Things to do in Lincoln

Activities, attractions and tours

Lincoln featuring railway items and a city
Sheldon Museum of Art showing interior views
Lincoln showing railway items
Sunken Gardens showing wildflowers and flowers
Nebraska State Capitol featuring a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture

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What to do in Lincoln

Popular places to visit

Lincoln Children\'s Zoo featuring zoo animals as well as a small group of people

Lincoln Children's Zoo

Take a ride on a historic train and learn about the animals in your backyard and beyond at this downtown zoo, tailored for curious kids.

Lincoln Children's Zoo
Sunken Gardens featuring a bridge, a river or creek and signage

Sunken Gardens

Participate in the planting events and go to the intriguing gardening talks in this active and welcoming set of gardens.

Sunken Gardens
Nebraska State Capitol which includes kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek as well as an individual male

Nebraska State Capitol

Tour Lincoln’s gleaming art deco Capitol building to learn about the architecture and local legislature of the Tower on the Plains.

Nebraska State Capitol
Lincoln Children's Museum

Lincoln Children's Museum

You can take time to visit Lincoln Children's Museum during your travels to Lincoln. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Lincoln Children's Museum
International Quilt Study Center featuring flowers and a park

International Quilt Study Center

Browse the eclectic displays and chat with docents in this museum and study center containing one of the world’s largest quilt collections.

International Quilt Study Center
University of Nebraska State Museum which includes interior views

University of Nebraska State Museum

Bear witness to the formation of the universe and gaze up at an enormous mammoth skeleton in this eclectic complex.

University of Nebraska State Museum

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Nebraska-Lincoln, during your travels in Lincoln. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Memorial Stadium

Catch an event at Memorial Stadium during your trip to Lincoln. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Memorial Stadium

Pinnacle Bank Arena

You can get tickets for a performance at Pinnacle Bank Arena during your stay in Lincoln. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Pinnacle Bank Arena

Areas of Lincoln

Lincoln showing railway items

Downtown Lincoln

Downtown Lincoln is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Lied Center and Lincoln Children's Museum while in the area.

Downtown Lincoln
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Haymarket

While Haymarket isn't home to many top sights, Pinnacle Bank Arena and Lincoln Children's Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Haymarket
Sunken Gardens which includes 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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South Salt Creek

While South Salt Creek isn't home to many top sights, Nebraska State Capitol and Lincoln Children's Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

South Salt Creek
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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 Capitol Beach Lake and Haymarket Park.

West Lincoln
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Highlands

If you're spending some time in Highlands, Highlands Golf Course and Highland Village are top sights worth seeing.

Highlands
Lincoln showing railway items

Lincoln

Photo by Troy Burrus

Roca

Frequently asked questions

Is Lincoln worth visiting?
Renowned for its culture and history, finding awesome things to do in Lincoln is a cinch. Make sure to add Lincoln Children's Museum to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Lincoln?
Lincoln Children's Museum and Nebraska History Museum are two good places to start your adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Lincoln while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lincoln?
Don't leave without visiting Lincoln Children's Museum, rated the top tourist attraction in Lincoln.
Is three days enough to stay in Lincoln?
You can easily visit top attractions like Lincoln Children's Museum, Nebraska History Museum and Museum of Nebraska History with a three-day getaway in Lincoln. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Crete.
Is Lincoln a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Lincoln, like Lincoln Children's Museum and Nebraska History Museum, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.32 kilometers from central Lincoln is Downtown Lincoln and Haymarket is 0.64 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Lincoln with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, take a look at these awesome ideas for what to do in Lincoln with kids.

What to do in Lincoln for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of Mother Nature, there are plenty of things to do in Lincoln for adults including Nebraska State Capitol and International Quilt Study Center.
Are there free things to do in Lincoln?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Lincoln is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on hip neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. Great Plains Art Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.