Lincoln, Nebraska#Environment

{{Main|History of Lincoln, Nebraska}}

{{For timeline|Timeline of Lincoln, Nebraska history}}

Before the expansion westward of settlers, the prairie was covered with buffalo grass. Plains Indians, descendants of indigenous peoples who occupied the area for thousands of years, lived in and hunted along Salt Creek. The Pawnee, which included four tribes, lived in villages along the Platte River. The Great Sioux Nation, including the Ihanktowan-Ihanktowana and the Lakota, to the north and west, used Nebraska as a hunting and skirmish ground, but did not have any long-term settlements in the state. An occasional buffalo could still be seen in the plat of Lincoln in the 1860s.

File:Lincoln, Nebraska, USA (1868).jpg

Lincoln was founded in 1856 as the village of Lancaster and became the county seat of the newly created Lancaster County in 1859.{{cite web |url=http://www.neded.org/files/research/stathand/asect4.htm |title=Counties and County Seats by License Place Prefix Numbers |date=June 8, 2010 |website=Nebraska Databook |publisher=Nebraska Department of Economic Development |access-date=October 18, 2015 |archive-date=October 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020053612/http://www.neded.org/files/research/stathand/asect4.htm |url-status=dead }} The village was sited on the east bank of Salt Creek.{{cite web |url=http://www.nebraskahistory.org/publish/markers/texts/county-city_building.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040702173505/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/publish/markers/texts/county-city_building.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=July 2, 2004 |title=County-City Building, Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska |last=Lincoln Bar Association |date=May 1, 1970 |publisher=Nebraska State Historical Society |access-date=October 18, 2015}} The first settlers were attracted to the area due to the abundance of salt. Once J. Sterling Morton developed his salt mines in Kansas, salt in the village was no longer a viable commodity.{{cite web |url=http://www.casde.unl.edu/history/counties/lancaster/lincoln/ |title=Lincoln — Lancaster County |website=Virtual Nebraska |publisher=University of Nebraska-Lincoln |access-date=October 18, 2015 |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923224051/http://www.casde.unl.edu/history/counties/lancaster/lincoln/ |url-status=dead }} Captain W. T. Donovan, a former steamer captain, and his family settled on Salt Creek in 1856. In 1859, the village settlers met to form a county. A caucus was formed and the committee, which included Donovan, selected Lancaster as the county seat. The county was named Lancaster. After the passage of the 1862 Homestead Act, homesteaders began to inhabit the area. The first plat was dated August 6, 1864.{{cite web |url=http://www.memoriallibrary.com/NE/Lancaster/1889/Chapters/11.htm |title=1889 History of Lincoln Nebraska – Chapter 11 |website=Memorial Library |publisher=CFC Productions |access-date=October 18, 2015 |archive-date=January 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115224755/http://www.memoriallibrary.com/NE/Lancaster/1889/Chapters/11.htm |url-status=dead }}

By the end of 1868, Lancaster had a population of approximately 500.{{cite web |url=http://www.memoriallibrary.com/NE/Lancaster/1889/Chapters/12.htm |title=1889 History of Lincoln Nebraska – Chapter 12 |website=Memorial Library |publisher=CFC Productions |access-date=October 18, 2015 |archive-date=January 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115073635/http://www.memoriallibrary.com/NE/Lancaster/1889/Chapters/12.htm |url-status=dead }} The township of Lancaster was renamed Lincoln, with the incorporation of the city of Lincoln on April 1, 1869. In 1869, the University of Nebraska was established in Lincoln by the state with a land grant of about 130,000 acres. Construction of University Hall, the first building, began the same year.{{sfn|Hays & Cox|p=234}}

{{See also|Nebraska State Capitol}}

File:Nebraska State Capitol (at night, 2016), Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.jpg

Nebraska was granted statehood on March 1, 1867. The capital of the Nebraska Territory had been Omaha since the creation of the territory in 1854. Most of its population lived south of the Platte River. After much of the territory south of the Platte was considered annexation to Kansas, the territorial legislature voted to place the capital south of the river and as far west as possible.{{sfn|Hays & Cox|p=29}} Before the vote to remove the capital from Omaha, Omaha Senator J. N. H. Patrick made a last-ditch effort to derail the move by having the future capital named after recently assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. Many of the people south of the Platte had been sympathetic to the Confederate cause in the recently concluded Civil War. It was assumed that senators south of the river would not vote to pass the measure if the future capital was named after Lincoln. In the end, the motion to name the future capital Lincoln was ineffective in blocking the measure and the vote to move the capital south of the Platte was successful, with the passage of the Removal Act in 1867.{{cite web |url=http://nebraskahistory.org/sites/kennard/stathood.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010121161100/http://nebraskahistory.org/sites/kennard/stathood.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=January 21, 2001 |title=More about Nebraska statehood, the location of the capital, and the story of the commissioner's home |date=March 20, 2000 |publisher=Nebraska State Historical Society |access-date=October 19, 2015}}{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/341669/Lincoln |title=Lincoln, Nebraska, United States |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. |access-date=October 19, 2015}}

The Removal Act called for the formation of a Capital Commission to site the capital on state-owned land. On July 18, 1867, the Commission, composed of Governor David Butler, Secretary of State Thomas Kennard, and State Auditor John Gillespie, began to tour sites for the new capital. The village of Lancaster was chosen, in part due to its salt flats and marshes.{{cite web |url=http://www.nebraskahistory.org/publish/publicat/timeline/lincolns_founding.htm |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20061115222934/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/publish/publicat/timeline/lincolns_founding.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=November 15, 2006 |title=Lincoln's Founding |date=January 11, 2006 |publisher=Nebraska State Historical Society |access-date=October 18, 2015 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.city-data.com/us-cities/The-Midwest/Lincoln-History.html |title=Lincoln: History |website=City-Data.com |publisher=Advameg, Inc. |access-date=October 19, 2015}}{{cite news |last=McGee |first=Jim |date=February 13, 2022 |title=Jim McKee: The birth of Antelope Park in Lincoln |url=https://norfolkdailynews.com/state/nebraska/jim-mckee-the-birth-of-antelope-park-in-lincoln/article_afe09bfc-8b72-5d58-9546-49b3d7d373f8.html |newspaper=Norfolk Daily News |location=Norfolk, NE |access-date=February 13, 2022 |archive-date=February 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213201033/https://norfolkdailynews.com/state/nebraska/jim-mckee-the-birth-of-antelope-park-in-lincoln/article_afe09bfc-8b72-5d58-9546-49b3d7d373f8.html |url-status=dead }} Lancaster had approximately 30 residents. Disregarding the original plat of the village of Lancaster, Kennard platted Lincoln on a broader scale. The plat of the village of Lancaster was not dissolved nor abandoned; it became Lincoln when the Lincoln plat files were finished on September 6, 1867.{{sfn|McKee2|p=95}} To raise money for the construction of a capital, an auction of lots was held.{{sfn|Hays & Cox|p=349}}

File:Thomas P. Kennard & John Gillespie Houses (1872), Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.jpg

Newcomers began to arrive and Lincoln's population grew. The Nebraska State Capitol was completed on December 1, 1868, a two-story building constructed with native limestone with a central cupola. The Kennard house, built in 1869, is the oldest remaining building in the original plat of Lincoln.{{cite web|title=More About Nebraska Statehood|url=http://nebraskahistory.org/sites/kennard/stathood.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010121161100/http://nebraskahistory.org/sites/kennard/stathood.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 21, 2001|website=Nebraska State Historical Society|access-date=August 17, 2016}}

In 1888, a new capitol building was constructed on the site of the first to replace the structurally unsound former capitol. The second building was a classical design by architect William H. Willcox.{{cite web |url=http://capitol.nebraska.gov/index.php/building/history/nebraska-capitols |title=History of Nebraska's Capitols |website=Nebraska State Capitol |publisher=Nebraska Capitol Commission |access-date=October 19, 2015}} It, too, had significant structural issues that, by the 1920s, made clear the need for the construction of a replacement. Construction began on a third capitol building in 1922. Bertram G. Goodhue was selected in a national competition as its architect. By 1924, the first phase of construction was completed and state offices moved into the new building. In 1925, the Willcox-designed capitol building was razed. The Goodhue-designed capitol was constructed in four phases, with the completion of the fourth phase in 1932.{{cite news|last=Walton |first=Don |date=February 10, 2015 |title=Capitol may need earthquake evaluation |url=http://journalstar.com/legislature/capitol-may-need-earthquake-evaluation/article_28426201-ff8b-5d0a-902b-2dffd4303196.html| newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=October 16, 2015}} It is the second-tallest capitol building in the United States.{{cite news |last=Hill |first=Kori |date=November 4, 2015 |title=Assassinations, fires, and domes: 50 facts about 50 state capitol buildings |url=http://experience.usatoday.com/america/story/best-of-lists/2015/11/04/50-facts-state-capitols-buildings/75109094/ |department=Travel

|newspaper=USA Today |edition=Experience America |location=Fairfax County, VA |publisher=Gannett Company |access-date=May 30, 2016}}

The worldwide economic depression of 1890 saw Lincoln's population fall from 55,000 to 40,169 by 1900 (per the 1900 census). Volga-German immigrants from Russia settled in the North Bottoms neighborhood and as Lincoln expanded with the growth in population, the city began to annex nearby towns. Normal was the first town annexed in 1919.{{cite news |last1=McKee |first1=Jim |date=December 30, 2017 |title=Jim McKee: Traversing Lincoln via interurban railroads |url=http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/jim-mckee-traversing-lincoln-via-interurban-railroads/article_f5046847-5afb-564c-ad37-c73eb227d606.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=December 31, 2017}} Bethany Heights, incorporated in 1890, was annexed in 1922. In 1926, the town of University Place was annexed.{{cite web |url=http://casde.unl.edu/history/counties/lancaster/lincoln/index.php |title=Lincoln – Lancaster County |last1=Zimmer |first1=Edward |website=Virtual Nebraska – Nebraska ... Our Towns |publisher=University of Nebraska-Lincoln |access-date=March 16, 2016 |archive-date=March 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315044654/http://casde.unl.edu/history/counties/lancaster/lincoln/index.php |url-status=dead }} College View, incorporated in 1892, was annexed in 1929. Union College, a Seventh Day Adventist institution, was founded in College View in 1891. In 1930, Lincoln annexed the town of Havelock. Havelock actively opposed annexation to Lincoln and only relented due to a strike by the Burlington railroad shop workers which halted progress and growth for the city.

The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad's first train arrived in Lincoln on June 26, 1870, and the Midland Pacific (1871) and the Atchison and Nebraska (1872) soon followed. The Union Pacific began service in 1877. The Chicago and North Western and Missouri Pacific began service in 1886. The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific extended service to Lincoln in 1892. Lincoln became a rail hub.

File:Detroit-Lincoln-Denver Highway monument (from SW), Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.jpg

As automobile travel became more common, so did the need for better roads in Nebraska and throughout the U.S. In 1911, the Omaha-Denver Trans-Continental Route Association, with support from the Good Roads Movement, established the Omaha-Lincoln-Denver Highway (O-L-D) through Lincoln. The goal was to have the most efficient highway for travel throughout Nebraska, from Omaha to Denver.{{cite web |url=http://www.ashlandhistoricalsociety.org/Documents/US%206%20-%20O%20L%20D%20pres%20-%2012%20OCT%202013%20-%2049%20pg%20rev.pdf |title=Huebinger's Map & Guide for Omaha-Denver Transcontinental Route (condensed, edited & annotated edition) |last1=Ashland Historical Society |last2=Huebinger |first2=M. |date=October 12, 2013 |publisher=Ashland Historical Society / Saline Ford Historical Preservation Society, Nebraska |access-date=October 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903235447/http://www.ashlandhistoricalsociety.org/Documents/US%206%20-%20O%20L%20D%20pres%20-%2012%20OCT%202013%20-%2049%20pg%20rev.pdf |archive-date=September 3, 2015 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

In 1920, the Omaha-Denver Association merged with the Detroit-Lincoln-Denver Highway Association. As a result, the O-L-D was renamed the Detroit-Lincoln-Denver Highway (D-L-D) with the goal of having a continuous highway from Detroit to Denver. The goal was eventually realized by the mid-1920s; {{convert|1,700|mi|km|abbr=on}} of constantly improved highway through six states.{{cite web |url=http://www.iowadot.gov/autotrails/dldhighway.html |title=Detroit, Lincoln and Denver (DLD) Highway |publisher=Iowa Department of Transportation |access-date=October 18, 2015}} The auto route's success in attracting tourists led entrepreneurs to build businesses and facilities in towns along the route to keep up with the demand. In 1924, the D-L-D was designated as Nebraska State Highway 6. In 1926, the highway became part of the Federal Highway System and was renumbered U.S. Route 38. In 1931, U.S. 38 was renumbered as a U.S. 6/U.S. 38 overlap and in 1933, the U.S. 38 route designation was dropped.{{cite web |url=http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/docs/NE-Hist-hwy-surv.pdf |title=Nebraska Historic Highway Survey |last1=Mead & Hunt, Inc. |last2=Heritage Research, Ltd. |date=August 2002 |editor1-last=Jacobson |editor1-first=Kent A. |website=Nebraska Department of Roads |publisher=Nebraska State Historical Society / Nebraska Department of Roads |access-date=October 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116010548/http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/docs/NE-Hist-hwy-surv.pdf |archive-date=January 16, 2016 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/us6.cfm |title=U.S. 6 – The Grand Army of the Republic Highway |last1=Weingroff |first1=Richard F. |date=November 18, 2015 |department=Highway History |website=Federal Highway Administration |publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation |access-date=August 18, 2016}}

In the early years of air travel, Lincoln had three airports and one airfield.{{cite web |url=http://www.lincolnafb.org/airfields.php |title=Lincoln's Aviation Past |website=The Lincoln Air Force Base Online Museum |access-date=October 19, 2015}} Union Airport, was established northeast of Lincoln in 1920. The Lincoln Flying School was founded by E.J. Sias in a building he built at 2145 O Street.{{sfn|McKee|p=116}} Charles Lindbergh was a student at the flying school in 1922. The flying school closed in 1947.{{sfn|McKee|p=116}} Some remnants of the Union Airport are still visible between N. 56th and N. 70th Streets, north of Fletcher Avenue; mangled within a slowly developing industrial zone.{{cite web |url=https://www.airfieldsfreeman.com/NE/Airfields_NE_NE.htm#lincoln |title=Union Airport, Lincoln, NE |last1=Freeman |first1=Paul |date=June 4, 2016 |website=Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields |page=Northeastern Nebraska |access-date=August 18, 2016}} Arrow Airport was established around 1925 as a manufacturing and test facility for Arrow Aircraft and Motors Corporation, primarily the Arrow Sport. The airfield was near Havelock; or to the west of where the North 48th Street Small Vehicle Transfer Station is today. Arrow Aircraft and Motors declared bankruptcy in 1939 and Arrow Airport closed roughly several decades later.{{cite web|title=Arrow Aircraft and Motor Corporation (Lincoln, Neb.)|url=http://www.nebraskahistory.org/lib-arch/research/manuscripts/business/arrow-aircraft.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195818/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/lib-arch/research/manuscripts/business/arrow-aircraft.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=September 27, 2007|publisher=Nebraska State Historical Society|access-date=May 14, 2015}} An Arrow Sport is on permanent display, hanging in the Lincoln Airport's main passenger terminal.{{cite web|title=Nebraska Trailblazer No 18 – Aviation in Nebraska|url=http://www.nebraskahistory.org/museum/teachers/material/trailblz/ntb18.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616075051/http://nebraskahistory.org/museum/teachers/material/trailblz/ntb18.pdf|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 16, 2010|publisher=Nebraska State Historical Society|access-date=May 14, 2015}}

As train, automobile, and air travel increased, business flourished and the city prospered. Lincoln's population increased 38.2% from 1920 to a population of 75,933 in 1930.{{cite web|url=http://www.neded.org/files/research/stathand/bsect5b.htm|title=Population of Nebraska Incorporated Places, 1930 to 1980|website=Nebraska Possibilities Endless|publisher=Nebraska Department of Economic Development Agency|access-date=April 30, 2015|archive-date=May 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508083952/http://www.neded.org/files/research/stathand/bsect5b.htm|url-status=dead}} In 1930, the city's small municipal airfield was dedicated to Charles Lindbergh and named Lindbergh Field for a short period as another airfield was named Lindbergh in California. It was north of Salt Lake, in an area known over the years as Huskerville, Arnold Heights and Air Park; and was approximately within the western half of the West Lincoln Township.{{cite news |last=McKee |first=Jim |date=February 10, 2013 |title=Jim McKee: From Lincoln airport to Lincoln neighborhood| url=http://journalstar.com/news/local/jim-mckee-from-lincoln-airport-to-lincoln-neighborhood/article_5aa10b85-06e4-56d9-8a94-f334ea2b2940.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=October 16, 2015}}{{cite web|title=Nebraska Trailblazer, Aviation in Nebraska|url=http://www.nebraskahistory.org/museum/teachers/material/trailblz/ntb18.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616075051/http://nebraskahistory.org/museum/teachers/material/trailblz/ntb18.pdf|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 16, 2010|website=Nebraska History.org|publisher=Nebraska State Historical Society|access-date=May 15, 2015}}{{cite web|last1=Freeman|first1=Paul|title=Abandoned & Little-Known Air Fields|url=https://www.airfieldsfreeman.com/NE/Airfields_NE_NE.htm#lincoln|website=Air Fields|publisher=Paul Freeman|access-date=May 15, 2015}} The air field was a stop for United Airlines in 1927 and a mail stop in 1928.{{cite web|last1=Branting|first1=Robb|title=History|url=http://www.lincolnafb.org/history.php|website=The Lincoln Air Force Base Online Museum|access-date=May 15, 2015}}

File:Arrow Sport, Lincoln Airport, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.jpg

In 1942, the Lincoln Army Airfield was established at the site. During World War II, the U.S. Army used the facility to train over 25,000 aviation mechanics and process over 40,000 troopers for combat. The Army closed the base in 1945, but the Air Force reactivated it in 1952 during the Korean War. In 1966, after the Air Force closed the base, Lincoln annexed the airfield and the base's housing units. The base became the Lincoln Municipal Airport, and later the Lincoln Airport, under the Lincoln Airport Authority's ownership. The two main airlines that served the airport were United Airlines and Frontier Airlines. The Authority shared facilities with the Nebraska National Guard, who continued to own parts of the old Air Force base.{{cite web|title=Fact Sheet – History of the Nebraska Air National Guard |url=http://www.155arw.ang.af.mil/shared/media/document/afd-110617-039.pdf |publisher=155arw.ang.af.mil |access-date=May 13, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115212453/http://www.155arw.ang.af.mil/shared/media/document/afd-110617-039.pdf |archive-date=January 15, 2016 }}

In 1966, Lincoln annexed the township of West Lincoln, incorporated in 1887. West Lincoln voters rejected Lincoln's annexation until the state legislature passed a bill in 1965 that allowed cities to annex surrounding areas without a vote.{{cite news |last=McKee |first=Jim |date=March 5, 2016 |title=Jim McKee: West Lincoln almost an industrial success |url=http://journalstar.com/lifestyles/jim-mckee-west-lincoln-almost-an-industrial-success/article_80bdfa06-b94e-5de9-9c3a-f35d2f30d482.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=March 15, 2016}}

File:Government Square, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.jpg (1906–1969).]]

The downtown core retail district from 1959 to 1984 saw profound changes as retail shopping moved from downtown to the suburban Gateway Shopping Mall. In 1956, Bankers Life Insurance Company of Nebraska announced plans to build a $6 million shopping center next to their new campus on Lincoln's eastern outskirts. Gateway Shopping Center, now called Gateway Mall, opened at 60th and O streets in 1960.{{cite news |author= |title=We're shopping for memories of Hovland-Swanson |url=http://journalstar.com/niche/neighborhood-extra/senior-scene/we-re-shopping-for-memories-of-hovland-swanson/article_1b93d780-c109-5b3c-b0cf-9332134a2e66.html| newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |date=April 13, 2015 |access-date=October 16, 2015}}{{cite news |author= |title=Gateway Mall emerged where cornfield had existed |url=http://journalstar.com/niche/neighborhood-extra/news/gateway-mall-emerged-where-cornfield-had-existed/article_8b6483bb-1735-59a4-8232-c7346d3035b0.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |date=January 6, 2012 |access-date=October 16, 2015}} By 1984, 75% of Lincoln's revenue from retail sales tax came from within a one-mile radius of the Mall. The exodus of retail and service businesses led the downtown core to decline and deteriorate.{{sfn|McKee|p=125}}

In 1969, the Nebraska legislature legislated laws for urban renewal. Soon afterward, Lincoln began a program of revitalization and beautification. Most of the urban renewal projects focused on downtown and the near South areas. Many ideas were considered and not implemented. Successes included Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, designed by Philip Johnson; new branch libraries, new street lighting, the First National Bank Building and the National Bank of Commerce Building designed by I.M. Pei.{{sfn|McKee|pp=125–128}}

In 1971, an expansion of Gateway Mall was completed. 1974 marked a new assembly facility in Lincoln, a subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan to produce motorcycles for the North American market. Lincoln's first woman mayor, Helen Boosalis, was elected in 1975. Mayor Boosalis was a strong supporter of the revitalization of Lincoln with the downtown beautification project being completed in 1978. In 1979, the square-block downtown Centrum was opened and connected to buildings with a skywalk. The Centrum was a two-level shopping mall with a garage for 1,038 cars. With the beautification and urban renewal projects, many historic buildings were razed in the city.{{sfn|McKee|pp=125–128}} In 2007 and 2009, the city of Lincoln received beautification grants for improvements on O and West O Streets, west of the Harris Overpass, commemorating the history of the D-L-D.{{cite web|title=Lincoln West "O" Historic Highway Project|url=https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/plan/mpo/tech/reports/2010/100826/westo.pdf|publisher=City of Lincoln, Nebraska|access-date=May 16, 2015}}

After the fall of Saigon in 1975, Vietnamese refugees created a large residential and business community along the 27th Street corridor alongside Mexican eateries and African markets.{{cite news|last1=Calvan|first1=Bobby Caina|title=How Asian Immigration Is Changing America's Heartland|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/how-asian-immigration-changing-americas-heartland-n129491|access-date=June 4, 2015|department=Asian America|agency=NBC News|date=June 18, 2014}} Lincoln was designated as a "Refugee Friendly" city by the U.S. Department of State in the 1970s. In 2000, Lincoln was the twelfth-largest resettlement site per capita in the country.{{cite web|title=History of New Americans Task Force|url=http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/natf/history.htm|website=City of Lincoln, Nebraska|access-date=June 4, 2015|archive-date=June 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611032650/http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/natf/history.htm|url-status=dead}} As of 2011, Lincoln had the second largest Karen (Burmese ethnic minority) population in the United States (behind Omaha),{{cite news |last=Kemmet |first=Kay |date=July 13, 2011 |title=Workshop gives insight into Karen culture |url=http://www.theindependent.com/news/local/workshop-gives-insight-into-karen-culture/article_51424395-515e-56db-8372-e94dbfa11dd3.html |newspaper=Grand Island Independent |location=Grand Island, NE |access-date=December 13, 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://www.karenksn.org/aboutus/ |title=Karen Society of Nebraska, Inc. |publisher=Karen Society of Nebraska |access-date=December 13, 2015}} with an estimated 1,500 in 2019.{{cite news |last1=Lange-Kubicek |first1=Cindy |date=July 7, 2019 |title=Members of Karen community come together for garden with taste of home |url=https://journalstar.com/news/local/members-of-karen-community-come-together-for-garden-with-taste/article_1b2d9d91-f1a0-5935-994d-d642a7f3ab67.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=July 8, 2019}} As of the same year, Nebraska was one of the largest resettlement sites for the people of Sudan, mostly in Lincoln and Omaha.{{cite news |last=Pascale |first=Jordan |date=January 14, 2011 |title=Thousands of Sudanese make pilgrimage to Omaha |url=http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/thousands-of-sudanese-make-pilgrimage-to-omaha/article_a3819c71-edb8-5247-bf3e-c7e35094feab.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=December 13, 2015}} In 2014, some social service organizations estimated that up to 10,000 Iraqi refugees had resettled in Lincoln.{{cite news |last1=Knapp |first1=Fred |date=August 15, 2014 |title=Yazidis And Other Iraqis In Lincoln Offer Different Perspectives On Crisis |url=http://netnebraska.org/article/news/932347/yazidis-and-other-iraqis-lincoln-offer-different-perspectives-crisis |agency=NET Radio |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=May 12, 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Knapp |first1=Fred |date=December 12, 2017 |title=Iraqis A Fast-Growing Group In Nebraska |url=http://netnebraska.org/article/news/1108641/iraqis-fast-growing-group-nebraska |agency=NET Radio |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=May 12, 2018 |archive-date=May 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513012948/http://netnebraska.org/article/news/1108641/iraqis-fast-growing-group-nebraska |url-status=dead }} In recent years, Lincoln had the largest Yazidi (Iraqi ethnic minority) population in the U.S.,{{cite news |last=Siemaszko |first=Corky |date=November 26, 2015 |title= Yazidis in U.S. Grateful This Thanksgiving for Escaping ISIS |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-uncovered/yazidis-u-s-grateful-thanksgiving-escaping-isis-n468361 |agency=NBC News |access-date=April 10, 2016}}{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Mitch |date=September 7, 2015 |title=Yazidis Settle in Nebraska, but Roots Run Deep in Iraq |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/08/us/yazidis-settle-in-nebraska-but-roots-run-deep-in-iraq.html |newspaper=New York Times |location=New York, NY |access-date=December 13, 2015}} with over 2,000–3,000 having settled within the city (as of late 2017).{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Jack |date=December 14, 2017 |title=Yazidis From Iraq Find Welcome Refuge In Nebraska |url=http://netnebraska.org/article/news/1108600/yazidis-iraq-find-welcome-refuge-nebraska |agency=NET Radio |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=May 12, 2018 |archive-date=December 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211132908/http://netnebraska.org/article/news/1108600/yazidis-iraq-find-welcome-refuge-nebraska |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last1=Case |first1=Emily |date=July 23, 2018 |title=New downtown Lincoln Mediterranean market offers varied selection |url=https://journalstar.com/news/local/new-downtown-lincoln-mediterranean-market-offers-varied-selection/article_e703f0b9-dc17-50ad-9bbf-05054c59de78.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=July 30, 2018}} In a three-year period, the immigrant and refugee student population at Lincoln Public Schools increased 52% - from 1,606 students in 2014, to 2,445 in 2017.{{cite news |last1=Reist |first1=Margaret |date=June 4, 2017 |title=LPS strengthens trauma program to help refugee students |url=http://journalstar.com/news/local/education/lps-strengthens-trauma-program-to-help-refugee-students/article_7907ee93-6fb1-55b6-b26a-605f247c3692.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=June 4, 2017}}

The decade from 1990 to 2000 saw a significant rise in population from 191,972 to 225,581. North 27th Street and Cornhusker Highway were redeveloped with new housing and businesses built. The boom housing market in south Lincoln created new housing developments including high end housing in areas like Cripple Creek, Willamsburg and The Ridge. The shopping center Southpointe Pavilions was completed in competition of Gateway Mall.{{sfn|McKee2|p=14}}

File:Downtown Lincoln 2024.jpg

In 2001, Westfield America Trust purchased the Gateway Mall{{cite news|url=http://journalstar.com/gateway-history/article_3d369d67-8067-5c1f-a8ec-6161d1de1b17.html|title=Gateway history|author=|date=April 18, 2012|newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star|access-date=October 16, 2015|location=Lincoln, NE}} and named it Westfield Shoppingtown Gateway. In 2005, the company renamed it the Westfield Gateway.{{cite news |last=Olberding |first=Matt |date=June 1, 2005 |title=Gateway a 'shoppingtown' no more |url=http://journalstar.com/business/gateway-a-shoppingtown-no-more/article_797054aa-729d-558d-b849-187430550924.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=October 16, 2015}} Westfield made a $45 million makeover of the mall in 2005 including an expanded food court, a new west-side entrance and installation of an Italian carousel.{{cite news |last=Olberding |first=Matt |date=September 26, 2005 |title=Westfield Gateway unveils new amenities, food court |url=http://journalstar.com/business/westfield-gateway-unveils-new-amenities-food-court/article_9bc56e4f-639b-50ef-8b42-2f87d700c0c9.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=October 16, 2015}} In 2012, Westfield America Trust sold Westfield Gateway to Starwood Capital Group. Starwood reverted the mall's name from Westfield Gateway to Gateway Mall and has made incremental expansions and renovations.{{cite news |last=Olberding |first=Matt |date=April 18, 2012 |title=Gateway mall sold |url=http://journalstar.com/business/local/gateway-mall-sold/article_352377dc-ff8c-5f1e-93f8-2293d4185ac6.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=October 16, 2015}} In 2021, Gateway Mall was sold to a subsidiary of Strategic Value Partners.{{cite news |author= |date= May 23, 2022 |title=Gateway Mall sold for $51.5 million |url=https://www.1011now.com/2022/05/23/gateway-mall-sold-515-million/ |agency=KOLN/KGIN-TV (10/11) News |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=January 11, 2025}}

In 2015, ALLO Communications announced it would bring ultra-high speed fiber internet to the city. Speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second were available for business and households by building off of the city's existing fiber network. Construction on the citywide network began in March 2016 and was estimated to be complete by 2019,{{cite news |last=Olberding |first=Matt |date=November 17, 2015 |title=Ultra-fast Internet service is coming to Lincoln |url=http://journalstar.com/business/local/ultra-fast-internet-service-is-coming-to-lincoln/article_9f03e887-5ca2-5d2d-ba85-9f7821bb05cc.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=November 17, 2015}} making it one of the largest infrastructure projects in the United States.{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Riley |date=December 2, 2017 |title=In Allo's rapid digging, city and utilities encounter growing pains |url=http://journalstar.com/business/local/in-allo-s-rapid-digging-city-and-utilities-encounter-growing/article_b5106c4e-869f-5616-9755-244c077a5acf.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=December 11, 2017}} Telephone and cable TV service were also included,{{cite news |last=Hicks |first=Nancy |date=December 7, 2015 |title=ALLO gets praise for bringing super fast Internet service to Lincoln |url=http://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/allo-gets-praise-for-bringing-super-fast-internet-service-to/article_1e247e98-c510-5054-b4b0-9a3398677d4c.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=December 18, 2015}} making it the third company to compete for such services within the same Lincoln footprint. In April 2016, Windstream Communications announced that 2,300 customers in Lincoln had 1 Gigabit per second fiber internet with an expected expansion of services to 25,000 customers by 2017.{{cite news |last=Olberding |first=Matt |date=December 18, 2015 |title=Windstream bringing 1 gigabit Internet to Lincoln |url=http://journalstar.com/business/local/windstream-bringing-gigabit-internet-to-lincoln/article_de6abfc6-810d-5a37-b3f8-7a7da445dc48.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=December 19, 2015}}{{cite news |last=Olberding |first=Matt |date=April 4, 2016 |title=Windstream debuts 1G internet in Lincoln |url=http://journalstar.com/business/local/windstream-debuts-g-internet-in-lincoln/article_a5db296c-37c4-511d-8eb9-6778d28379c8.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=May 7, 2016}} On November 29, 2017, Lincoln was named a Smart Gigabit Community by U.S. Ignite Inc.{{cite news |last1=Olberding |first1=Matt |date=December 11, 2017 |title=Lincoln now a Smart Gigabit Community |url=http://journalstar.com/business/local/lincoln-now-a-smart-gigabit-community/article_7443c644-f75a-5601-bbce-5553bc50fc1c.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=December 11, 2017}}{{cite web |url=https://www.us-ignite.org/news/us-ignite-inc-announces-lincoln-nebraska-will-join-rapidly-growing-network-of-smart-gigabit-communities/ |title=US Ignite, Inc. Announces Lincoln, Nebraska will Join Rapidly Growing Network of Smart Gigabit Communities |last1=Mohan |first1=Nishal |date=November 29, 2017 |publisher=US Ignite |access-date=December 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214015115/https://www.us-ignite.org/news/us-ignite-inc-announces-lincoln-nebraska-will-join-rapidly-growing-network-of-smart-gigabit-communities/ |archive-date=December 14, 2017 |url-status=dead }} and in early 2018, Spectrum joined the ranks of internet service providers providing 1 gigabit internet within the city.{{cite news |last1=Olberding |first1=Matt |date=April 25, 2018 |title=Charter now offering 1-gig internet in Lincoln, Southeast Nebraska |url=https://journalstar.com/business/local/charter-now-offering--gig-internet-in-lincoln-southeast-nebraska/article_4ee48ad4-a63e-5e05-b27c-968adc36c3dc.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=December 13, 2018}}

In 2021, Lincoln's second-tallest skyscraper was completed downtown. Second in height to the State Capitol by law, the Lied Place Residences was 250 feet, or 20 floors.{{cite news |last1=Olberding |first1=Matt |date=August 4, 2021 |title=Topped-out Lied Place Residences in line for more TIF money |url=https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/topped-out-lied-place-residences-in-line-for-more-tif-money/article_6d5ae338-5b3c-5948-95ac-64f7909a247b.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=January 9, 2025}} The Lied Place Residences surpassed the U.S. Bank Tower (formerly the First National Bank Building), completed in 1970, by 30 feet.{{cite news |last1=Olberding |first1=Matt |date=November 7, 2021 |title=Downtown Lincoln's tallest office building has new owner |url=https://journalstar.com/business/local/downtown-lincolns-tallest-office-building-has-new-owner/article_c0e84fa0-4d3e-5936-b5fc-edc8141446fb.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=January 9, 2025}} A least one taller building had been proposed since 2021, but any construction had been delayed due to inflation.{{cite news |last1=Olberding |first1=Matt |date=November 13, 2023 |title=Planned downtown Lincoln skyscraper would grow taller than Lied Place |url=https://journalstar.com/business/local/planned-downtown-lincoln-skyscraper-would-grow-taller-than-lied-place/article_d4c8004f-5482-554e-84ca-c66a78990977.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=January 9, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Sangimino |first1=Patt |date=October 5, 2023 |title=Lincoln Bold on hold until interest rates make project more feasible |url=https://journalstar.com/news/local/business/lincoln-bold-skyscraper-steve-glenn-interest-rates/article_583e6d8c-62e5-11ee-aca7-9f332cdb9362.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=January 11, 2025}}

In 2022, the City of Lincoln adopted a new flag, called "All Roads Lead to Lincoln".{{Cite web |title=City Flag |url=https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Mayor/City-Communications/City-Flag |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=www.lincoln.ne.gov |language=en-US}} In late 2022, Nebraska Highway 2 was diverted onto a newly constructed 11-mile long freeway, dubbed the South Beltway, on the Lincoln's south edge.{{cite news |last=Knapp |first=Fred |date=December 14, 2022 |title=Lincoln South Beltway project opens, helped by creative financing |url=https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/es/news/news-articles/lincoln-south-beltway-project-opens-helped-by-creative-financing/ |agency=Nebraska Public Media |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=January 9, 2025}} The realignment marked the first time the eastern segment of Nebraska 2 was largely outside of the city in its history. A planned upgrade of U.S. Highway 77 (a.k.a. the Homestead Expressway) to freeway standards was planned to begin in 2025.{{cite news |last1=Reist |first1=Margaret |date=April 7, 2024 |title=NDOT plans to add freeway interchanges to U.S. 77 West Bypass in Lincoln |url=https://journalstar.com/news/local/government-politics/ndot-plans-to-add-freeway-interchanges-to-u-s-77-west-bypass-in-lincoln/article_cbe968da-f3a0-11ee-99a8-9fc2f55ce2f2.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=January 9, 2025}}

File:2007 ISS Lincoln, Nebraska 1.jpg, 2007]]

Lincoln has an area of {{convert|99.050|sqmi|sqkm|3}}, of which {{convert|97.689|sqmi|sqkm|3}} is land and {{convert|1.361|sqmi|sqkm|3}} is water, according to the United States Census Bureau in 2020.{{cite web|title=2021 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2021_Gazetteer/2021_gaz_place_31.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 12, 2022}}

Lincoln is one of the few large cities of Nebraska not along either the Platte River or the Missouri River. The city was originally laid out near Salt Creek and among the nearly flat saline wetlands of northern Lancaster County.{{cite web|title=Resource Categorization of Nebraska's Eastern Saline Wetlands|url=http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/parksfacilities/wetlands/links/rcategor.pdf|publisher=U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nebraska Game U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Parks Commission, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service|access-date=13 September 2016}} The city's growth has led to development of the surrounding land, much of which is composed of gently rolling hills. In recent years, Lincoln's northward growth has encroached on the habitat of the endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle.{{cite web |url=http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/invertebrates/saltcreektiger/ |title=Endangered Species of the Mountain-Prairie Region – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |publisher=U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior |access-date=August 2, 2014 |archive-date=August 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810065003/http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/invertebrates/saltcreektiger/ |url-status=dead }}

{{Main|Lincoln, Nebraska metropolitan area}}

The Lincoln Metropolitan Statistical Area consists of Lancaster County and Seward County. Seward County was added to the metropolitan area in 2003. Lincoln is also in the Lincoln-Beatrice Combined Statistical Area which consists of the Lincoln metropolitan area and the micropolitan area of Beatrice. The city of Beatrice is the county seat of Gage County. The Lincoln-Beatrice combined statistical area is home to 363,733 people (2021 estimate) making it the 104th-largest combined statistical area in the United States.{{cite web|title=OMB BULLETIN NO. 15-01 |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/bulletins/2015/15-01.pdf |access-date=September 7, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121004719/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/bulletins/2015/15-01.pdf |via=National Archives |work=Office of Management and Budget |archive-date=January 21, 2017 }}

File:View of South Lincoln.jpg

{{See also|Neighborhoods in Lincoln, Nebraska}}

Lincoln's neighborhoods include both old and new development. Some neighborhoods in Lincoln were formerly small towns that Lincoln later annexed, including University Place in 1926, Belmont, Bethany (Bethany Heights) in 1922, College View in 1929, Havelock in 1930, and West Lincoln in 1966. A number of Historic Districts are near downtown Lincoln, while newer neighborhoods have appeared primarily in the south and east.{{cite web|url=http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/plan/long/hp/histlist.htm |title=lincoln.ne.gov – Planning Department – Long Range Planning – Historic Preservation – Sites and Districts |publisher=City of Lincoln, Nebraska |access-date=December 13, 2013}} As of December 2013, Lincoln had 45 registered neighborhood associations within the city limits.{{cite web|url=http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/urban/Neighborhoods/NAstatistics.htm |title=lincoln.ne.gov – Urban Development – Neighborhood Statistics |publisher=City of Lincoln, Nebraska |access-date=December 13, 2013}}

One core neighborhood that has seen rapid residential growth in recent years is the downtown Lincoln area. In 2010, there were 1,200 downtown Lincoln residents; in 2016, there were 3,000 (an increase of 140%).{{cite news |last=Olberding |first=Matt |date=June 17, 2016 |title=Biz Bits: DLA may soon stand for Downtown 'Living' Association |url=http://journalstar.com/business/local/biz-bits-dla-may-soon-stand-for-downtown-living-association/article_93bcdcd0-352f-5d8c-a410-d456607e8274.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=June 18, 2016}} Around the middle of the same decade, demand for housing and rent units began outpacing supply. With Lincoln's population expected to grow to more than 311,000 people by 2020, prices for homes and rent costs have risen. Home prices rose 10% from the first quarter of 2015 to the first quarter of 2016; rent prices rose 30% from 2007 to 2017 with a 5–8% increase in 2016 alone.{{cite news |last1=Olberding |first1=Matt |date=May 8, 2016 |title=Lincoln home prices hitting once unthinkable levels |url=http://journalstar.com/business/local/lincoln-home-prices-hitting-once-unthinkable-levels/article_2308a1ae-26fc-52e0-8035-d1357a63f3a9.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=July 8, 2017}}{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Brandi B. |date=July 7, 2017 |title=More people and needs means higher rent |url=http://www.1011now.com/content/news/More-people-more-needs-higher-rent-433206743.html |agency=KOLN/KGIN-TV (10/11) News |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=July 8, 2017}}

Located in the Great Plains far from the moderating influence of mountains or large bodies of water, Lincoln has a highly variable four season humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa, Trewartha Dcao): winters are cold and summers are hot.{{cite web|url=http://koeppen-geiger.vu-wien.ac.at/usa.htm |title=World Map of the Köppen-Geiger Climate Classification Updated Map for the United States of America |publisher=Institute for Veterinary Public Health |access-date=August 3, 2014}} With little precipitation during winter, precipitation is concentrated in the warmer months, when thunderstorms frequently roll in, often producing tornadoes. Snow averages {{convert|26.0|in|cm}} per season but seasonal accumulation has ranged from {{convert|7.2|in|cm|abbr=on}} in 1967–1968 to {{convert|55.5|in|cm|abbr=on}} in 2018–2019. Snow tends to fall in light amounts, though blizzards are possible. There is an average of 38 days with a snow depth of {{convert|1|in|cm|abbr=on}} or more. The average window for freezing temperatures is October 7 thru April 25, allowing a growing season of 164 days.

The monthly daily average temperature ranges from {{convert|25.0|°F|1}} in January to {{convert|78.1|°F|1}} in July. However, the city is subject both to episodes of bitter cold in winter and heat waves during summer, with 10.1 nights of {{convert|0|°F|0}} or lower lows, 41.8 days of {{convert|90|°F|0}}+ highs, and 3.5 days of {{convert|100|°F|0}}+ highs. The city straddles the boundary of USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5b and 6a.{{cite web|title=What is my arborday.org Hardiness Zone?|url=http://www.arborday.org/treeinfo/ZoneInfo.cfm?ZipCode=68502&submit=Look+it+up!|website=Arbor Day Foundation|access-date=May 3, 2015|archive-date=February 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205051318/http://www.arborday.org/treeinfo/ZoneInfo.cfm?ZipCode=68502&submit=Look+it+up%21|url-status=dead}} Temperature extremes have ranged from {{convert|−33|°F|1}} on January 12, 1974, up to {{convert|115|°F|1}} on July 25, 1936. Readings as high as {{convert|105|°F|0}} or as low as {{convert|−20|°F|0}} occur somewhat rarely; the last occurrence of each was August 24, 2023 and February 16, 2021. The second lowest temperature ever recorded in Lincoln was {{Convert|-31|F|C|1}} on February 16, 2021, which broke the monthly record of {{Convert|-26|F|C|1}} last set a day earlier. It occurred during the wider February 13–17, 2021 North American winter storm, which impacted the Midwestern and Northeastern United States as a whole.{{Cite news|last=Goldberg|first=Brad Brooks, Barbara|date=2021-02-17|title=Texas deep freeze leaves millions without power, 21 dead|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-weather-idUSKBN2AG257|access-date=2021-02-17}}

Based on 30-year averages obtained from NOAA's National Climatic Data Center for December, January and February, the Weather Channel ranked Lincoln the seventh-coldest major U.S. city in a 2014 article.{{cite news |last=Erdman|first=Jon|date=January 27, 2014 |title=America's 20 coldest major cities|url=https://weather.com/sports-recreation/ski/news/20-coldest-large-cities-america-20140107|publisher=The Weather Channel|access-date=April 25, 2025}} In 2014, the Lincoln-Beatrice area was among the "Cleanest U.S. Cities for Ozone Air Pollution" in the American Lung Association's "State of the Air 2014" report.{{cite web|url=http://www.stateoftheair.org/2014/assets/ALA-SOTA-2014-Full.pdf|title=State of the Air 2014|publisher=American Lung Association|access-date=April 30, 2014|archive-date=April 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430150152/http://www.stateoftheair.org/2014/assets/ALA-SOTA-2014-Full.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{Weather box

|location = Lincoln Airport, Nebraska, 1991–2020 normals,{{efn|Mean maxima and minima (i.e., the highest and lowest temperature readings during an entire month or year) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.}} extremes 1887–present{{efn|Official records for Lincoln kept at University of Nebraska–Lincoln (Weather Bureau) from January 1887 to December 1947, Lincoln Municipal Airport from January 1948 to June 1954, Lincoln University (campus) from July 1954 to August 1955, the Weather Bureau in downtown from September 1955 to August 1972, and at Lincoln Municipal Airport since September 1972.{{cite web|title=Threaded Station Extremes|url=http://threadex.rcc-acis.org/|website=ThreadEx|publisher=NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and the National Weather Service (NWS), the Northeast Regional Climate Center (NRCC)|access-date=13 September 2016}}}}

|single line = Y

|Jan record high F = 73

|Feb record high F = 83

|Mar record high F = 91

|Apr record high F = 97

|May record high F = 104

|Jun record high F = 108

|Jul record high F = 115

|Aug record high F = 110

|Sep record high F = 106

|Oct record high F = 98

|Nov record high F = 85

|Dec record high F = 75

|year record high F = 115

|Jan avg record high F = 58.9

|Feb avg record high F = 64.9

|Mar avg record high F = 77.9

|Apr avg record high F = 86.5

|May avg record high F = 91.9

|Jun avg record high F = 96.6

|Jul avg record high F = 100.1

|Aug avg record high F = 98.6

|Sep avg record high F = 94.6

|Oct avg record high F = 86.9

|Nov avg record high F = 73.4

|Dec avg record high F = 60.7

|year avg record high F = 101.7

|Jan high F = 35.6

|Feb high F = 40.6

|Mar high F = 53.6

|Apr high F = 64.8

|May high F = 75.0

|Jun high F = 85.2

|Jul high F = 89.4

|Aug high F = 87.2

|Sep high F = 80.1

|Oct high F = 66.6

|Nov high F = 51.7

|Dec high F = 39.4

|year high F = 64.1

|Jan mean F = 25.0

|Feb mean F = 29.5

|Mar mean F = 41.2

|Apr mean F = 52.0

|May mean F = 63.1

|Jun mean F = 73.7

|Jul mean F = 78.1

|Aug mean F = 75.6

|Sep mean F = 67.2

|Oct mean F = 53.8

|Nov mean F = 39.8

|Dec mean F = 28.8

|year mean F = 52.3

|Jan low F = 14.4

|Feb low F = 18.4

|Mar low F = 28.7

|Apr low F = 39.2

|May low F = 51.2

|Jun low F = 62.1

|Jul low F = 66.7

|Aug low F = 64.1

|Sep low F = 54.3

|Oct low F = 41.0

|Nov low F = 28.0

|Dec low F = 18.2

|year low F = 40.5

|Jan avg record low F = -7.7

|Feb avg record low F = -2.4

|Mar avg record low F = 7.5

|Apr avg record low F = 21.2

|May avg record low F = 34.7

|Jun avg record low F = 47.9

|Jul avg record low F = 54.0

|Aug avg record low F = 51.2

|Sep avg record low F = 37.4

|Oct avg record low F = 22.7

|Nov avg record low F = 10.7

|Dec avg record low F = -2.5

|year avg record low F = -11.7

|Jan record low F = −33

|Feb record low F = −31

|Mar record low F = −19

|Apr record low F = 3

|May record low F = 24

|Jun record low F = 39

|Jul record low F = 45

|Aug record low F = 39

|Sep record low F = 26

|Oct record low F = 3

|Nov record low F = −15

|Dec record low F = −27

|year record low F = -33

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation inch = 0.73

|Feb precipitation inch = 0.89

|Mar precipitation inch = 1.55

|Apr precipitation inch = 2.69

|May precipitation inch = 4.91

|Jun precipitation inch = 4.48

|Jul precipitation inch = 3.25

|Aug precipitation inch = 3.32

|Sep precipitation inch = 2.90

|Oct precipitation inch = 2.14

|Nov precipitation inch = 1.30

|Dec precipitation inch = 1.18

|year precipitation inch = 29.34

|Jan snow inch = 6.5

|Feb snow inch = 7.1

|Mar snow inch = 3.4

|Apr snow inch = 1.2

|May snow inch = 0.1

|Jun snow inch = 0.0

|Jul snow inch = 0.0

|Aug snow inch = 0.0

|Sep snow inch = 0.0

|Oct snow inch = 0.9

|Nov snow inch = 1.5

|Dec snow inch = 5.3

|year snow inch = 26.0

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in

|Jan precipitation days = 5.9

|Feb precipitation days = 6.1

|Mar precipitation days = 8.1

|Apr precipitation days = 9.7

|May precipitation days = 11.8

|Jun precipitation days = 10.4

|Jul precipitation days = 8.9

|Aug precipitation days = 8.8

|Sep precipitation days = 7.2

|Oct precipitation days = 7.1

|Nov precipitation days = 5.4

|Dec precipitation days = 5.9

|year precipitation days = 95.3

|unit snow days = 0.1 in

|Jan snow days = 5.0

|Feb snow days = 4.5

|Mar snow days = 2.2

|Apr snow days = 0.6

|May snow days = 0.1

|Jun snow days = 0.0

|Jul snow days = 0.0

|Aug snow days = 0.0

|Sep snow days = 0.0

|Oct snow days = 0.3

|Nov snow days = 1.4

|Dec snow days = 3.8

|year snow days = 17.9

|Jan humidity = 70.3

|Feb humidity = 72.5

|Mar humidity = 69.1

|Apr humidity = 63.6

|May humidity = 66.9

|Jun humidity = 65.2

|Jul humidity = 65.4

|Aug humidity = 68.9

|Sep humidity = 70.1

|Oct humidity = 67.1

|Nov humidity = 71.5

|Dec humidity = 73.1

|year humidity = 68.6

|Jan sun = 176.8

|Feb sun = 167.6

|Mar sun = 211.9

|Apr sun = 236.4

|May sun = 273.3

|Jun sun = 314.4

|Jul sun = 329.9

|Aug sun = 294.9

|Sep sun = 236.4

|Oct sun = 216.9

|Nov sun = 156.4

|Dec sun = 146.8

|year sun = 2761.7

|Jan percentsun = 59

|Feb percentsun = 56

|Mar percentsun = 57

|Apr percentsun = 59

|May percentsun = 61

|Jun percentsun = 70

|Jul percentsun = 72

|Aug percentsun = 69

|Sep percentsun = 63

|Oct percentsun = 63

|Nov percentsun = 52

|Dec percentsun = 51

|year percentsun = 61

|Jan dew point C = -10.4

|Feb dew point C = -7.4

|Mar dew point C = -2.1

|Apr dew point C = 3.3

|May dew point C = 10.1

|Jun dew point C = 15.1

|Jul dew point C = 17.9

|Aug dew point C = 17.2

|Sep dew point C = 12.3

|Oct dew point C = 5.2

|Nov dew point C = -1.7

|Dec dew point C = -8.3

|source 1 = NOAA (relative humidity, dew point and sun 1961–1990){{efn|Only 20 to 22 years of data were used to calculate relative humidity normals.}}{{cite web

|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/Climate?wfo=oax

|title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data

|publisher = National Weather Service Forecast Office

|access-date = November 4, 2021 }}{{cite web

|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USW00014939&format=pdf

|title = Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020

|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

|access-date = November 4, 2021

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240110092307/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/servicesdata/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USW00014939&format=pdf

|archive-date = 2024-01-10}}{{cite web

|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1961-1990/TABLES/REG_IV/US/GROUP3/72551.TXT

|title = WMO Climate Normals for LINCOLN/MUNICIPAL ARPT NE 1961–1990

|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

|access-date = November 4, 2021

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240110092411/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1961-1990/TABLES/REG_IV/US/GROUP3/72551.TXT

|archive-date = 2024-01-10}}

}}

On May 5, 2019, an EF2 tornado hit parts of western Lincoln, although no major injuries occurred.{{Cite web |last=US Department of Commerce |first=NOAA |title=May 5, 2019: EF-2 Tornado Confirmed in Lincoln |url=https://www.weather.gov/oax/20190505_Lincoln_Tor#:~:text=Rating:%20EF-2%20Estimated%20Peak,End%20Location:%203.5%20WSW%20of |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=www.weather.gov |language=EN-US}}

{{US Census population

| 1870 = 2441

| 1880 = 13003

| 1890 = 55164

| 1900 = 40169

| 1910 = 43973

| 1920 = 54948

| 1930 = 75933

| 1940 = 81984

| 1950 = 98884

| 1960 = 128521

| 1970 = 149518

| 1980 = 171932

| 1990 = 191972

| 2000 = 225581

| 2010 = 258379

| 2020 = 291082

| estyear = 2024

| estimate = 300619

| estref = {{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/lincolncitynebraska/PST045224 |title=QuickFacts: Lincoln city, Nebraska |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=June 10, 2025}}

| align-fn = center

| footnote = U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Decennial Census of Population and Housing|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 6, 2021}}

}}

Lincoln is Nebraska's second-most-populous city.{{cite web |url=http://www.neded.org/files/research/stathand/bsect5c.htm |title=Population of Nebraska Incorporated Places |date=March 9, 2015 |website=Nebraska Databook |publisher=Nebraska Department of Economic Development |access-date=October 18, 2015 |archive-date=January 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115033002/http://www.neded.org/files/research/stathand/bsect5c.htm |url-status=dead }} In the 1970s, The U.S. government designated Lincoln a refugee-friendly city due to its stable economy, educational institutions, and size. Initially, refugees from Vietnam settled in Lincoln. Later, more refugees came from other countries, including Mexico, Guatemala and India, as well as the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Africa, Iraq,{{cite journal |last1=Burleigh |first1=Nina |date=October 10, 2010 |title=We've Found Peace in This Land |url=http://parade.com/115078/ninaburleigh/10-from-the-mideast-to-the-midwest/ |journal=Parade |edition=Parade Digital | publisher=Athlon Media Group |access-date=October 17, 2015}} Afghanistan and Myanmar.{{cite web|url=https://app.lincoln.ne.gov/city/natf/pdf/surveyreport2020.pdf|title=New Americans Task Force > About Us > History}} In 2013, Lincoln was named one of the "Top Ten Most Welcoming Cities in America" by Welcoming America.{{cite news |last=Pascale |first=Jordan |date=June 21, 2013 |title=Lincoln designated Welcoming City for immigrants |url=http://journalstar.com/news/local/lincoln-designated-welcoming-city-for-immigrants/article_5ca2fb0a-e802-560d-b764-46a6a6d473f5.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=October 17, 2015}}

The 2020 United States census{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov| access-date=2023-12-18 |website=data.census.gov}} counted 291,082 people, 115,930 households, and 67,277 families in Lincoln. The population density was 2,937.6 per square mile (1,134.2/km{{sup|2}}). There were 122,048 housing units at an average density of 1,231.7 per square mile (475.6/km{{sup|2}}). The racial makeup was 78.66% (228,956) White, 4.67% (13,605) Black or African-American, 0.89% (2,589) Native American, 4.77% (13,871) Asian, 0.07% (196) Pacific Islander, 3.5% (10,175) from other races, and 7.45% (21,690) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 7.0% (22,321) of the population.

Of the 115,930 households, 26.9% had children under the age of 18; 43.8% were married couples living together; 27.1% had a female householder with no husband present. 31.0% of households consisted of individuals and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.4 and the average family size was 3.0.

21.9% of the population was under the age of 18, 15.7% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 100.8 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 99.4 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov|access-date=2023-12-18|website=data.census.gov}} estimates show that the median household income was $60,063 (with a margin of error of +/- $1,248) and the median family income $79,395 (+/- $1,992). Males had a median income of $37,646 (+/- $1,251) versus $27,411 (+/- $805) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $31,869 (+/- $455). Approximately, 7.5% of families and 12.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.4% of those under the age of 18 and 6.2% of those ages 65 or over.

File:Linc 2008 2.jpg

Lincoln's economy is fairly typical of a mid-sized American city; most economic activity is derived from the service and manufacturing industries.{{cite news |last=Schaper |first=David |date=March 2, 2015 |url=https://www.npr.org/2015/03/02/388740062/nation-s-nearly-recession-proof-city-sees-new-challenges |title=A Nearly Recession-Proof City Is Not Slowing Down |edition=Morning |agency=National Public Radio |access-date=October 16, 2015}} Government and the University of Nebraska are both large contributors to the local economy. Other prominent industries in Lincoln include finance, insurance, publishing, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, telecommunications, railroads,{{cite web|url=https://col.ionwave.net/extract.aspx?file=output%255ccol%255c2014_7%255cad721af7-1f60-4422-9a76-c0be9500449e.pdf&name=14-140+Revised+Specifications.pdf |title=Revised Specifications 2014 Transit Development Plan City Of Lincoln, Nebraska – Startran Request For Proposals |publisher=City of Lincoln, Nebraska |access-date=August 2, 2014}} high technology, information technology, medical, education and truck transport.

For October 2021, the Lincoln Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) preliminary unemployment rate was 1.3% (not seasonally adjusted).{{cite web |url=https://www.dol.nebraska.gov/webdocs/Resources/Trends/October%202021/LAS%20Area%20Summary%20Lincoln.pdf |title=Labor Area Summary, Lincoln MSA |website=Nebraska INFOlink |publisher=Nebraska Department of Labor |access-date=December 6, 2021}} With a tight labor market, Lincoln has seen rapid wage growth. From the summer of 2014 to the summer of 2015, the average hourly pay for both public and private employees have increased by 11%. From October 2014 to October 2015, wages were also up by 8.4%.{{cite news |last=Sparshott |first=Jeffrey |date=December 17, 2015 |title=In Lincoln, Neb., a View of Full Employment |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/in-lincoln-neb-a-view-of-full-employment-1450394644 |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |publisher=Dow Jones & Company, Inc. |location=New York, NY |access-date=December 18, 2015}}

One of the largest employers is Bryan Health, which consists of two major hospitals and several large outpatient facilities across the city. Healthcare and medical jobs account for a large portion of Lincoln's employment: as of 2009, full-time healthcare employees in the city included 9,010 healthcare practitioners in technical occupations, 4,610 workers in healthcare support positions, 780 licensed and vocational nurses, and 150 medical and clinical laboratory technicians.{{cite web|url=http://www.collegedegreereport.com/cities/lincoln |title=Lincoln Career, Salary & Employment Info |publisher=College Degree Report|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101008221049/http://www.collegedegreereport.com/cities/lincoln |archive-date=October 8, 2010 }}

Several national business were originally established in Lincoln; these include student lender Nelnet, Ameritas, Assurity, Fort Western Stores, CliffsNotes and HobbyTown USA. Several regional restaurant chains began in Lincoln, including Amigos/Kings Classic,{{cite web |url= http://www.amigoskings.com/about-amigos/ |title= About Us – Amigos/Kings Classic |publisher= Amigos/Kings Classic |access-date= August 3, 2014}} Runza Restaurants,{{cite web |url= https://www.runza.com/about/history |title= History - Runza |publisher= Runza.com |access-date= January 4, 2018}} and Valentino's.{{cite web |url= http://valentinos.com/history/ |title= Valentino's – History |publisher= Valentino's of America, Inc. |access-date= August 3, 2014}}

The Lincoln area makes up a part of what is known as the greater Midwest Silicon Prairie.{{cite web |url= http://siliconprairienews.com/2015/09/7-reasons-why-you-should-pay-attention-to-lincoln/ |title= 7 reasons why you should pay attention to Lincoln |last=Pendell |first=Ryan |date= September 30, 2015 |website= Silicon Prairie News |publisher= Silicon Prairie News & Destination Graphic |access-date= May 22, 2016}} The city is also a part of a rapidly growing craft brewing industry.{{cite news |last1=Olberding |first1=Matt |date=May 22, 2017 |title=Local tourism promotion focusing on craft beer |url=http://journalstar.com/business/local/local-tourism-promotion-focusing-on-craft-beer/article_fa377f5a-eedc-57ed-9c62-415e22f88ab2.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=May 22, 2017}}

According to the city's 2023 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,{{cite web |url=https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/finance/accounting/2023acfr.pdf |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report of the City of Lincoln, Nebraska, for the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2023 |department=Accounting Division of the Finance Department |website=InterLinc |publisher=City of Lincoln, Nebraska |access-date=May 16, 2024}} the principal employers of the city are:

1974 saw the establishment of a Kawasaki motorcycles assembly facility named the American Kawasaki Motors Corporation (KMC), to complete Japan-produced components into finished products for the North American market.Kawasaki's US factory. Motorcycle News, 13 February 1974, p.7. Retrieved March 14, 2022[https://www.cycleworld.com/sport-rider/kawasakis-plant-in-lincoln-nebraska/ Kawasaki's Plant in Lincoln, Nebraska] cycleworld.com, July 11, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2022 Incorporated in 1981, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. (KMM) and assumed control of KMC. As of 2022, their webpresence named tallies "All-Terrain Vehicles, Utility Vehicles, Personal Watercraft, Recreation Utility Vehicles, and Passenger Rail Cars" as their range.[https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/nebraska/articles/2021-07-19/kawasaki-plans-200m-expansion-that-would-add-550-new-jobs Kawasaki Plans $200M Expansion That Would Add 550 New Jobs] U.S. News & World Report, July 19, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2022[https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/ Welcome to Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A.] kawasakilincoln.com Retrieved March 11, 2022

Kawasaki is one of Lincoln's largest private employers with over 2,400 employees, and it has the largest square footage of manufacturing space. Newer product lines are rail cars and aircraft cargo doors.[https://journalstar.com/business/local/kawasaki-to-expand-in-lincoln-add-hundreds-of-jobs/article_9f4aaf69-d72c-502a-bc35-a3495785ae75.html Kawasaki to expand in Lincoln, add hundreds of jobs] Lincoln Journal Star, February 7, 2022. Retrieved March 14, 2022

{{See also|Lincoln Air National Guard Base}}

The Nebraska Air and Army National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters are in Lincoln along with other major units of the Nebraska National Guard.{{cite web |url=http://ne.ng.mil/Resource/Pages/About-Us.aspx |title=Nebraska National Guard – About Us |publisher=Nebraska National Guard |access-date=May 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518105007/http://ne.ng.mil/Resource/Pages/About-Us.aspx |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |url-status=dead }} During the early years of the Cold War, the Lincoln Airport was the Lincoln Air Force Base;{{cite web|url=http://www.lincolnafb.org/history.php |title=The History of the Former Lincoln Air Force Base |publisher=lincolnafb.org |access-date=August 2, 2014}} the Nebraska Air National Guard and the Nebraska Army National Guard now have joint-use facilities with the Lincoln Airport.{{cite web|title=Lincoln Air National Guard Base|url=http://www.militarybases.us/air-force/lincoln-air-national-guard-base/|website=Military Bases US|access-date=September 6, 2016}} Alongside the National Guard, the 55th Wing of Offutt Air Force Base was temporarily headquartered in Lincoln through September 2022.{{cite news |last=Hammack |first=Zach |date=April 16, 2021 |title=Officials welcome Offutt planes to temporary home -- 'Lincoln Air Force Base' |url=https://journalstar.com/news/local/officials-welcome-offutt-planes-to-temporary-home-lincoln-air-force-base/article_4409865e-09a6-5598-bf39-58e58c21798b.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=December 6, 2021}}

File:14th and O facing east.JPG

Since Pinnacle Bank Arena opened in 2013, Lincoln's music scene has grown to the point where it is sometimes called a "Music City".{{cite news |last=Bragg |first=Meghan |date=February 16, 2016 |title=Lincoln's Music Scene Continues to Grow |url=http://www.1011now.com/content/news/Lincolns-Music-Scene-Continues-to-Grow--368913251.html |agency=KOLN/KGIN-TV (10/11) News |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=February 16, 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Wolgamott |first1=L. Kent |date=December 14, 2016 |title=On the Beat: Music scene puts Lincoln on top destinations list |url=http://journalstar.com/entertainment/music/on-the-beat-music-scene-puts-lincoln-on-top-destinations/article_0b3b3b87-3c46-5df5-bc7e-1ca03f247fb2.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=December 14, 2016}}{{cite news |last=Wolgamott |first=L. Kent |date=January 2, 2020 |title=Lincoln's live-music scene: 'When you've got great venues, things fall into place' |url=https://journalstar.com/entertainment/music/lincoln-s-live-music-scene-when-you-ve-got-great/article_e9f7544e-9194-5096-b1a7-b22db19ea1d7.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=January 20, 2020}} Primary venues for live music include Pinnacle Bank Arena,{{cite web|url=http://www.pinnaclebankarena.com/info/ |title=Pinnacle Bank Arena – Arena Info – About Us |publisher=Pinnacle Bank Arena |access-date=August 2, 2014}} Bourbon Theatre, Duffy's Tavern, and the Zoo Bar. The Pla-Mor Ballroom is a classic Lincoln music and dance scene with its in-house Sandy Creek Band. Pinewood Bowl hosts a range of performances, from national music performances to local plays, during the summer.{{cite web |url=http://pinewoodbowltheater.com/venue/about |title=About Pinewood Bowl Theater |publisher=Pinewood Bowl Theater |access-date=February 16, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212192519/http://pinewoodbowltheater.com/venue/about |archive-date=February 12, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}

The Lied Center is a venue for national tours of Broadway productions, concert music, and guest lectures, and regularly features its resident orchestra, the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra.{{cite web |url=http://www.liedcenter.org/about-lied-center-performing-arts |title=About the Lied Center for Performing Arts – Performing Arts Theater Events Entertainment Lincoln Nebraska (NE) – Lied Center for Performing Arts |publisher=Lied Center for Performing Arts |access-date=August 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725002804/http://www.liedcenter.org/about-lied-center-performing-arts |archive-date=July 25, 2014 |url-status=dead }} Lincoln has several performing arts venues. Plays are staged by UNL students in the Temple Building;{{cite web|url=http://arts.unl.edu/theatre-and-film/buildings/temple-building |title=Temple Building – Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts – University of Nebraska-Lincoln |publisher=University of Nebraska–Lincoln |access-date=August 3, 2014}} community theater productions are held at the Lincoln Community Playhouse,{{cite web |url=http://www.lincolnplayhouse.com/about/mission.html |title=Lincoln Community Playhouse – About – Mission Statement |publisher=Lincoln Community Playhouse |access-date=August 3, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808060320/http://www.lincolnplayhouse.com/about/mission.html |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |df=mdy-all }} the Loft at The Mill, and the Haymarket Theater.

Lincoln has a growing number of arts galleries, including the Sheldon Museum of Art, Burkholder Project and Noyes Art Gallery.{{cite web |url=https://www.noyesartgallery.com/about.html |title=Noyes Art Gallery - About the gallery... |publisher=Weebly |access-date=January 20, 2020}}

For movie viewing, Marcus Theatres owns 32 screens at four locations, and the University of Nebraska's Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center shows independent and foreign films.{{cite web|url=https://theross.org/about/ |title=Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center |publisher=Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center |access-date=August 2, 2014}} Standalone cinemas in Lincoln include the Joyo Theatre and Rococo Theater. The Rococo Theater also hosts benefits and other engagements.{{cite web|url=http://www.rococotheatre.com/about.php |title=Rococo Theatre – Lincoln, Nebraska |publisher=rococotheatre.com |access-date=August 2, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628222012/http://www.rococotheatre.com/about.php |archive-date=June 28, 2014 }} The downtown section of O Street is Lincoln's largest bar and nightclub district.{{cite news |url=http://www.movoto.com/blog/opinions/move-to-lincoln/ |title=29 Things You Need To Know About Lincoln Before You Move There |last1=Wunder |first1=Michael |date=March 11, 2014 |website=Movoto Blog |publisher=Movoto Real Estate |access-date=September 12, 2016}} There is also the Bourbon Theatre, which is primarily used for bands in the metal rock and other related genres.

Lincoln is the hometown of Zager and Evans, known for their international hit record "In the Year 2525" (1969).{{cite web|url=http://zagerguitar.com/about/ |title=Zager and Evans, In the Year 2525 |publisher=Zager Guitars |access-date=August 3, 2014}} It is also the hometown of several notable musical groups, such as Remedy Drive, VOTA, For Against, Lullaby for the Working Class, Matthew Sweet, Dirtfedd, The Show is the Rainbow and Straight. Lincoln is home to Maroon 5 guitarist James Valentine.

{{Main|List of annual cultural events in Lincoln, Nebraska}}

Annual events in Lincoln have come and gone throughout time, such as Band Day at the University of Nebraska's Lincoln campus{{cite web |url=http://www.nsbma.org/resources/historical-resources/chapter-7.html |title=History of The Band Movement In Nebraska – Chapter 7 – Contests and Festivals |publisher=Nebraska State Bandmasters Association |access-date=May 2, 2015 |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518101654/http://www.nsbma.org/resources/historical-resources/chapter-7.html |url-status=dead }} and the Star City Holiday Parade.{{cite news |author= |title=Star City Holiday Parade Suspended for 2010 |url=http://www.1011now.com/home/headlines/100625084.html |agency=KOLN/KGIN-TV (10/11) News |location=Lincoln, NE |date=August 13, 2010 |access-date=October 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101054300/http://www.1011now.com/home/headlines/100625084.html |archive-date=January 1, 2016 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} However, some events have never changed while new traditions have been created. Current annual cultural events in Lincoln include the Lincoln National Guard Marathon and Half-Marathon in May,{{cite web |url=http://www.lincolnmarathon.org/course/ |title=Lincoln Marathon and Half-Marathon – The Course |publisher=Lincoln Track Club |access-date=May 2, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427055258/http://www.lincolnmarathon.org/course/ |archive-date=April 27, 2015 |df=mdy-all }} Celebrate Lincoln in early June,{{cite web|url=http://www.pinnaclebankarena.com/events/detail/celebrate-lincoln |title=Pinnacle bank Arena – Celebrate Lincoln |publisher=Pinnacle bank Arena |access-date=May 2, 2015}} the Uncle Sam Jam around July 3,{{cite web|url=http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/mayor/cic/july4/ |title=lincoln.ne.gov – Mayor – Citizen Information Center – Uncle Sam Jam |publisher=City of Lincoln, Nebraska |access-date=May 2, 2015}} and Boo at the Zoo in October.{{cite web|url=http://www.lincolnzoo.org/events/boo_at_the_zoo.html |title=Boo at the Zoo |publisher=Lincoln Children's Zoo |access-date=May 2, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402152400/http://www.lincolnzoo.org/events/boo_at_the_zoo.html |archive-date=April 2, 2015 }} A locally popular event is the Haymarket Farmers' Market, running from May to October in the Historic Haymarket,{{cite web |url=http://lincolnhaymarket.org/events/haymarket-events.html#evt61883 |title=Historic Haymarket – Events – Haymarket Events |publisher=Historic Haymarket |access-date=May 2, 2015 |archive-date=May 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502054752/http://lincolnhaymarket.org/events/haymarket-events.html#evt61883 |url-status=dead }} one of several farmers markets throughout the city.{{cite web|url=http://food.unl.edu/farmer-market |title=Farmers Markets – UNL Food – University of Nebraska-Lincoln |publisher=UNL Food Team, University of Nebraska-Lincoln |access-date=May 2, 2015}}

{{Main|Tourism in Lincoln, Nebraska}}

Tourist attractions and activities include the Sunken Gardens,{{cite web|url=http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/parksfacilities/publicgardens/sunken/index.htm |title= Lincoln Parks & Recreation – Sunken Gardens |publisher=Lincoln Parks & Recreation |access-date=August 3, 2014}} basketball games at Pinnacle Bank Arena, the Lincoln Children's Zoo, the dairy store at UNL's East Campus,{{cite web|url=http://dairystore.unl.edu/icecream.shtml |title=Ice Cream – UNL Dairy Store – University of Nebraska-Lincoln |publisher= UNL Dairy Store, University of Nebraska-Lincoln |access-date=April 30, 2015}} and Mueller Planetarium on the city campus.{{cite web |url=http://museum.unl.edu/museum_info/planetarium.html |title=Visitor Information – Mueller Planetarium |publisher=University of Nebraska State Museum |access-date=April 30, 2015 |archive-date=May 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509101149/http://museum.unl.edu/museum_info/planetarium.html |url-status=dead }} The Nebraska State Capitol,{{cite web|url=http://capitol.nebraska.gov/visit |title=Explore the Building and Plan a Visit – Nebraska State Capitol – Lincoln, NE |publisher=capitol.nebraska.gov |access-date=April 30, 2015}} which is also the tallest building in Lincoln,{{cite web |url=http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/attorn/lmc/ti27/ch2756.pdf |title=Chapter 27.56 – Capitol Environs District – Lincoln Municipal Code |publisher=City of Lincoln, Nebraska |access-date=May 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224130630/https://lincoln.ne.gov/city/attorn/lmc/ti27/ch2756.pdf |archive-date=December 24, 2016 |url-status=dead }} offers tours.

The Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed preserves, interprets, and displays physical items significant in racing and automotive history.{{cite web|url=http://museumofamericanspeed.com/default.dlp|title=Museum of American Speed Home Page – Museum of American Speed|website=museumofamericanspeed.com|access-date=March 24, 2016|archive-date=March 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328075143/http://www.museumofamericanspeed.com/default.dlp|url-status=dead}} The National Museum of Roller Skating extends public knowledge of roller skating history and seeks to preserve its legacy for future generations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rollerskatingmuseum.org/about-us|title=About|website=National Museum of R}}

The city's public library system is Lincoln City Libraries, which has eight branches.{{cite web|url=http://lincolnlibraries.org/ |title=Hours, locations, and phone numbers |publisher=Lincoln City Libraries, Nebraska |access-date=August 2, 2014}} Lincoln City Libraries circulates more than three million items per year to the residents of Lincoln and Lancaster County. Lincoln City Libraries is also home to Polley Music Library and the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska authors.

{{see also|Nebraska Cornhuskers|Nebraska Cornhuskers football}}

File:091507-USCNeb-MemorialStadium.jpg]]

Lincoln is home to the University of Nebraska's sports teams, the Cornhuskers. In total, the university fields 22 men's and women's teams in 14 NCAA Division I sports.{{cite web |url=https://www.ncaa.com/schools/nebraska |title= University of Nebraska |website=NCAA

|publisher=Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. |access-date=September 16, 2019}} Nebraska football began play in 1890.{{cite web|url=http://www.huskers.com//pdf5/40179.pdf?ATCLID=2722&SPSID=8&SPID=22&DB_OEM_ID=100|title=Husker Football History|access-date=September 6, 2016|publisher=Huskers.com|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213658/http://www.huskers.com//pdf5/40179.pdf?ATCLID=2722&SPSID=8&SPID=22&DB_OEM_ID=100|url-status=dead}} Of the 128 Division I-A football teams, Nebraska is one of nine to have won 900 or more games.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2019-09-22/college-footballs-9-winningest-teams|title=College football's 9 winningest teams | NCAA.com|website=www.ncaa.com}} Notable coaches include Tom Osborne and Bob Devaney. Devaney coached from 1962 to 1972; the university's indoor arena, the Bob Devaney Sports Center, is named for him. Osborne coached from 1972 to 1997.

Other sports teams are the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves, an NCAA Division III University;{{cite web |url=https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/student-life/athletics/become-prairie-wolf |title=Become a Prairie Wolf |publisher=Nebraska Wesleyan University |access-date=September 16, 2019}} the Lincoln Saltdogs, an American Association independent minor league baseball team;{{cite web|url=http://www.saltdogs.com/ |title=Lincoln Saltdogs |website=Lincoln Saltdogs |publisher=NEBCO, Inc. |access-date=September 16, 2019}} the Lincoln Stars, a USHL junior ice hockey team;{{cite web|url=http://lincolnstars.com/history/ |title=Lincoln Stars Junior Hockey Club |publisher=Lincoln Stars Hockey |access-date=August 2, 2014 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} and the No Coast Derby Girls, a member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association.{{cite web|url=http://nocoastderbygirls.com/?page_id=3040 |title=About – No Coast Derby Girls |publisher=No Coast Derby Girls |access-date=August 2, 2014}}

Lincoln Airpark hosts SCCA Solo Nationals each September.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-19 |title=PROGRAMS - Autocross |url=https://www.scca.com/pages/autocross |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=Sports Car Club of America |language=en}}

{{Main|Parks in Lincoln, Nebraska}}{{multiple image

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Lincoln has an extensive park system, with over 131 individual parks{{cite web|url=http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/parksfacilities/index.htm |title= Lincoln Parks & Recreation – Parks and Facilities |publisher=Lincoln Parks & Recreation |access-date=October 27, 2018}} connected by a {{convert|248|mi|km|abbr=on}} system of recreational trails, a {{convert|2.3|mi|km|abbr=on}} system of bike lanes and a {{convert|1.3|mi|km|abbr=on}} system of cycle tracks.{{cite web |url=https://www.lincolnbikeplan.com/maps-and-documents/ |title=On-Street Bicycle Facilities Plan - Maps and Documents |website=LincolnBikePlan |publisher=City of Lincoln, Nebraska, with Felsburg Holt & Ullevig |access-date=October 27, 2018}} The MoPac Trail is a bicycling, equestrian and walking trail built on an abandoned Missouri Pacific Railroad corridor which runs for {{convert|27|mi|km}} from the University of Nebraska's Lincoln campus eastward to Wabash, Nebraska.{{cite web|last1=Stark|first1=Laura|title=Nebraska's MoPac Trail East and West|url=http://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2015/may/12/nebraskas-mopac-trail-east-and-west/|website=Rails to trails conservancy|date=May 12, 2015 |access-date=September 6, 2016}}

Regional parks include Antelope Park from S. 23rd and "N" Streets to S. 33rd Street and Sheridan Boulevard,{{cite web |url=http://lincoln.ne.gov/maps/parks/antc.htm |title=Lincoln Parks & Recreation – Parks – Antelope |publisher=Lincoln Parks & Recreation |access-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-date=September 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903235447/http://lincoln.ne.gov/maps/parks/antc.htm |url-status=dead }} Bicentennial Cascade Fountain,{{cite web |url=http://lincolnpublicart.joshuathorne.com/?public-art-inventory=bicentennial-cascade-fountain |title=Bicentennial Cascade Fountain – Lincoln Public Art Inventory |publisher=Lincoln Arts Council |access-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723083715/http://lincolnpublicart.joshuathorne.com/?public-art-inventory=bicentennial-cascade-fountain |archive-date=July 23, 2015 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} Hamann Rose Garden,{{cite web|url=http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/parksfacilities/publicgardens/hamannrose/ |title=Lincoln Parks & Recreation – Hamann Rose Garden |publisher=Lincoln Parks & Recreation |access-date=November 29, 2013}} Lincoln Children's Zoo,{{cite web|url=http://www.lincolnzoo.org/ |title=Children's Zoo, Camps – Lincoln NE |publisher=Lincoln Children's Zoo |access-date=August 3, 2014}} Veterans Memorial Garden,{{cite web|url=http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/parksfacilities/publicgardens/veterans/index.htm |title= Lincoln Parks & Recreation |publisher=Lincoln Parks & Recreation |access-date=August 3, 2014}} and Holmes Park at S. 70th Street and Normal Boulevard.{{cite web |url=http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/maps/parks/holmes.htm |title=Lincoln Parks & Recreation – Parks – Holmes |publisher=Lincoln Parks & Recreation |access-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-date=September 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903235447/http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/maps/parks/holmes.htm |url-status=dead }} Pioneers Park includes the Pioneers Park Nature Center at S. Coddington Avenue and W. Calvert Streets.{{cite web |url=http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/maps/parks/pioneers.htm |title=Lincoln Parks & Recreation – Parks – Pioneers & Golf Course |publisher=Lincoln Parks & Recreation |access-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-date=September 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903235447/http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/maps/parks/pioneers.htm |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/naturecenter/ |title= Lincoln Parks & Recreation – Pioneers Park Nature Center |publisher=Lincoln Parks & Recreation |access-date=August 3, 2014}}

Community parks include Ballard Park, Bethany Park, Bowling Lake Park, Densmore Park, Erwin Peterson Park, Fleming Fields, Irvingdale Park, Mahoney Park, Max E. Roper Park, Oak Lake Park, Peter Pan Park, Pine Lake Park, Sawyer Snell Park, Seacrest Park, Tierra Briarhurst, University Place Park and Woods Park.{{cite web |url=http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/maps/parks/alpha.htm |title=Lincoln Parks & Recreation – Parks – Alphabetical List |publisher=Lincoln Parks & Recreation |access-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808164405/https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/Maps/PARKS/alpha.htm |url-status=dead }}

Other notable parks include Iron Horse Park,{{cite web |url=https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/Maps/PARKS/ironh.htm |title=Lincoln Parks & Recreation – Parks – Iron Horse |publisher=Lincoln Parks & Recreation |access-date=August 4, 2014 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808054054/https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/Maps/PARKS/ironh.htm |url-status=dead }} Lincoln Community Foundation Tower Square,{{cite news |last=Hicks |first=Nancy |date=June 18, 2014 |title=Hicks: Civic Plaza at 13th and P to get new name |url=http://journalstar.com/news/local/hicks-civic-plaza-at-th-and-p-to-get-new/article_d4078577-f6ed-5edb-b065-dc48b05a8c51.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=October 17, 2015}} Nine Mile Prairie owned by the University of Nebraska Foundation,{{cite web |url=http://snr.unl.edu/aboutus/where/fieldsites/ninemileprairie.asp |title=Nine Mile Prairie – School of Natural Resources – University of Nebraska-Lincoln |publisher=School of Natural Resources, UNL |access-date=February 3, 2014 |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222031119/http://snr.unl.edu/aboutus/where/fieldsites/ninemileprairie.asp |url-status=dead }} Sunken Gardens, Union Plaza,{{cite web |url=http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/pworks/projects/antelope/const/unionplz/ |title=Interlinc: Antelope Valley – Union Plaza |publisher=City of Lincoln, Nebraska |access-date=December 10, 2013 |archive-date=December 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213224530/http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/pworks/projects/antelope/const/unionplz/ |url-status=dead }} and Wilderness Park.{{cite web |url=http://lincoln.ne.gov/maps/parks/wildrns.htm |title=Lincoln Parks & Recreation – Parks – Wilderness |publisher=Lincoln Parks & Recreation |access-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-date=September 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903235447/http://lincoln.ne.gov/maps/parks/wildrns.htm |url-status=dead }} Smaller neighborhood parks are scattered throughout the city. Additionally, there are five public recreation centers, nine outdoor public pools and five public golf courses not including private facilities in Lincoln.

{{see also|List of mayors of Lincoln, Nebraska}}

File:County-City Building, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.jpg

Lincoln has a mayor–council government. The mayor and a seven-member city council are selected in nonpartisan elections. Four members are elected from city council districts; the remaining three members are elected at-large.{{cite web|url=http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/council/members.htm |title=InterLinc – City Council Members |publisher=City of Lincoln, Nebraska |access-date=August 2, 2014}} Lincoln's health, personnel, and planning departments are joint city/county agencies; most city and Lancaster County offices are in the County/City Building. The most recent city general election was held on May 2, 2023.{{cite web |title=May 2, 2023 Lincoln City General Election Results |url=https://www.lancaster.ne.gov/1376/May-2-2023-Lincoln-City-General-Election |access-date=February 17, 2025 |publisher=Lancaster County, Nebraska}}

Since Lincoln is the state capital, many Nebraska state and United States Government offices are in Lincoln. The city lies within the Lincoln Public Schools school district.{{cite web|url=http://www.lps.org/about/districtmap/2013-08-22/highschool.pdf |title=Lincoln Public Schools 2013–2014 High School Attendance Areas |publisher=Lincoln Public Schools, Nebraska |access-date=August 2, 2014}} The Lincoln Fire and Rescue Department shoulders the city's fire fighting and emergency ambulatory services while private companies provide non-emergency medical transport{{cite news |last=Andersen |first=Mark |date=October 25, 2011 |title=New oversight for Lincoln-area ambulance service |url=http://journalstar.com/news/local/new-oversight-for-lincoln-area-ambulance-service/article_19bb31ed-127a-5854-a9e9-177c3227d1ae.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=October 17, 2015}} and volunteer fire fighting units support the city's outlying areas.{{cite web|url=https://lincoln.ne.gov/city/fire/maid/pdf/bound.pdf |title=Lancaster County Rural Fire Districts |publisher=Lincoln/Lancaster County Planning Department, Nebraska |access-date=March 5, 2015}}

File:Lincoln Public School District Office (new), Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.jpg

Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) is the public school district which includes the majority of the city limits.{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st31_ne/schooldistrict_maps/c31109_lancaster/DC20SD_C31109.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Lancaster County, NE|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|accessdate=2022-11-27}} It includes eight traditional high schools: Lincoln High, East, Northeast, Northwest, North Star, Southeast, Southwest, and Standing Bear. LPS is also home to special interest high school programs, including the Arts and Humanities Focus Program, the Bryan Community School, The Career Academy and the Science Focus Program (Zoo School). Other programs include the Pathfinder Education Program, the Yankee Hill Program{{cite web |url=http://www.lps.org/about/highschools.html |title=High Schools / Specialty Programs |website=About Lincoln Public Schools |publisher=Lincoln Public Schools, Nebraska |access-date=February 13, 2018}} and the Lincoln Air Force JROTC.{{cite web |url=https://wp.lps.org/afjrotc/ |title=Lincoln Air Force JROTC |website=Lincoln Public Schools Website |publisher=Lincoln Public Schools, Nebraska |access-date=February 13, 2018}}

Some outerlying sections of Lincoln are in other school districts: Norris School District 160 and Waverly School District 145.

There are several private parochial elementary and middle schools throughout the community.{{cite web |url=http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/main/ed_proch.htm |title=InterLinc – Education – Parochial & Private Schools |publisher=City of Lincoln, Nebraska |access-date=August 2, 2014 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808053343/http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/main/ed_proch.htm |url-status=dead }} Like Lincoln Public Schools, these schools are broken into districts, but most will allow attendance outside of boundary lines. Lincoln's private high schools are College View Academy, Lincoln Christian, Lincoln Lutheran, Parkview Christian School and Pius X High School.

Lincoln has twelve colleges and universities. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the main campus of the University of Nebraska system, is the largest university in Nebraska, with 20,830 undergraduate, 4,426 postgraduate students and 564 professionals enrolled in 2018. Out of the 25,820 enrolled, 2,187 undergraduate and 1,040 postgraduate students/professionals were international. With 135 countries outside of the U.S. represented, the five countries with the highest international enrollment were China, India, Malaysia, Oman and Rwanda.{{cite web|url=https://iea.unl.edu/publications/fb18_19.pdf|title=University of Nebraska–Lincoln Factbook 2018–2019|publisher=University of Nebraska-Lincoln|access-date=June 6, 2019|location=Lincoln, NE}}

Nebraska Wesleyan University, as of 2020, has 1,924 undergraduate and 151 postgraduate students.{{cite web |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/nebraska-wesleyan-university-2555/student-life |title=Nebraska Wesleyan University Student Life |department=Education |website=U.S. News & World Report |publisher=U.S. News & World Report LP |access-date=July 2, 2022}} The school teaches in the tradition of a liberal arts college education. It remains affiliated with the United Methodist Church.{{cite web |url=http://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu |title=About NWU – Nebraska Wesleyan University |publisher=Nebraska Wesleyan University |access-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809073003/http://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu |archive-date=August 9, 2014 |url-status=dead }} Union Adventist University is a private Seventh-day Adventist four-year coeducational college with 911 students enrolled 2013–14.{{cite web |url=https://uau.edu/ |title=Union Adventist University |website=Union Adventist University |access-date=January 9, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ucollege.edu/about-us |title=Welcome to Union College – Union College |publisher=Union College |access-date=August 3, 2014}}

Bryan College of Health Sciences offers undergraduate degrees in nursing and other health professions; a Masters in Nursing; a Doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia practice, as well as certificate programs for ancillary health professions.{{cite web|url=http://www.bryanhealth.com/AbouttheCollege |title=About the College Lincoln, Nebraska (NE) – Bryan Health |publisher=Bryan Health |access-date=August 3, 2014}} Universities with satellite locations in Lincoln are Bellevue University,{{cite web |url=https://www.bellevue.edu/about/at-a-glance/locations/lincoln/ |title=Lincoln – Bellevue University |publisher=Bellevue University |access-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506222200/http://www.bellevue.edu/about/at-a-glance/locations/lincoln/ |archive-date=May 6, 2015 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} Concordia University (Nebraska){{cite web |url=http://www.cune.edu/resources/docs/Campus/Lincoln-site-FALLBROOK_Map_latest.pdf |title=Concordia University Nebraska College of Graduate Studies |publisher=Concordia University, Nebraska |access-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923211915/http://www.cune.edu/resources/docs/Campus/Lincoln-site-FALLBROOK_Map_latest.pdf |url-status=dead }} and Doane University.{{cite web |url=http://www.doane.edu/campus-map-lincoln |title=Campus Map – Lincoln |publisher=Doane University |access-date=May 30, 2016 |archive-date=May 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515035554/http://www.doane.edu/campus-map-lincoln |url-status=dead }} Lincoln also hosts the College of Hair Design and Joseph's College of Cosmetology.{{cite web |url=http://www.collegeofhairdesign.com/about/ |title=College of Hair Design – About Us |publisher=College of Hair Design |access-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808043809/http://www.collegeofhairdesign.com/about/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.josephscollege.edu/AboutUs.aspx |title=About Us – Joseph's College – Cosmetology |publisher=Joseph's College |access-date=August 3, 2014}}

Southeast Community College is a community college system in southeastern Nebraska, with three campuses in Lincoln and an enrollment of 9,505 students as of spring 2024. The two-year Academic Transfer program is popular among students who want to complete their general education requirements before they enroll in a four-year institution. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the most popular transfer location.{{cite web |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/community-colleges/southeast-community-college-area-CC07954 |title=Southeast Community College Area Overview |department=Education |website=U.S. News & World Report |publisher=U.S. News & World Report LP |access-date=October 17, 2015}}{{Cite web |title=SCC Sees 12% Spring Enrollment Increase |url=https://www.southeast.edu/about/news/spring-2024-enrollment-increase.php#:~:text=Southeast%20Community%20College%20achieved%20an,for%20the%202020%20Spring%20Semester. |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=www.southeast.edu}}

File:Nebraska Educational Telecommunications (NET), Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.jpg

Lincoln has four licensed broadcast full power television stations; and one serving the city, but licensed to an area outside its limits:{{cite web|url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?state=NE&call=&arn=&city=lincoln&chan=&cha2=69&serv=&type=0&facid=&asrn=&list=1&dist=&dlat2=&mlat2=&slat2=&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&size=9 |title=TV Query Results – Video Division (FCC) USA |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=August 2, 2014}}

• KSNB-TV (Channel 4; 4.1 DT) - NBC/MyNetworkTV affiliate{{cite news |last=Korbelik |first=Jeff |date=June 12, 2014 |title=KSNB-TV to become NBC affiliate |url=http://journalstar.com/entertainment/tv-radio/ksnb-tv-to-become-nbc-affiliate/article_c6b256a4-5b9b-5574-a3e9-fef365c2abb0.html |department=Ground Zero |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=October 17, 2015}}
• Ion Television affiliate 4.3
• KLKN (Channel 8; 8.1 DT) – ABC affiliate
• Grit affiliate 8.2
• Escape affiliate 8.3
• Laff affiliate 8.4{{cite web |url=http://www.klkntv.com/link/21529/channel-8-klkn-tv-81-and-82-program-schedule |title=Channel 8 KLKN-TV 8.1 and 8.2 Program Schedule - News; Weather and Sports for Lincoln, NE; KLKNTV.com |publisher=WorldNow & KLKN-TV |access-date=September 12, 2014 |archive-date=September 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909002950/http://www.klkntv.com/link/21529/channel-8-klkn-tv-81-and-82-program-schedule |url-status=dead }}
• KOLN (Channel 10; 10.1 DT) – CBS affiliate
• KSNB-TV Simulcast/NBC 10.2
• MeTV/MNTV 10.3{{cite web |url=http://www.1011now.com/home/misc/11045951.html |title=KOLN/KGIN Program Guide |publisher=Gray Digital Media |access-date=September 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827165406/http://www.1011now.com/home/misc/11045951.html |archive-date=August 27, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}
• KUON (Channel 12; 12.1 DT) – PBS affiliate, Nebraska Public Media Television flagship station
• NET-W (World) 12.2
• NET-C (Create) 12.3
• NET-K (PBS Kids) 12.4{{cite web |url=http://www.netnebraska.org/basic-page/other/net-television-network |title=Television Network - netnebraska.org |publisher=Nebraska Educational Telecommunications |access-date=June 6, 2017 |archive-date=September 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913215327/https://netnebraska.org/basic-page/other/net-television-network |url-status=dead }}
• KFXL (Channel 15; 51.1 DT) – Fox affiliate

The headquarters of Nebraska Public Media, which is affiliated with the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio, are in Lincoln.{{cite web|url=https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/ |title=Home: Nebraska Public Media |publisher=Nebraska Public Media |access-date=June 3, 2021}} The city has two low power digital TV stations in Lincoln area: including the translator KFDY-LD (simulcast of (KOHA-LD)) owned by Flood Communications of Nebraska LLC, including for main Spanish-language network affiliate Telemundo on 27.1, NCN (Ind.) on 27.2, and religious network affiliate 3ABN on 27.3 in Lincoln area only, on virtual channel 27, digital channel 27; and another low power digital KCWH-LD on CW+ affiliate, owned by Gray on channel 18.1 included sub-channels like Ion on 18.2, and CBS (Simulcast of KOLN) on 18.3.

File:US Navy 110906-N-CI293-168 Rear Adm. Douglas J. McAneny, commandant of the National War College, is interviewed by Dennis Kellog of KLIN News Talk.jpg

There are 18 radio stations licensed in Lincoln, not including radio stations licensed outside of the city that serve the Lincoln area. Most areas of Lincoln also receive radio signals from Omaha and other surrounding communities.

FM stations include:{{cite web|url=https://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?call=&fileno=&state=NE&city=lincoln&freq=0.0&fre2=107.9&serv=&status=&facid=&asrn=&class=&list=0&ThisTab=Results+to+This+Page%2FTab&dist=&dlat2=&mlat2=&slat2=&NS=N&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&EW=W&size=9 |title=FM Query Results – Audio Division (FCC) USA |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=January 30, 2020}}

• KLCV (88.5) – Religious talk
• KZUM (89.3) – Independent Community Radio
• KRNU (90.3) – Alternative / College radio UNL
• KUCV (91.1) – National Public Radio
• K220GT (91.9) – Contemporary Christian
• K233AN (94.5) – Top 40
• KNNA-LP (95.7) – Christian
• K255CS (98.9) – Christian
• KFOR (101.5) – News/Talk
• KLMS (103.3) – Hot AC
• KLNC (105.3) – Classic Rock
• KFRX (106.3) – Top-40
• K294DJ (106.7) – Christian
• KBBK (107.3) – Hot AC
• KJTM-LP (107.9) – Contemporary Christian

AM stations include:{{cite web|url=https://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/amq?call=&arn=&state=NE&city=lincoln&freq=530&fre2=1700&type=0&facid=&class=&list=1&ThisTab=Results+to+This+Page%2FTab&dist=&dlat2=&mlat2=&slat2=&NS=N&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&EW=W&size=9 |title=AM Query Results – Audio Division (FCC) USA |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=January 30, 2020}}

• KFOR (1240) – News/Talk
• KLIN (1400) – News/Talk
• KLMS (1480) – HOT AC

The Lincoln Journal Star is the city's major daily newspaper.{{cite web|url=http://journalstar.com/services/about-us/?fn |title=About the Lincoln Journal Star – Services |publisher=journalstar.com |access-date=August 2, 2014}} The Daily Nebraskan is the official monthly magazine of the University of Nebraska's Lincoln campus and The DailyER is the university's biweekly satirical paper.{{cite news |last1=Moore |first1=Jessica |date=April 19, 2017 |title=The Daily Nebraskan to replace biweekly newspaper with monthly magazine |url=http://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/the-daily-nebraskan-to-replace-biweekly-newspaper-with-monthly-magazine/article_eb1cb09e-24af-11e7-be18-37098b8e3b1f.html |newspaper=Daily Nebraskan |location=University of Nebraska Lincoln |access-date=January 27, 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://thedailyer.com/about/ |title=The DailyER - About |publisher=DailyER |access-date=January 27, 2018}} Other university newspapers include the Reveille, the official periodical campus paper of Nebraska Wesleyan University and the Clocktower, the official weekly campus paper of Union College.{{cite web |url=http://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/academics/academic-departments-and-programs/english-department |title=English Department – Nebraska Wesleyan University |publisher=Nebraska Wesleyan University |access-date=March 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316120814/http://nebrwesleyan.edu/academics/academic-departments-and-programs/english-department |archive-date=March 16, 2015 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://www.ucollege.edu/about-us |title=About Union College |website=The Clocktower |publisher=Union College Associated Student Body |access-date=October 17, 2015}}

Lincoln is served by Interstate 80 via seven interchanges, connecting the city to San Francisco in the west and Teaneck, New Jersey in the New York City metropolitan area in the east.{{cite web|url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/interstate_highway_system/routefinder/table01.cfm?redirect |title=FHWA Route Log and Finder List: Table 1 – Interstate System – Design – FHWA |publisher=Federal Highway Administration |access-date=December 3, 2013}} Other Highways that serve the Lincoln area are Interstate 180, U.S. Route 6, U.S. Highway 34, U.S. Highway 77 and nearby Nebraska Highway 79. The eastern segment of Nebraska Highway 2 is a primary trucking route that connects the Kansas City metropolitan area (Interstate 29) to the I-80 corridor in Lincoln.{{cite web|url=http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/projects/south-beltway/docs/12-2013-project-update-sheet.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402162438/http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/projects/south-beltway/docs/12-2013-project-update-sheet.pdf |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |title=Nebraska Department of Roads – Lincoln South Beltway – As of December 2013 |publisher=Nebraska Department of Roads |access-date=March 4, 2015 |url-status=dead }} A few additional minor State Highway segments are located within the city as well.{{cite web |url=http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/maps/docs/county%20maps/pdfs/cntylanc.pdf |title=General Highway Map, Lancaster County, Nebraska |publisher=Nebraska Department of Roads |access-date=November 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002345/http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/maps/docs/county%20maps/pdfs/cntylanc.pdf |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

A public bus transit system, StarTran, operates in Lincoln. StarTran's fleet consists of 67 full-sized buses and 13 Handi-Vans. The transit system has 18 bus routes, with a circular bus route downtown. Annual ridership for the fiscal year 2017–18 was 2,463,799.{{cite web |url=https://lincoln.ne.gov/city/pworks/startran/fact-sheet.htm |title=StarTran Bus Service Fact Sheet |website=InterLinc |publisher=City of Lincoln, Nebraska |access-date=October 18, 2018 |archive-date=October 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019041240/https://lincoln.ne.gov/city/pworks/startran/fact-sheet.htm |url-status=dead }}

StarTran also offers a door-to-door van service called VANLNK to customers with the mobile app. The service has vehicles that are smaller than StarTran's buses. Departures can only be in the Lincoln city limits, and the service is a shared-ride service, meaning it optimizes trips to carry people along routes on the same schedule. All VANLNK vehicles are accessible by disabled people using lifts and ramps. However, although service animals are allowed, non-service animals must be on a pet carrier.{{Cite web |title=VANLNK - StarTran On-Demand Service |url=https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/LTU/StarTran/Apps/VANLNK |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=www.lincoln.ne.gov |language=en-US}}

File:Lincoln Airport (Neb., USA) - New Terminal 2023.jpg

The Lincoln Airport (KLNK/LNK) provides passengers with daily non-stop service to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and Denver International Airport. General aviation support is provided through several private aviation companies.{{cite web|url=http://www.lincolnairport.com/general-aviation/pilot-charter-services/ |title=Pilot & Charter Services – Lincoln Airport |publisher=The Lincoln Airport Authority, Nebraska |access-date=November 27, 2013}} The Lincoln Airport was among the emergency landing sites for the NASA Space Shuttle.{{cite web |title=Final Airport Master Plan |url=https://lincolnairport.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Lincoln-Master-Plan.pdf |publisher=Lincoln Airport |page=3-15|date=August 2007|access-date=June 4, 2024}} The site was chosen chiefly because of a {{convert|12,901|ft|m}} runway; the longest of three at the airport.{{cite web |url=http://www.gcr1.com/5010web/airport.cfm?Site=LNK&AptSecNum=3&SpecRWYid=1730434 |title=AirportIQ 5010 – Runway Information – 18/36 |publisher=GCR Inc. |access-date=April 6, 2015 |archive-date=April 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414142847/http://www.gcr1.com/5010web/airport.cfm?Site=LNK&AptSecNum=3&SpecRWYid=1730434 |url-status=dead }}

Lincoln is served by both Express Arrow and Burlington Trailways for regional bus service between Omaha, Denver and points beyond.{{cite web |url=http://expressarrow.com/route-schedules/ |title=route schedules |website=Express Arrow |publisher=Patrick Casey Design |access-date=May 9, 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://documentstndot.s3.amazonaws.com/NDOR_Documents/LOIBPublicMeeting2020Round3.pdf |title=Lincoln/Omaha Intercity Bus Feasibility Study |date=February 2020 |website=Nebraska Public Transit |publisher=Nebraska Department of Transportation |access-date=February 25, 2020}} Megabus, in partnership with Windstar Lines, provides bus service between Lincoln and Chicago with stops in Omaha, Des Moines, Iowa City and Moline.{{cite news |last1=Olberding |first1=Matt |date=February 21, 2017 |title=Megabus bringing service to Lincoln on March 1 |url=http://journalstar.com/business/local/megabus-bringing-service-to-lincoln-on-march/article_25fd4cec-88db-5b92-85e5-b84f8578b891.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=March 2, 2017}}

Amtrak provides service to Lincoln station, operating its California Zephyr daily in each direction between Chicago and Emeryville, California, using BNSF's Lincoln – Denver route through Nebraska.{{Cite web|url=https://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=am/am2Station/Station_Page&code=LNK|title=Lincoln, NE Train Station (LNK) {{!}} Amtrak|website=www.amtrak.com|access-date=September 7, 2016}} The city is an Amtrak crew-change point.{{cite news |last1=Olberding |first1=Matt |date=January 20, 2017 |title=Amtrak wants to move 21 employees from Denver to Lincoln |url=http://journalstar.com/business/local/amtrak-wants-to-move-employees-from-denver-to-lincoln/article_7c380232-8cbd-5143-b8f2-1d37877f7bad.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=February 3, 2017}}

Rail freight travels coast-to-coast, to and through Lincoln via BNSF Railway, the Union Pacific Railroad, Lincoln's own Omaha, Lincoln and Beatrice Railway Company and an Omaha Public Power District rail line.{{cite web|url=http://www.olbrailway.com/ |title=OL&B Railway – Home |publisher=NEBCO |access-date=November 27, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.oppd.com/media/158313/official-statement-12_22_14.pdf |title=Omaha Public Power District (Nebraska) |publisher=Omaha Public Power District |access-date=March 4, 2014}} Lincoln was once served by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad (Rock Island), the Missouri Pacific Railroad (MoPac) and the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company (C&NW). The abandoned right-of-way of these former railroads have since been turned into bicycle trails.{{cite web |url=http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/pworks/rtsd/background.htm |title=lincoln.ne.gov – RTSD – Background |publisher=Lincoln.ne.gov |access-date=November 27, 2013 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203060925/http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/pworks/rtsd/background.htm |url-status=dead }}

Lincoln has a third-generation dock-based bike share program that began in mid-April 2018, called BikeLNK. The first phase of the program included 19 docks and 100 bicycles, scattered throughout downtown and around the UNL City, UNL East & Nebraska Innovation campuses.{{cite news |last1=Salter |first1=Peter |date=April 12, 2018 |title=Rolling start: What you need to know about Lincoln's rental bikes |url=http://journalstar.com/news/local/rolling-start-what-you-need-to-know-about-lincoln-s/article_3ee119cb-50c9-5d9a-b617-c3ca6c57029c.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=April 13, 2018}} A second phase in 2019 increased the number of docks to 21, total bicycles to 105 and expanded to a location outside of downtown.{{cite news |last1=Salter |first1=Peter |date=February 24, 2019 |title=On a roll: Bike-share program expanding in second year |url=https://journalstar.com/news/local/on-a-roll-bike-share-program-expanding-in-second-year/article_c318937c-f0c5-5fb9-beca-f29d1c4f36cc.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=May 4, 2019}} Lincoln also has a fleet of commercial pedicabs that operates in the downtown area.{{cite web |url=http://lincolnpedalpushers.com/ |title=Lincoln Pedal Pushers |publisher=Pedalpushers |access-date=May 7, 2019 |archive-date=May 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507233846/http://lincolnpedalpushers.com/ |url-status=dead }}

In 2016, 80.5 percent of working Lincoln residents commuted by driving alone, 9.6 percent carpooled, 1.1 percent used public transportation, and 3.1 percent walked. About 2.4 percent used all other forms of transportation, including taxis, bicycles, and motorcycles as well as ride-sharing services such as Lyft and Uber which entered the Lincoln market in the summer of 2014. About 3.3 percent worked at home.{{cite web|publisher=Census Reporter|title=Means of Transportation to Work by Age|access-date=May 6, 2018|url=https://censusreporter.org/data/table/?table=B08101&geo_ids=16000US3128000&primary_geo_id=16000US3128000}}

In 2015, 6.3 percent of city of Lincoln households were without a car, which decreased slightly to 5.8 percent in 2016. The national average was 8.7 percent in 2016. Lincoln averaged 1.78 cars per household in 2016, compared to a national average of 1.8 per household.{{cite journal|title=Car Ownership in U.S. Cities Data and Map|journal=Governing|date=December 9, 2014 |url=http://www.governing.com/gov-data/car-ownership-numbers-of-vehicles-by-city-map.html|access-date=May 6, 2018}}

Power in Lincoln is provided by the Lincoln Electric System (LES). The LES service area covers {{convert|200|sqmi|km2}}, serving Lincoln and several other communities outside of the city. A public utility,{{cite web |url=http://www.les.com/about-les/mission-background |title=Mission and Background |publisher=Lincoln Electric System |access-date=March 3, 2015 |archive-date=March 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318001406/http://www.les.com/about-les/mission-background |url-status=dead }} LES's electric rates are the 8th lowest in the nation, according to a nationwide survey conducted by LES in 2018.{{cite web |url=http://www.les.com/pdf/rates/rate-survey.pdf |title=National Electric Rate Study |publisher=Lincoln Electric System |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-date=June 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610100718/http://www.les.com/pdf/rates/rate-survey.pdf |url-status=dead }} Current LES power supply resources are 35% oil and gas, 34% renewable and 31% coal.{{cite web |url=http://www.les.com/pdf/resource-library/key-facts.pdf |title=Key facts |date=December 2018 |publisher=Lincoln Electric System |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-date=June 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609071017/http://www.les.com/pdf/resource-library/key-facts.pdf |url-status=dead }} Renewable resources have increased with partial help from the addition of an LES-owned five Megawatt solar energy farm put into service June, 2016.{{cite news |last1=Bergin |first1=Nicholas |date=September 16, 2016 |title=LES dedicates solar park |url=http://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/les-dedicates-solar-park/article_4b931af7-02e2-515a-a541-46416fb6ed29.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=February 3, 2017}} The solar farm produces enough energy to power 900 homes.{{cite news |last1=Bergin |first1=Nicholas |date=August 19, 2016 |title=LES plans to dedicate solar park |url=http://journalstar.com/news/local/les-plans-to-dedicate-solar-park/article_72d5e7bf-a12a-584a-b5f6-196f9938602f.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=February 3, 2017}} LES also owns two wind turbines in the northeast part of the city.{{cite news |last=Laukaitis |first=Algis |date=August 22, 2012 |title=LES to keep two wind turbines north of I-80 |url=http://journalstar.com/news/local/les-to-keep-two-wind-turbines-north-of-i/article_8a252d21-0769-59b1-8643-d0f65c71a4ec.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=October 17, 2015}}

Water in Lincoln is provided through the Lincoln Water System.{{cite web|url=https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/pworks/water/ |title=Lincoln Water System |publisher=City of Lincoln, Nebraska |access-date=March 3, 2015}} In the 1920s, the city of Lincoln undertook the task of building the Lincoln Municipal Lighting and Waterworks Plant (designed by Fiske & Meginnis). The building worked as the main hub for water from nearby wells and power in Lincoln for decades until it was replaced and turned into an apartment building.{{cite web|last1=Zimmer|first1=Edward F.|title=National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form — Municipal Lighting and Waterworks Plant|url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail?assetID=919c2b4b-e09e-4b74-88db-14291646ed21|website=National Park Service Gallery|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=13 September 2016}} Most of Lincoln's water originates from wells along the Platte River near Ashland, Nebraska.{{cite news |last=Hovey |first=Art |date=August 4, 2012 |title=Dry Platte River threatens Lincoln's water supply |url=http://journalstar.com/news/local/dry-platte-river-threatens-lincoln-s-water-supply/article_07570764-78c2-5f7b-a0c4-8a15bb084356.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=October 17, 2015}} Wastewater is in turn collected by the Lincoln Wastewater System. The city of Lincoln owns both systems.{{cite web |url=http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/pworks/waste/wstwater/ |title=Lincoln Wastewater System |publisher=City of Lincoln, Nebraska |access-date=March 3, 2015 |archive-date=March 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325065020/http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/pworks/waste/wstwater/ |url-status=dead }}

Natural gas is provided by Black Hills Energy.{{cite news |last=Olberding |first=Matt |date=July 13, 2008 |title=Black Hills will bring more jobs to Lincoln, state |url=http://journalstar.com/business/black-hills-will-bring-more-jobs-to-lincoln-state/article_c77a604d-67fb-517b-96e8-5a3e679a078e.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=October 17, 2015}}

Landline telephone service has had a storied history within the regional Lincoln area with the Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph Company, founded in 1880. In its history, LT&T introduced the first rotary dial telephone exchange in the U.S. in 1904; the first Radiotelephone in 1946; and piloted the first 911 system in the nation in 1968.{{Cite episode |title=Final Call for Lincoln Telephone |url=https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/series-media/nebraska-stories-video/season-10-video-15886/final-call-for-lincoln-telephone-50007854/ |access-date=December 6, 2021 |series=Nebraska Stories |first=Kay |last=Hall |network=Public Broadcasting Service |station=Nebraska Public Media |date=January 31, 2019 |season=10 |minutes=4:30 |language=en-us}} Many years later, LT&T was renamed Aliant Communications and shortly thereafter merged in 1998 with Alltel.{{cite news |last=Fischer |first=Lawrence M. |date=December 19, 1998 |title=Alltel Buying Top Phone Company in Nebraska for $1.5 Billion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/19/business/alltel-buying-top-phone-company-in-nebraska-for-1.5-billion.html |department=Business Day |newspaper=New York Times |location=New York, NY |access-date=October 17, 2015}} In 2006, Windstream Communications was formed with the spinoff of Alltel and a merge with VALOR Communications Group.{{cite web |title=Company History |url=https://www.windstream.com/about |access-date=March 4, 2015 |publisher=Windstream Communications}} Windstream Communications provides telephone service both over VoIP and conventional telephone circuits to the Lincoln area.{{cite web|url=http://www.windstreambusiness.com/shop/products/ne/lincoln |title=Broadband High-Speed Internet Provider in Lincoln, NE 68502 |publisher=Windstream Communications |access-date=March 4, 2015}} Spectrum{{cite news |last1=Olberding |first1=Matt |date=November 15, 2016 |title=TWC becomes Charter Spectrum in Lincoln |url=http://journalstar.com/business/local/twc-becomes-charter-spectrum-in-lincoln/article_a2d2c5ef-e940-5a3e-85ef-ccfad65b3fd3.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=February 3, 2017}} offers telephone service over VoIP on their cable network.{{cite news |last=Hicks |first=Nancy |date=December 16, 2014 |title=Time Warner cries foul over city's Windstream proposal |url=http://journalstar.com/news/local/time-warner-cries-foul-over-city-s-windstream-proposal/article_600b627b-7835-59ea-b654-6f2361b767bc.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=October 17, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.timewarnercable.com/en/phone/features/phone-unlimited-calling.html?iid=phone_hero_unlimitedcalling_learnmore |title=Unlimited Calling — Time Warner Cable |publisher=Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC |access-date=March 4, 2015}} In addition, ALLO Communications provides telephone, television and internet service over their underground fiber network to all parts of the city.{{cite news |last=Hicks |first=Nancy |date=November 19, 2015 |title=Cable board likes service promises in ALLO contracts |url=http://journalstar.com/business/local/cable-board-likes-service-promises-in-allo-contracts/article_1fd964d7-d0ad-51e8-af2c-fd21809b4d7b.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=December 7, 2015}}{{cite news |last=Hicks |first=Nancy |date=December 7, 2015 |title=ALLO gets praise for bringing super fast Internet service to Lincoln |url=http://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/allo-gets-praise-for-bringing-super-fast-internet-service-to/article_1e247e98-c510-5054-b4b0-9a3398677d4c.html |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |location=Lincoln, NE |access-date=December 7, 2015}}

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Lincoln has three major hospitals within two health care systems serving the city: Bryan Health and CHI Health St. Elizabeth. Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital is a geriatric facility and a physical medicine & rehabilitation center. Lincoln has two specialty hospitals: Lincoln Surgical Hospital{{cite web |url=http://lincolnsurgery.com/about-lincoln-surgical-hospital |title=About Us |website=Lincoln Surgical Hospital |publisher=The Nunneley Group, LLC |access-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-date=November 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104222039/http://lincolnsurgery.com/about-lincoln-surgical-hospital/ |url-status=dead }} and the Nebraska Heart Institute.{{cite web |url=http://www.neheart.com/about-us/ |title=About Us |publisher=Nebraska Heart Institute |access-date=May 7, 2016}} A U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) is in Lincoln (Lincoln VA Clinic, part of the Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System).{{cite web |url=http://www.nebraska.va.gov/locations/Lincoln_CBOC.asp |title=Lincoln |website=VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System |publisher=U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |access-date=May 7, 2016}}

The Lincoln Police Department has just over 350 police officers. The police per capita rate is extremely low at 1.2 officers per 1,000 people (the average being 1.94), and the violent crime rate of 522 per 100,000 people. The department is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and was the first law enforcement agency in Nebraska to become so.

The LPD shares its headquarters with the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}

• Charles Starkweather
• List of people from Lincoln, Nebraska
• List of mayors of Lincoln, Nebraska
• History of Lincoln, Nebraska

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{cite book

|last1= Hayes

|first1= A.B.

|last2= Cox

|first2= Sam D.

|date= 1889

|title= 1889 History of the City of Lincoln, Nebraska

|url = https://archive.org/details/historycityoflin00haye

|publisher= State Journal Company

|ref = {{sfnRef|Hays & Cox}}

}}

• {{cite book

|last= McKee

|first= James L.

|date=1984

|title= Lincoln: The Prairie Capital

|publisher= Windsor Publications

|isbn= 0897811097

|ref = {{sfnRef|McKee}}

}}

• {{cite book

|last= McKee

|first= James L.

|date=2007

|title= Visions of Lincoln; Nebraska's Capital City in the Present, Past and Future

|publisher= TankWorks, LLC

|isbn= 978-0979879401

|ref = {{sfnRef|McKee2}}

}}

{{sister project links|collapsible=yes|voy=Lincoln (Nebraska)}}

• [http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/ Official website]

{{Lincoln, Nebraska}}

{{Lancaster County, Nebraska}}

{{Nebraska}}

{{United States state capitals}}

{{Midwestern United States}}

{{Abraham Lincoln}}

{{USPopulousCities}}

{{Nebraska county seats}}{{Portalbar|United States|Nebraska|North America|Geography|Cities}}{{Authority control}}

Category:Cities in Nebraska

Category:Cities in Lancaster County, Nebraska

Category:Populated places established in 1856

Category:County seats in Nebraska

Category:Lincoln, Nebraska metropolitan area

Category:Monuments and memorials to Abraham Lincoln in the United States

Category:History of Lincoln, Nebraska

Category:1856 establishments in Nebraska Territory

Category:Ukrainian communities in the United States

Category:State capitals in the United States