Things to Do at Nebraska State Capitol

Nebraska State Capitol rises 122 meters above Lincoln's prairie landscape, its Art Deco tower topped with a bronze figure called "The Sower" that symbolizes Nebraska's agricultural heritage. Completed in 1932, this limestone building took 10 years to construct and features interior murals, mosaics, and carved decorations that celebrate Nebraska history and values. The tower elevator carries visitors to the 14th floor observation deck where you can see for miles across cornfields and small towns while prairie wind whistles through the Art Deco ornamentation. Capitol tours are completely free and offered hourly during business days, with the observation deck providing panoramic views of Lincoln's downtown and the surrounding Great Plains landscape. Visit weekday mornings when the legislature may be in session and you can observe democracy in action while appreciating this unique example of early 20th-century government architecture.

The capitol sits right downtown at 1445 K Street. If you're staying at any downtown hotel, you can walk there in minutes from most attractions and lodging options. Driving works too-free parking sits in the visitor lot on the south side of the building. Take the downtown Lincoln exit from I-80 and follow signs to reach the towering structure that dominates the skyline. You can't miss it. Lincoln's bus system also runs several routes that stop within a few blocks of the building.