Must See Attractions

by Aja Martin

Nebraska State Capitol, 1445 K Street, was constructed over a decade from 1922 to 1932. Artists of various mediums are featured heavily throughout the building with an emphasis on art deco. Touring the capitol is a great choice for visitors on a tight timeline that won’t allow for advanced reservations as guided tours are available daily. Visitors are allowed to take self-guided walks around the building. Open seven days a week, limited hours on Sundays, and closed for federal holidays. See more on page 47.

The Governor’s Mansion at 1425 H Street is across from the State Capitol building. It is gated, so the view is limited by distance. If you want to see inside, and are able to plan ahead, public tours are available by appointment for Thursdays. For more information, go to governor.nebraska.gov/governors-residence.

Kennard House (1627 H Street) was built in 1869 by Nebraska’s first Secretary of State, Thomas P. Kennard—two years after Nebraska became the 37th state and the same year that Lincoln was designated the capital city. It was designed to inspire confidence in the city and has become the oldest surviving building in Lincoln’s original boundaries. Kennard House is an example of Italianate architecture and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tours are not currently offered, but it is within walking distance of the capitol building and has several additional historic houses nearby.

One of which is Ferguson House (700 S 16th Street) which was built over the course of 1909-1911. Like Kennard House, it has a unique and beautiful architecture. It is considered the best example of the Second Renaissance Revival style in Lincoln and has been argued as the best example in all of Nebraska. Ferguson House does not currently offer building tours. This house is a registered site with the National Register of Historic Places. It is also often included in ghost tours of Lincoln during October.

On the nearby corner lot, the Hurlbut-Yates House (720 S 16th Street) is a Queen Anne-style house built in 1891. It is a sprawling, multilevel house that stands out with its ornate wrap-around porch. Originally built for Aeneas Hurlbut, it was purchased only two years later by Charles Yates. As the longer owner, it was locally referred to just as Yates House but was added to the National Register of Historic Places under the name Hurlbut-Yates.

Further afield, William Jennings Bryan’s Home, Fairview, at 4900 Sumner Street, now houses a first floor museum. It is an example of mixed Classical Revival and Queen Anne Victorian architecture. It is located in the Bryan East Medical Campus complex and requires tours be scheduled 48 hours in advance. Call 402-481-3032 to schedule. 

Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed, Voted the #1 Attraction for Car Lovers by USA Today, Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed, located at 599 Oakcreek Drive, is a one-of-a-kind attraction for everyone! Across 200,000 square feet, you’ll find an immersive automobile and racing history told by showcasing America’s rich heritage of innovation and achievement. The continuously expanding collection features cars, engines, art, toys, and beyond. Visit www.museumofamericanspeed.com for more information. Open Monday through Saturday during May-September and Monday, Friday, and Saturday from October-April. Weekday guided tours are available. See more on page 80.  

Speaking of speed, the National Museum of Roller Skating is located at 4730 South Street. It is open Wednesday through Saturday, so plan accordingly. This collection includes interactive exhibits highlighting over 200 years of roller skating. Go to rollerskatingmuseum.org for more.

The Lester F. Larsen Tractor Test & Power Museum, 1925 N. 37th Street, is in UNL’s East Campus complex. It is open Tuesday through Friday and requests free-will donations to visit. Go to tractormuseum.unl.edu for more.

For forty years, The Lincoln Fire & Rescue Museum, 1801 Q Street, has memorialized Lincoln’s transition from a volunteer rescue program to a 16-station city-wide system. This museum is located in the original Fire Station #1. Go to lincoln.ne.gov/city/departments/fire/lfr-museum for more. Open daily.

Lincoln is also home to the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia at 631 D Street. This museum is the headquarters for the International Society of Germans from Russia. It does highlight the unique aspects of Lincoln specifically and Nebraska in general. Visit ahsgr.org for more information. Closed on weekends.

The Nebraska History Museum, 131 Centennial Mall North, focuses on the people and historic events of Nebraska specifically. It is in downtown Lincoln and metered parking is available as well as garage parking. Go to history.nebraska.gov/museum for more information or to see their online-only exhibits. It is open Tuesday through Saturday.

For art museums, like the Sheldon Museum of Art, and the Great Plains Art Museum, see page 25 and for the International Quilt Museum see page 45. For the University of Nebraska State Museum – Morrill Hall see page 68.