Daytripping

If you have some time to spare and would like to try a wonderful day-trip from Lincoln, spend an afternoon in Nebraska City. Enjoy this small town in the plains, barely an hour away.

Nebraska City, Nebraska is the home of Arbor Day founder, Julius Sterling Morton. One of the original citizens of Nebraska City, J. Sterling Morton was highly successful in both business and politics. Morton was a pioneer of Nebraska agriculture and planted thousands of trees and plants of every species on his treeless homestead. It was from his passion for agriculture, that Arbor Day was born. First celebrated on April 10, 1872, in Nebraska, Arbor day has encouraged people to plant billions of trees throughout the world, changing the face of our earth and its parks, vistas, and backyards forever. 

One of the attractions in Nebraska City is the Lied Lodge and Conference Center. In this beautiful rustic hotel and conference center, you can be sure of a great meal at the Timbers Dining Room, offering nature-inspired dining. Choose from seafood, Nebraska steaks, buffalo, or vegetarian options, plus an extensive wine list featuring Arbor Day Farm signature wines. Finish with their decadent dessert menu. The eco-friendly Lodge also offers an Olympic-sized swimming pool, fitness room and spa, as well as the Arbor Links Golf Course.

Adjoining the Lodge is the 260-acre farm where you can tour the historic estate and mansion of J. Sterling Morton. Arbor Lodge State Historical Park is now one of Nebraska’s National Historic Landmarks. The Arbor Day farm is beautiful year round with blooming trees in spring, sunflowers and lush green trees in summer. In the fall, the autumn leaves have their own spectacular show of fall colors from the variety of trees adorning the farm. Other attractions, include a 50-foot-high tree-house, the Lied Greenhouse, a carriage house, a tack room, walking trails, a playground, picnic areas and historic buildings. For more information visit liedlodge.org and arbordayfarm.org.