Top Things to Do in Lincoln

Dozens of restaurants mingle with boutiques, bookstores and coffeehouses in the Haymarket District, making this a popular place to hang out downtown. Special events include live music, a seasonal farmers market and outdoor roller skating.

Watch cheetahs sprint up to 70 mph in their new habitat at the zoo, home to more than 400 creatures.

Inspired by ancient Greek temples, this midcentury modern building designed by Philip Johnson showcases American artwork.

Tours of the 1932 building highlight ornate floor and ceiling mosaics and wall murals celebrating Nebraska's rich pioneer and Native American history. The 14th floor observation decks provide great city views.

More than 30,000 annuals bloom in the themed display; past designs have included peacocks and Van Gogh's The Starry Night. Visitors can also walk through a perennial garden and healing garden.

Learn about the state's natural history in four floors of exhibits. Explore plants and animals in the Hall of Nebraska Wildlife; learn about Native American culture in First Peoples of the. Plains; and visit the Mesozoic Gallery to see Nebraska fossils of Mesozoic creatures like dinosaurs and lizards.

Ginger, chipotle, peanut butter—you never know what will flavor the rotating brews. The brewery and taproom were originally the boiler room of the 1904 Grand Manse, constructed as a courthouse and post office.

Build your own seafood boil for a hands-on feast, and pair it with fruity hurricane drinks for a taste of New Orleans.

Gourmet cheesecakes with flavors like white chocolate raspberry and peanut butter cup should put this shop high on your list.

The burger menu changes frequently, but you can always count on creative toppings plus a side of Parmesan truffle fries at Honest Abe's (four locations).

Locally sourced ingredients such as sausage, cheese and fruit flavor breakfast and brunch specials. Patio seats at the cafe overlook urban bike trails and a creek.

Low lighting, attentive staff and sumptuous dishes like beet linguini with grilled chicken create a date-night destination in Haymarket's former train depot.

Buttery croissants, artisan breads, macarons and scones star at this French-style bakery and cafe, which serves breakfast and lunch.

Watch the Huskers play at the legendary stadium, opened in 1923, or take a self-guided tour on non-game days to see where the magic happens.

A staff of up-and-coming local talent serves classic cuisine and a vocal performance at this restaurant and musician incubator mash-up.

Corn-print curtains, emerald green sofas and cowboy-theme pillows reflect the playful Nebraska touches you'll discover at this 231-room Haymarket district hotel.

Two elegant, century-old buildings have been restored to create the city's first boutique hotel, with 49 rooms and a lounge named for champion ice skater and Food Network star Brian Boitano.

For more information: lincoln.org