Overview
Lincoln is the capital and second largest city of Nebraska, U.S. As the state capital, it offers several historical sites, as well as museums, art galleries, and other cultural venues.
8 sights · 9 things to do · 26 places to eat · 13 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Lincoln
Nebraska State Capitol
Home to Nebraska's unicameral government. Completed in 1932 in an Art Deco style and the state's third capitol building. The observation deck on the 14th floor provides views of the entire city. Free guided tours are off…
William Jennings Bryan House
Built in 1902 in a combination of Classical Revival and Queen Anne Victorian style. Home of William Jennings Bryan, a prominent politician at the turn of the 20th century. Call at least 48 hours in advance to schedule a …
Sheldon Museum of Art
Large permanent collection as well as traveling exhibits. Collection is primarily American modernist, but the Sheldon's exhibitions and acquisitions are of contemporary art. When it was built during 1961-1963, it was rum…
Sunken Gardens
Pride and joy of citizens since its completion in 1931. Feature a waterfall, several fish ponds and terraces of flora and fauna. Listed in the "300 Best Gardens to Visit in the U.S. and Canada" in the National Geographic…
Lincoln Children's Zoo
The idea for the zoo began in 1959 with Arnott Folsom, who wanted to create a place for children to interact with nature. The zoo was opened in 1965, and today is home to over 350 animals, more than 40 of which are endan…
University of Nebraska State Museum
Established 1871 as the state's natural history museum. Containing fossils and archeological finds and special exhibits dedicated to the indigenous tribes of Nebraska.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Aug. (climate data from nearby Omaha)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LNK Lincoln Airport, Lincoln — 5 mi away. Directions
- OMA Eppley Airfield, Omaha — 54 mi away (major hub). Directions
The primary route into the city is I-80, with I-180 serving as a downtown connector. US Highways 6, 34, 77 and Nebraska Hwy 2 also run through Lincoln.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $13 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Sheldon Museum of Art, Great Plains Art Museum, Boiler Brewing Company Brewery and History Tour
- Lunch Downtown
- Afternoon Pinnacle Bank Arena, Haymarket Park
- Dinner Buzzard Billy's
- Evening Barrymore's
Day 2
- Morning Nebraska State Capitol, Craft Axe Throwing, Sunken Gardens
- Lunch Taqueria El Rey
- Afternoon Lincoln Children's Zoo, Jazz in June
- Dinner Grateful Bread Freakbeat Vegetarian
- Evening The Bar
Day 3
- Morning William Jennings Bryan House, Round1
- Lunch La Paz
- Afternoon International Quilt Study Center & Museum
- Dinner Pho Nguyenn
- Evening The Brass Rail
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Indoor work sites are smoke-free in Lincoln, so you'll be able to enjoy smoke-free restaurants and bars.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Lincoln is the seat (1869) of Lancaster County, in the southeastern part of the state, about 60 miles (95 km) southwest of Omaha.
Lincoln was founded in 1859 as the village of Lancaster. Renamed and made Nebraska's state capital in 1867, it's the second-largest city in the state. It's the state's center of government and higher education and is a regional transportation center. Even with a population of 290,000 (2019), it retains a friendly, "small town" feel.
There are several threads running through Lincoln's cultural composition. The university and state government have attracted many rural Nebraskans to the city over the years, reinforcing its small town feel. Its position as a college town also helps shape the city's political culture, which is somewhat more liberal than most of the rest of the state. Once a very ethnically homogeneous city, it has become more diverse since the 1980s, welcoming immigrants and refugees from various parts of the globe.
There is a long-standing friendly rivalry with Omaha, 57 mi (92 km) to the northeast.
Tourist information
- Visit Lincoln website
Get in
By car
The primary route into the city is I-80, with I-180 serving as a downtown connector. US Highways 6, 34, 77 and Nebraska Hwy 2 also run through Lincoln.
By plane
It is often cheaper to fly into Eppley Airfield Airport (OMA) in Omaha, and hop onto a shuttle from there to Lincoln where it makes stops at some of the major hotels. For shuttle information see #By shuttle.
By train
Amtrak serves Lincoln on its daily California Zephyr route between Chicago and the West Coast. Westbound train stops around midnight; eastbound train stops around 3:30AM. Trains no longer arrive at the historical railway station in Haymarket district, instead they now call at the much less grandiose Lincoln Amtrak station on 277 Pinnacle Arena Drive. Downtown is within walking distance, just a few blocks to the east.
By bus
Two bus companies serve Lincoln: Arrow Stage Lines and Burlington Trailways. Lincoln's intercity bus station is southeast of 11th St and Cornhusker Hwy.
By shuttle
Go Navigator Airport Express
Formerly Eppley Express. Provides limited shuttle service between Lincoln and several Nebraska cities including Omaha, Kearney, Grand Island, Hastings and York. Service is limited to specific days and times depending upon your destination. Reservations available on-line.
Get around
Getting around Lincoln is a mixed-bag proposition. If you are planning on staying near the center of town, you probably won't need a rental car. All major necessities except groceries are available in or near downtown.
By car
Lincoln does not have any crosstown freeways or expressways. The city is laid out in a grid pattern; a handful of diagonal streets exist. Major through streets are generally located once per mile; there are generally 14 streets to the mile. Traffic can be heavy on major streets and in downtown during rush hour and on football Saturdays.
By bus
StarTran service runs on weekdays and Saturdays (but only until 6:30PM). Individual fares are $1.75 (have exact change)/seniors $0.85/trips in the downtown zone or on the Star Shuttle are $0.25. Monthly passes are $45; various discounts are available. Passes can be purchased at many businesses around town (primarily grocery stores and banks).
By bicycle
Lincoln's trail system extends throughout the city. A cyclist can travel across the city in an hour or less. Bike rentals at [https://monkeywrenchcycles.com/ Monkeywrench Cycles] (233 N Antelope Valley Pkwy Suite A) For a map of bike trails see Great Plains Trails Network.
See
See Nebraska State Capitol
Home to Nebraska's unicameral government. Completed in 1932 in an Art Deco style and the state's third capitol building. The observation deck on the 14th floor provides views of the entire city. Free guided tours are offered 5 times a day. The interior artwork tells the story of the history of Nebraska.
See Sheldon Museum of Art
Large permanent collection as well as traveling exhibits. Collection is primarily American modernist, but the Sheldon's exhibitions and acquisitions are of contemporary art. When it was built during 1961-1963, it was rumored to be the most expensive building in the U.S. on a square-foot basis. Backpacks must be left in the lobby.
See Lincoln Children's Zoo
The idea for the zoo began in 1959 with Arnott Folsom, who wanted to create a place for children to interact with nature. The zoo was opened in 1965, and today is home to over 350 animals, more than 40 of which are endangered. Nearly 200,000 people attend the zoo each year, making it the third most attended arts and science attraction in Nebraska.
Do
Theater
[https://www.liedcenter.org/ Lied Center for Performing Arts] (pronounced "Leed") or the [https://arts.unl.edu/theatre-and-film/ UNL schools of Music, Theatre, and Film] have performances year-round. During the summer, see the Flatwater Shakespeare Company at Wyuka cemetery, musicals at the [https://www.pinewoodbowl.org/ Pinewood Bowl], classical performances at the [https://meadowlarkmusicfestival.org/ Meadowlark Music Festival], or professional theater at [https://nebraskarep.org/ Nebraska Repertory Theatre].
Art
The Sheldon is the largest gallery in town, but to get a look at the work of local artists, be sure to check out the downtown art galleries. By far the most fun time to do this is the evening of the first Friday of every month, when the galleries put up new work. New art is usually accompanied by food, drinks, and sometimes live music.
Music
Music groups that perform all year long include the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra and the Nebraska Jazz orchestra. Some of the best classical music performances can be heard at the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery.
Parks
Try Pioneers Park or Wilderness Park for hiking. Most of these are linked together via the bike trails. Some parks are managed by the University, like Nine Mile Prairie, or Spring Creek Prairie, but these are a short drive outside of town.
Sports
Do Haymarket Park
Hosts the Nebraska Cornhuskers (University of Nebraska) baseball team and an independent minor league team known as the Saltdogs. Tickets are typically no problem to obtain. University games are family-friendly. UNL students get free admission to regular season university games.
Do Memorial Stadium (The Sea of Red)
The town practically shuts down on game days, and the stadium (which seats over 90,000) becomes the 3rd largest "city" in the entire state.
Other
Do Craft Axe Throwing (Axe, Hatchet or Tomahawk Throwing)
A destination for axe-throwing, tomahawk, and hatchet enthusiasts. Craft beverages are available. Groups and parties welcome. Experts will guide you through axe-throwing, ensuring a safe and entertaining experience for all skill levels.
Learn
Place Downtown Campus
Place East Campus
Buy
Lincoln offers a wide variety of shopping experiences.
Eat
Indoor work sites are smoke-free in Lincoln, so you'll be able to enjoy smoke-free restaurants and bars.
Sandwiches, soups and pizza
Eat Buzzard Billy's
Cajun style food. Thursday is "Crappy Beer Night" with $1.50 pints or $1.25 cans and discounted appetizers. Try the chicken quesadilla.
Eat Fireworks
Wood-fired cooking. BBQ brisket sandwich and they have an open WiFi AP.
Eat Grateful Bread Freakbeat Vegetarian
Try the soup. They also have gourmet macaroni and cheese and sandwiches.
Eat Lazlo's
Menu varies between burgers and steaks. Lavosh, a thin, cracker-crust, pizza-like appetizer proper for 3-4 people. A choice of toppings goes on top of melted cheese, chicken, bacon, green peppers, and mushrooms are excellent choices. Associated with the Empyrean Brewing Company so they always have excellent microbrews.
Eat Valentino's
Voted Lincoln's Best pizza for over 20 years. A known Nebraska pizzeria and buffet for over 50 years.
Eat The Watering Hole (The Hole)
Famed to have the "best wings in town", serves up a variety of traditional bar food on top of their wings. Those willing to wait a little longer should order their wings grilled. Check the specials board as some days wings are $0.33.
Eat Yia Yia's Pizza
Buy a pizza or order by the slice with some of the most original toppings you'll find in the state. Atmosphere, hip music, and a truly enormous bottled beer selection. 2 pool tables are also available in the back.
Tex-Mex/Mexican
Eat D'Leon's
D'Leon's has grown from one Lincoln location to 6 (West 22nd & West O, 27th & Orchard, 48th & Y, 13th & South, 27th & F, 14th & Pine Lake) entirely from word of mouth, which should give you an idea of how good their food is. Authentic Mexican, fairly cheap, fairly fast. Try the beef tacos, Chile Relleno burrito (vegetarian), Green chile burrito, Carnitas burrito, and of course the Lincoln burrito (breakfast burrito).
Eat El Potrero
Casual. Big meals for good deals, and an endless supply of chips and dip.
Eat La Paz
Consistently voted the best Mexican restaurant in town by listeners of KFOR radio. Typically quite busy on the weekends.
Eat Taqueria El Rey
Variety of Mexican food. Try the "tacos al pastor" (seasoned pork).
Other
Eat Blue Orchid
Thai food with a few nontraditional creations. Atmosphere and cocktails.
Eat Dish
Eclectic, creative food (South American, Pan-Asian, Med influences) and wine list. Chef/owner-run. There's some serious craftsmanship in the back of the house.
Eat Ivanna Cone
Made fresh daily, showing up early is a must to get the more popular flavors before the run out.
Eat The Oven
A downtown classic started in neighboring Omaha, serves Indian cuisine in a cozy, candle-lit atmosphere. Sunday nights has live music. The Oven has a second location in east Lincoln at the northeast corner of 70th and Pioneers.
Eat Pho Nguyenn
Try the Vietnamese Noodle Soup.
Drink
Largely due to the university, there is much night life to be found (bars now can close at 2AM). O Street is just a few blocks away from popular student housing and is also one of the longest main streets in the U.S. with a portion covered by local drinking establishments, most in the downtown areas between 12th and 16th Sts. The local music scene is also expansive with live bands playing at many bars in the downtown area.
Bars
Drink The Bar
A popular college bar. Known for a nice outdoor area and a late last call.
Drink Barrymore's
A little bit off the beaten path, offers a more sophisticated place for a drink. Great atmosphere, directly behind the stage of the Rococo theatre, a bit of a speakeasy with the old theatrical fly system still abound. Serves a variety of martinis and has a nice decor with incredibly high ceilings.
Drink Duffy's
Regional beers on tap. Has a beer garden and a stage. Fish bowls are great to share with friends. Their stage has been graced by acts from Nirvana to 311. Popular on St. Patrick's Day. Free amateur comedy workshop on Monday nights.
Drink Iguana's
College bar where on Monday nights one can pick an NFL team they think will win, and awarded free shots each time that team scores. Attached to the back is a small cocktail bar, Voda, which serves specialty martinis.
Drink Jake's
Jake's features beer taps and a large selection of fine whiskey, scotch and bourbon. Specializing in fine beers and liquors, Jake's has a selection of 18 draught local and regional, micro, and import brews that you cannot find anywhere else in town on tap. Also a smoke shop and a cigar bar, you can buy tobacco, cigars, and offsale beer and liquor, and smoke cigars inside the bar.
Drink Main Street
Big frat and sorority crowd. Drink specials every night.
Drink The Zoo
Live blues almost every day, jazz on Wednesdays.
Drink 1867
Local bar and event venue that has dozens of local breweries on tap. Board games and video games are available. Also a patio area with backyard games.
Dance clubs
Drink The Brass Rail
Voted one of the best college bars by Playboy magazine a while back, this bar is usually full of football players and sorority girls. Great place to go if you are dressed up and want to go dancing.
Drink Pla Mor Ballroom
Popular among college students for country dancing on Sunday nights.
Pubs
Drink Bodega's Alley
Considered a hippie bar. Good music and laid-back atmosphere.
Drink O'Rourke's
A hole-in-the-wall that has the latest last call in town.
Drink Buzzard Billy's
Dark hideaway, 1950s theme. A great place to go for a unique drink.
Sleep
Go next
Lincoln is surrounded by many lakes and state recreation areas.
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