Lincoln, Nebraska stands apart as the only U.S. capital city with a bustling underground art scene rooted in repurposed missile silos and Cold War-era bunkers. Beyond politics, it’s a hub for Czech heritage, with the annual Czech Festival and the historic South Bottoms neighborhood preserving a unique immigrant legacy rarely found elsewhere in the U.S.
Notable points about Lincoln
- Lincoln, Nebraska is home to the nation’s only Museum of American Speed, showcasing rare hot rods, engines, and auto memorabilia found nowhere else in the world.
- Unlike many U.S. capitals, Lincoln blends a college-town energy with prairie tranquility, thanks to the University of Nebraska’s central role in daily life.
- Visit in late September for Husker football season when Memorial Stadium becomes the third-largest "city" in Nebraska—an electrifying experience even for non-fans.
- Lincoln is notably affordable, with hotel rates, food, and activities often 20–30% cheaper than coastal cities, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
- Join locals for a Sunday afternoon stroll through the historic Haymarket District’s farmers market, where handmade crafts and Nebraska-grown produce dominate the scene.
- Try the signature Runza sandwich—a warm bread pocket filled with beef and cabbage—best enjoyed at a local chain after a Cornhuskers game.
- Downtown Lincoln is walkable, and rentable scooters and bike paths (like the MoPac Trail) make exploring neighborhoods like College View and Near South hassle-free.
- Sheldon Museum of Art, tucked inside the university campus, is a serene and under-visited gem with an incredible outdoor sculpture garden.
- Lincoln is safe, clean, and friendly—visitors are often surprised at how locals greet strangers, and English is universally spoken with Midwestern hospitality.
- Watching a golden Nebraska sunset over Holmes Lake with a locally brewed IPA from Zipline Brewing Company in hand is a moment that defines the city’s quiet magic.