Best things to do in Lincoln

Admire the architecture and artwork at Nebraska State Capitol. Both the inside and the outside of the 120 m (400 ft) capitol are adorned with symbolic friezes, mosaics, and murals that depict both the world and the Nebraskan heritage. The tower provides excellent views of Lincoln and is capped by a reflective, golden dome that features a 5.8 m (19 ft) sculpture of the Sower. The building offers many amenities, including a cafeteria, gift shop with Nebraska-related books and memorabilia, restrooms, and a private room for mothers with children. Free guided tours of the capitol are readily available.

The Sunken Gardens was constructed during the winter of 1930-31 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

It is the only garden in Nebraska listed in the National Geographic Guide to Public Gardens 300 Best Gardens to Visit in the United States and Canada.

Founded in 1992 by “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith, the Museum of American Speed is dedicated to preserving, interpreting and displaying physical items significant in racing and automotive history. The vast collection resulted from the Smiths’ personal involvement in racing and hot rodding for more than six decades, and their lifelong passion for collecting and preserving historic automotive artifacts. The museum is a federally recognized 501(c)3 Private Foundation and currently encompasses more than 150,000 sq. ft. over three levels.

Located in Lincoln Nebraska on the Speedway Motors campus, the Museum of American Speed is one of Nebraska's best kept secrets and has a large collection of unique, one of a kind racing engines, automobilia, pedal cars, and toys.

Pioneers Park Nature Center, established in 1963, is a 668-acre (2.70 km2) nature preserve located within Pioneers Park, which is located at the intersections of South Coddington and West Van Dorn Streets in Lincoln, Nebraska. Both Pioneers Park and the Nature Center within it are operated by the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department.

The International Quilt Study Center & Museum is the world's largest collection of publicly held quilts dating from the early 1700s to present, the quilts represent more than 45 countries. Rotating exhibitions display gems from the collection and traveling exhibits.

Quilt House is located at 33rd and Holdrege streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus. IQSCM makes its academic home in the Department of Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design in the College of Education and Human Sciences at UNL.

Visit our website for more information to plan your visit.

Stroll through the Victorian garden, English border garden, rose garden, and bird sanctuary on your visit to Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center. This 40 hectare (100 acre) property is home to more than a dozen types of landscaped gardens. The Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory encapsulates plants from tropical and temperate regions under glass. Watch for a model train running through the models of the city's landmarks. You can view the sculptures, waterfalls, and plant life via a self-guided tour, or take a narrated tram tour of the gardens, which are available seasonally.

Horseshoe Council Bluffs is a casino and former greyhound racing track in Council Bluffs, Iowa, near Omaha, Nebraska. It is owned by Vici Properties and operated by Caesars Entertainment. It has 60,000 sq ft (5,600 m2) of gaming space with 1,438 slot machines, 63 table games, a William Hill racebook, and a WSOP poker room. Accommodations are offered at an adjoining Hilton Garden Inn, and the nearby Country Inns & Suites, Holiday Inn Express and SpringHill Suites.

The Horseshoe holds the World Series of Poker Circuit Event during August of each calendar year, and the Horseshoe Poker Championships (HPC) during February in each year in their poker room.

Bluffs Run Greyhound Park opened in 1986. In March 1995, slot machines were added and the property became Bluffs Run Casino. Harveys Casino Resorts bought the property in 1999 for $165 million. Harrah's Entertainment (now Caesars Entertainment) acquired Harveys in 2001. In 2006, Harrah's completed an $85-million expansion and renovation of the casino and rebranded it as Horseshoe Council Bluffs. Greyhound racing ended in 2015. On October 6, 2017, ownership of the property was transferred to Vici Properties as part of a corporate spin-off, and it was leased back to Caesars Entertainment.

Rickman's Run Holmes Lake Dog Run is a 24+acre off-leash dog run in Southeast Lincoln. There Their is a large dog and small dog area. There is a permanent shelter over a handicapped portable restroom. 2 years ago over $500K worth of improvements were done at the park.

Friends of the Dog Parks is a NPO that is run by all volunteers. They actively work in conjunction with individuals, businesses, and city officials to promote, create, and improve off-leash parks, as well as the off-leash park experience

Learn about the history of the region with a trip to The Durham Museum. Through partnerships with the Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress, National Archives, and Field Museum, this museum covers a range of subjects, such as history, culture, science, and industry. You'll learn a great deal about the city of Omaha as you view exhibits about the different neighborhoods, well-known citizens, and important landmarks. Your hands-on learning experience includes trains you can walk through, a large coin collection, and Native American artifacts. Housed in the impressive Art Deco building of Union Station, the museum's architecture alone is worth a visit.