State Historical Park
2695 Steam Wagon Rd. | Nebraska City, NE 68410
This beautiful estate in Nebraska City was home to J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day. The park also includes an arboretum, Italian terraced garden, log cabin, walking trails, more than 200 varieties of lilacs and a tree-themed playground. The mansion is located on Arbor Day Farm, which boasts 260 acres of natural beauty and outdoor exploration in Nebraska City, Nebraska.
The Morton family gave the grounds to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in 1923. In 2014, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission entered a cooperative agreement with the Arbor Day Foundation for the Foundation to manage and operate Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. The park grounds are open year-round and a park permit is not required to enter.
Natural playground at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in 2020. Jeff Kurrus, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park interior and exhibits. Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission/Nebraskaland Magazine
Park visitors the park grounds by the mansion at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. Jenny, Nguyen-Wheatley, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Lilies on grounds of Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission/Nebraskaland Magazine
From its beginning in 1855 as a four-room frame house, the magnificent mansion grew to 52 rooms through several re-model projects over the years. Authentic furnishings grace the rooms and displays capture the life and times of J. Sterling Morton.
The mansion is open for tours and special events. See below for details.
Step back in time to see historic trades, talents, vintage baseball and other demonstrations come alive at Arbor Lodge mansion and out on the beautiful grounds during Living History Weekends at Arbor Day Farm.
Living history events are held on weekends between Sept. 1 to Oct. 31 at Arbor Lodge Mansion each year.
Arbor Day Farm offers a wide array of amenities, events and outdoor activities for nature lovers. Lied Lodge, a fully renovated hotel and meeting facility, is located on the Arbor Day Farm grounds. The lodge features a spa, indoor pool, wine tasting and nature-themed decor.
A tree adventure is also located on the grounds, with tons of space to explore and learn about Nebraska’s trees.
As a member of the Nebraska City Museum Association, Arbor Lodge mansion offers free admission to all residents within the 68410 zip code during regular hours. Simply provide proof of residency when purchasing your ticket at the mansion.
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park offers group facilities available for rent. Please call for details and pricing: 402-873-8797.
Park Pricing
A park entry permit is required to visit state parks and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors, or in advance of your arrival online. View those fees, as well as attraction and amenity pricing.
