Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
Nebraska City, NE
A mansion and arboretum near the Missouri River, linked to the founder of Arbor Day, with tree-lined paths and formal gardens. Tour the house, then walk the grounds in spring or autumn when the trees are at their best.
Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City was the home of J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day. The mansion was begun in 1855 as a modest house and grew through renovations to 52 rooms; it displays period furnishings and exhibits on Morton's life. The Morton family gave the grounds to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in 1923. The park includes an arboretum with more than 200 varieties of lilacs, an Italian terraced garden, a historic log cabin and walking trails.
Hours vary by season, and the park is usually closed on Mondays (as of October 2026). Allow about two hours for the house and gardens. From September 1 through October 31 there are living-history weekends with historical demonstrations; it can be busier then. The address is 2600 Arbor Avenue.
- Nearest town
- Nebraska City, NE
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 40.6760, -95.8570
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camp WoodmenCampsite1 mi from Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
- Victorian Acres CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
- Hidden Falls RV ParkMotorhome stopover1 mi from Arbor Lodge State Historical ParkMotorhomes
- Victorian Acres CampgroundMotorhome stopover1 mi from Arbor Lodge State Historical ParkMotorhomes
- Organized Youth CampingCampsite9 mi from Arbor Lodge State Historical ParkTentsDrinking water
- Waubonsie State Park CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
All campsites in Nebraska · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Arbor Lodge State Historical Park?
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park is in Nebraska City, NE, at GPS 40.6760, -95.8570. It is about 40 mi from Omaha.
Can you camp near Arbor Lodge State Historical Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camp Woodmen, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Arbor Lodge State Historical Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Old Market (40 mi), Nebraska State Capitol (45 mi), Homestead National Historical Park (58 mi) and Roseman Covered Bridge (97 mi).
When is the best time to visit Arbor Lodge State Historical Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)