7 Ways to Experience Arbor Day in the Home of Arbor Day
- Visit Arbor Lodge State Park.
Not only are the grounds perfect for picnics and strolling, the 52-room mansion is filled with antique artifacts and Arbor Day memorabilia. During the weekend of Arbor Day, admission to the mansion is free – and it marks the opening of their new exhibit on the Women of Arbor Day!
- Arbor Day Children’s Program
Since the beginning, Arbor Day has been about teaching children the joy and importance of planting trees. Local school children gather in front of the mansion at Arbor Lodge and get a history lesson on J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day, learn how to plant a tree, and receive a free seedling to take home.
- Arbor Day Parade
Stretching 10 blocks down Nebraska City’s Central Avenue, the Arbor Day Parade is at 1 p.m. on the Saturday of Arbor Day weekend. It features fire trucks, floats, vehicles, walkers, and bands.
- Arbor Day 5K/10K Run & Walk
In the footsteps of J. Sterling Morton! The Arbor Day 5K Run & Walk takes you through some of the best scenery in eastern Nebraska over gravel, paved, and brick roads, and through Steinhart Park and Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. The run is for runners and walkers of all types, ages, and abilities. Strollers are welcome as well as fur babies on a leash. Arbor Day Fun Run is on Saturday, April 29! Sign up today!
- Arbor Day Open
- Nebraska Bloody Mary State Championship
Who makes the best Bloody Mary in the Midwest? Come and find out at the Nebraska Best of the Midwest Bloody Mary Championship on Sunday of Arbor Day weekend. You are invited to enter, too!
- Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure Treetop Village
A three-acre playground in the trees? Yes, please! Bring the whole family and scamper from treehouse to treehouse using a unique webbing and platform system. Tree Adventure admission required.
Photo courtesy of Arbor Day Farm