Look toward the skyline of Lincoln, Nebraska, and one landmark immediately commands attention. The Nebraska State Capitol rises 400 feet above the city, creating a striking silhouette crowned by a bronze figure sowing seeds. Completed in 1932 and designed by architect Bertram Goodhue, this architectural masterpiece gives travelers a compelling reason to pause and explore Nebraska’s capital city.
For your next US Route 6 road trip through Nebraska, consider adding a downtown Lincoln stop to discover the art, craftsmanship, and stories inside.
A Capitol That Reaches for the Sky
Often described as the “Tower on the Plains,” the Nebraska State Capitol takes a distinctive approach to statehouse architecture. A tall, slender tower rises from a broad, low base, departing from the familiar profile of a massive central dome. A smaller dome still crowns the tower, giving the building a graceful finishing touch. Construction took place from 1922 to 1932.
Take a moment outside before entering. From a distance, the tower establishes the building’s presence. Up close, its proportions and decorative details invite a slower look.
Meet The Sower
At the summit stands The Sower, a 19-foot bronze sculpture created by Lee Lawrie. Weighing approximately 8.5 tons, the figure represents Nebraska’s agricultural heritage. Its seed-sowing gesture connects this monumental public building to the everyday work of cultivating the land.
For visitors, the sculpture offers a memorable detail to spot from the grounds. For photographers, it provides a distinctive focal point against the Nebraska sky.
Discover the Stories Beneath Your Feet and Overhead
Inside, give yourself permission to slow down. Artist Hildreth Meière’s work transforms floors and ceilings into richly detailed surfaces that reward careful attention. Her Nebraska Capitol designs earned national recognition, and she regarded the project as her crowning achievement.
The artwork reaches beyond a straightforward timeline of state history. In the foyer, floor mosaics explore soil, vegetation, and animal life, while ceiling medallions connect the past, present, and future. These themes encourage visitors to consider the relationships among people, nature, and community.
Native American themes also form part of the Capitol’s artistic program. The building’s thematic adviser, Hartley Burr Alexander, believed that a representation of Nebraska should include its first peoples. The East Legislative Chamber is particularly significant for its decoration inspired by Indigenous cultures of the Great Plains.
A guided tour can help you understand the symbolism and notice details you might otherwise walk past.
The 14th-Floor Views: Check Access Before Visiting
The Capitol’s 14th-floor observation decks surround the Memorial Chamber and offer elevated views across Lincoln when open.
Visitor update, October 13, 2026: The official Capitol website currently lists the tower and observation decks as closed because of HVAC construction. Check for reopening information before planning a visit around the panoramic views. The website also provides observation-deck views to explore online.
Plan Your Visit
The Nebraska State Capitol is located at 1445 K Street in Lincoln. Free guided tours begin at the north entrance on the second floor.
Regular building hours are:
- Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday and most holidays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The building closes on Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Confirm current access and tour schedules at the Nebraska State Capitol website or call 402-471-0448.
As you plan your Nebraska travels, make room for a closer look at this Lincoln landmark. Stand beneath the tower, find The Sower against the sky, and step inside to discover how architecture and art tell the stories of a state.
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