AOPA will be closed Tuesday December 24th, and Wednesday, December 25th in observance of the holiday. We will reopen Thursday morning, December 26th at 8:30am ET.
Get extra lift from AOPA. Start your free membership trial today! Click here

Lindbergh was here

Lincoln, Nebraska, is a surprising trip

How do you know you’re in Lincoln, Nebraska, the “Cornhusker” state?

Photography by David Tulis
Zoomed image
The Haymarket District in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a walkable area bordered by a train station and some of the original Russell Stover Company’s candy-making buildings along with with modern cafes, hotels, and shops during an October 2022 visit. Photo by David Tulis.

When you land at Lincoln Airport (LNK) and exit to the city, sculpture lighting depicting corn husks lines the road. The area once had three airports and an open airfield and was a popular flying community in the early years of aviation. Charles A. Lindbergh was not only here, but he trained at Union Airport in 1922. The Lincoln Flying School at Union Airport was at the airport from 1922 until the airport closed in 1947. Arrow Airport was the home of Arrow Aircraft and Motors Corporation; an original Arrow Sport biplane is on display in the LNK terminal. Lincoln Airport was originally Lincoln Army Airfield where many pilots trained for World War II and the Korean War. Its 12,901-foot-long runway was designed as an emergency landing for the space shuttle. On the field is the original facilities for Duncan Aviation, which claims to be the largest family-owned aviation company in the country.


lincoln, nebraska

Lincoln’s historic Haymarket district.... ...boasts shops and restaurants... ...including the unusual Licorice International candy store. Duncan Aviation was established in 1963 in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Donald and Betty Duncan. It is now considered one of the largest privately owned aviation companies in the world.

The state capital of Nebraska, Lincoln is—obviously—named for our sixteenth president. It’s a true Midwest town that honors its past and agricultural roots. The historic Haymarket district is so named because the cobblestoned area was where farmers came to town to sell their hay and its byproducts. Today it’s home to the massive Pinnacle Bank Arena and more than 200 shops and restaurants, including the popular Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill. Since 1991 the notable restaurant has promised that “any place that calls itself a brewery better serve a great beer” and “any place that calls itself a grill ought to be able to cook your burger or steak perfectly.” These are just two of the “LazloLaws” the eatery adheres to. If you’re not too full from the massive plates of food served here, walk next door to Licorice International, which claims to have the largest selection of licorice in the United States. If licorice isn’t your thing, there are tons of other candies here too.

[email protected]

Julie Walker
Julie Summers Walker
AOPA Senior Features Editor
AOPA Senior Features Editor Julie Summers Walker joined AOPA in 1998. She is a student pilot still working toward her solo.

Related Articles