Facts for Kids

Lincoln is the capital city of the U.S. state of Nebraska! 🌽

It was founded in 1856 and is named after Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, who led the country during the Civil War. With a population of about 300,000 people, it's the second-largest city in Nebraska after Omaha. The city is known for its friendly vibe, beautiful parks, and historic sites! Famed for its vibrant culture, Lincoln hosts events like the annual Lincoln Arts Festival. 📅

Whether you're visiting museums, theaters, or outdoor spaces, there's always something fun to do in Lincoln!

Lincoln has around 300,000 residents, making it a diverse city! 🌍

About 70% of people in Lincoln identify as White, while 11% are Hispanic, 10% Black, and others are Asian or from multiple races. The city is home to many families, students, and professionals! 📚

Lincoln is known for being a welcoming place, with many people loving to help others. That's one reason why it has a friendly small-town feel, even in a larger city! The residents celebrate various cultural events, showcasing months like Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month, which brings everyone together! 🎉

Getting around Lincoln is easy! 🚍

The city has a public bus system called StarTran, which helps residents and visitors travel around town. 🚉

The streets are bike-friendly and have places to lock up bikes! Many people also like to walk, especially in neighborhoods and parks. Interstate 80 runs through Lincoln, connecting it to other cities like Omaha and Kearney. 🚗

Moreover, the Lincoln Airport allows air travel for those heading farther away! With these great transportation options, exploring Lincoln and all its fun attractions is simple! ✈

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Many famous people come from Lincoln! 🌟

One notable resident is Malcolm X, a civil rights leader who fought for African American equality. Another famous person is an author, Willa Cather, known for her beautiful books about life in Nebraska. 📚

Furthermore, in the sports world, there's a former NFL star, Eric Crouch! He won the Heisman Trophy in 2001, a big award for college football players! 🏈

These residents have left a mark on history, showing that Lincoln is a place full of talent and inspiration! So, who knows? You might be the next great talent from Lincoln! 🚀

Lincoln's story began in 1856 when it was called "Lancaster" and was a small settlement. 🏙

️ In 1867, the city was chosen to become the state capital of Nebraska. State leaders wanted a fresh start after moving from Omaha, which is in the eastern part of the state. The name was changed to honor President Abraham Lincoln, who had just been assassinated in 1865. By 1870, Lincoln had over 3,000 residents! As time passed, Lincoln grew into a bustling city with universities and rich history. The Old Lincoln Depot, an important landmark, still tells stories from the past! 🚂

Lincoln has many cool cultural attractions! 🎭

One of the most famous spots is the Sheldon Museum of Art. 🖼

️ It has over 12,000 works, including pieces by famous artists like Edward Hopper and Georgia O'Keeffe! The Nebraska State Capitol is another must-see, with its iconic tower, reaching 400 feet high! It’s one of the tallest capitols in the U.S. 🏛

️ Each year, Lincoln also celebrates the Haymarket District, full of shops, restaurants, and art. People love to visit the Lied Center for Performing Arts, where shows and concerts create fun memories! 🎶

Lincoln loves parks! 🌳

There are more than 130 parks to explore. One popular spot is Antelope Park, which features trails, a playground, and even a beautiful lake! 🛶

If you enjoy sports, you can try disc golf at the local courses or visit the Lincoln Parks and Recreation for sports leagues. Another great place is the Sunken Gardens, home to beautiful flowers and a tranquil atmosphere! 🌺

On nice days, families often picnic or play at the park, making memories outdoors! With so many activities, there are endless opportunities to explore nature in Lincoln! 🌼

Lincoln is located in southeastern Nebraska, surrounded by beautiful fields and rolling hills. 🌾

It's about 60 miles southwest of Omaha. The city experiences four distinct seasons! Winters can get quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing, while summers are warm and sometimes hot, with temperatures soaring over 90°F (32°C). 🌞

Rainfall spreads throughout the year, so it's always good to have an umbrella handy! Lincoln's average annual rainfall is around 30 inches (76 cm), helping to keep the green parks and fields vibrant and lively. 🌳

The economy of Lincoln is thriving! 🏢

The city is home to many companies and industries. A significant employer is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which has around 25,000 students! 🎓

Besides education, industries like healthcare, retail, and government create jobs for thousands. Lincoln is known for its low unemployment rate, which is usually around 3-4%. This means many people in Lincoln can find jobs! 🛍

️ Small businesses also play a big role, making the streets unique with local shops, restaurants, and services. So if you're ever in town, check out what local shops have to offer!

Lincoln is the center of Nebraska's government! 🏛

️ The Nebraska State Capitol building is located here and is home to the state legislature. Nebraska is unique because it has a unicameral legislature, which means it has only one house. This is different from most other states! 🌟

The city is run by a mayor and a city council, which help make decisions about schools, parks, and public services. Elections happen regularly, and citizens get to vote on important issues. Lincolnites are active in local politics, helping shape their community's future! 🗳

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Lincoln is famous for its excellent education system! 🏫

The Lincoln Public Schools district is the second-largest in Nebraska, serving over 40,000 students. It features more than 40 elementary schools! Additionally, there's the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, founded in 1869, which is one of the state's leading research universities. 🧑

‍🎓 Students from all over come to study there! With many libraries, museums, and cultural centers, learning is an adventure in Lincoln! 📚

The Lincoln Children's Museum provides fun, hands-on activities that help kids explore science and art! Learning is both fun and exciting here! 🎨