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Published Sep/Oct 2006 |
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By Marge Peterson
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 n a city best known as the home of Arbor Day, Nebraska City’s attractions are as plentiful as leaves on a tree. When you explore this charming southeastern Nebraska community, you will discover a 52-room mansion dating back to 1855, a cave and tunnel used by the Underground Railroad, an urban forest with beautiful nature trails, bountiful apple orchards and fantastic festivals.A bit of history In 1857, three small Missouri River towns were consolidated into one and named Nebraska City. Starting as a trading post and departure point for those traveling west, it grew into a shipping center for agricultural products. One person who had a big impact on the city was J. Sterling Morton, who moved to Nebraska City with his new wife in 1855 to become editor of the “Nebraska City News.” They built a four-room L-shaped frame home and planted trees, shrubs and an apple orchard. Through his newspaper, and as secretary of agriculture in the Grover Cleveland administration, Morton encouraged Nebraska settlers to plant trees for soil protection, fuel and building materials, as well as for fruit, shade and beauty. In 1872, he introduced a resolution calling for a tree-planting day known as Arbor Day. Thirteen years later, the legislature made Arbor Day a legal holiday in Nebraska and set Morton’s birthday, April 22, as the official date. Morton’s four-room home received four major additions and is now a 52-room, neo-colonial mansion. In 1923, Morton’s son donated the house and grounds to the state of Nebraska. Now known as Arbor Lodge State Historical Park (2600 Arbor Ave.), the home sits on 72 acres with a formal Italian garden and an arboretum. Most of the furnishings belonged to the Mortons, including many examples of Tiffany glass, such as the elegant parlor skylight. Celebrating apples and trees Arbor Day Farm (2700 Sylvan Road), part of the original Morton estate, is a 260-acre national historic landmark with apple orchards covering a large part of the property. At the Apple House, you can watch a video that demonstrates apple pressing and purchase apple treats or gifts. The newest addition to Arbor Day Farm is the Tree Adventure, which features several different experiences. For instance, at the Woodland Pavilion, guests are greeted by a holographic image of J. Sterling Morton. The pavilion offers a variety of exhibits, videos and interactive learning stations about the importance of trees. Also part of the Tree Adventure, you can hike the scenic Tree House Trail and the Exploratory Trail under the canopy of centuries old oak and hickory trees, climb up the 50-foot Canopy Tree House and stroll over the bridges. After your hike, sit in the theater and watch “Trees in the Movies” featuring clips of trees featured in major movies. Tour the Lied Greenhouse and receive a free tree. The AAA three diamond Lied Lodge and Conference Center at the Arbor Day Farm is the perfect place to stay. The lodge has 144 guestrooms, an excellent restaurant, cocktail lounge, indoor swimming pool, fitness center and walking and jogging trails, plus a nearby golf course. Lewis & Clark and more The Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail & Visitor Center (100 Valmont Drive), which opened in 2004, focuses on the flora and fauna noted during the Corps of Discovery Expedition. The only interpretive center that focuses on the Corps’ scientific discoveries, it’s located on a scenic 80-acre wooded bluff with an awesome view of the river. The Mayhew Cabin & Historical Village (2012 4th Corso) tells the story of the Underground Railroad in Nebraska in the 1850s. Escaped slaves stayed overnight in a cave on the Allen Mayhew farm and were ferried across the Missouri River the next day. Time to celebrate Forty thousand people are expected to attend this year’s AppleJack Festival Sept. 16-17. Festivities include a parade, marching band competition, the Apple Jam Fest, Antique Car Show, living history demonstrations, a pancake feed, children’s activities and much more. Nebraska City is 143 miles north of Kansas City on Interstate 29, then west five miles on state Highway 2. Marge Peterson is a contributor from Ralston, Neb. |
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