Lincoln, NE, is celebrated for its deep-rooted history as a Midwestern hub and its role as the capital of Nebraska, blending tradition with innovation. Known for its thriving arts scene, collegiate spirit, and welcoming atmosphere, the city offers a unique blend of culture and community.
Whether you’re settling into a rental house in Lincoln, considering a home in the city, or planning to rent an apartment nearby, living here means embracing a sense of connection and opportunity. From exploring local stores and engaging with the arts to enjoying scenic trails and parks, you’ll discover what it’s like to live in Lincoln.
1. Explore Lincoln’s charm
There are a variety of unique things to do in Lincoln for everyone to enjoy – and one of the best ways to discover these things is by exploring the streets of Lincoln.
Take a walk to discover the best of Lincoln
Join the Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers and take a walk around beautiful Downtown Lincoln. Explore the revitalized historic Haymarket, Pinnacle Bank Arena, Memorial Stadium, the Sunken Gardens, and the architectural masterpiece of the State Capitol. It’s a fantastic way to experience the city, boost your fitness, and connect with fellow walkers. For a small fee, you can pick up a detailed map with historical information from the “Walk Box” at the Visitor’s Center as well.
Photo courtesy of From Nebraska Gift Shop
Have a unique shopping experience
After touring the remarkable places of Lincoln, you may feel compelled to show off some Nebraskan pride. Look no further than, From Nebraska Gift Shop, a shop that has the best souvenirs for you. You’ll discover everything ranging from beautiful artwork, corn husk dolls, wine, cider, and spirits – plus a huge variety of gourmet food all made in the Cornhusker State. There’s so much more to Nebraska than great football and volleyball teams.
For those who love shopping with a side of charm (and maybe even some adorable cats), Sower Books is the perfect place for you. Located at 70th & Vine in the Meadowlane Shopping Center, Sower boasts an enclosed “cat cave” and local rescue for cats looking to find their furever homes. Amongst the felines, you’ll find books for all age groups and interests, a variety of goods, a kids play area, spots to hang out for group meetups, a piano and games to play while you’re at the store. There is something for everyone, especially cat lovers.
Enjoy a spot for children and adults
After exploring unique local shops and finding one-of-a-kind treasures, treat yourself and the little ones to a fun and relaxing experience.
If you’re looking for a place to take your kids as young as five years old and under, while enjoying a warm cup of coffee, Little Beans Play Cafe is the place to go. They open earlier than most kid friendly spaces and are uniquely paired with a cafe offering lattes, Americanos, Mochas and more. Even better, they offer birthday parties, special events and the opportunities for parents and grandparents to either relax or get some work done while their little one plays.
2. Learn about the rich history of the Star City
Lincoln blends in-depth history with unique things to do, from historic landmarks to local hidden gems. Its vibrant heritage offers a glimpse into the stories that shaped the city into what it is today.
Ryan Regnier, the President of the Lincoln Track Club shares the perfect place to start when diving into Lincoln’s history. “If you’re looking for a unique and enriching experience, a visit to the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln is a must. This architectural gem offers free guided tours that delve into the state’s fascinating history and legislative process. Plus, the observation deck provides stunning panoramic views of the city from the tallest building in Lincoln. It’s a perfect blend of history, art, and breathtaking scenery that you won’t want to miss.”
After visiting the State Capitol, be sure to check out Robber’s Cave, a spot recommended by Teghan Metcalf of True North Custom Homes. “While there are lots of unique things to do in Lincoln, NE, one of our favorites is Robber’s Cave. It is a cave that is located in the southwest side of Lincoln. It is one of the oldest tourist locations that has lots of history behind it from being used for the underground railroad, to Lincoln’s first brewery. In 2020, it was nationally recognized as a National Historic Place by the National Register. This cave also turns into a pop-up bar during the holidays called Miracle Bar. Overall, Robber’s Cave is a little place that made Lincoln what it is today.”
Another spot the team at True North Custom Homes suggests visiting as you explore the unique things to do in Lincoln is the Sunken Gardens. “Just a short walk away from downtown Lincoln lies a beautifully put together garden with a big story behind it. The Gardens were originally on the outskirts of Lincoln and were used as a landfill. But, during the great depression in the 1930s the clean up and creation of the gardens put many jobless workers to work to turn it into a park. Each year it has a new theme to the park, with this past year’s theme being ‘Golden Hours.’”
3. Explore Lincoln’s unique art scene
Art thrives in unexpected corners of Nebraska’s capital, where museums, galleries, and creative spaces reflect the city’s dynamic spirit. Among the unique things to do in Lincoln, you’ll find artistic expression that’s as authentic as it is inspiring.
Brush up on your art history
Dive into Lincoln’s rich artistic heritage and discover spaces that celebrate creativity, community, and the evolution of art.
Start your artful exploration at the Sheldon Museum of Art, as recommended by the Lincoln Track Club. With its landmark Philip Johnson-designed building and nearly 13,000 artworks, it’s the perfect introduction to Lincoln’s art scene. Showcasing American art movements from 19th-century landscapes to contemporary pieces, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the creativity that inspires the city.
Next, make your way downtown to Kiechel Fine Art, a fine art gallery that holds four floors of gallery space to explore. The gallery showcases pieces from the 19th and 20th century American Art, national Contemporary art, sculpture, Old Master and Contemporary prints, as well as regionalist works. Among featured works from artists like Grant Wood, John Steuart Curry, Thomas Hart Benton, Keith Jacobshagen, you’ll also see artwork from local artists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and others.
Attend unique art events
For a truly unique experience in Lincoln’s art scene, start at Tugboat Gallery, located in the historic Parrish building above Gomez Art Supply. Since 2005, this artist-run, volunteer-powered gallery has been showcasing exciting, cutting-edge works. The gallery’s “First Friday” events are a perfect way to explore new exhibitions, connect with Lincoln’s vibrant art community, and discover fresh works from local talent—complete with live music from DJ ol’ moanin’ to set the tone. Be sure to grab the keys from Gomez Art Supply to access this hidden gem.
From there, continue your exploration at Metro Gallery Nebraska, located on 1414 O Street – another cornerstone of Lincoln’s creative spirit. Featuring dynamic exhibitions from local, national, and international artists, Metro is a must-visit for art lovers. This gallery also hosts its monthly “Free Art First Friday” art walk with fresh, rotating exhibitions, as well as “An Evening With An Artist” on Wednesdays, where art enthusiasts and creators gather for engaging talks, critiques, and connection. Both spaces offer a unique opportunity to dive into Lincoln’s thriving art scene and community.
Experience art in the making
It’s one thing to observe art and ponder what an artist was thinking while they were creating but it’s even more special to be able to interact and view the creative process.
At The Burkholder Project, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind space where art comes to life before your eyes. This free-to-the-public destination invites you to observe talented artists as they work, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their creative processes. Engage with the artists directly—ask questions, learn about their techniques, and discover the stories behind their art. In the gallery spaces, you can explore an inspiring mix of works in progress and completed pieces, providing a unique opportunity to connect more deeply with both the artwork and the creators who bring it to life.
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Track Club
4. Take in the outdoor sceneries
When it comes to unique things to do in Lincoln, the city offers a variety of outdoor activities to explore. From peaceful parks to scenic trails, the city’s natural landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for exploring and unwinding.
Spend time on the trails
As an organization that promotes healthy lifestyles and movement, The Lincoln Track Club is an expert when it comes to the trail system in Lincoln and they share several ways you can spend time outdoors, getting a breath of fresh air. “Lincoln boasts 183 miles of trails, consisting of paved surfaces, crushed rock and single-track trails. With several trailheads found throughout the city, you are never far from your next adventure. Additionally, Lincoln is home to 10 unique Frisbee Golf courses. These free courses are ranked 43rd in the country and 1st in Nebraska.”
While the trails are definitely great for an adventure on foot, they are also suitable for biking. In fact, Speedy Pete’s E-Bikes shares that Lincoln is one of the most well-equipped cities for both hikers and bikers. “We have miles and miles of trails spanning the city that make it easy to hop on for a quick bike ride, walk, skate or whatever floats your boat. We even have some gorgeous unpaved trails through scenic woodlands in Wilderness Park – last time I was there I saw a deer.”
Ignite a love for nature
It’s never too early to get involved in outdoor experiences and Big Gumdrop Outdoors proves this. At BGO, they focus on connecting the urban youth with nature through free monthly community events that inspire the next generation of outdoor adventurers. These events range from fishing experiences and nature walks to campfire-building demonstrations and outdoor skills workshops. BGO offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with nature, making each event a memorable and unique experience for participants.
Stargaze under Lincoln’s dark skies
For a truly unique thing to do in Lincoln that blends the beauty of the outdoors with a sense of wonder, the Lincoln Track Club recommends visiting Hyde Memorial Observatory. Nestled near Holmes Lake, this community astronomical observatory offers a chance to explore the night sky. Far from the glare of bright city lights, you can marvel at stars, planets, and constellations that are often hidden from view in busier urban areas. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or simply curious, it’s an inspiring way to connect with the universe and appreciate the serenity of Lincoln’s natural surroundings.
Unique Things to do in Lincoln, NE: Final Thoughts
There are pros and cons of living in any city but this Midwestern gem quickly stands out. With its welcoming atmosphere and community, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful outdoor escapes, there are a variety of unique things to do in Lincoln. Whether you’re planning a visit or considering making it your home, you’ll be sure to have an experience in the Star City that shows you what it’s really like to live here.
