Arbor Day: The Tradition Continues
April 26th - 28th, 2024
A love of trees that goes way, way, way beyond hugging.
For more than 150 years, folks in this small town on the Missouri River have faithfully planted trees.
Oaks, pines, maples, elms, willows, sycamores. Flowering trees, conifers, deciduous. What started as a plan to make the empty plains welcoming to settlers and provide shade, shelter, and building materials has turned into a quest for environmental preservation – a chance to enrich the earth for future generations.
Along the way, what became known as Arbor Day grew into a weekend-long celebration. And not only in our own community…Arbor Day may have started in the small town of Nebraska City, Nebraska, but it is now recognized in all 50 states and in many countries around the world.
Come and visit us this Arbor Day! Make a weekend out of it; stay a few days, visit some museums, shop a bit, see the sights…plant a tree!
CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Arbor Day 2024 – Schedule of Events Form
Arbor Day 2024 – Parade Form
Arbor Day 2024 – Home, Craft, & Garden Market Registration
Arbor Day 2024 – Best of the Midwest Bloody Mary Competition Registration
Check out all our fabulous Nebraska City Museums!
Make a weekend out of it and book an overnight stay!
Hungry?
Need to do some shopping?
7 Ways to Experience Arbor Day in the Home of Arbor Day
Saturday, April 20, 2024
FREE
Foraging Walk at Riverview Nature Park
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Riverview Nature Park, Nebraska City
Description: Join the "Friends of Riverview Nature Park" for a foraging walk of wild edibles, led by Nebraska Statewide Arboretum horticulturist Bob Henrickson! Parking available on North 5th & North 6th Streets.
Website: Click here for flyer
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Arbor Day 2024 Prestigious Tree Award
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Otoe County Courthouse Lawn
Description: Congrats to Otoe County! The large oak tree on the northwest corner of the Otoe County Courthouse (11th Street and Central Avenue) has been selected as the 2024 Arbor Day Prestigious Tree! Join us at approximately 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, for the official announcement with county officials.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Great American City-Wide Cleanup
Time: 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Sunken Parking Lot on Central Avenue
Description: City Wide Cleanup of Litter and Trash for Arbor Day Celebration and Great American Cleanup
Website: https://www.facebook.com/KeepNebCityBeautiful
Friday, April 26, 2024
FREE
Free Admission to Arbor Lodge
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Arbor Lodge State Park
Description: Learn about Arbor Day in the place where it all began! Explore the original estate of the Morton family including the mansion, park grounds, and Carriage House.
Website: https://www.arbordayfarm.org/activities/arbor-lodge.cfm
Admission Rates Apply
Arbor Day Weekend Celebration at Arbor Day Farm
Time: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, 2611 Arbor Avenue
Description: Join us at the farm where Arbor Day all began to kick off a season of celebrating the power of trees.
Website: https://www.arbordayfarm.org/
Breakfast and Bloody Marys
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: The Keeping Room Cafe, 717 Central Avenue
Description: Bloody Marys and Breakfast! Quiche, Biscuits & Gravy, and Breakfast Croissants include souvenir cup!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheKeepingRoomNC
Apple Sangria in Souvenir Cup
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: The Keeping Room Cafe, 717 Central Avenue
Description: Apple sangria or any cocktail in souvenir glass! All meals include beverage in souvenir cup!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheKeepingRoomNC
Union Orchard's Arbor Day
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Union Orchard (2405 Hwy 75) and Central Apple Market (701 Central Avenue)
Description: Visit our blooming orchard just north of Nebraska City or our downtown location! Specialty drinks only $6.
Website: https://unionorchard.com/
Spring Tree Sale at Grimm's Gardens
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Grimm's Gardens, 1401 S. 11th Street
Description: Spring Tree Sale! 30% Off Select Tree Varieties!
Website: https://www.grimmsgardens.com/nebraska-city-2/
FREE
Spring Finds Behind the Pines
Time: Dawn to Dusk
Location: Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast, 2018 6th Avenue
Description: Spring Finds Behind the Pines Whispering Pines B&B invites you to come explore the 6 acres {of flower and water gardens). Take a selfie with an Award Winning 300-year-old Oak Tree. Scout around for other tree-made finds. # your selfie to win!
Website: https://bbwhisperingpines.com/blog/event/spring-finds-behind-the-pines/
Kimmel Orchard Opening Weekend
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 5995 G Road
Description: Come experience spring at Kimmel Orchard and take advantage of our Opening Weekend activities. Free package of Wild Flower Seeds to first 500 visitors. Food Samples: Friday, April 26, 10 - 5: Sample Apple Cider Donuts & Apple Cider.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kimmelorchard
Admission to the house $5.00 adults / $2.00 children
Victorian Paper Doll Exhibit
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Wildwood Historic Center, 420 Steinhart Park Road
Description: Visit the Wildwood Historic House and step back in time to learn about the Victorian Era. See exhibits of Victorian Paper Dolls and receive a paper doll to take with you. Shop the Gift Barn for unique one-of-a-kind gifts.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/wildwoodhistoriccenter
Children's Program
Time: 10 a.m. / 1:30 p.m.
Location: Arbor Lodge State Park
Description: Continuing a tradition that started more than 150 years ago, local schoolchildren will celebrate Arbor Day with an educational and entertaining field trip to Arbor Lodge!
Arbor Day Deals at The Local Shop!
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: The Local Shop, 811 Central Avenue
Description: Draw For Your Discount Friday and Saturday!! Sip and Shop Sunday 10-4 With a Storewide Sale. Two Giveaways will be running during Arbor Day Weekend! No Purchase is necessary to get into the Drawing! Just stop by our Local Shop Group Page on Facebook or Stop in at 811 Central!
Website: https://thelocalshop.shop/
Lunch and Dinner at Little Ted's Pub & Grill
Time: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Location: Little Ted's Pub & Grill, 416 Central Avenue
Description: Come grab a hot meal and a cold drink!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/littletedspub
Tee Off Fore Lourdes
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Table Creek Golf Course, 5633 I Road
Description: Four person scramble tournament to support Lourdes Central Catholic. All are welcome for a fun day of golf!
Website: Click Here for Information
Arbor Eyewear 20% Sale
Location: Lifetime Vision Center, 121 N. 8th Street
Description: All Arbor Eyewear is 20% off to celebrate one of our favorite holidays.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/LifetimeVisionCenterNC
Commemorative Tree Planting for 2024 Arbor Day Honorees and Tree Planters
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Lilac Grove, Arbor Lodge State Park
Description: Recognizing the 2024 Arbor Day Honoree: Sue Little // Recognizing the 2024 Tree Planters of the Year: Drs. Nathan and Ashley Mueller
Saturday, April 27, 2024
40.00
Arbor Day 5K Family Fun Run/Walk
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Start and Finish at the Woodland Grove behind the Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm
Description: Run or walk in the footsteps of J. Sterling Morton! NEW ROUTE THIS YEAR is on the Conservation Trail at Arbor Day Farm! Pre-registrants guaranteed a t-shirt. Bring the family for the KIDS LOOP (less than a mile) at 10 a.m.
Website: https://nebraskacitytc.square.site/product/arbor-day-fun-run-walk/31
Book & Bake Sale
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: First Christian Church, 114 N. 8th Street
Description: They will have used books for sale, as well as baked goods. Who bakes better than church ladies? No one.
CHI Health St. Mary's Baby Fair 2024
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: CHI Health St. Mary's, 1301 Grundman Blvd
Description: Informational fair for new and expecting parents. Vendor booths, prizes, and tours!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/CHI.Health.St.Marys
Arbor Day Seed Packet Giveaway
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Morton-James Public Library, 923 1st Corso
Description: Free seed starter packets from J. Sterling Morton (while supplies last)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/mortonjameslibrary
Spring Tree Sale at Grimm's Gardens
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Grimm's Gardens, 1401 S. 11th Street
Description: Spring Tree Sale! 30% Off Select Tree Varieties!
Website: https://www.grimmsgardens.com/nebraska-city-2/
Breakfast and Bloody Marys
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: The Keeping Room Cafe, 717 Central Avenue
Description: Bloody Marys and Breakfast! Quiche, Biscuits & Gravy, and Breakfast Croissants include souvenir cup!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheKeepingRoomNC
Apple Sangria in Souvenir Cup
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: The Keeping Room Cafe, 717 Central Avenue
Description: Apple sangria or any cocktail in souvenir glass! All meals include beverage in souvenir cup!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheKeepingRoomNC
Kimmel Orchard Opening Weekend
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 5995 G Road
Description: Come experience spring at Kimmel Orchard and take advantage of our Opening Weekend activities. Sample our salsa! Hayrack Rides picking up in front of the Apple Barn store every 30-minutes from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kimmelorchard
Union Orchard's Arbor Day
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Union Orchard (2405 Hwy 75) and Central Apple Market (701 Central Avenue)
Description: Visit our blooming orchard just north of Nebraska City or our downtown location! Specialty drinks only $6. Take a ride through the orchard to see it as it comes alive this spring (weather permitting). Orchard tours 9:30a to 4p.
Website: https://unionorchard.com/
Home, Craft, & Garden Market
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Eagles Club, 600 1st Corso
Description: Home goods, improvement vendors, garden ideas, makers -- all indoors!
Website: Sign Up Here!
Admission Rates Apply
Arbor Day Weekend Celebration at Arbor Day Farm
Time: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, 2611 Arbor Avenue
Description: Join us at the farm where Arbor Day all began to kick off a season of celebrating the power of trees.
Website: https://www.arbordayfarm.org/
FREE
Spring Finds Behind the Pines
Time: Dawn to Dusk
Location: Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast, 2018 6th Avenue
Description: Spring Finds Behind the Pines Whispering Pines B&B invites you to come explore the 6 acres {of flower and water gardens). Take a selfie with an Award Winning 300-year-old Oak Tree. Scout around for other tree-made finds. # your selfie to win!
Website: https://bbwhisperingpines.com/blog/event/spring-finds-behind-the-pines/
Used Book Event
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Morton-James Public Library, 923 1st Corso
Description: Come check out our used books - for a freewill donation, find your next favorite read!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/mortonjameslibrary
Craft and Color at the Library
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Morton-James Public Library, 923 1st Corso
Description: Handprint paper tree craft and coloring pages at the Library. All ages welcome!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/mortonjameslibrary
Arbor Day Deals at The Local Shop!
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: The Local Shop, 811 Central Avenue
Description: Draw For Your Discount Friday and Saturday!! Sip and Shop Sunday 10-4 With a Storewide Sale. Two Giveaways will be running during Arbor Day Weekend! No Purchase is necessary to get into the Drawing! Just stop by our Local Shop Group Page on Facebook or Stop in at 811 Central!
Website: https://thelocalshop.shop/
Admission to the house $5.00 adults / $2.00 children
Victorian Paper Doll Exhibit
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Wildwood Historic Center, 420 Steinhart Park Road
Description: Visit the Wildwood Historic House and step back in time to learn about the Victorian Era. See exhibits of Victorian Paper Dolls and receive a paper doll to take with you. Shop the Gift Barn for unique one-of-a-kind gifts.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/wildwoodhistoriccenter
Lunch and Dinner at Little Ted's Pub & Grill
Time: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Location: Little Ted's Pub & Grill, 416 Central Avenue
Description: Come grab a hot meal and a cold drink!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/littletedspub
Arbor Day Cosmic Bowling
Time: 12 to 11 p.m.
Location: Arbor Lanes Bowling Alley, 2023 Industrial Road
Description: 2 hours unlimited cosmic bowling, shoes and one medium soda -- all for only $10/person!
Website: https://arborlanesbowling.com/
FREE
2024 Arbor Day Parade
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Central Ave. from16th Street east to 6th Street
Description: Floats, vehicles, bands, and more! VIEW US LIVE ON FACEBOOK!
Website: Sign Up Here!
Live Music by Rearview Reflection
Time: 3 to 5 p.m.
Location: The Keeping Room Cafe, 717 Central Avenue
Description: Local Band - featuring Louie Peterson, Bruce Madsen, and Randy Purdy - with yesterday's country & light classic rock!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheKeepingRoomNC
$10 per adult / $7 ages 3-12
Arbor Day BBQ
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Location: Memorial Building
Description: The Arbor Day BBQ is back! Enjoy Cargill brisket, chips, potato salad, drink, and dessert. The Arbor Town Throw Down Paper Airplane Contest (free to enter!) will take place at 7 p.m.!
Sunday, April 28, 2024
$6 for adults / $4 for children
Jaycee's Fly-In Breakfast
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Nebraska City Municipal Airport, Highway 75 south of town
Description: All you can eat pancakes, ham, orange juice/coffee at this annual tradition! If the weather cooperates, you can watch the planes land!
Kimmel Orchard Opening Weekend
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 5995 G Road
Description: Come experience spring at Kimmel Orchard and take advantage of our Opening Weekend activities. Sample our BBQ Sauce! Hayrack Rides picking up in front of the Apple Barn store every 30-minutes from 12 to 4 p.m.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kimmelorchard
Union Orchard's Arbor Day
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Union Orchard (2405 Hwy 75)
Description: Visit our blooming orchard just north of Nebraska City! Specialty drinks only $6. Take a ride through the orchard to see it as it comes alive this spring (weather permitting). Orchard tours 9:30a to 4p.
Website: https://unionorchard.com/
FREE
Spring Finds Behind the Pines
Time: Dawn to Dusk
Location: Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast, 2018 6th Avenue
Description: Spring Finds Behind the Pines Whispering Pines B&B invites you to come explore the 6 acres {of flower and water gardens). Take a selfie with an Award Winning 300-year-old Oak Tree. Scout around for other tree-made finds. # your selfie to win!
Website: https://bbwhisperingpines.com/blog/event/spring-finds-behind-the-pines/
Arbor Day Deals at The Local Shop!
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: The Local Shop, 811 Central Avenue
Description: Draw For Your Discount Friday and Saturday!! Sip and Shop Sunday 10-4 With a Storewide Sale. Two Giveaways will be running during Arbor Day Weekend! No Purchase is necessary to get into the Drawing! Just stop by our Local Shop Group Page on Facebook or Stop in at 811 Central!
Website: https://thelocalshop.shop/
Best of the Midwest Bloody Mary Championship
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: The Eagles Club, 600 1st Corso, Nebraska City
Description: Do you make the best Bloody Mary around? Enter to find out! Or would you rather taste-test? $5 cover charge - tasting tickets are 5 for $10. 21 and over event.
Website: Sign Up Here!
Lunch and Dinner at Little Ted's Pub & Grill
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Little Ted's Pub & Grill, 416 Central Avenue
Description: Come grab a hot meal and a cold drink!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/littletedspub
Admission rates apply
Arbor Day Weekend at Arbor Day Farm
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, 2611 Arbor Avenue
Description: Join us at the farm where Arbor Day all began to kick off a season of celebrating the power of trees.
Website: https://www.arbordayfarm.org/
Arbor Day Cosmic Bowling
Time: 12 to 9 p.m.
Location: Arbor Lanes Bowling Alley, 2023 Industrial Road
Description: 2 hours unlimited cosmic bowling, shoes and one medium soda -- all for only $10/person!
Website: https://arborlanesbowling.com/
Admission to the house $5.00 adults / $2.00 children
Victorian Paper Doll Exhibit
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
Location: Wildwood Historic Center, 420 Steinhart Park Road
Description: Visit the Wildwood Historic House and step back in time to learn about the Victorian Era. See exhibits of Victorian Paper Dolls and receive a paper doll to take with you. Shop the Gift Barn for unique one-of-a-kind gifts.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/wildwoodhistoriccenter
Festival Sponsors
The Morton Oak
