Sabbath Activities in Lincoln
PC: Levi Ventura
Finding the perfect activity for a relaxing Sabbath afternoon can sometimes be a difficult task, especially when you’re in a new city. Luckily, Lincoln has plenty of areas that are perfect if you want to get off campus for a few hours. Although Holmes Lake is close to Union’s campus, it’s still a great place to visit on Sabbath. You can choose to follow the paved walking trail around the lake or string up a hammock and relax in the shade.
There’s also plenty of tables for a picnic lunch and a beach volleyball court if you’re in the mood for a more lively activity. The park’s proximity to the campus is a great bonus; it’s only a short bike ride away if you don’t have a car.
Wilderness Park offers a pleasant escape from the city. At 1,472 acres, it’s Lincoln’s largest park and contains many trails for walking, biking and even horseback riding through the woods. It’s best not to visit this park after it rains because its many dirt trails will turn to mud. On sunny days though, it’s a great place to enjoy one of Lincoln’s quieter areas and explore trails with a group of friends.
If you’ve never had the chance to see a bison before, Pioneer Park Nature Center may be a fun place to spend the afternoon. This wildlife sanctuary contains woodlands, wetlands and prairie habitats. With eight miles of hiking trails, raptor exhibits and an education center, you’re likely to have a great time and learn a bit about Lincoln’s wildlife. The center is open year-round and admission to the nature center is free, although donations are accepted.
Although outdoor activities are often the go-to on Sabbath afternoons, there are some indoor options as well. Racquel Amich, a junior IRR major, recommends the Sheldon Art Museum. During one of Amich’s visits, the museum displayed military photos about the effects that war has on people.
“It’s really impactful seeing the different pictures and how each one had a different message,” Amich said. “I would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for just a nice chill Sabbath afternoon and if you love art.”
Admission to the museum is free and the current and upcoming exhibitions can be found at sheldonartgallery.org.
Although it can be difficult to find the perfect Sabbath afternoon activity, Lincoln has a lot of options. This weekend, grab some friends and visit one of these sites!
Amanda McCarter is a senior studying biomedical science.