Lincoln

State: Nebraska. Type: state capital and second-largest city, seat of Lancaster County. Founded in 1856 as the village of Lancaster; renamed and became state capital in 1869. 2020 census population: 291,082 (2024 estimate: 300,619). Home to the Nebraska State Capitol (completed 1932, the nation's second-tallest capitol) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (founded 1869).

Lincoln is Nebraska's capital and second-largest city, founded in 1856 as the small village of Lancaster before being renamed and designated the state capital in 1869. The city has since grown into a metro area of roughly 350,000 people anchored by state government, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the Bryan Health hospital system. Its skyline is defined by the Nebraska State Capitol, completed in 1932 and often cited as the nation's second-tallest state capitol building. Beyond government and academia, Lincoln has cultivated a lively arts and dining scene, including a growing number of galleries and an expanding craft brewing industry, much of it concentrated in the historic Haymarket District near downtown. Attractions such as the Sunken Gardens, the Lincoln Children's Zoo, and the Sheldon Museum of Art give visitors a mix of outdoor, family and cultural options, while Pinnacle Bank Arena hosts larger events and sports.

Lincoln is located in southeastern Nebraska and is the county seat of Lancaster County, roughly midway between Omaha (to the northeast) and the Kansas border, along the I-80 corridor.

Lincoln has a humid continental climate with cold winters, averaging about 26 inches of snow annually, and hot summers; recorded temperature extremes range from -33°F to 115°F.

Spring and fall generally provide the most comfortable temperatures for exploring downtown, the Haymarket District and outdoor attractions like the Sunken Gardens, while summer brings the heat and humidity typical of the region's continental climate.

Lincoln began in 1856 as the village of Lancaster in what was then Nebraska Territory. In 1867, following statehood, the settlement was renamed Lincoln and designated the new state capital, a decision partly aimed at moving the seat of government away from Omaha, further north and closer to the Missouri River. The city grew steadily around state government and, from 1869, the newly founded University of Nebraska. Its most recognizable landmark, the Nebraska State Capitol, was completed in 1932 and remains one of the tallest state capitol buildings in the country. Lincoln has since diversified into a broader economy spanning state and local government, education, healthcare and a growing arts and brewing scene, while retaining its role as the state's political and, alongside Omaha, cultural center.

Visitors can tour the Nebraska State Capitol, stroll the Sunken Gardens, visit the Lincoln Children's Zoo, browse the Sheldon Museum of Art, and explore the shops, restaurants and craft breweries of the historic Haymarket District. Pinnacle Bank Arena hosts concerts and major sporting events, including University of Nebraska athletics.

Key sites include the Nebraska State Capitol (completed 1932), the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus (founded 1869), the Sunken Gardens, the Lincoln Children's Zoo, the Sheldon Museum of Art, the historic Haymarket District, and Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Lincoln Airport serves the city with commercial air service; historically United Airlines and Frontier Airlines have been among the primary carriers. The city is also reachable by car via Interstate 80, which runs along its northern edge.

Lincoln's attractions each keep their own schedules; for example, museums and the Capitol typically operate on daytime hours with days off, while the Haymarket District's restaurants and shops keep standard evening hours. Confirm specific site hours before visiting, as they vary by attraction and season.

As a city, Lincoln itself has no entry fee; individual attractions such as the Lincoln Children's Zoo and Sheldon Museum of Art set their own admission policies, and the Nebraska State Capitol tour is generally free, though current details should be confirmed with each site directly.

Most visitors plan one to two days to see the Capitol, university campus, Haymarket District and a museum or two, though a longer stay allows for a more relaxed pace across the city's attractions.

Lincoln has a full range of lodging, from national hotel chains near I-80 and the airport to boutique and downtown properties within walking distance of the Haymarket District and the Capitol.

The Haymarket District anchors much of Lincoln's dining and craft brewing scene, with a growing number of galleries and eateries in the surrounding downtown area; the city's food and drink scene has expanded considerably alongside its arts scene in recent years.

Omaha, Nebraska's largest city and home to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, lies a short drive northeast via I-80. The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland sits roughly midway between the two cities along the same corridor.

Lincoln Airport provides commercial air service directly to the city; Eppley Airfield in Omaha, roughly an hour away by car, offers a larger range of flight options for visitors willing to drive in from a neighboring metro area.

As with any mid-sized U.S. city, standard urban safety practices apply: stay aware of surroundings downtown at night and keep valuables secured in parked vehicles. For any emergency, dial 911.

Weather-appropriate clothing is important given Lincoln's wide temperature swings between summer heat and winter cold and snow; comfortable walking shoes suit exploring downtown, the Haymarket District and the university campus.

Combining a Capitol tour with a walk through the adjacent university campus and a stop in the Haymarket District makes for an efficient day covering Lincoln's core sights. Checking the University of Nebraska athletics and Pinnacle Bank Arena event calendars ahead of a visit can help travelers catch (or avoid) a major event affecting hotel availability.

Dial 911 for any emergency within Lincoln.

City of Lincoln, Nebraska - https://www.lincoln.ne.gov

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.