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Nebraska State Capitol

Lincoln, NE

History

A 1932 limestone tower capitol topped by a gold dome and The Sower statue, with rich mosaic floors inside. Free guided tours run hourly, and the 14th-floor observation decks look out over the plains.

The Nebraska State Capitol is the seat of the Nebraska legislature in Lincoln (1445 K St). New York architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue won a nationwide competition in 1920. It was built in four phases from 1922 to 1932, at a cost just under the budget of 10 million dollars. It was the first statehouse in the United States to depart radically from the model of the US Capitol and to feature an office tower.

A 400-foot (about 122 m) tower rises from a square, three-level base 437 feet on each side, crowned by the 19-foot bronze figure “The Sower”. The facade is clad in Indiana limestone. Lonely Planet describes the interior as a mix of classical and Art Deco motifs. Involved were sculptor Lee Lawrie, tile and mosaic designer Hildreth Meiere and Hartley B. Alexander as thematic consultant.

According to Lonely Planet, the tower has observation decks on the 14th floor. Please check access hours and tours on the Capitol’s website in advance (as of October 2026).

Nearest town
Lincoln, NE
Category
History & culture
GPS
40.8082, -96.6996

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Sources

Featured in these trip guides

Nearby

Campsites nearby

  • Camp A Way Campground & RV ParkCampsite
    4 mi from Nebraska State Capitol
    TentsCaravans
  • Outdoor Education Center, Cornhusker Council, Scouting AmericaCampsite
    8 mi from Nebraska State Capitol
    Tents
  • Camp Sonshine – RocaCampsite
    9 mi from Nebraska State Capitol
  • Pawnee State Recreation Area, Area 3 CampgroundCampsite
    11 mi from Nebraska State Capitol
  • Ashland RV CampgroundCampsite
    23 mi from Nebraska State Capitol
    ShowersWi-Fi
  • LinomaCampsite
    23 mi from Nebraska State Capitol

All campsites in Nebraska · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Nebraska State Capitol?

Nebraska State Capitol is in Lincoln, NE, at GPS 40.8082, -96.6996. It is about 50 mi from Omaha.

Can you camp near Nebraska State Capitol?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camp A Way Campground & RV Park, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 14 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Nebraska State Capitol?

Nebraska State Capitol is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Along the Platte: Lincoln, the crane migration and Buffalo Bill.

What is there to see near Nebraska State Capitol?

Places worth a stop nearby: Homestead National Historical Park (37 mi), Arbor Lodge State Historical Park (45 mi), Old Market (51 mi) and Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer (88 mi).

When is the best time to visit Nebraska State Capitol?

The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

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