Public Gardens

FUNdamental to Events and Places that Make Lincoln Special

Lincoln is home to several public display gardens, each with something special to see.

Sunken Gardens

As the only Nebraska garden listed in the “300 Best Gardens to Visit in the United States and Canada” by National Geographic Guide to Public Gardens, this is a special place to many. Located at 27th and Capital Parkway, this 1.5 acre lot was first developed in 1930 and most recently renovated in 2004. Visitors can tiptoe through the tulips every spring and watch the thousands of annuals bloom all summer long. Sunken Gardens has two living ponds, several art pieces including the new pavilion, and a healing garden.

For information about Sunken Gardens maintenance, tours or volunteer opportunities, please contact Steve Nosal at snosal@lincoln.ne.gov or call 402-441-8267.

Hamann Rose Garden at Antelope Park

Roses have been a part of Lincoln’s public display gardens for over 75 years. Hamann Rose Garden located near 27th and C streets was renovated in 2008 and features many varieties of Floribundas, Grandifloras and Hybrid Tea roses. A new fountain, pavilion and art pieces were added. For information about Hamann Rose Garden maintenance, tours or volunteer opportunities, please contact Steve Nosal at snosal@lincoln.ne.gov or call 402-441-8267.

Rotary Strolling Garden

The Rotary Strolling Garden to the north and east of the Hamann Rose Garden was added in 2008 where several varieties of hardy landscape shrub roses and many other drought tolerant perennial plants native to Nebraska are on display. For information about Rotary Strolling Garden maintenance, tours or volunteer opportunities, please contact Steve Nosal at snosal@lincoln.ne.gov or call 402-441-8267.

Veterans Memorial Garden

A visit to this site in Lincoln’s historic Antelope Park will take you on a walking tour of over twenty one military monuments. A place of solemn beauty, the garden allows peaceful reflection and serves as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices veterans have made to preserve our freedom. The Veteran’s Memorial Garden is located within Antelope Park at 3200 Veteran’s Memorial Drive.

Purchase a Brick of Remembrance

Pioneers Park Nature Center Gardens

Several gardens at the Pioneers Park Nature Center offer visitors a chance to discover Nebraska-native and other prairie plants. Planted areas around the Prairie Building feature drought tolerant landscaping. Near the Chet Ager Building, the Louise Evans Doole Herb Garden contains more than 150 herbs. The Preschool Butterfly Garden is planted every year with colorful annuals by preschool children and their families.