Lincoln (Nebraska)

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. == 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 === 1 Lincoln Municipal Airport (LNK IATA) (just off I-80 Exit 399, 4 mi (7 km) northwest of downtown). United Airlines fly from Denver and Chicago. (updated Nov 2023) It is often cheaper to fly into Eppley Airfield Airport (OMA IATA) 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 2 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 === Navigator Airport Express, ☏ +1 308 234-6066, navigatorexpress@navigatorbus.com. 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. (updated Apr 2026) Omalink, ☏ +1 402 475-5465. Provides limited shuttle service between Omaha and Lincoln including their respective airports. == 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 3 Monkeywrench Cycles (233 N Antelope Valley Pkwy Suite A) For a map of bike trails see Great Plains Trails Network. == See == 1 Nebraska State Capitol, 1445 K St (on US-34/O St, turn south on 13th St, then east on K St), ☏ +1 402-471-0448. M-F 8AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM. 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. Free admission. (updated Jun 2021) 2 William Jennings Bryan House (Fairview), 1600 S 48th St (in Bryan Medical Center, east campus, near 48th and A St), ☏ +1 402-481-3032. M-Sa 9AM-5PM. 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 guided tour. Free admission. (updated Jun 2021) 3 Sheldon Museum of Art, 1200 R St, ☏ +1 402 472-2461. 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. Free, are lectures. 4 Sunken Gardens, 2600 D St. 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 Guide to Public Gardens. (updated Apr 2026) 5 Lincoln Children's Zoo, 1222 S 27th St (get off 1-80 on 27th Street and go South to three blocks south of Capitol Parkway). 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. 6 University of Nebraska State Museum (Morrill Hall), 645 N 14th St (head west on Vine St, road ends in front of the building), ☏ +1 402-472-2637. Tu-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM, Closed Mon. Established 1871 as the state's natural history museum. Containing fossils and archeological finds and special exhibits dedicated to the indigenous tribes of Nebraska. $9.50 adults, $5.50 children 3-18. 7 International Quilt Study Center & Museum, ☏ +1 402 472-6549. The largest public collection of quilts in the world. (updated Oct 2017) 8 Great Plains Art Museum, 1155 Q St (UNL's City Campus, Hewit Place building), ☏ +1 402 472-6220. (updated Oct 2017) == Do == === Theater === 1 Lied Center for Performing Arts (pronounced "Leed") or the 2 UNL schools of Music, Theatre, and Film have performances year-round. During the summer, see the Flatwater Shakespeare Company at 3 Wyuka cemetery, musicals at the 4 Pinewood Bowl, classical performances at the 5 Meadowlark Music Festival, or professional theater at 6 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. Jazz in June (outdoors behind Sheldon Art Gallery). Tu in Jun 7PM. Free. Nebraska Music Festival, Carson Theater on University of Nebraska campus and various other locales throughout town. early Aug. Eclectic representation of music from different cultures. === 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. 7 Pioneers Park. Has hiking trails, and some nature centers which are great for kids. (updated Sep 2017) === Sports === 8 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. 9 Memorial Stadium (The Sea of Red), 600 Stadium Dr. 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. 10 Pinnacle Bank Arena (PBA, The Vault), 400 Pinnacle Arena Dr, ☏ +1 402 904-4444. Also part of the Haymarket District, this is the city's main venue for indoor sports and major concerts. Most notably, it's home to Cornhuskers men's and women's basketball. === Other === 11 Boiler Brewing Company Brewery and History Tour, 129 N 10th St, Suite 8 (Haymarket district downtown). first Sunday of every month at 2PM. Tour of brewing operations in historic Grand Manse building with beer sampling at the end. Free. (updated Apr 2026) 12 Craft Axe Throwing (Axe, Hatchet or Tomahawk Throwing), 1821 N St, ☏ +1 402 802 9696, lincoln@craftaxethrowing.com. 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. (updated Oct 2023) 13 Round1 (At Gateway Mall). This is a great place for bowling, nightlife, arcade, and more. Parties are welcome, as well as groups. Arcade requires a game card, which can be cheap for a card with lesser points, but expensive for a card with more points. (updated Apr 2026) == Learn == 1 University of Nebraska at Lincoln, 1400 R St, ☏ +1 402 472-7211. (updated Apr 2026) 2 Southeast Community College, 8800 O St, ☏ +1 402 471-3333, toll-free: +1 800 642-4075. (updated Apr 2026) 3 Nebraska Wesleyan University, 5000 Saint Paul Ave, ☏ +1 402 466-2371. (updated Apr 2026) 4 Union College, 3800 S 48th St, ☏ +1 402 486-2600. (updated Apr 2026) College of Hair Design (Two campus). (updated Apr 2026) 5 Downtown Campus, 304 S 11th St, ☏ +1 402 474-4244. (updated Apr 2026) 6 East Campus, 9000 Andermatt Dr, ☏ +1 402 488-7007. (updated Apr 2026) == Buy == Lincoln offers a wide variety of shopping experiences. 1 A Novel Idea Bookstore, 118 North 14th St. Lincoln's treasured store for rare and out-of-print books. Featuring the company of Padric & Eddy - the store's feline staff - who will escort browsers through the bookshelves. (updated Apr 2026) 2 Gateway Mall, 6100 O Street (exit Hwy 34 at North 64th), ☏ +1 402-464-3196. Find Dillard's and JCPenney department stores, more than 10 restaurants, and 100 stores in Gateway Mall. (updated Oct 2015) == 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 === 1 Buzzard Billy's, 247 N 8th St Ste 101, ☏ +1 402 475-8822. Cajun style food. Thursday is "Crappy Beer Night" with $1.50 pints or $1.25 cans and discounted appetizers. Try the chicken quesadilla. (updated Apr 2026) 2 Fireworks, 5750 S 86th St, ☏ +1 402 434-5644. Wood-fired cooking. BBQ brisket sandwich and they have an open WiFi AP. Mains $13-30. (updated Apr 2026) 3 Grateful Bread Freakbeat Vegetarian, 1625 S 17th St. Try the soup. They also have gourmet macaroni and cheese and sandwiches. $5-7. (updated Apr 2026) Lazlo's (Two locations). 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. Mains $13-40. (updated Apr 2026) 4 Historic Haymarket, 210 N 7th St, ☏ +1 402 434-5636. (updated Apr 2026) 5 South Lincoln, 5900 Old Cheney Rd, ☏ +1 402 323-8500. (updated Apr 2026) Valentino's (Various locations). Voted Lincoln's Best pizza for over 20 years. A known Nebraska pizzeria and buffet for over 50 years. The Watering Hole (The Hole) (Two locations). 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. 6 The Watering Hole East, 8300 Northwoods Dr, ☏ +1 402 488-8300. (updated Apr 2026) 7 The Watering Hole West, 1550 South Coddington, ☏ +1 402 477-2900. (updated Apr 2026) 8 Yia Yia's Pizza, 1423 O St, ☏ +1 402 477-9166. 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. (updated Apr 2026) === Tex-Mex/Mexican === D'Leon's, 13th & South (City-wide). 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). (updated Apr 2026) 9 D'Leon's West O, 2140 West O St, ☏ +1 402 438-7100. (updated Apr 2026) 10 D'Leon's North 27th, 1221 N 27th St, ☏ +1 402 474-7100. (updated Apr 2026) El Potrero (Two locations). Casual. Big meals for good deals, and an endless supply of chips and dip. (updated Apr 2026) 11 Downtown, El Potrero 247 N 8th St, ☏ +1 402 477-4551. (updated Apr 2026) 12 South Lincoln, 3930 Village Dr, ☏ +1 402 318-7882. (updated Apr 2026) 13 La Paz, 321 N Cotner Blvd (near Westfield Gateway Mall). Consistently voted the best Mexican restaurant in town by listeners of KFOR radio. Typically quite busy on the weekends. (updated Apr 2026) 14 Taqueria El Rey, 116 S 27th St, ☏ +1 402 742-5367. Variety of Mexican food. Try the "tacos al pastor" (seasoned pork). $1.50. (updated Apr 2026) === Other === 15 Blue Orchid (downtown). Thai food with a few nontraditional creations. Atmosphere and cocktails. Mains $17-28. (updated Apr 2026) 16 Dish, 11th and O Sts (downtown), ☏ +1 402 475-9475. Tu-Th 5-8:30PM, F Sa 5-9:30PM. 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. (updated Apr 2026) 17 Ivanna Cone (S of Lazlos and E of old train station in the Haymarket). Made fresh daily, showing up early is a must to get the more popular flavors before the run out. (updated Apr 2026) The Oven (Two locations). 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. (updated Apr 2026) 18 Haymarket, 201 N 8th St, ☏ +1 402 475-6118. (updated Apr 2026) 19 The Oven East, 4101 Pionner Woods Dr #110, ☏ +1 402 488-0650. (updated Apr 2026) 20 Pho Nguyenn, 611 N 27th St. Try the Vietnamese Noodle Soup. (updated Apr 2026) == 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 === 1 The Bar, 1644 P St. A popular college bar. Known for a nice outdoor area and a late last call. (updated Apr 2026) 2 Barrymore's, 140 N. 13th St. 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. (updated Apr 2026) 3 Duffy's, 1412 O St (downtown), ☏ +1 402 474-3543. live music W and Su. 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. (updated Apr 2026) 4 Iguana's, 1426 O St. 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. (updated Apr 2026) 5 Jake's, 101 N 14th St Suite 1. 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. (updated Apr 2026) Main Street. Big frat and sorority crowd. Drink specials every night. 6 The Zoo, 136 N 14th St, ☏ +1 402 435-8754. Live blues almost every day, jazz on Wednesdays. (updated Apr 2026) 7 1867, 101 North 14th Street #6, ☏ +1 531 289-1724. 1PM–2AM. 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. (updated Apr 2026) === Dance clubs === 8 The Brass Rail, 1436 O St, ☏ +1 402-474-5741. 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. (updated Apr 2026) 9 Pla Mor Ballroom, 6600 West O St, ☏ +1 402 475-4030. Popular among college students for country dancing on Sunday nights. (updated Apr 2026) === Pubs === 10 Bodega's Alley, 1418 O St, ☏ +1 402 413-1615. Considered a hippie bar. Good music and laid-back atmosphere. (updated Apr 2026) 11 O'Rourke's, 1329 O St, ☏ +1 402 435-8052. A hole-in-the-wall that has the latest last call in town. Buzzard Billy's, 247 N 8th St Suite 101, ☏ +1 402 475-8822. Dark hideaway, 1950s theme. A great place to go for a unique drink. == Sleep == 1 Embassy Suites Lincoln, 1040 P St, ☏ +1 402 474-1111. Upscale accommodations to the MarketPlace district. 2 Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, 333 S 13th St, ☏ +1 402 474-7474. (updated Jan 2019) == Connect == === Wireless === The following locations provide free WiFi Internet access: 7 Scooters Coffee House, ☏ +1 402 327-8477. (updated Apr 2026) 8 The Mill Coffee Shop, 800 P St #100 (Haymarket district). (updated Apr 2026) Lazlo's Brewery & Grill, 210 N 7th St (Haymarket district), ☏ +1 402 434-5636. (updated Apr 2026) 9 Coffee House, 1324 P St, ☏ +1 402 610-1769. (updated Apr 2026) Duffy's Bar, 1412 O St, ☏ +1 402 474-3543. (updated Apr 2026) 10 Brother's Bar, 1339 O St, ☏ +1 402 474-0200. (updated Apr 2026) 11 Bagels 'n' Joe, 4701 Old Cheney Rd, ☏ +1 402 423-7797. (updated Apr 2026) FireWorks Restaurant, 5750 S 86th St, ☏ +1 402 434-5644. (updated Apr 2026) Lincoln City Libraries (all locations). (updated Apr 2026) 12 Foundation Garden, 215 Centennial Mall South (behind the Foundation Center, in downtown Lincoln), ☏ +1 402 474-2345. (updated Apr 2026) === Wired === There are computer areas in 13 Love Library on the University of Nebraska city campus and in CYT Library on East Campus which have few public computers. A variety of software -- including Microsoft productivity software -- is available on those labs. Lincoln City Libraries--all locations have access with a guest pass. Show driver's license to get guest day pass. Although there are no 'internet cafes' in Lincoln, you can often find free wired internet. Check on campus in the Union you can often find open computers for use (which are supposed to be only for students). == Go next == Lincoln is surrounded by many lakes and state recreation areas.