Cozy Brick House

Geovanni:The Historic Haymarket District is a wonderful place to stroll around, grab a bite to eat, or just people watch. The area is compact and consists of beautifully renovated and restored late 19th-century brick warehouses, brick streets, a large water tower, and a unique clock. The Haymarket District has a lively vibe, as the University of Nebraska is nearby and the students frequent the many establishments packed into this small area. The most notable building is the Lincoln station. Once a railway depot, today it houses the visitor center and a restaurant. In the summer, the streets are frequently closed off for festivals and farmers markets.

Geovanni:It took three tries for Nebraska to construct a capitol building that would last. The building today, the third one on this site, is unique in respect to other state capitols. It doesn't have the traditional dome, but instead, it incorporates a 400-foot tower containing offices. The cost of the building was 10 million dollars and construction took 10 years, starting in 1922. The Nebraska State Capitol is well worth a visit for its limestone exterior depicting 3,000 years of democracy through carvings, and its ornate interior of marble columns, mosaic floors, and murals. The figure on the very top is a 19-foot-tall bronze figure of The Sower.

Geovanni:For fans of paleontology, the University of Nebraska State Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is a must-see attraction in Lincoln. Housed here is the world's largest articulated mammoth, along with a well-regarded exhibit of fossilised elephants. As a result, the museum is sometimes referred to as Elephant Hall. The museum has other collections related to the natural history of Nebraska and is home to the Mueller Planetarium. A trip to the museum can be part of a pleasant stroll around the lovely grounds of the University of Nebraska campus in Lincoln and can also be combined with a visit to the Quilt Museum and the Lester F. Larsen Tractor Test and Power Museum

Geovanni:The beautiful Sunken Gardens are a work of natural art that pleases all the senses. Founded in 1930 and renovated in 2004, the gardens are a point of civic pride in Lincoln. The park has three main gardens: the Healing Garden, where all the plants bloom white; the Perennial Garden; and the Annual Garden. In the Annual Garden, more than 30,000 plants are used each year to create new designs and themes. The gardens are relatively small, covering less than two acres so they can be visited quickly, however don't be surprised if you end up staying longer.

Geovanni:Fans of race cars, engines, and generally anything that goes fast will enjoy the Museum of American Speed. The museum was founded in 1922 and today boasts 135,000 square feet of exhibition space. In addition to an extensive archive collection, there are three major exhibitions, namely Automobilia, Cars and Engines, and Toys and Models. The museum can be tricky to find as it is located in an industrial park, but it is worth the effort, use the GPS coordinates provided on the website. Tours are offered in the afternoons, weekdays only, and last two hours. If you prefer to go at your own pace, the museum is set up to be self-guided as well.

Geovanni:Pioneers Park Nature Center is ideal for those on a budget looking for free outdoor fun with some education thrown in. The park is set on 668 acres and is a great place to get back to nature, this is what the Great Plains used to look like before the advent of modern farming. Eight miles of hiking trails wind around the property, and visitors will see herds of bison, white-tailed deer, and elk. Those with keen eyes may also spot red-tailed hawks, barred owls, and wild turkeys. In the Nature Center building, caged animals can be seen up close, and for those wishing to touch a turtle or a snake, it can be easily arranged simply by asking. A children's play area has climbing structures and a big patch of dirt with digging toys provided.

Geovanni:The fascinating Sheldon Museum of Art consists of 12,000 pieces of art spanning many different media. This museum is just a short stroll from the University of Nebraska State Museum, and along the way are unusual sculptures that are part of the Sheldon Museum's collection. Of particular note is the untitled big head by the artist Jun Kaneko, on the steps of the museum. There are more than 30 sculptures, with pieces by Jacques Lipchitz, Claes Richard Serra, and William Tucker among others. Inside, the main focus of the museum is on American Art. Notable artists in the collection include Mary Cassatt, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Andy Warhol.

Geovanni:Ideal for children of all ages, the Lincoln Children's Museum is both fun and educational. Colorful and exciting exhibits are spread out over 20,000 square feet and will be sure to keep little people entertained for hours. The museum allows children to be active and creative in a learning environment. Exhibits change all the time, so visitors may want to check in advance to see what experiences they can expect to find during their trip.

Geovanni:With its more than 400 animals, the Lincoln Children's Zoo is an ideal family thing to do in Lincoln. One of the highlights of a visit is a ride on the scale model train. In operation for over 55 years, the train delights young and old as it travels around the zoo. There is a small fee to ride. Another fun activity is feeding the giraffes. Bundles of feed are available for a modest fee, and the animals are keen to participate. Be sure to check out the Animal Encounter Stage, where you can get up close and personal with a range of creatures, including armadillos, owls, boa constrictors, and an alligator. Guided horse rides are also available.

Geovanni:12,000 years of history! Many people and cultures have made Nebraska their home. Go see fascinating artifacts and hear amazing stories from their rich past. Learn about life in Nebraska before it became a state, what it was like to live in Nebraska during the early years of statehood, and the moments that affected all Nebraskans. See unique artifacts only on display at the Nebraska History Museum. Participate in a variety of educational programs for children and adults. They have over 125,000 objects in their collections and continue to collect items that tell the story of Nebraska's history.