The Best College Town In Nebraska

Lincoln, the capital of Nebraska, was founded in 1856 as the village of Lancaster and renamed in 1869 in honor of President Abraham Lincoln. But it was the establishment of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) that earned the town’s status as the cultural, economic, and academic center of the Cornhusker State.

Today, Lincoln’s reputation as the best college town not only in Nebraska, but as one of the best in the entire Midwest, is well-deserved, cementing it as a top destination for students, scholars, and curious travelers.

The Founding and Growth of UNL

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln was founded in 1869, just two years after Nebraska became a state. Lincoln was chosen not only for its new-found status as the state capital, a role previously held by Omaha, but also for its central location within Nebraska. It was established as a land-grant institution under the Morrill Act of 1862. This aimed to provide accessible higher education with a focus on agriculture, engineering, and the mechanical arts.

The university’s early days were slow, beginning with just one poorly constructed building and a lack of quality education. Fast forward to today and the university enrolls around 23,600 students across various undergraduate and graduate programs every year. The university has also gone from strength-to-strength in terms of its academic successes, gaining national recognition for its prowess in agriculture, engineering, journalism, and business. In fact, UNL ranks among the top public universities in the country, and its research programs have received significant funding from the federal government.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has shaped the careers of many notable figures, including comedian Johnny Carson, literary naturalist Loren Eiseley, investor Warren Buffett, and tech entrepreneur Evan Williams. Carson, known for revolutionizing late-night television, honed his comedic skills at UNL before becoming the host of The Tonight Show. Buffett, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, studied business at UNL before later building his legendary investment empire. Its alumni span fields from science and art to business and entertainment, leaving a lasting impact on the world.

UNL’s Economic and Cultural Impact

UNL’s campus is located near downtown Lincoln, allowing for easy interaction between students and the local community, and continues to play a significant role in its economy and culture. In fact, the university contributes $3.1 billion in economic impact to Nebraska, one of the highest in the country, of which $2.4 billion is the result in direct spending by students and staff for housing, food, entertainment, and retail. Many businesses in Lincoln cater specifically to students and university faculty, and the city’s workforce benefits from the employment opportunities created by the university.

Culturally, the university influences Lincoln through athletics, arts, and community engagement. The Nebraska Cornhuskers football team is central to the city's identity, drawing up to 90,000 fans to Memorial Stadium on game days. The Sheldon Museum of Art, operated by the university, houses an extensive collection of American art. Meanwhile, events such as the Nebraska Lecture Series bring scholars and public figures to campus for discussions on history, science, and contemporary issues, most of them open to the public.

Traditions such as the Tunnel Walk, where the UNL football team enters the field to the cheers of thousands of fans, as well as the ringing of the Victory Bell after home wins, further emphasize the high regard the community has for the university. The annual Homecoming Parade and events like the Big Red Welcome play an important role in introducing new students to Lincoln and involve many participants from across the community.

Attractions and Landmarks on Campus

If you’re planning a visit to Lincoln, you’ll definitely want to include UNL on your travel itinerary. Topping the list of campus attractions is the University of Nebraska State Museum. Also known as Morrill Hall, it was founded in 1871 and features fascinating exhibits on the state’s natural history. A highlight is the famous Elephant Hall, it features displays of fossilized mammoths and exhibits about the dinosaurs that once roamed the area.

Another campus must-visit is the Sheldon Museum of Art. It’s hard to miss this world-class museum thanks to its modernist architecture. It is worth popping into for its collections of paintings from American artists such as Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe.

The campus is also home to the Lied Center for Performing Arts, a modern venue which hosts national touring productions, concerts, and lectures. Another notable site is the International Quilt Museum, home to the world’s largest publicly held quilt collection. For those interested in history, Love Library provides a glimpse into the university’s academic resources, while the Mueller Planetarium offers public astronomy shows.

Things To Do in Lincoln

Outside of campus, Lincoln offers several attractions that should be visited. Downtown Lincoln is a must-wander area, especially around the Historic Haymarket District. Once the center of town, this well-preserved zone features boutique shops and galleries like Clements Noyes Art Gallery—many of them housed in restored 19th century commercial buildings. Several excellent hotels in and around Haymarket are worth considering if you’re planning on staying. The Graduate Lincoln, a boutique hotel with a university-themed aesthetic, and The Kindler Hotel are both within easy walking distance of campus.

The star of Lincoln’s off-campus attractions, though, is the Nebraska State Capitol. Completed in 1932, this striking Art Deco structure is located to the south of the downtown and campus and can be toured. Be sure to check out the building’s 400-foot tall tower for spectacular panoramic views over the Capitol grounds.

The Sunken Gardens, a landscaped floral display maintained by the city, is a peaceful place to explore, while those traveling with kids will want to visit the nearby Lincoln Children's Zoo with its interactive exhibits and over 400 animal species. Pioneers Park is another great spot to wander and features hiking trails, a nature center, and bison grazing in protected areas.

The Final Word

Lincoln certainly stands out as Nebraska’s best college town, a title it has earned for its strong connection with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The university's economic impact, cultural contributions, and historic traditions have helped shape the city’s identity, while the city’s role as the state capital has likewise benefitted this academic powerhouse. From football Saturdays to academic conferences, UNL provides a foundation for community engagement, innovation, and local business growth, cementing its position as the best college town in Nebraska, and as one of the best in the country.