There are a lot of sites and attractions to explore in Lincoln, Nebraska. Visitors can choose in the wide varieties of beautiful gardens, fascinating museums, and other historical landmarks in the city. Well, let me take you in a quick tour on these amazing places.
The Nebraska State Capitol should be the first item in your itinerary. This beautiful structure is a Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue masterpiece. The Nebraska State Capitol was constructed between 1922 and 1932. This structure is popular for its elaborate iconographic designs. It is overflowing with symbolisms and sculptural ornaments like images of great thinkers and philosophers, bison, and the sun. The Nebraska State Capitol’s tower is crowned by a 6-meter (20 ft) statue of a sower. This represents Nebraska’s agricultural heritage. This is the perfect place to get a bird’s eye view of Lincoln.
If you want to admire Nature’s beauty, then check out the long list of beautiful gardens and arboretum in Lincoln, Nebraska. The most popular ones are the Alice Abel Arboretum, Joshua C. Turner Arboretum, Maxwell Arboretum, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, State Fair Park Arboretum, and Sunken Gardens.
Alice Abel Arboretum is a ten hectares arboretum which features over a 100 species of shrubs, trees and herbaceous plants. It is located at 5000 St. Paul Street on the campus of Nebraska Wesleyan University. The Joshua C. Turner Arboretum is 30 acres arboretum located at 3800 South 48th Street, that is, the campus of Union College. Maxwell Arboretum, on the other hand, is a 2 hectares arboretum and botanical garden located on the Esat Campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This arboretum dates back 50 years ago, when Earl G. Maxwell started planting trees on the campus.
The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum is a network of arboretum sites, parks, and public landscapes in 33 communities in Nebraska. It holds a collection of trees and other plants for the purpose of research, education and enjoyment. This is supported by the arboretum office at the University of Nebraska. The State Fair Park Arboretum is a beautiful garden and arboretum located at State Fair Park, 17th and Holdrege Streets in Lincoln. It showcases more than 200 woody plants, as well as numerous types of gardens (such as prairie garden, butterfly garden). The Sunken Garden is the only garden in Nebraska included in the prestigious “300 Best Gardens to Visit in the United States and Canada” by the National Geographic Guide to Public Gardens.
Getting tired of gardens? Well, let’s explore the interesting museums in Lincoln, Nebraska. I assure you that you will be surprised of what interesting historical facts you can get from these places. For the kids and kids-at-heart, Lincoln Children’s Museum is a wonderful place for you. It offers an interactive learning experience wherein children can touch and examine the exhibits. Its most popular exhibits include a tree-story apple tree, a hot air balloon and a real airplane. The National Museum of Roller Skating is another interesting place to visit. This museum features the historical development of roller skating as sport and recreational activity. It also displays an impressive collection of roller skating memorabilia and photographs.
Try visiting the Frank H. Woods Pioneer Telephone Museum. It features an extensive collection of American telephones. The museum was named after Frank H. Woods, Sr. who funded the Lincoln Telephone Company in 1903.
The Museum of Nebraska History provides an extensive documentary of the historical development of Nebraska. Its wide collection of artifacts, memorabilia and other items features Nebraska from Prehistoric to the contemporary times.
Lastly, the Schleigh Red Wing Pottery Museum is a museum which aims to preserve the Red wing legacy for future generations. It features a wide collection of amazingly beautiful potteries.
Visitors are also encouraged to explore the numerous historical sites and landmarks in Lincoln, Nebraska such as Fairview (the home of William Jennings Bryan) and the Thomas P. Kennard House.
The Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Haymarket Park (baseball and softball complex), Historic Haymarket, Hyde Observatory, Ice Box (Ice Hockey Arena), and the Pioneer Park Nature Center (nature preservation area) are other attractions worth visiting during your stay in Lincoln, Nebraska.