Lincoln Trip Guide

What to do

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

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. (402) 435-7496; lincolnhaymarket.org

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. (402) 223-3514; nps.gov/home

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

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

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

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

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