Though there are beautiful public gardens throughout the country, only a select few are special enough to be rated as one of the “300 Best Gardens to Visit in the United States and Canada” by the National Geographic Guide to Public Gardens. Sunken Gardens in Lincoln, NE, is one of these unique places, and it’s sure to be a highlight of any visit to this beautiful capital city. Sunken Gardens in Lincoln is one of the city’s premier attractions, and it’s easy to see why.
This flower and garden lover’s paradise offers an exquisite break from the fast-paced surrounding city. Whether you’re looking for ways to connect with nature during your summer break or want to enjoy an afternoon filled with floral beauty, we have no doubt you’ll be impressed by the captivating beauty and meticulous design of Sunken Gardens in Lincoln, NE. It’s not just a one-visit destination, either, as Sunken Gardens features a new floral theme every year, featuring 30,000 annuals and a healthy range of perennials.
While visiting Sunken Gardens should be on any well-rounded itinerary for your visit to Lincoln, Nebraska, it’s just the start of attractions and activities you can enjoy here – especially during the summer! The city is home to the University of Nebraska State Museum, the Sheldon Museum of Art, with its stunning collection of American art, a diverse culinary scene featuring local breweries and farm-to-table dining, fantastic parks, great shopping, and so much there. There are plenty of things to do in Lincoln, NE, no matter what your personal interests are. That’s, at least partly, what makes it such a great destination to consider for your Midwest weekend getaways this summer.
The attractions may be what bring you to this vibrant city, but we think it’s the people you’ll encounter that will keep you here, especially the Innkeepers at our associated Nebraska Inns, Bed and Breakfasts, and boutique hotels. A myriad of experiences are waiting to be discovered in Nebraska, from the state’s scenic byways and historic sites to its vibrant metropolitan areas. Wherever your adventures take you this summer, consider staying at one of the Midwest’s top-rated Bed and Breakfasts. Our associated Inns span diverse states like Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota and truly offer some of the best places to stay in the Midwest. Book your getaway today!
Don’t Miss Sunken Gardens in Lincoln, NE
Though today, Sunken Gardens in Lincoln, NE, stands as one of the premier public gardens in the country, its history was not always quite so delightful. Before the garden was created in the early 1930s, the site where this garden masterpiece now sits was a neighborhood dumpsite. Rather than filling in the dumpsite, the 1.5-acre site was transformed into what you see today. Its status as a top botanical garden is well-deserved, largely thanks to the creativity of the design year after year but also due to the meticulous care and maintenance of this stunning attraction.
The annual garden, which changes every year and features 30,000 individual plants arranged in intricate patterns, is one of the many highlights of the Sunken Garden in Lincoln, NE. However, the annual garden isn’t the only part of this enchanting botanical paradise to visit. There are also a variety of distinct garden areas worth exploring, not to mention various water features and art installations to enjoy throughout.
The Perennial Garden showcases an entirely different array of plants, offering distinct seasons of blooms and beauty. This garden is on the upper level of Sunken Gardens and has been designed as an inspirational space filled with sun and shade plants for home gardeners. Don’t miss the White Garden, inspired by the famous garden at Sissinghurst Castle in England. Here, the focus is on plants with white blooms and silver foliage, creating a monochromatic yet richly textured landscape. It’s especially striking in the evening! This spot is also the perfect place for a few quiet, contemplative moments in nature.
Admission into Sunken Gardens in Lincoln is free, and you should plan to spend a few hours wandering amongst the blooms and exploring the different sections of the garden. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal times to visit. Not only are the crowds fewer than at midday, but the added drama from morning and afternoon light makes the garden experience much more magical. Additionally, guided tours can enrich your experience by offering deeper insights into the garden’s history, design, and horticultural practices.
Discover the Best Places to Stay in Nebraska
Whether you limit your vacation to the exciting and beautiful capital city of Lincoln or the vibrant metropolis of Omaha, or whether you get out into the wild prairie lands along the Platte River or the stunning Nebraska Sandhills, you’ll discover that the best places to stay in Nebraska are all right here, as members of the Midwest Association of Independent Inns. There are so many incredible things to do in Nebraska, and our collection of Inns, vacation rentals, boutique hotels, and Bed and Breakfasts would love nothing more than to serve as your home base for all your summer adventures.
Don’t just limit yourself to Nebraska, though. As magnificent as the Cornhusker State is, it’s just one of the many exciting destinations you have at your fingertips this summer. One of the top reasons to choose from our collection of Midwest Inns is because of our commitment to excellence. Each of our partner inns across the Midwest offers an unparalleled standard of excellence, and they do it while providing exceptional, personalized service. The lodging experience you’ll enjoy with our member Inns is far from the typical hotel stay.
Choose among these fantastic places to stay in Nebraska, and you’ll be guaranteed a clean, comfortable stay with first-class amenities and attention to detail. No matter your plans for exploring this summer, rely on us to provide the lodging. Experience the best of Nebraska, and book your stay at one of the top-rated places to stay today!
