Located 45 minutes south of Omaha and 45 minutes east of Lincoln, Nebraska City is a quiet river community situated along the scenic Missouri River. Home of the international holiday Arbor Day and the National Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska City offers visitors a variety of historic and cultural attractions, as well as recreational opportunities in a friendly, river town atmosphere. Nebraska City has the largest number of homes and commercial buildings on the National Register of Historic Places of any town in Nebraska. Special events in the community include September's Apple Jack Festival, a celebration of the apple harvest; Living History Days in October; Fourth of July and Christmas events; and of course, Arbor Day. Best Western Nebraska City Nebraska.
Things to do in Nebraska City
Arbor Links Golf Club
Rated as one of the "Top 10 Golf Courses in Nebraska" by Golf Magazine, Arbor Links Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course designed by PGA legend Arnold Palmer. Working in cooperation with the National Arbor Day Foundation, the unique Arbor Links is a model in environmental sensitivity, with each hole telling a conservation story, and narrow fairways and rough of native grasses requiring less fertilizer and pesticides than other courses. The design of the course also considers wildlife protection and compatibility. The 320-acre course was built on wooded hills and old cornfields and is open to the public. Practice facilities include a bent grass teeing area and two practice greens. Individual and group lessons are available. Located just south of Kimmel Orchard and west of Arbor Day Farm at 6038 H Road. Call 402-873-4334 for more information.
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Arboretum
Formerly the home of Arbor Day Founder J. Sterling Morton, this elegant 52-room mansion and estate is now the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. The building began in 1855 as a four-room frame house and grew through the years. Visitors can stroll the gracefully landscaped grounds and Italian Terraced Garden, explore the Carriage House with its Morton coaches and carriages on display, see the log cabin which was built in 1890 as a memorial to the early settlers of the area, and walk the ½ mile Tree Trail, a wood chipped path through the original arboretum which features over 250 varieties of trees and shrubs. Tables and grills for picnicking are located on the grounds. Located at on 2nd Avenue off Steinhart Park Road. Call 402-873-7222 for more information.
Arbor Trails Winery
Arbor Trails Winery is Nebraska's first cooperative winery, featuring products from the fruit of southeast Nebraska. Located at the Junction of Highways 2 & 75 at 6450 J Road. Call 402-873-8888 for more information.
Civil War Veteran's Museum
Located in the historic Grand Army of the Republic Hall, the Civil War Veteran's Museum was built in 1894 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. It is home to the largest collection of Civil War relics and G.A.R. memorabilia in the region. Visitors can explore the Civil War from a Northern and Southern point of view. Located at 910 1st Corso Street. Call 402-873-7079 for more information.
Farmers Bank & Trust Co.
Formerly the Nebraska City Post Office, Richardsonian-style structure was built in 1886 and now is home to the locally owned Farmers Bank & Trust Co. A winner of the President's National Preservation Award, the building is listed on the in the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors interested in the building's historic significance are welcome during business hours. Located at 202 South 8th Street. Call 402-873-3000 for more information.
Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts
The Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts is designed to be a working retreat for visual artists, writers, art scholars, choreographers and collaborative teams from across the nation. Artists are awarded stays from 2-8 weeks, with up to 4 artists living and working at the center at a time. Inspired by the prairie architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, the center itself is an artistic expression of graceful living. The center also features an art gallery, with exhibitions rotating approximately every two months. Art classes and special events are open to the public. Located at 801 3rd Corso. Call 402-874-9600 for more information.
Kimmel Orchard
Kimmel Orchard is dedicated to agricultural education, research and historic preservation. Owned by the Kimmel Foundation and operated by the National Arbor Day Foundation, the working orchard is a fun, educational experience for the whole family. It is a popular destination for fresh, locally grown produce and variety of home-grown Nebraska products. Located on Old Highway 75 one mile west of Nebraska City. Call 402-873-5293 for more information.
Mayhew Cabin & Historical Village Foundation
The last stop on Nebraska's Underground Railroad, the Mayhew Cabin is one of the many hideaways used to free runaway slaves. The cabin still stands, and visitors are invited to experience this period of our country's history. Early Nebraska life and Nebraska City's contribution to the abolishment of slavery are portrayed through indoor and outdoor displays, period buildings, equipment, and artifacts. Located at 2012 4th Corso. Call 402-873-3115 for more information.
Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail & Visitor Center
The three-story, 12,000 square foot Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center sits on a scenic 79 acre wooded bluff overlooking the Missouri River. The mission of the center is to educate through discovery and observation with a focus on the flora and fauna and scientific discoveries recorded by the Lewis & Clark expedition. A life-size authentic replica of the keelboat and White Pirogue offer an opportunity to experience what the explorers must have on their famous Missouri River journey from 1803-1806. Located at 100 Valmont Drive. Call 402-874-9900 for more information.
Old Freighters Museum
The Old Freighters showcases the history and importance of transportation to the development of the community dating back to 1859 when Russell, Majors and Waddell Freighting Company owned the property. Call 402-873-3000 for more information.
Otoe County Courthouse
The Otoe County Courthouse is housed in a two-story, Georgian brick structure, and is the oldest public building in the state of Nebraska still in use. The building was completed in 1865 when Otoe County was formed and Nebraska City named the county seat. Inside, several photos and displays portray the building's history. Call 402-873-3000 for more information.
Riverview Marina State Recreation Area
The popular Riverview Marina State Recreation Area is a 47-acre site situated on the scenic Missouri River. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, boating, camping and picnicking. The campground includes primitive campsites, campsites with electrical hookups, and modern restroom facilities with showers. The recreation area is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Located along Hwy 75. Call 402-873-7222 for more information.
Steamboat Trace Hike/Bike Trail
Purchased by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in 1995, the Steamboat Trace Hiking/Biking Trail is owned and managed by the Nemaha Natural Resources District (NNRD) and has been designated as an official Lewis & Clark site by the National Park Service. With a surface of hardened limestone screenings, the trail takes hikers and bikers through 21 miles of beautiful Missouri River countryside. To access the trail from Nebraska City, take Highway 75 one mile south of Nebraska City, then turn east at the entrance to the OPPD Nebraska City Power Station. The trailhead is located 3 miles east of Highway 75, just before reaching the power station. Call 402-335-3325 for more information.
Table Creek Golf Course
Set in the rolling countryside of east Nebraska, the 18-hole Table Creek Golf Course is one of the premier public golf facilities in the state. The 6,186-yard course features bent grass tees and greens, with narrow fairways and heavy rough. The facility also offers a driving range, practice green, clubhouse, restaurant, and full service pro shop. Located west of Nebraska City on Highway 2. Call 402-873-7750 for more information.
Taylor - Wessel - Bickel House (Nelson House)
This historic house is regarded as the finest example of Greek Revival style in the state. Built in 1857 and authentically restored in 1978, the interior includes three fireplaces, antique furniture, draperies, and floor coverings. Call 402-873-3000 for more information.
Wildwood Center Historic Home & Barn Art Gallery
The Wildwood Center Historic Home is a ten-room Victorian house built in 1869 by Joseph Ware, a prominent banker. The Barn Art Gallery showcases Nebraska-made gifts and works by Nebraska artists. Open May through October. Located at 420 Steinhart Park Road. Call 402-873-6340 for more information.
Wildwood Golf Course
Wildwood is a 9-hole public course with gentle sloping hills and tree-lined fairways. Rental clubs and carts are available. The course is located adjacent to the city park on Highway 2. Call 402-873-3661 for more information.