Is there anything more peaceful than walking through a lush garden and admiring the plants as you enjoy some fresh air? There’s one garden in a surprisingly urban area that will melt all of your stress away and leave you feeling invigorated.
Lincoln’s Sunken Gardens occupy a small plot of land at 27th Street and Capitol Parkway.
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The garden comes from humble beginnings. This site was formerly a refuse dump, and in 1930 it was turned into a public rock garden. Three notable Lincoln families donated the land, and the city hired local workers as part of a program to help unemployed men earn money.
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The 1.5-acre plot was originally called the Rock Garden, and the summer of 1931 saw the land completely transformed into a lush, blooming green space.
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Every year since then, the garden has been tended, planned, and planted by Lincoln city personnel and local volunteers. There is a different theme each year, with every section of the garden being planted to reflect the theme.
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The gardens underwent a major renovation in 2005 which included the addition of more open space and several sculptural elements.
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In addition to more than 30,000 trees, shrubs, and flowers, there are several water features and other surprises throughout the gardens.
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The paths provide a perfect peaceful route through the gardens from which to view all of the lovely sights.
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Despite covering a relatively small space, the gardens provide enough points of interest that you can spend an entire day wandering and exploring.
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Stop by the pond to check out the water plants and watch the fish swim. Sitting down to take in the peaceful scene is such a relaxing experience.
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The sounds of nature surround you as you wander, from the bugs and birds that occupy the grounds to the falling water at the fountains.
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The Sunken Gardens are divided into several different zones: the Healing Garden, Perennial Garden, and Annual Garden, among others.
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This is the perfect space for outdoor weddings and an ideal backdrop for portraits, and on any given weekend during the summer you’re likely to see both taking place.
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The truly remarkable thing about the Sunken Gardens is that it’s actually in the middle of the city. You’ll completely forget that, though, when you’re strolling through the beautiful plants.
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Lincoln’s Sunken Gardens are located at the corner of 27th Street and Capitol Parkway. The gardens are open year-round, though understandably it’s much more lush and colorful in the warmer months. It’s still full of beautiful life even in early spring and late summer, so there’s plenty of time to get out and enjoy this unique gem.
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Have another amazing adventure in Lincoln at this brewery that has its very own underground cave.
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