Find a history museum and an arboretum on the grounds of this stately mansion, built in 1855 for a noteworthy Nebraskan arborist and agriculturalist.
The sprawling estate of the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Arboretum comprises of 65 acres (26.3 hectares) of wooded hillsides and is crowned by a magnificent neocolonial manor. Discover this monument to Julius Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day, as you wander around the estate’s tree collections, pretty gardens and elegant lodge.
As you approach the mansion, you’ll notice its elegant colonial-revival architecture and columned portico. Enter the expansive 52-room mansion to find a museum dedicated to the history of Nebraska and its agricultural industry. You’ll find exhibitions that detail the heritage of Nebraska City, as well as the county and state. Admire the period furnishings and decorations, which include a beautiful Tiffany skylight in the sun parlor.
Wander out into the rose garden and explore the manicured lawns. The Italian-style terraced garden has several pretty flowerbeds. To the east of the park, you can see Monument Square. There is a statue of Julius Sterling Morton in this square, as well as a bronze likeness of the Greek goddess Daphne.
Enhance your learning experience of the estate’s arboretum on the half-mile (800-meter) Tree Trail. Find over 260 varieties of shrubs and trees across the estate’s gardens, orchards and plains. Check out beautiful specimens of maple, oak, chestnut, pine and apple trees. Some of the 19th-century plantings are state champion specimens and many are labeled with scientific and common names. You might also come across heritage agricultural artifacts within the grounds, such as early carriages, fire wagons and steam-powered vehicles.
Tours are available daily to offer a deeper insight into the site’s heritage and horticultural significance. There are also special events occasionally held within the estate, such as cider pressing and Victorian-era craft workshops. The park and arboretum are free to enter. There is an admission fee to enter the mansion, which is open between April and December.
The Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Arboretum is on the western edge of Nebraska City, a few miles from the Missouri River.
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