Introduction to Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska is the state capital and second largest city in Nebraska. Its steady rate of growth has made it one of the fastest growing metro areas in the Midwest. Lincoln is known for its friendliness, safe neighborhoods, central location, cultural diversity, and reasonable cost of living. The city is the home base for many national corporations that contribute to advances in science and education. This all adds up to form the city’s motto, which is "Community of Opportunity." Lincoln combines small town charm with big city culture to create an incredibly inviting and enjoyable atmosphere.
Lincoln Culture
Lincoln has a variety of cultural activities for residents and visitors to choose from. Live music is common throughout the city, with venues such as the Pershing Auditorium where large tours and national acts perform regularly. Other music venues include Knickerbockers and Duffy’s Tavern, where music fans can find local and regional acts. Nightly blues music can be found at the Zoo Bar. Broadway productions, concerts, and guest lectures can all be seen at the Lied Center. Performing arts venues include the Temple Building, where UNL students stage productions, and the Lincoln Community Playhouse, where community theater can be seen. A number of annual events occur in Lincoln, including Nebraska high school state boy’s and girls' basketball tournaments, the Star City Parade, and Jazz in June.
Lincoln Sports and Leisure
Sports in Lincoln largely center on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cornhuskers. The Cornhuskers have many NCAA Division I sports teams, including 21 men’s and 14 women’s teams. There are also a number of other sports teams that call the city home, including minor league baseball team the Lincoln Saltdogs, USHAL junior ice hockey team the Lincoln Stars, NiFL indoor football team the Lincoln Capitals, and ABA basketball team the Lincoln Thunder. Golf is a common recreational leisure sport in the area, and golfers can play rounds at courses like Quarry Oaks, ArborLinks, Firethorn, Hillcrest, North Forty Golf, Wilderness Ridge, and Yankee Hill. Bowling can be found at Hollywood Bowl, Madsen’s Bowling & Billiards, Parkway Lanes, and Sun Valley Lanes.
Lincoln Outdoors
Over 100 city parks can be found throughout the city of Lincoln, including Antelope Park, Folsom Children’s Zoo, Sunken Gardens, Holmes Park, Oak Lake Park, Pioneers Park Nature Center, Tierra Park, and Wilderness Park. Over 99 miles of trails connect these parks to one another. This trail system is regarded as one of the best in the country, giving users access to walking, hiking, biking, running, and rollerblading. Fishing is popular in the area, and fishermen go after such species as Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Bullhead, and Carp.
Lincoln at Night
Lincoln has a variety of nighttime activities to satisfy a wide range of interests. A number of non-profit groups offer bingo games that pay out $50 to $75 and feature large jackpots. Big Red Keno is a popular local game and can be played at Big Red Sports Bar & Grill. Theaters include the Douglas Theaters, The Grand, East Park, and Englewood 6. Sky and laser shows can be very entertaining, as can a trip to the Mueller Planetarium. Performing arts can be seen at Kimball Recital Hall, the Lied Center for Performing Arts, and other stage theaters throughout the city.
