Nebraska is positively brimming with unique attractions, and today’s feature destination is no exception. Four mysterious sandstone pillars sit in Pioneers Park in Lincoln, Nebraska, creating an interesting sight that has been fascinating to visitors since the 1970s. But did you know the story behind this unusual park feature? It turns out that these pillars have quite a history.

The pillars are one of the park's most recognizable and popular features. They're located on the scenic banks of the duck pond and, from afar, look almost like the ruins of an ancient city.
Jennifer Pierce/Google Local
The pillars are a popular spot for photographers, and it's such a scenic location that people even book this area for weddings.
But do you know where these ornate columns come from? It turns out that they're the last remaining pillars from the original U.S. Treasury building in Washington, D.C.
Basic Travelz/Google Local
It's said that President Abraham Lincoln stood among the columns when he was reviewing troops during the Civil War from the stairs of the Treasury building.

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When the building was erected, architects used sandstone mined from nearby Virginia to create the ornate columns and other beautifully detailed features. Unfortunately, sandstone isn't the most stable building material. By the early 20th century, much of the structure was crumbling.
Shelby Miller/Google Local
The decision was made to replace the pillars and other deteriorating elements of the building. Thirty of the sandstone pillars were carefully removed in 1908 and put into outdoor storage, waiting to be repurposed in some way. They were replaced with more durable granite pillars.
Bill Peterson/Google Local
Although there were plenty of ideas from the public about how to reuse the pillars, there was no budget to undertake any project incorporating the tall structures. They languished in storage, all but forgotten, until Commissioner of the District Excise Board, Cotter T. Bride, paid to have four of them moved to Lincoln in 1916.
The gift was in honor of Nebraska politician William Jennings Bryan. Sadly, the other 26 pillars simply laid in storage until they were destroyed in 1918 by a construction company to make way for a new building.
Jim/Google Local
The pillars stood at the entrance of Antelope Park in Lincoln from 1916 to 1961 when the land the park was on was sold. They again sat in storage for several years before being moved to Pioneers Park in the mid-1970s. And that's where they've remained, just as stately as ever.

Have you visited Pioneers Park in Lincoln, Nebraska? There’s a whole lot more to do there, including eight miles of trails, a bison herd and other wildlife, and some fascinating public art. If you’re interested in visiting this unique urban park, check out this previous article outlining fun things to do at this lovable Nebraska park.

And, while you’re in the area, be sure to explore all that Lincoln has to offer. For a little travel inspiration, watch the incredible drone footage taken of Lincoln, Nebraska:

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pioneers park in lincoln nebraska

Beth C. | March 09, 2023

What are some of the best parks to explore in Nebraska?

If you enjoy parks, you'll find no shortage of these beautiful spaces in Nebraska! Below you'll find a list of some of our absolute favorite parks to explore in Nebraska:

  • Chadron State Park
  • Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
  • Fort Robinson State Park
  • Indian Cave State Park
  • Niobrara State Park
  • Platte River State Park
  • Ponca State Park
  • Smith Falls State Park

 

In our humble opinion, each of these state parks in Nebraska is worth exploring!

Does Nebraska have any natural wonders?

Absolutely! Nebraska is a land-locked state without any major mountain ranges, but that doesn't mean there aren't tons of natural wonders to explore. Below you'll find a list of some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the state:

  • Crane Trust, Wood River
  • Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton
  • Lincoln Saline Wetland Nature Center (and the saline wetlands), Lincoln
  • Indian Cave State Park and the Missouri Valley, Shubert
  • Wildlife Safari Park/Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park, Ashland
  • Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue
  • Glacier Creek Preserve, Bennington
  • Ashfall Fossil Beds, Royal
  • Niobrara Valley Preserve, Johnstown
  • Nebraska National Forest, Bessey Ranger District, Halsey

 

Curious to visit the above places? You're in luck! We've put together a natural wonders road trip in Nebraska that will take you to some of the state's most impressive outdoor places. Happy exploring!

What is the highest point in Nebraska?

The highest natural point in Nebraska is appropriately named Panorama Point. It is located in Kimball County and measures 5,429 feet above sea level.

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Pioneers Park Nature Center, 3201 South Coddington, Lincoln, NE 68522, USA