While a central location, affordability, meetings-equipped facilities and plenty of growth in recent years are top among the items that lure planners to book Lincoln for a Midwest meeting, there is a whole other list that makes them especially glad they did.
Following are the eight quintessential experiences that are representative of all that Nebraska’s intriguing capital city has to offer groups.
Incorporating one or more of these ideas into an itinerary will guarantee attendees a greater knowledge of their meeting host, as well as a good (and memorable) time.
Nebraska State Capitol
To visit the Nebraska State Capitol, says Derek Feyerherm, director of sales and operations for the Lincoln CVB, is to visit one of the 10 most beautiful capitols in the world, according to a vote by a group of 100 architects.
The capitol building, he adds, is the perfect place to begin an exploration of Lincoln, as its interior tells the area’s history through its stunning carvings, mosaics, paintings, sculpture and inscriptions.
The Nebraska State Capitol, a must-visit attraction when convening in Lincoln, also accommodates group receptions and meal functions in its on-site restaurant and open courtyards.
Billy’s Restaurant
Situated near the state capitol in the heart of downtown and housed in the elegant 1887 Noble-Dawes House, is Billy’s Restaurant, which Feyerherm says is a perfect spot for groups to experience fine food, fine wine and excellent service.
After a visit to the capitol, groups can share either lunch or dinner at Billy’s, which accommodates private dining and allows groups to book the entire restaurant.
The dinner menu includes crab cakes, baked stuffed mushrooms and sun-dried tomato hummus to start, and among the entrees are filet mignon, pistachio crusted salmon, rack of lamb and Moroccan chicken.
Speedway Sporting Village/Defy Gravity
The goal of this entertainment complex is to blend sports and the benefits they provide for people of all ages, including active groups that meet in Lincoln.
The Fieldhouse at Speedway Sporting Village has an indoor soccer field as well as a giant outdoor deck that overlooks the outdoor soccer stadium. Once completed this summer, the rest of the campus will have small football fields and a basketball and volleyball complex, Feyerherm adds.
“There will be activities going on all the time for people to watch or participate in,” he says, adding that both the Sporting Village and Defy Gravity accommodate group events and will do private bookings.
Defy Gravity, connected to the sporting village, is a facility with more than 12,000 square feet of trampolines. Here, groups can teambond over many jumping activities.
James Arthur Vineyards
Located just outside of Lincoln is the Raymond-based James Arthur Vineyards, the state’s largest winery, according to Jim Ballard, co-owner and wine maker.
“The winery provides a unique experience that is like no other in the Lincoln area,” he says. “Groups can taste wines, tour the vineyard, browse the gift shop and watch the wine-making process in action from our observation deck.”
The winery, located in an 8,000-square-foot building that houses the tasting room, gift shop and private party room, is a picturesque setting for any event, according to Ballard.
“We will customize experiences for each group,” he says, citing wine pairings, live music, wine-tasting receptions and five-course meals among the options.
Groups are also encouraged to simply relax over a bottle or two of wine outside on a spacious deck by the waterfall, or inside by the fireplace when the snow starts falling in the winter.
Memorial Stadium
College football fans in the group will be thrilled to visit Memorial Stadium, a venue they’ve certainly seen on television during football season. And for those who aren’t into sports, well, they’ll be just as impressed by the 90,000-seat stadium.
“It’s a must-see attraction for all individuals visiting Lincoln,” Feyerherm says. “Home to the Huskers, this stadium provides rich history as well as state-of-the-art fan interaction regarding Nebraska athletics.”
Included on the tour, groups will see the strength and conditioning complex where student athletes work out, numerous trophies on display, the Hawks Championship Center indoor practice facility, and, most exciting, the Tunnel Walk that the athletes charge through on game days.
Memorial Stadium and the Nebraska Cornhuskers hold the NCAA record for most consecutive sellouts, with each game sold out since 1962. Still, Feyerherm says there is a minimal amount of tickets available for each game if groups would like to try their luck by calling the Nebraska Ticket Office.
University of Nebraska State Museum
Also affiliated with the college (as well as the Smithsonian) is the University of Nebraska State Museum at Morrill Hall, one of the leading natural history museums in the Midwest, according to Dr. Priscilla Grew, the museum’s director.
“The museum’s iconic fossil is ‘Archie,’ the world’s tallest mounted Columbian mammoth, displayed in famous Elephant Hall with other fossil elephants that once roamed Nebraska,” she says, adding that other noteworthy exhibits include the Mesozoic gallery of ancient sea life, the Hall of Nebraska Wildlife and Bizarre Beasts, which features reconstructions of the strangest creatures that ever lived. “The Discovery Shop sells a wide range of natural history gifts.”
Groups can experience the museum through a self-guided tour, through a group reservation of a gallery program or fulldome show in the Mueller Planetarium, or if they rent the Elephant Hall for an after-hours reception.
The hall allows for standing receptions for about 180 people and seated dinners for up to 85 people.
Smith Collection Museum of American Speed
This museum, founded in 1992 by “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith, was formed to present a continuous chronology of automotive racing engine and speed equipment.
Feyerherm says tours are available to view this amazing collection throughout the week, and that the museum also accommodates private group events.
“They can accommodate meal functions for over 300 people on-site,” he says.
Lied Center for Performing Arts
Planners bringing a group to Lincoln should check out the calendar of events at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, where the entertaining options include Broadway shows, symphony orchestra performances, rock concerts, dance and plays.
“Few venues in Lincoln share the culture, prime location and breathtaking views that the Lied Center can provide for a special event,” says Carrie Christensen, spokeswoman for the venue, who cites the main stage auditorium, lobby and on-site theater among the center’s unique settings for group gatherings.
Centrally located between the university and downtown, and steps away from the Historic Haymarket, Christensen says the Lied is often described by guests as elegant and distinctive, yet friendly.
“Businesses looking to entertain their clients can hold a dinner at the Lied prior to treating their customers to a world-class performance,” she says. “Businesses that really want to add a special touch can sponsor a show, which often involves a meet-and-greet with artists, including photo opportunities.”
