Children's Zoo's mission is "to enrich lives through firsthand interaction with living things."
Reviewed By DJ605 - Brandon, South Dakota
We were pleasantly suprised by this zoo. It is not overly big, but there is much to see and do. We watched the animal show which featured a skunk and when it was over my kids got to pet it and yheybreally enjoyed this. We bought train tickets too and took the train last before we left, it loops around the zoo and you go around 2 times. They are making some improvements to the zoo and in a couple of years would be nice to see all these changes.
7. University of Nebraska State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Museum with exhibits about life on the plains.
Reviewed By Jeff C - Cincinnati
I was taking a walking tour of the university and stumbled across the State Museum. It modestly-sized but has a large and interesting exhibit of mastodons, mammoths, and related mammals. There were also some other interesting rotating exhibits. At $6 it was a bargain. It would be a good stop of kids.
8. Pinnacle Bank Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By silversmith560 - Omaha, Nebraska
We attended the Def Leppard/Poison/Tesla show at this arena. It was a great experience! Reasonably priced, close by parking. Well lighted pathway to and from the parking areas, security present and visible.
Inside, the venue is large, clean, and very comfortable. The seating is great , with good views, and comfortable! Clean restrooms, lots of available concession areas, and a large outdoor terrace with seating for between set breaks.
(Located in an area of the city, with lots of nearby places to eat and drink and meet with friends before and after the shows.)
Large number of friendly and helpful staff to answer questions, and provide directions.
The food was delicious, looked great, and was served up in a timely manner.
Great experience! Looking forward to visiting again!
9. Pioneer Park Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
A 900-acre wildlife area that features hiking trails and other outdoor pleasures.
Reviewed By Bob19512014 - Clearwater, Florida
We are out-of-towners so we had to search for anther entrance to the grounds once we were detoured by the construction. Awesome, giant park. We went to hike, and we found most of the trail shady.
10. International Quilt Study Center and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By GinNBerry - Branson, Missouri
We should have taken more time to check reviews and the Quilt Study Center's website before making the eight hour trip to Lincoln. We were expecting information about the preservation, dating and conservation of vintage and art quilts. What we got were a hand full of the museum's quilts on display in collections. The collections are easily self guided and patrons do not need a guided tour. We wished the tour explained the 'behind the scene' preservation and dating of the collection. The collection can be seen online or at the museum, but few pieces are on display at any given time. The personel were all welcoming and friendly. Admission is reasonalble, less than $10 per person with senior discounts. They have a nice gift shop. Do your homework and know what you will see and experience before you make the trip, or like us it may not be what you expected.
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