About Lincoln
Lincoln is the capital city of the U.S. state of Nebraska. The city covers 103.9 square miles (269.1 km2) and had a population of 291,082 as of the 2020 census. It is the second-most populous city in Nebraska and the 72nd-most populous in the United States. The county seat of Lancaster County, Lincoln is the economic and cultural anchor of the Lincoln, Nebraska metropolitan area, home to approximately 345,000 people.
Places to visit in Lincoln
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Nebraska State Capitol
LandmarkA soaring Art Deco tower capitol with rich mosaics and murals inside. Free tours show off the chambers, and the observation deck offers views across the city and prairie.
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Haymarket District
NeighborhoodA historic warehouse district downtown, now full of restaurants, bars, shops and galleries. A seasonal farmers market and lively evenings make it the city's social hub.
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University of Nebraska State Museum
Museum · 1 mi from centreKnown locally as Morrill Hall, this museum displays fossils including large mammoth skeletons, as well as natural history exhibits and a planetarium on the university campus.
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Sheldon Museum of Art
Museum · 1 mi from centreA university art museum in an elegant travertine building designed by Philip Johnson, known for its American art collection. Outdoor sculptures are scattered across the surrounding campus, making for a pleasant self-guided walk.
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Sunken Gardens
ParkA colorful terraced garden with seasonal flower displays, a lily pond and small waterfall. A popular spot for photos and a quiet break near the city center.
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Lincoln Children's Zoo
ZooA compact, hands-on zoo designed with young visitors in mind, offering close animal encounters, a miniature train ride and species from around the world. An easy and enjoyable family stop near downtown Lincoln.
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International Quilt Museum
MuseumA university museum devoted to quilts from around the world, with rotating exhibitions showing quilting as both craft and art. Its modern building and galleries are worth a visit even for newcomers to quilting.
Where to stay in Lincoln
Popular hotels in Lincoln, out of 92 properties you can book.
Hampton Inn & Suites Lincoln Northeast/I-80
From $131 per night
Hampton Inn Lincoln Airport
From $114 per night
Super 8 by Wyndham Lincoln West
From $59 per night
Graduate by Hilton Lincoln
From $290 per night
Hyatt Place Lincoln Downtown Haymar
From $247 per night
Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites
From $108 per night
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Lincoln I 80
From $124 per night
Comfort Inn Lincoln I-80
From $80 per night
Econo Lodge Lincoln Municipal Airport
From $54 per night
Wingate By Wyndham Lincoln Airport East
From $82 per night
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln Airport IHG
From $160 per night
Fairfield Inn & Suites Lincoln Airport
From $161 per night
Best time to visit Lincoln
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Lincoln is October, when average daytime highs are around 71°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Lincoln weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 75° 54° 7%
- Thu 22 Oct 77° 56° 1%
- Fri 23 Oct 79° 62° 2%
- Sat 24 Oct 74° 60° 32%
- Sun 25 Oct 60° 49° 31%
- Mon 26 Oct 49° 41° 18%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/ChicagoUTC−5
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Lincoln
These are the airports closest to central Lincoln. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- LNK Lincoln Airport5 mi (8 km) from the city centre
Getting around Lincoln
Getting around Lincoln is a mixed-bag proposition. If you are planning on staying near the center of town, you probably won't need a rental car. All major necessities except groceries are available in or near downtown.
By car
Lincoln does not have any crosstown freeways or expressways. The city is laid out in a grid pattern; a handful of diagonal streets exist. Major through streets are generally located once per mile; there are generally 14 streets to the mile. Traffic can be heavy on major streets and in downtown during rush hour and on football Saturdays.
By bus
StarTran service runs on weekdays and Saturdays (but only until 6:30PM). Individual fares are $1.75 (have exact change)/seniors $0.85/trips in the downtown zone or on the Star Shuttle are $0.25. Monthly passes are $45; various discounts are available. Passes can be purchased at many businesses around town (primarily grocery stores and banks).
By bicycle
Lincoln's trail system extends throughout the city. A cyclist can travel across the city in an hour or less. Bike rentals at .mw-parser-output .listing-coordinates{display:none}.mw-parser-output .listing-name{font-weight:bold}.mw-parser-output a.mw-kartographer-maplink.mw-kartographer-autostyled.mw-kartographer-link{border:1px solid #FFF}@media screen{html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .listing-external-url{filter:invert(1)}}@media screen and (prefers-color-scheme:dark){html.skin-theme-clientpref-os…
Lincoln travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Lincoln?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Lincoln is October, when average daytime highs are around 71°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Lincoln?
July is usually the warmest month in Lincoln, with average highs of 88°F (31°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 15°F (-10°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 128 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Lincoln?
Lincoln Airport (LNK) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (8 km) from the centre of Lincoln.
What time zone is Lincoln in?
Lincoln uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Lincoln?
Getting around Lincoln is a mixed-bag proposition. If you are planning on staying near the center of town, you probably won't need a rental car. All major necessities except groceries are available in or near downtown.
What are the best places to visit in Lincoln?
Top sights in Lincoln include Nebraska State Capitol, Haymarket District, University of Nebraska State Museum and Sheldon Museum of Art. A soaring Art Deco tower capitol with rich mosaics and murals inside. Free tours show off the chambers, and the observation deck offers views across the city and prairie.
Where should I stay in Lincoln?
Popular areas for hotels in Lincoln include Lincoln Municipal Airport. Well-reviewed options include Hampton Inn & Suites Lincoln Northeast/I-80 and Hampton Inn Lincoln Airport.
How many hotels can I book in Lincoln?
Destina Holidays currently lists 92 properties in and around Lincoln, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
