Location: Lincoln
Top Things to do in Lincoln
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Things to do in Lincoln, Nebraska (NE): The Best Nature & Parks
Named after Abraham Lincoln, this state capital is a great place for children, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. Soak in the panoramic view of the city from the observation tower of the 400-foot high capitol building, whose white stone Art Deco spire can be seen from miles around. Then take a tour of the building and its grounds, where you'll find a Lincoln monument created by the same artist who sculpted the famous Lincoln statue in Washington, D.C. While you're on a history roll, visit the Governor's Mansion, whose Georgian Colonial exterior belies the varied architectural styles inside, and be sure to see the collection of dolls representing the state's first ladies dressed in their inaugural gowns. Kids will love the Folsom Children's Zoo & Botanical Gardens, where they can circle the zoo in a miniature train and see over 300 animals living among spectacular gardens. For some outdoor fun, head to one of the city's beautiful parks, the largest of which is Wilderness Park, whose hiking, biking and equestrian trails will keep you on the move for hours.
Restaurants in Lincoln
1. Billy Wolff Bike Trail
2. Hamann Rose Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By gredave - Vacaville, United States
This is an extraordinarily beautiful place: I strolled through in about an hour, enjoying the color and fragrance of the roses. There are many types of greenery, which contrasts nicely with the roses. It was a bit early in the spring, so many of them had not achieved their full blossom. But what I will remember most about this park is the fragrance: "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet," and that sweetness will stay with me.
3. Antelope Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Beautiful park offering gardens, a golf course, swimming pool and playground areas.
Reviewed By kmmnb - Roy, United States
After having traveled for a little bit we were excited to find this park. It has a huge playground for older kids and a smaller play area including swings for 0-4. Lots of grass and picnic tables to sit at to eat lunch
4. Hazel Abel Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Quaint Renaissance-style park.
Reviewed By 32blankal - Havlickuv Brod, Czech Republic
I visited the park twice during my stay in Lincoln and I was very surprised how quiet place it is. You can enjoy the sun and reading on the benches, listening to the fountain...
5. Holmes Park & Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
The center of outdoor activity in the heart of Lincoln including a lake for boating and fishing, plus picnic grounds and hiking trails.
Reviewed By kdschielke - Austin, United States
Nice park, large grassy areas and paved, shady walkway around lake. Lots of people fishing. Dogs on leash welcome. Free parking and entry.
6. Pioneer Park Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
A 900-acre wildlife area that features hiking trails and other outdoor pleasures.
Reviewed By jmdz5459 - Papillion, United States
We stumbled unto Pioneer Park as we were trying to Travel Nebraska. We wanted to learn about the areas history and walk trails. Pioneer Park was a pleasant surprise as we walked thru wooded & grassy, yet safes, trails. Nature Center had just closed as we arrived so will have to return for that.
7. Wilderness Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Hike, bike or horseback ride on the 13 1/2-mile Wilderness Park Trail through dense forest, meadows and creek beds in the city's largest park, which also offers fishing and picnicking.
Reviewed By kelsiH88 - Kennewick, United States
Whether you're a kid or an adult, friends, couple, or family, this place is great. So much to do and see. Theres a huge mansion, grounds to walk on and identify trees, general store with frozen cider, wine tasting, BBQ, and most importantly, the tree house adventure. Its a massive activity nature park with so much to do. Bridges, treehouses, animal tracks, animal education, slides, and so much more. We had a great time and were thoroughly exhausted by the end of the trip. The great part? They give you a tree at the end to plant on your own. Cant wait to go back.
8. Lincoln Children's Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 352 reviews
Lincoln Children's Zoo is rated among the best zoos for children by Parent Magazine and is home to over 400 animals, including the world's smallest monkeys (pygmy marmosets), ring-tailed lemurs, dromedary camels, red pandas, meerkats, and more!. Over 40 of our animals are endangered, including the Humboldt Penguin, Amur leopard and Matschie's tree kangaroo. Featuring interactive Zoofari stations with Larry the Cable Guy, up-close animal encounters and the historic ZO&O Railroad, the Zoo is the perfect destination for the entire family. Lincoln Children's Zoo's mission is "to enrich lives through firsthand interaction with living things."
Reviewed By Charrigo - Chicago, United States
This was the perfect thing to do for myself and two teen girls after visit the UNL campus. We were looking for something fun to do that was not college related and this fit the bill. Close to downtown (about a 10 minute drive) and just the right size for a few hours fun. Don’t leave without feeding the giraffes, and look for the peacocks, penguins and flamingos! They also have some goats, camels, turkeys, snow leopards, an anteater, and lots of monkeys!
9. Sunken Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 726 reviews
Reviewed By deforestn
Flowers don't get any better than July. Except for June and August in the Sunken Gardens.You can "get down" with the Koi fishes and Water Lilies and "get high" with the Hostas and the gigantic Elephant Ears. No matter where you are you will be awash in vibrant colors and sweet smells. "Not that I can smell them."
10. Veterans Memorial Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By E4823QUmichellef
We found the park by chance, but a very lucky find. Beautiful tribute to many aspects of Armed Forces, beautifully maintained, full of honor & history, well worth the visit.
