Nebraska

The Nebraska State Capitol in downtown Lincoln is home to the only unicameral legislature in the United States, and I was lucky enough to catch it in session during my visit in May 2023.

One of four tower capitols in the United States, the Nebraska State Capitol is a work of art on the inside. Learn more about Nebraska State Capitol history or plan your visit. You can also download a map (PDF) of the first and second floors or take a virtual tour.

Lincoln is an easy day trip on I-80 from where I was staying in downtown Omaha. Driving downtown was easy, and I had no trouble finding a parking meter a couple of blocks away—even with the legislature in session. The University of Nebraska is in Lincoln, so unless you are a Husker, you’ll probably visit the capitol and then head right back to Omaha, like I did.

The Nebraska Unicameral Legislature is the smallest in the United States and was created as a single house to cut costs and reduce constant disagreements between the former two chambers.

Members are called “senators” and are officially nonpartisan. They meet in the larger West Chamber. Prior to 1937, when the unicameral legislature first met, the capitol accommodated a bicameral legislature in the East and West Chambers on opposite sides of the Rotunda.

The West Chamber was selected for the new unicameral legislature since it is larger, and is accessible directly off the Rotunda on the second floor. Since the legislature was in session, I observed from the gallery. The East Chamber, now known as the Warner Legislative Chamber, serves as a public meeting place.

The Rotunda is in the center of the building. The floor is a work of art: a large marble mosaic called Earth is the Life-Giver, surrounded by water, fire, air, and soil.

The Nebraska State Capitol is also home to the Nebraska Governor and Nebraska Supreme Court.

There is an Observation Deck on the 14th floor that is accessible by elevator. The Memorial Chamber, which honors heroism in Nebraska history, is the central room, with the observation deck wrapping around the perimeter. The dome is above the Memorial Chamber, so if you collect dome interior photos like I do, this is where to get it.

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