Where to stay in Lincoln
The Kindler Hotel
216 North 11th Street, NE, 68508
The city’s luxury boutique hotel is dedicated to Nebraska native Ken Kindler, a welder and industrial artist whose works are displayed in the lobby.
Besides neoclassical style and airy rooms, you’ll be met with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a seasonal dinner menu and useful in-room amenities such as safes.
Kimberly Creek Retreat
30010 Kimberly Drive, NE, 68003
A half-hour from Lincoln, Kimberly Creek Retreat offers some of Nebraska’s best camping and glamping ground. There are pods, geo-domes and luxury cabins complete with hot tubs.
The site’s 22 acres of woodland bring nature to your doorstep, but the en-suite bathrooms, fire pits and minifridges mean there are home comforts too.
The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel
333 South 13th Street, NE, 68508
Downtown hospitality is served in generous measures at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. This is a great choice for business travel thanks to the in-room workstations and high-speed internet access. There’s also a swimming pool, cafe and grill.
Best restaurants in Lincoln
The Green Gateau
330 South Tenth Street, NE, 68508
The Green Gateau is the brainchild of Eric Lemke, a local man with a love of clean, honest food. His childhood favorites – sourdough bread on a Saturday, garden vegetables and Oregon seafood –influence the menus. Swing by for a California club sandwich, lobster bisque soup or fresh, customized salad.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
808 R Street, NE, 68508
Situated near to the Pinnacle Bank Arena, Blue Sushi Sake Grill is a great place to drop by before a basketball game.
This chain restaurant brings a taste of Japan to Lincoln, but you’ll also find some North American flavors in the mix – the ceviche comes with jalapeno salsa and there’s the option to add avocado to your maki.
DISH Restaurant
1100 East O Street, Lincoln, NE 68508
Creative and experiential, DISH carefully plans each dish to emphasize color, flavor and texture. Sunday brunch is a particular favorite here – expect modern dishes such as kale salad and bulgogi bowls with marinated beef or king oyster mushroom. For dinner, inventive standouts include fried chicken with buttermilk crumpet and smoked honey, and pork belly with polenta.
What to do in Lincoln
Sunken Gardens
2600 D Street, NE, 68502
The Sunken Gardens have been a key feature of Lincoln since 1931. Their 1.5 acres display bold colors as well as intriguing art installations. Themed displays feature more than 30,000 annuals.
Retreat to the Healing Garden for scenes inspired by the garden at Sissinghurst Castle in Kent, England.
Museum of American Speed
599 Oakcreek Drive, NE, 68528
Lincoln is home to diverse museums, from the stately University of Nebraska State Museum to the International Quilt Museum. One is a clear winner for lovers of great cars, however.
Visit this non-profit museum of American automotive history to see vintage motorcycles, dragsters and legendary racing models dating back to the 1960s. There are vast engine galleries, art displays and a collection of toy cars too.
Pioneers Park Nature Center
3201 South Coddington, NE, 68522
To experience the Nebraskan soul, visiting Lincoln’s interpretive nature center is a must. Walking trails cut through acres of prairie, wetland and woodland, so it’s a great place to reconnect with nature. If you’re visiting with younger travelers, don’t miss the Edna Shield’s Natural Play Area.