Picnic

Get Outdoors Day at Arbor Day Farm

Started in 2008, National Get Outdoors Day is intended to inspire and motivate Americans to get outside for a “healthy, fun day of outdoor adventure.” And there’s no better place to do that than at Arbor Day Farm!

Tree Adventure – Spend the day playing in the trees, go tree climbing, check out binoculars for an up-close view of nature, and take part in our popular gnome hunt. It’s all included with your Tree Adventure admission.

Arbor Lodge Mansion – Pack a picnic, enjoy a stroll through the park, and take a turn at several yard games (including croquet, yard darts, checkers, and bocce ball) on the front lawn. Admission to Arbor Lodge State Historical Park is free.

It’s fun for the whole family!

Baskets and Blankets | Arbor Lodge Centennial Celebration

Celebrate an autumnal ode to parks and picnics! Show off your creative talents with daring designs, fancy flatware, unique flower arrangements, and a penchant for creature comforts with a stunning picnic spread for an entertaining evening at Arbor Lodge mansion.

Prizes: Two chances to win! All registrants are automatically entered into a raffle to win a picnic for 2 ($180 value) that can be redeemed for a date night in Omaha, courtesy of Pic’d on Purpose. Each picnic is unique in style & exact location and carefully chosen for scenery & comfort. Set-up and clean-up included. The Baskets and Blankets winner will receive a 2-night cabin stay in a modern cabin at a Nebraska State Park, complete with the comforts of home. No matter the season, relax and enjoy quality time with family and friends surrounded by nature, courtesy of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Register for the Baskets and Blankets Picnic Contest here. There is no charge to enter the contest. Then, on the day of the event, check in at the registration table on-site to receive your judging number. Contest set-up is from 5:30pm-6:30pm, judging begins at 7:30pm, winner announced at 8:30pm. The judges will be looking for tablescapes that incorporate natural themes reflecting the beauty of Nebraska’s parks in autumn known for crisp air, fall foliage, abundant wildlife, and fun family traditions, as well as creative and innovative ways of using the outdoor space. Questions? Email margot.desrocher@nebraska.gov.

Baskets and Blankets Meal Option – $9.25 per person

You can bring your own food for your picnic, or preorder meals here online. You choices include:

  • Pulled pork, potato salad, baked beans, and a brownie
  • 1/4 chicken roasted, potato salad, baked beans, and a brownie

Cash bar, including soda and water, will be available on-site. Tax included in ticket price. Meal reservation deadline is 12pm on Monday, September 27.

 

The rest of the evening includes a variety of fun free events including live music, a ceremonial tree planting, featured speaker, and a laser light show in Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. Come help us celebrate 100 years of Nebraska state parks courtesy of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission!

International Picnic Day

International Picnic Day is Friday, June 18. Where better to celebrate than at the picturesque Arbor Lodge State Historical Park?! Pack your basket and come explore the grounds, mansion, and carriage house. Throughout the weekend, we’ll have several yard games (including croquet, yard darts, checkers, and bocce ball) set up for you on the front lawn of Arbor Lodge. Inside the mansion, embark on a self-guided tour and check out the History of Picnics display. It’s a picnic-perfect spot for beauty, relaxation, and fun.

Questions? Call 402-873-7222. Purchase tickets to visit Arbor Lodge Mansion here. No admission or park permit is required to tour the grounds.