About East Campus
About East Campus, Heart of Lincoln
Our community
In addition to several annual neighborhood events, East Campus features an abiding history, a wealth of recreational opportunities, businesses, convenient public transportation, and three churches. You will find what you’re looking for in East Campus.
The East Campus community was established in the early 1900s to serve the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus, then known as the University Experimental Farm. The East Campus Neighborhood Landmark District, also known as Professor’s Row, (inset below) was approved unanimously as an historic district in 2002. Of the 177 structures located within the Landmark District, 171 are contributing structures. The community features several parks, lush, mature trees, and period wrought iron streetlights.
It is not uncommon for a home in this welcoming and lively community to have sheltered the same family for several generations. People so rarely leave East Campus that the houses are known by the names of the families who first lived in them – and who often still do. The gentle joke commonly told goes something like, “We’ve only been here for 30 years, but maybe in another 20 years, people will call our house by our name.” This trademark humor and friendliness arising from a group of people who have known, liked, and cared for each other for decades sets East Campus apart: It is more than a community, it is almost an extended family. And just as in the best families, East Campus neighbors know how to be there when you need them, and how to let you make your own way when you don’t. We celebrate and value newcomers who have chosen to make their homes here. All East Campus neighbors are welcome at block parties and neighborhood events.
For more information about the East Campus Neighborhood Landmark District, download the original Application.
Our events
The East Campus Community Organization (ECCO) is a dynamic and active neighborhood association. The Board of Directors meets the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at New Hope Methodist Church, 1205 N. 45th Street. ECCO sponsors an annual spring clean-up, an Easter Egg Hunt, a Garden Tour, an Independence Day Parade and Ice Cream Social and an Annual Meeting in October, as well as co-sponsoring and supporting other events in the neighborhood. A newsletter is delivered to every residence three times a year.
Our history
The East Campus community was established in the early 1900s to serve the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus, then known as the University Experimental Farm. The East Campus Neighborhood Landmark District, also known as Professor’s Row, (see map above) was approved unanimously as an historic district in 2002 (see the original East Campus local landmark district documentation). Of the 177 structures located within the Landmark District, 171 are contributing structures. The community features several parks, lush, mature trees, and period wrought iron streetlights.
It is not uncommon for a home in this welcoming and lively community to have sheltered the same family for several generations. People so rarely leave East Campus that the houses are known by the names of the families who first lived in them – and who often still do. The gentle joke commonly told goes something like, “We’ve only been here for 30 years, but maybe in another 20 years, people will call our house by our name.” This trademark humor and friendliness arising from a group of people who have known, liked, and cared for each other for decades sets East Campus apart: It is more than a community, it is almost an extended family. And just as in the best families, East Campus neighbors know how to be there when you need them, and how to let you make your own way when you don’t. We celebrate and value newcomers who have chosen to make their homes here. All East Campus neighbors are welcome at block parties and neighborhood events.
Check out ECCO’s fascinating Oral History.
Our fun
The neighborhood is home to three parks within its boundaries. Idylwild Park has a unique triangular form at the intersections of Idylwild Drive, Apple and 35th Streets. A trolley playstructure and a sand volleyball court are present on the site. ECCO Park at 48th & Holdrege Streets is a green space that functions as a retention area for storm water.
Playground facilities and a sheltered picnic area are available at McAdams Park near 44th & Y Streets.
The former Missouri-Pacific Railroad is now known as the MoPac Trail and serves as a conduit through the neighborhood between Apple and X Streets, where neighbors and friends enjoy long walks or bike rides. The MoPac Trail also serves as the southern boundary of McAdams Park and continues east of Lincoln through Walton and Lancaster Counties.
Directly north of the neighborhood on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus, you will find the UNL Botanical Garden and Arboretum (formerly the Maxell Arboretum), and the famous UNL Dairy Store, featuring custom ice cream flavors such as Scarlet & Cream, and Husker Ice. The grounds also feature numerous sculptures and even some wild bee habitat.
Businesses
A variety of businesses serve local residents and the region. Several neighborhood businesses have maintained a long and storied history in their current locations, including Madsen’s Bowling & Billiards at its present location for over 40 years.
- Madsen’s Bowling & Billiards: 4700 Dudley St.
- Husker Sew & Vac: 1309 N. 48th St.
- The Fish Store: 921 N. 48th St.
- DeLeon’s Taco Rico: 901 N 48th St.
- Cultiva East Campus: 3535 Holdrege St.
- Valentino’s: 3535 Holdrege St.
Getting around
Star Tran bus lines offers connections with downtown and other parts of the city. The East Campus neighborhood is served by the Bethany, University Place and Vine routes, as well as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln shuttle between the Downtown and East Campuses (Holdrege). For route information, call (402) 476-1234 or visit StarTran Bus Routes.
