The capitol of the cornhusker, Lincoln has plenty of attractions for outdoor enthusiast, history buffs, nature lovers, art aficionados and family fun. Take a look at our picks for the things to see and do in 24 hours in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Image by Mawhamba via Wikimedia Commons
Breakfast at 9:00am!
Kick start your day with a scrumptious American breakfast at the Engine House Cafe. Sit back, relax and enjoy the hearty American fare in a fire house themed spot.
Address: 6028 Havelock Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68507, United States
Phone: 1 402-467-2880
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 6:00am-2:00pm; Sunday: 7:00am-2:00pm
Sheldon Museum of Art at 10:00am!
Immerse in the art at the Sheldon Museum of Arts that features over 12,000 pieces of art spanning different media, ranging from nineteenth century to the present times. Check out the work of art by notable artists like Robert Motherwell, Marsden Hartley, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, Mary Cassatt, Edward Hopper, and many more.
Address: R Street, Lincoln, NE 68508, United States
Phone: 1 402-472-2461
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00am-5:00pm
Distance from Engine House Cafe: 5.2 miles or 12minutes drive
Lincoln Children’s Museum at 11:00am!
Next, take your lil ones to the Lincoln Children’s Museum. Learn by role playing and take part in science-related hands-on exhibits at the museum. Try out the different types of jobs from doctor to radio personality to scientist to pizza maker and many more, play with the science, learn about the culture and indulge in the other playful activities at this spot.
Address: 1420 P Street, Lincoln, NE 68508, United States
Phone: 1 402-477-4000
Opening hours: Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:30am-5:00pm; Thursday: 9:30am-7:30pm; Friday & Saturday: 9:30am-5:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from Sheldon Museum of Art: 0.3miles or 2minutes drive
Nebraska State Capitol at 12:00pm!
Next, head off to the Nebraska State Capitol. It is popular for its unique design. The capitol has magnificent interiors that have murals and paintings featuring the Native American heritage, and limestone exteriors featuring over 3,000 years of democracy. Learn about the history of Nebraska at this spot!
Address: 1445 K Street, Lincoln, NE 68509, United States
Phone: 1 402-471-0448
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00am-5:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from Lincoln Children’s Museum: 0.9miles or 3minutes drive
Lunch at 1:00pm!
For some American fare, head off to the Miller Time Pub & Grill (333 S 13th St), or Cultiva (727 S 11th Street). Drop by The Sultan’s Kite (1311 O Street) that serves up delicious Mediterranean cuisine. For barbecue, head off to the C. Berry’s (1422 O Street). Craving for Mexican cuisine, go to Ticos (317 S. 17th St/17th & M), or step into the Blue Orchid (129 N. 10th St) that serves Thai food.
University of Nebraska State Museum at 2:00pm!
Swing by the University of Nebraska State Museum and explore the natural history of Nebraska. The museum includes the premier and largest collection of elephant fossils in the world. It includes Nebraska natural history and has exhibits covering Native America wildlife, fossils, minerals, gemstones, history and cultures, and also houses an innovative Mueller Planetarium.
Address: 645 N 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States
Phone: 1 402-472-2642
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 9:00am-4:30pm; Thursday: 9:00am-8:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 9:00am-4:30pm; Sunday: 1:30pm-4:30pm
Lincoln Children’s Zoo at 3:00pm!
Visit the Lincoln Children’s Zoo that has plenty of activities for children to take part in. Get up close to diverse animals, like giant tortoises, penguins, monkeys, red panda, and birds. It also has pony rides, train rides and play spaces for kids.
Address: 1222 S 27th Street, Lincoln, NE 68502, United States
Phone: 1 402-475-6741
Distance from University of Nebraska State Museum: 2.7miles or 8 minutes drive
National Museum of Roller Skating at 4:00pm!
Head off to the National Museum of Roller Skating that chronicles the history of roller skating from the 19th century to the modern roller derby. It features historical skates’ exhibits, artwork, competition videos, films, awards, costumes and several other skating memorabilia.
Address: 4730 South Street, Lincoln, NE 68506, United States
Phone: 1 402-483-7551
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Distance from Lincoln Children’s Zoo: 1.9miles or 5minutes drive
Retail Therapy at 5:00pm!
Time for shopping! Head off to the Gateway Mall that comprises of five department stores- Sears, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Forever 21, and Younkers, plus over 100 stores. Some of the specialty stores housed in the mall are H&M, Victoria’s Secret, The Buckle, Bath & Body Works, and many more. The mall offers a variety of dining options to satisfy your appetite.
Address: 6100 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68505, United States
Phone: 1 402-464-3196
Opening hours: Monday & Tuesday: 10:00am-9:00pm; Wednesday: 10:00am-6:00pm; Thursday to Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Distance from National Museum of Roller Skating: 2.4miles or 6minutes drive
Next, swing by the Vintage Village Antique Mall for antiques and collectibles shopping. It has more than 50 dealers and offers great selection of vintage items at reasonable price.
Address: 2425 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510, United States
Phone: (402) 742-0063
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00am-7:00pm
Distance from Gateway Mall: 2.5miles or 5minutes drive
Sunken Gardens at 7:00pm!
Stroll through the Sunken Gardens that includes multiple gardens- a Perennial garden, a themed annual garden and a healing garden. It has an array of flowers, a scenic landscape, a waterfall, paved pathways and a reflecting pond. Soak in the majesty and beauty of the nature at this spot!
Address: S 27th Street, Lincoln, NE 68502, United States
Phone: 1 402-441-8258
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:00 am-11:00 pm
Distance from Vintage Village Antique Mall: 1.0 mile or 3 minutes drive
Dinner at 8:00pm!
It’s time to satisfy your appetite! Visit the Green Gateau (330 S 10th St Suite 110) that serves up delicious American and French cuisine. Craving for some Indian cuisine, swing by The Oven (201 N 8th St Ste 117). Or go to Henry’s On South (2110 Winthrop Rd.) that dishes out delectable American fare. For Spanish or Mediterranean cuisine, drop by the Sebastian’s Table (126 N. 14th Street). Head off to the Dish (1100 O Street) if hankering for New American cuisine.
Cut Loose, Relax and Chill Out at 10:00pm!
Head over to the Zoo Bar, a famous spot for live Blues music in Lincoln. Blues artists from across the world perform at this bar. This is a great spot to dance, mingle with locals, and enjoy Blues and Jazz music while sipping drinks.
Address: 136 N 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508, United States
Phone: 1 402-435-8754
Party, dance and drink at 12:00am!
Swing by the Rule G Nightclub, a high-energy spot to party after dark. The DJs spins the hottest music ranging from Top 40s to Techno and hip-hop remixes keeping everyone on their toes. This spot comes alive with the DJs spinning, with the sound of music and the lights all over the place. A great spot to get your groove on after the sun goes down!
Address: 350 Canopy Street #300, Lincoln, NE 68501, United States
Phone: 1 402-904-4126
Opening hours: Friday & Saturday: 4:00pm-2:00am
Distance from The Zoo Bar: 0.7 miles or 4 minutes drive
24 Hours Tour Map Guide of Lincoln
