Located in the southeastern part of Nebraska, Lincoln is the capital and second-largest city in the state. Often called the Star City because that is how it is represented on maps, Lincoln is a warm midwestern metropolis with a growing LGBTQ community that is welcoming to all.
A Look at Lincoln’s History
In the mid-1800s settlers were initially drawn to the area that is now Lincoln because of the salt flats located nearby. Although it was initially called Lancaster after this town of the same name in Pennsylvania, its name was changed to Lincoln to honor the deceased president after his assassination. In 1867 Lincoln officially became the state capital. Close to the turn of the century, Lincoln became the site of a major railroad junction which increased its growth significantly, and Lincoln has been growing steadily since that time. Today, Lincoln is an important regional center not only for government, but for also many industries, healthcare, universities, and the fine arts. It is a diverse, unique, welcoming Midwestern city with friendly people and plenty to see and do. Truly, it would be a great place to call home.
A Few Fun Facts About Lincoln
Lincoln was originally named Lancaster, after a town in Pennsylvania, but its name was changed to Lincoln to honor the late president after his assassination.
Read more fun facts about Lincoln here.
The LGBTQ Community in Lincoln
Lincoln has a growing, thriving, and welcoming community which is fortunate to be well-supported by several community centers and resources, including:
PFLAG Lincoln is the Lincoln chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the United States, and for many years, it has played an essential role in providing education, advocacy, support, networking opportunities, and resources to LGBTQ communities across the country. Monthly meetings and other community-building events and resources are regularly offered.
Out Nebraska is an LGBTQ community center serving the Lincoln area. Its mission is to advocate, celebrate, and educate to improve the lives of people in the LGBTQ community in the greater Lincoln area and beyond. Out Nebraska works to accomplish this mission by providing events, resources, support groups, networking opportunities, advocacy services, and more to the community.
What’s the Weather Like in Lincoln?
Those who live in Lincoln can count on four distinct seasons each year. Summers can be quite warm, with the high in July reaching around 89°F, and winters can get quite cold with January lows reaching down to an average of 14°F and about 26 inches of snow per year. Spring and fall are typically mild and beautiful seasons and are wonderful times to be out enjoying nature’s beauty. Lincoln receives an average of 31 inches of rain per year.
The Best Events in Lincoln
Star City Pride is Lincoln’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration and is the biggest pride event each year in the city. With parades, parties, and many other events, it’s truly a fun and festive week in the city. Lincoln appreciates and loves its LGBTQ community for all that it adds to the city, and it shows during Pride, and throughout the year-round. Don't miss your chance to join in the festivities!
The Lincoln Arts Festival is an annual, non-profit music festival held in the streets of downtown Lincoln each year. The event is extremely popular with the community, and it always draws large crowds, plenty of vendors showcasing their art, live music, great food, and more.
Where to Live in Lincoln
Some larger cities have a particular part of town where the LGBTQ community likes to live – often called a “gayborhood”. In Lincoln, there’s no one particular gayborhood – but the good news is that this just means that there are plenty of wonderful places to live! One of the most popular neighborhoods for the LGBTQ community in Lincoln is the downtown Lincoln area. Most of the LGBTQ bars and restaurants are located downtown, as well as many other LGBTQ-owned businesses. There are a variety of home styles and price ranges available for every taste and budget. The median home value in Lincoln is currently approximately $209,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Sheldon Museum of Art is an American museum and sculpture garden located in Lincoln that focuses on 19th and 20th-century American art. It has an extensive permanent collection of indoor art as well as an outdoor sculpture garden for visitors to enjoy. Visiting exhibits occur throughout the year as well. For any art lover, it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
Lied Center for the Performing Arts
The Lied Center for the Performing Arts is Lincoln’s main performing arts center. Throughout the year it hosts a wide variety of performances from operas to stand-up comedies to Broadway shows, two musicals and everything in between. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a show or several for yourself!
Parks and Recreation
Initially constructed in the 1930s, the Sunken Garden in Lincoln is regularly listed as one of the top gardens to visit in the United States and Canada. It is a beautiful space filled with a variety of flowers, statues, and rock formations, and it is a wonderful place to spend a lovely Lincoln afternoon.
Established in 1963, the Pioneers Park Nature Center is a 668-acre nature preserve located in Lincoln. It has live animal displays, and plenty of free-ranging wildlife as well, in addition to offering many miles of trails to enjoy, and regular events that are held throughout the year.
Lincoln Nightlife
Panic Bar is a small, but popular LGBTQ bar in Lincoln known for its craft cocktails, welcoming crowds, theme nights, and friendly atmosphere. It's a great place to hang with old friends and make new ones.
Das Haus is a very popular LGBTQ lounge and cabaret located in Lincoln. It’s a great place to enjoy not only excellent shows but also strong drinks, great music, and friendly crowds. Be sure to put it on your list as a must-try stop on a night out in Lincoln!
Contact a Lincoln Gay Realtor Today
If you’re ready to make a move to Lincoln, we’re here to help. We’d be happy to connect you with a realtor who knows the community well, and who can help you to find a home and a neighborhood that are a great fit for your needs. Contact a Lincoln gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
