What to do

State capitol tours Ornate mosaics stun during free tours of the capitol. (402) 471-0448; capitol.org [1]

Historic Haymarket District A dozen or so restaurants, plus bars, boutiques, bookstores and coffeehouses, make this a hopping place to hang out, especially on Husker football game days. See reviews and ratings. [2] (402) 435-7496; lincolnhaymarket.org [3]

Homestead National Monument of America Learn about how the Homestead Act of 1862 inspired settlers to reach for the American Dream at the excellent Heritage Center in Beatrice, 40 miles south. Free. See reviews and ratings. [4] (402) 223-3514; nps.gov/home [5]

International Quilt Study Center and Museum Explore a rainbow of historic quilts. Public tours available Tuesday–Saturday at 11 a.m. (free with admission). On the east campus. (402) 472-7211; quiltstudy.org [6]

Memorial Stadium Home game tickets are tough to get, but visitors can see where the magic happens during a self-guided tour (on nongame days only). Download a tour guide online, or pick one up at the stadium. Groups of four or more may call ahead to arrange for guided tours. (402) 472-3333; huskers.com [7]

Sheldon Museum of Art A permanent collection with more than 12,000 works of art and visiting exhibits keep the museum engaging. On the city campus; free. (402) 472-2461; sheldonartmuseum.org [8]

Sunken Gardens of Lincoln Stroll through multiple gardens (a themed annual bed, an all-white healing garden and an area devoted to shade perennials). Free. (402) 441-7847; lincoln.ne.gov [9]

University of Nebraska State Museum In Morrill Hall (on the city campus), this natural history museum includes the world’s premier collection of elephant fossils and the innovative Mueller Planetarium. (402) 472-2642; museum.unl.edu [10]

Where to eat

Bread and Cup Simple food that tastes amazing and features local ingredients. Find dishes like cinnamon rolls topped with homemade granola and a caramel drizzle, slow-roasted pulled pork sandwiches with savory garlic sauce, curried apple tuna salad with spring greens, or bread-pudding temptations like dark chocolate or banana rum. See reviews and ratings. [11] (402) 438-2255; breadandcup.com [12]

Buzzard Billy’s Armadillo Bar and Grillo Creole and Southern eats, including fried alligator and red beans and rice, make it a standout. Find a patio seat on summer evenings. See reviews and ratings. [13] (402) 475-8822; buzzardbillys.com [14]

High Society Cheesecake Tasty soups, flavorful sandwiches and, of course, cheesecake top the menu at the lunch-only shop. Closed Saturdays. See reviews and ratings. [15] (402) 328-2343; highsocietycheesecake.com [16]

Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill An anchor in the Haymarket district, the cozy brewpub serves excellent beer-cheese soup and house-crafted beer. See reviews and ratings. [17] (402) 434-5636; lazlosbreweryandgrill.com [18]

Where to stay

Embassy Suites Lincoln Modern suites, a complimentary cocktail hour and a free hot breakfast make the familiar chain a pleasant place to stay. Bonus: The hotel is close to Memorial Stadium. From $129. (402) 474-1111; embassysuites.com [19]

For information: Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau (800) 423-8212; lincoln.org [20]