A- Overview:
Sometimes mistakenly identified as a sleepy Midwestern town, Lincoln, Nebraska is actually a bustling city with arts and culture to rival many other destinations. Lincoln is proud of its pioneer heritage, and its many museums and children’s activities focus on that heritage. It is a beautiful and active state capital.
Lincoln’s museums bring the history of the Midwest to life and feature exhibits of interest to children as well as adults. A special children’s museum and zoo are just two of the attractions earmarked especially for families with children. Adults will enjoy the governor’s mansion and the Great Plains Art Collection. Lincoln’s cultural borders have expanded with museums dedicated to German and Asian culture and immigration. The whole family will have fun at the National Museum of Roller Skating, which traces the development of this wonderful invention from 1819 to the present.
Twelve thousand years of life on the plains are reviewed at the Museum of Nebraska History, where displays focus on anthropology as well as history. The Elephant Hall, a gallery of towering mammoth, mastodon and four-tusk skeletons, is the highlight of the University of Nebraska State Museum. A few blocks away, at 12th and R Streets, the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery traces the development of American art, and has a twenty-piece sculpture garden.
The Historic Haymarket also hearkens back to Lincoln’s pioneer days. Its unique galleries, shops, and restaurants are a great part of Lincoln life. The State Capitol building is incredibly ornate and offers lessons in the history and culture of the plains. The 76,000-seat Memorial Stadium at the northern end of campus on Vine Street, is where the “Big Red” Cornhuskers chalk up an amazing number of wins against their opponents.
Visitors to Lincoln will be pleasantly surprised by the variety and extent of the cultural offerings. Lincoln still has that endearing small town feel, but is at the same time an up and coming city in the heartland of America.
B- City Information:
Population: 232,362
Elevation: 1189 feet above sea level
Land Area: 74.6 square miles
County: Lancaster
Location: Lincoln is located in the southeast corner of Nebraska, near Interstate 80 from the east and west and U.S. Highway 81 from the north and south
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (when it’s noon in Lincoln, it’s 1pm in New York City and 10am in Los Angeles). Lincoln observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October
Weather in Lincoln, Nebraska
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
22.5
28.4
39.4
51.2
62.0
72.7
77.7
75.3
66.0
53.6
38.2
26.6
High temperature (°F)
33.3
39.4
51.2
63.5
73.8
84.9
89.5
87.0
78.8
66.6
49.1
36.8
Low temperature (°F)
11.6
17.3
27.6
38.8
50.1
60.4
65.8
63.6
53.2
40.5
27.1
16.3
Precipitation (in)
0.7
0.7
2.3
2.9
4.3
3.6
3.7
3.4
2.9
2.0
1.6
0.9
Climate: Lincoln, Nebraska
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precipitation
6
5
8
10
12
9
9
9
8
6
6
6
Wind speed (mph)
9.6
10.0
11.3
12.1
10.5
9.8
9.3
9.1
9.5
9.9
9.9
9.6
Morning humidity (%)
78
80
80
80
83
83
83
86
84
81
81
81
Afternoon humidity (%)
68
66
63
58
61
59
60
63
61
58
64
68
Sunshine (%)
58
57
57
58
61
69
73
70
66
63
53
52
Local Seasons:
The University of Nebraska is located in Lincoln. This makes anytime the University is in full session a busy time, particularly on weekends when the Cornhusker football team is playing a home game. Summer is particularly comfortable with the midday temperature near 90 F and with plenty of sunshine. Fall brings students back and with it a drop in temperature. This season offers beautiful weather for taking advantage of the many outdoor activities available. Winter brings cold weather and with it snow. When it does snow, it transforms the entire area into a beautiful picture postcard. Spring brings a variety of buds, blossoms, and change of color.
How to Get There:
By Air
Lincoln Airport
2400 West Adams Street
Lincoln, NE 68524
402-458-2480
Lincoln’s all-weather airport offers easy access to or from major cities across the nation with connections to all points beyond. Major airlines offer multiple arrivals and departures. The terminal is located a few minutes from Downtown and may be reached by taxi, hotel shuttle, or rental car.
Ground Transportation
Many of the major car rental companies as well as taxi, limousine, and shuttle bus service are available at the airport
By Car
Lincoln is easily accessible by car as Interstate 80 which stretches from coast to coast traces its path right along the Lincoln city limits. This east-west accessibility is complemented by ease of access from the north or south via U.S. Highway 77 or Interstate 29 by way of Nebraska Highway 2.
By Train
Amtrak
201 North 7th St.
Lincoln, NE 68508
800-USA-RAIL
By Bus
Greyhound
940 P St.
Lincoln, NE 68508
402-474-1071
Call for schedule and additional information
How to Get Around:
With so many things to see and do both in Lincoln itself as well as throughout the surrounding area, the best way to get around is by either personal or rental car
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day: Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day: 3rd Mon. in Jan.
President’s Day: 3rd Mon. in Feb.
Memorial Day: last Mon. in May
Independence Day: July 4
Labor Day: 1st Mon. in Sept.
Thanksgiving Day: 4th Thurs. in Nov.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Dec. 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve: Dec. 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
American Historical Society of Germans From Russia Museum
631 D Street
402 – 474-3363
This museum includes archives, a library, map collections, special displays and a immense amount of genealogical information.
State Museum of History
15th and P Street
Lincoln NE 68508
402 – 471-3270
This museum focuses on the history of Nebraska and Lincoln. From Indian and pioneer times to the more recent present, numerous exhibits make this a great museum.
Children’s Museum
Lincoln Square at 13th and “O” Sts.
402-477-0128.
A delightful destination where children and youth of all ages may touch, discover and learn, Lincoln’s Children’s Museum features exhibits representative of broad areas of science, technology, history, culture and fine arts.
Folsom Children’s Zoo and Botanical Gardens
1222 S. 27th St.
402-475-6741.
A train ride and many “pettable” animals make this stop a favorite with children and adults alike.
Governor’s Mansion
The Mansion itself is quite attractive and features a doll collection of the state’s First Ladies in their inaugural gowns.
Great Plains Art Collection
215 Love Library, University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus
402-472-6220
This celebrated western art exhibit features 180 bronzes including works by Remington and Russell; also on display are 200 paintings and 300 other works of art, as well as 4,000 volumes of Great Plains and Western Americana.
Historic Haymarket
Between 7th and 9th Sts., from “0” to “R” Sts.
402-435-7496.
Galleries, restaurants, unique shops and bookstores are housed in turn-of-the-century buildings in what used to be the warehouse/farmer’s market section of the city. Of particular interest is the Iron Horse Sculpture. Historic Haymarket is open year-round.
Hyde Observatory
3701 S. 70th St.
402-441-7094
Visitors can view the planets and stars at Hyde Observatory located in the southern part of Holmes Lake Park. The shows, both in the Observatory and across the skies, are spectacular.
Lentz Center for Asian Culture
339 Morrill Hall, 14th & U.
402-472-5841.
The permanent collection includes ancient ceremonial bronzes, jade and ivory carvings, Tibetan ritual objects, ceramics, Asian musical instruments and prints. Rotating exhibitions feature aspects of traditional Asian cultures.
Museum of Nebraska History
15th & P Streets
402-471-4754.
This museum houses colorful exhibits of Plains history, highlighting early prehistoric times, Indians of the Great Plains and pioneer days. The museum’s period rooms, World War II exhibit and interactive exhibits are especially popular.
National Museum of Roller Skating
4730 South St.
402-483-7551.
The only museum of its kind in the world, the National Museum of Roller Skating exhibits skates, costumes, films, artwork and other skating memorabilia from 1819 to the present. Learn about the history, technology and development of roller sports.
Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery & Sculpture Garden
12th & R Streets on the University of Nebraska campus
402-472-2461.
Designed by architect Philip Johnson, the Sheldon features one of the nation’s finest collections of 20th century American art including paintings, sculpture, graphics, photography and decorative arts. The Sheldon’s five-acre Sculpture Garden displays 30 key examples of sculpture by artists of international reputation.
State Capitol
1445 “K” St.
402-471-3191, ext. 448
This architectural wonder towers over Lincoln. Whether on the inside or the outside, the intricate artwork, mosaics and sculptures will fascinate visitors. Plan to take an elevator ride to the 14th-floor observation deck for a bird’s-eye view of Lincoln.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
State Museum of History
15th and P Street
Lincoln NE 68508
402 – 471-3270
This museum focuses on the history of Nebraska and Lincoln. From Indian and pioneer times to the more recent present, numerous exhibits make this a great museum.
Children’s Museum
Lincoln Square at 13th and “O” Sts.
402-477-0128.
A delightful destination where children and youth of all ages may touch, discover and learn, Lincoln’s Children’s Museum features exhibits representative of broad areas of science, technology, history, culture and fine arts.
Folsom Children’s Zoo and Botanical Gardens
1222 S. 27th St.
402-475-6741.
A train ride and many “pettable” animals make this stop a favorite with children and adults alike.
Historic Haymarket
Between 7th and 9th Sts., from “0” to “R” Sts.
402-435-7496.
Galleries, restaurants, unique shops and bookstores are housed in turn-of-the-century buildings in what used to be the warehouse/farmer’s market section of the city. Of particular interest is the Iron Horse Sculpture. Historic Haymarket is open year-round.
Hyde Observatory
3701 S. 70th St.
402-441-7094
Visitors can view the planets and stars at Hyde Observatory located in the southern part of Holmes Lake Park. The shows, both in the Observatory and across the skies, are spectacular.
Museum of Nebraska History
15th & P Streets
402-471-4754.
This museum houses colorful exhibits of Plains history, highlighting early prehistoric times, Indians of the Great Plains and pioneer days. The museum’s period rooms, World War II exhibit and interactive exhibits are especially popular.
National Museum of Roller Skating
4730 South St.
402-483-7551.
The only museum of its kind in the world, the National Museum of Roller Skating exhibits skates, costumes, films, artwork and other skating memorabilia from 1819 to the present. Learn about the history, technology and development of roller sports.
State Capitol
1445 “K” St.
402-471-3191, ext. 448
This architectural wonder towers over Lincoln. Whether on the inside or the outside, the intricate artwork, mosaics and sculptures will fascinate visitors. Plan to take an elevator ride to the 14th-floor observation deck for a bird’s-eye view of Lincoln.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events and Entertainment
January
Patchwork Lives Quilt Exhibit
Held early January
Location: Museum of Nebraska History, Lincoln
402-471-4759
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Featuring the collections of the State Historical Society and the International Quilt Study Center.
Flea Market
Held mid January
Location: Lancaster Event Center, 84th & Havelock, Lincoln
402-483-7291
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
February
Boat, Sport & Travel Show
Held early February
Location: Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St, Lincoln
402-466-8102
Call for additional information
Home & Garden Show
Held mid February
Location: Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St, Lincoln
402-423-4225
Call for additional information
Flea Market
Held mid February
Location: Lancaster Event Center, 84th & Havelock, Lincoln
402-483-5206
Call for additional information
March
Sesostris Shrine Circus
Held mid March
Location: Pershing Center, 226 Centennial Mall S., Lincoln
402-441-8744
Call for additional information
Traditional 3 ring circus complete with dare devils, acrobats, clowns, animals and more.
Husker Lawn & Leisure Show
Held late March
Location: Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St, Lincoln
515-223-5229
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Something for every outdoor enthusiast.
April
Auntie Amy’s Rubber Stamp Show
Held mid April
Location: Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St, Lincoln
909-689-2530
Call for additional information
Crafts, quilts and antiques show
Spring Affair
Held late April
Location: State Fair Park
402-472-2679
Call for additional information
Admission Free
The Midwest’s premier perennial plant sale. Educational programs also offered.
Celebrate Lincoln Ethnic Festival
Held late April
Location: 12th & N Sts, Lincoln
402-434-6902
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Live music with sounds from around the globe. Wide array of food, dancing, arts and crafts and activities for all ages.
May
Lincoln National Guard Marathon & Half-Marathon
402-435-3504
Call for additional information
The Annual Lincoln All Sport/ National Guard Marathon and Half Marathon, attracts more than 2,000 participants from all over the nation. The marathon is a National Guard trial event and has grown into a weekend of fun for marathoners, families, friends and Nebraska’s Capital City.
Czech Festival
Held early May
Location: Moose Lodge, 4901 N. 56th St
402-435-6914
Call for additional information
Admission Free
Enjoy ethnic foods, music and international dancing. Imported items and bakery goods for sale.
Arabian Horse Show
Held late May
Location: Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St, Lincoln
402-794-4974
Call for additional information
June
Tour de Nebraska – Annual Bicycle Adventure
Held late June
Location: throughout Nebraska
402-421-1401
Call for additional information
Admission Charged for cyclists, spectators free
Five day adventure for 175 cyclists traveling 50-90 mi. each day throughout Nebraska.
July
14th Annual July Jamm
Held late July
Location: 12th & N Sts, Lincoln
402-434-6902
Call for additional information
Live music, outstanding food and fabulous art make this 2-day festival a fun destination for all.
Cornhusker State Games
Held mid July
Location: Assorted locations throughout Lincoln
800-304-2637
Call for additional information
Admission Free
Amateur sports festival for Nebraskans of all ages and abilities.
Camp Creek Threshers
Held third weekend in July
Location: Threshing grounds located just two miles east of Waverly at 17600 Bluff Rd
402-786-3003
Call for additional information
The Annual Camp Creek Threshers Antique Machinery and Threshing Show features vintage tractors, steam tractors, a miniature steam railroad and other machinery. Demonstrations of threshing, corn shelling, sawing lumber and blacksmithing give a feel for the “olden days.”
The Parade of Power is offered daily.
Shrine Bowl Parade & Game
Held late July
Location: Parade on Havelock Ave, game at Memorial Stadium, Lincoln
402-477-8908
Call for additional information
August
Lancaster County Fair
Held early August
Location: Lancaster Event Center, 84th & Havelock Ave, Lincoln
402-441-6545
Call for additional information
Capital City Ribfest
Held mid August
Location: Pershing Center, 226 Centennial Mall S., Lincoln
402-441-8744
Call for additional information
Street festival featuring America’s best BBQ from vendors across the country and a variety of live music.
Nebraska State Fair
Held late August through early September
Location: State Fair Park, 1800 State Fair Park Dr, Lincoln
402-474-5371
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
A showcase of Nebraska livestock and other exhibits. Largest midway in the state, national entertainment and family fun.
October
Cornhusker Kennel Club & Greater Lincoln Agility Dog Shows
Held early October
Location: Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St
402-786-3550
Call for additional information
Seasons of Crafts
Held end of October
Location: Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St, Lincoln
402-489-5001
Call for additional information
Admission Free
Boo at the Zoo
Held end of October
Location: Folsom Children’s Zoo, 1222 S. 27th St, Lincoln
402-475-6741
Call for additional information
A Halloween party with decorated spook stations
Fall Home Show
Held late October
Location: Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St
308-389-3297
Call for additional information
November
KFOR Arts & Crafts Show
Held early November
Location: Ag Hall, State Fair Park, Lincoln
402-489-5001
Call for additional information
Admission Free
Crafts, quilts, antique show.
ALSA Alpaca Llama Show
Held mid November
Location: Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St, Lincoln
660-537-5262
Call for additional information
Nebraska State High School Volleyball Tournament
Held mid November
Location: Lincoln High School, Waverly High School, Bob Devaney Sports Center
402-489-0386
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Kaleidoscope of Krafts
Held late November
Location: Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St, Lincoln
402-466-0057
Call for additional information
Crafts, quilts and antiques show
Holidays in the Haymarket
Held late November – mid December, Friday evenings 6 – 9 pm
Location: 8th & P Sts
402-435-7496
Call for additional information
Visits from Santa, strolling carolers and street musicians fill the wintry nights with the wonderful sights, sounds and smells of the Christmas season.
Seasons of Crafts
Held late November
Location: Ag Hall, State Fair Park, Lincoln
402-489-5001
Call for additional information
Admission Free
Crafts, quilts and antiques show
Winter Weekends
Held late November – early December
Location: Folsom Children’s Zoo, 1222 S. 27th St, Lincoln
402-475-6741
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, ride the Rudolph Express or take part in educational activities and crafts.
December
Star City Holiday Festival
Held late November – early December
Location: Downtown Lincoln
402-434-6902
Call for additional information
Admission Free
A week of activities including the holiday lighting ceremony, visits from Santa and the largest parade in the 5 state region – Star City Holiday Parade early December
Seasons of Crafts
Held early December
Location: Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St, Lincoln
402-489-5001
Call for additional information
Crafts, quilts and antiques show
Sports
University of Nebraska- Lincoln– Home of the Cornhuskers
3835 Holdrege Street
Lincoln, NE 68503
Ticket office: 402-472-3111
Call for game schedules and additional information
Men: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Tennis, Track and Field, and Wrestling.
Women: Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Gymnastics, Soccer, Rifle, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball
Arts and Entertainment
Lincoln Symphony Orchestra
233 So. 13th Street, Suite-B102
Lincoln, NE 68508
402-476-2211
Call for performance schedule
Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company
216 North 11th Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
402-441-0739
Call for performance schedule
Lincoln Municipal Band
John Shildneck Band Shell at Antelope Park
Antelope Park
23rd and North Streets
Lincoln, NE 68501
402-477-7899
Call for performance schedule
Admission Free
Lied Center for Performing Arts
Johnny Carson Theatre
301 N. 12th St.
Lincoln, NE 68508
402-472-4747
Call for performance schedule
Performances by diverse, internationally known artists. Productions varying from Joan Baez to the “Sound of Music”.
Loft at the Mill
800 P Street, Suite 301
Lincoln, NE 68508
402-477-8311
Call for performance schedule
Variety of performances and activities.
Lincoln Community Playhouse
2500 S. 56th St.
Lincoln, NE 68506
402-489-7529
Call for performance schedule
Musicals, comedies, dramas and children’s plays on stage throughout the year. Main stage and family theater. Youth and adult classes.
McDonald Theater
51st and Huntington Avenue
Lincoln, NE 68504
402-465-2384
Call for performance schedule
Nebraska Wesleyan University’s 300 seat mainstage theater complex located in the Elder Memorial Speech and Theater Center.
Nebraska Jazz Orchestra
Performances held at various venues
402-477-8446
Call for additional information
Rococo Theater
140 N. 13th street
Lincoln, NE 68508
402-476-6540
Call for performance schedule
Offers stage productions, live concerts and events.
University Theater, NE Rep Theater, Theatrix – UNL
Howell and Studio Theaters
12th and R streets, 215 Temple Building
Lincoln, NE 68588
Ticket Office: 402-472-4747
Call for performance schedule