With sculptures outside and countless galleries within, the Sheldon Museum of Art will challenge your view of the world in more ways than one. Sheldon Museum of Art prides itself on giving visitors new ways of looking at things, whether that’s a metallic sculpture of a tree or a particularly poignant painting. 

Since 1888, the Sheldon Museum of Art has served the University of Nebraska and broader Lincoln community by both housing the Sheldon Art Association’s collections as well as welcoming rotating collections from around the world.

Prepare to feel the need for speed – fans of race cars, engines and generally anything that goes fast will adore the Museum of American Speed. The museum has been in operation since 1992, and was established by Speedway Motors founder “Speedy” Bill Smith and his wife Joyce Smith. From classic hot rods to pedal cars, dragsters, and indy cars, the massive multi-level structure in Lincoln truly runs the gamut. More of a music buff than car connoisseur? You’re covered too. The museum even boasts a room with autographed guitars on the ceiling and album covers featuring various cars.  

If you’re looking to experience something entirely new while you’re in Lincoln, The International Quilt Study Center & Museum is home to the largest publicly held quilt collection in the world. First established in 1997, the museum has more than 4,000 quilts and objects, state-of-the-art research, storage space and large galleries. The center’s whole mission to collect, preserve and promote discovery of quilt-making traditions across cultures makes browsing the artful displays even more meaningful.  

Thought roller skating was only for the disco era? Established in 1980, the National Museum of Roller Skating was designed to bring roller skating and its history to the public eye. Today, the exhibits contain special artifacts dating all the way back to the early 19th century, as well as comprehensive looks at the sport throughout the years. In case your visit inspires you to get involved, the building conveniently doubles as USA Roller Sports, a.k.a. the national governing body of roller sports.  

When you think of Nebraska flora and fauna, you likely think corn fields—hence the Huskers. But what you’re missing is the Sunken Gardens, not only one of the best gardens in Nebraska but also among the most magnificent public gardens in the United States and Canada.

This 85-year-old annual display garden was actually once a neighborhood dump site. In 1930, waste was replaced with garden beds, creating one of Lincoln’s most memorable outdoor attractions. Meander the brick paths that wind through this 1.5 acre park past trees, shrubs, perennials, sculptures, and other garden displays.