NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/768942
10 NEBRASKAland • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2017 new year means new Nebraska adventures! Travelers are eager to embrace the chill of these winter months and make their way to Nebraska City, home of Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Arboretum. Arbor Lodge encompasses more than 65 acres of hilly, wooded land at the edge of the city, just a few miles west of the Missouri River. The park is full of unmatched beauty, even under a blanket of snow. Arbor Lodge is the original estate of J. Sterling Morton – the founder of Arbor Day. It was on this property that Sterling and his wife initiated their vision for a greener, more tree-filled world. It is estimated that nearly 1 million trees were planted around this area and throughout Nebraska on the first Arbor Day in 1872. The historic mansion where the Morton family lived is still in use today. With its 52 rooms of authentic furnishings and countless historic artifacts, visitors love touring this timeless home or renting it out for special occasions. Just beyond the Mansion's doorsteps, thousands of trees make up the Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure. Guests can hike the two-third-mile wood-chipped trail, following the South Table Creek into the heart of the forest. After crossing over two rustic timber bridges, guests will find themselves at the base of the 50-foot tall Exploratory Tree House, which they can climb and look out among the vast stretch of wooded wonders. The winter season is an ample time for bird watching and photo opportunities with snow-draped tree canopies overhead. After enjoying a brisk day of outdoor adventures, travelers can retreat indoors and warm up with a little hot cocoa and some shopping in the Apple House Market. Guests can sample red, white and fruit wines made with grapes and other fruit grown in the orchards and vineyards at the farm. Less than a mile away from the Arbor Day park grounds is the Lied Lodge & Conference Center. With an onsite restaurant and lounge, timbered guest rooms, and an Olympic-sized indoor pool and spa, this grand lodge makes for the perfect weekend getaway. Many couples choose Nebraska City as their Valentine's Day destination. The Lied Lodge offers an anniversary package, which includes an intimate dinner for two, an overnight stay and a deluxe breakfast the next morning. Between the refreshing amenities, countless outdoor activities and the peaceful stillness of nature, Nebraska City is the place to be this season. ■ By Hannah Hundley, Nebraska Tourism Commission Nebraska City n a a Lo Lo Lodg dg dge S Adirondack-style entry hall at Lied Lodge Statue of Morton, the founder of Arbor Day Apple House Market at Arbor Day Farm f Nebraska City Arbor Lodge in winter