Lincoln

Travel Guide
Lincoln which includes a city and railway items
Under the sweeping Nebraskan skies, the state capital offers many historic sites and buildings, a thriving cultural scene and miles of outdoor trails.

Visit Lincoln to enjoy plenty of cultural and artistic attractions as well the scenic, natural beauty of the surrounding farms and grass-covered flat plains.

Before heading out into Lincoln’s popular outdoors, take some time to explore the city itself. Head to the Haymarket, a turn-of-the-20th-century warehouse district where wagons were once bought and sold. Today, the restored buildings feature boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, galleries and Nebraska’s first microbrewery. Buy fresh produce, flowers and homemade food stalls at the farmers market which is held every Saturday morning during the summer.

From the Haymarket, make the short walk to Iron Horse Park where you can see the brick mural that depicts the first locomotive crossing the prairie.

Lincoln was founded in 1856 and was originally a village called Lancaster. The name was changed to Lincoln a few years later as a tribute to the recently assassinated president.

The city is also home to one of the world’s largest collection of publicly owned quilts. Head to the International Quilt Study Center and Museum to see more than 3,500 quilts dating from the early 18th-century to the present day. Art is a big part of Lincoln’s cultural activities and many of the city’s galleries offer interactive activities for both children and adults.

Head outdoors and take a hike through the prairie grasses, woodlands and wetlands of the Pioneers Park Nature Center. Photograph the flowers in the Sunken Gardens at Antelope Park or visit Wilderness Park, the city’s largest park with more than 1,475 acres (596 hectares) of land.

Note that Lincoln can get rainy and windy from March to May, with possible tornados. It can be hot and humid in July and August, but outdoor pools offer reprieve. From December to February extremely chilly conditions are common. Whatever the weather is, however, this growing city has plenty of open spaces, nightlife and thriving arts to keep you entertained for days.

Where to stay in Lincoln

Lincoln featuring railway items

Downtown Lincoln

5/5(4 area reviews)

Downtown Lincoln is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Lied Center and Pinnacle Bank Arena while in the area.

Downtown Lincoln
Some very nice Indian food tonight in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska. 
#lincolnnebraska #nebraska #indianfood #traveler #travelphotography

Haymarket

Historic downtown Lincoln boasts the Haymarket District, where visitors can explore repurposed warehouses turned into retail shops and catch a game at Haymarket Park baseball stadium.

Haymarket
Sunken Gardens showing bird life and zoo animals

Near South

While visiting Near South, you might make a stop by sights like Sunken Gardens and Museum of Nebraska History.

Near South
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Highlands

3/5(2 area reviews)

While Highlands might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Highlands Golf Course and Haymarket Park.

Highlands
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West Lincoln

Though West Lincoln might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Haymarket Park and Pinnacle Bank Arena.

West Lincoln
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40th and "A"

40th and "A" might not have many top sights, but Lincoln Children's Zoo and Gateway Mall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

40th and "A"
New Victorian Suites
New Victorian Suites
3 out of 5
225 North 50th St., 50th & O Street, Lincoln, NE
The price is CA $88 per night from Nov. 3 to Nov. 4
CA $88
CA $102 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Very clean rooms at a great price, hearty breakfast and even an indoor swimming pool! An unexpected diamond in the rough of central Lincoln."

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

New Victorian Suites
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Lincoln
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Lincoln
2.5 out of 5
4433 N 27th St, Lincoln, NE
The price is CA $102 per night from Nov. 17 to Nov. 18
CA $102
CA $119 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,049 reviews)
"Staff was super helpful; rooms were clean and nice, area was safe and quiet."

Reviewed on Oct. 29, 2024

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Lincoln
Hyatt Place Lincoln / Downtown - Haymarket
Hyatt Place Lincoln / Downtown - Haymarket
3.5 out of 5
600 Q Street, Lincoln, NE
The price is CA $149 per night from Dec. 3 to Dec. 4
CA $149
CA $174 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 3 - Dec 4
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Everthing was very good ; and the Front desk emploees so frendly."

Reviewed on Oct. 27, 2024

Hyatt Place Lincoln / Downtown - Haymarket
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful remodeled 4 bedroom 2 bath house
Beautiful remodeled 4 bedroom 2 bath house
Lincoln
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Lincoln. Enjoy a water park, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Memorial Stadium and Pinnacle Bank ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (173 reviews)
Cozy Place
"The place was great. Looks small but sleeps 10. Beds were super comfortable."

Reviewed on Oct. 23, 2024

Beautiful remodeled 4 bedroom 2 bath house
Atmosphere Lincoln
Atmosphere Lincoln
4 out of 5
909 Q Street, Lincoln, NE
Stay at this 4-star condo in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a pool table. Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Memorial Stadium ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Parking was an issue!"

Reviewed on Sep. 17, 2024

Atmosphere Lincoln
Downtown Lincoln Loft Apartment - New Remodel!
Downtown Lincoln Loft Apartment - New Remodel!
Lincoln
Stay at this condo in Lincoln. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Fabulous property!
"Great location - within walking distance to most events. The condo was wonderful. Well thought out furnishings and decor. The kitchen was well stocked with appliances and cooking utensils. We can't recommend this place enough. It was a great find in Lincoln."

Reviewed on Sep. 18, 2024

Downtown Lincoln Loft Apartment - New Remodel!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Lincoln

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 42.857142857142854%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 7.142857142857143%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Had an enjoyable lemo ride with friends to our valrntines dinner and back to our house.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Did not really see anything in Lincoln, just stopped in the area for night on our way south.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Was at very few locations

Cities near Lincoln