Arrive today in Nebraska City, NE, the home of the Arbor Day Farm.  The Farm encompasses 260 acres of natural beauty and historical significance.  This national historic treasure is home to Lied Lodge, the one-of-a-kind Tree Adventure, the Apple House Market, and Arbor Lodge State Historical Park.

But perhaps most importantly, Arbor Day Farm is where the Arbor Day Foundation’s simple mission – to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees – comes to life.  Your visit helps further this mission by supporting the good work of the Arbor Day Foundation around the world.

Here you will enjoy a two-night stay at the Lied Lodge featuring 140 guest rooms and suites – all with views of nature.  Tonight, dinner is included at the Lodge. (D)

After breakfast, enjoy a full day of activities at the Arbor Day Farm.  Start with a guided tour of Arbor Lodge State Historical Park.  Your Nature Interpreter will share the history of this 260-acre historic treasure.  The tour begins at Lied Lodge, includes a look inside the Fuelwood Energy Plant, and concludes with a walk to the Tree Adventure.

Then take a tour of the Arbor Lodge Mansion, the original estate of J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day.  The mansion is filled with countless artifacts from the Morton family.  It was here in 1872 that the idea for the first Arbor Day began – as a way to encourage people everywhere to plant trees so desperately needed.

Then head to the Apple House Market for a delicious tasting of the Arbor Day Farm wines or hard cider.  While here, enjoy a BBQ lunch at Porter’s located at the Apple House Market.  You will a have time to shop for locally made items and seasonal produce.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore on your own.  Splash in the indoor, Olympic-sized swimming pool, take a wagon ride into the backwoods of Farm, soothe your senses in the spa, play golf at three nearby courses, hike trails to Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, and so much more. (Activities available may vary by season.)

Enjoy dinner again this evening at the hotel.  End the day with Sunset & S’mores.  Gather around the fire for a twilight bonfire complete with make-your-own s’mores. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, depart for home. (B)

—–

This trip is great any time of the year.  From holiday lights to summer sunsets, there’s always something to see and do.

Spring – As Spring arrives, the property comes to life with budding trees, fragrant blossoms, wildlife, and popular events including the Gnome Hunt at the Tree Adventure. Arbor Day – another springtime favorite – is celebrated each year on the last Friday in April.  Come celebrate this special holiday in the place where it all began.

Summer – Outdoor activities are the highlight of Summer with special events, such as Sunset & S’mores, the Summer Music Series, and outdoor nature activities taking center stage.  It’s an active time at the farm when the orchard, vineyard, and pumpkin patch experience heavy growth, and playtime in the trees and apple cider slushie drinking are at their peak.

Fall – Some call Fall the absolute best time to visit Arbor Day Farm.  Perhaps because the leaves are turning, making for a truly magical experience.  There’s also apple and pumpkin picking, living history, Arbor Day Farm wine tasting, caramel apples, apple donuts, and the community-wide AppleJack Festival.  The fun-for-all-ages festival spans three weekends beginning in mid-September.

Winter – Cozy up to the fire at Lied Lodge, experience Christmas at the Mansion, take part in Holiday After Hours, join us for holiday dining, or ring in the New Year.  It’s the perfect way to celebrate Winter!