There is a small, unassuming town in Nebraska outside of Omaha and Lincoln. And yet, it is known around the world. For you see, Nebraska City is a renowned arbor town. A town of trees. Its reputation began benignly, as pioneers moved into the Nebraska Territory, and began planting trees on the barren plains — as a windbreak for their homes and fields, for shade, and fuel, and building materials. Nothing unusual about that. It was occurring in every plains’ state during the settlement of the 1800’s. But one singular gentleman, J. Sterling Morton, knew the extreme value of trees and in 1872 proposed a tree planting holiday, aptly named Arbor Day. The response was remarkable — people all over Nebraska planted one million trees on that day alone. Thereafter, Arbor Day was declared a legal state holiday, and Nebraska City has been planting trees ever since. Out of this movement, evolved the Arbor Day Foundation. And that brings us to the Arbor Day Farm, which houses the Lied Lodge.
The Lied Lodge is constructed of wood and stone so that it quietly blends in with the forest that surrounds it. Inside, there are cozy nooks throughout, with massive views.
Notice the outside deck, and the indoor rocking chairs, which face a brick fireplace. I curled up with a book here and blissfully enjoyed the peaceful ambiance.
The rooms are beyond comfortable. I slept 12 hours. I was shocked when I awoke. I can’t remember ever sleeping that long. The bed is snuggly, but then I also remembered something I heard several years ago. I was in Oregon on a trip, One of the locals randomly said to me — “do you know why us Oregonians are so healthy?” I was instantly curious and asked her why. She responded, “because there are so many trees here that oxygenate our cells so well”. So, that made me wonder if the reason I slept deeply at the Lied Lodge was because of the combination of the plush mattress and having my cells richly oxygenated in an arbor town.
On the campus of the Lied Lodge, is also the Apple House Market. Here they sell their own wines, local honeys and marinated vegetables (I bought the Jalapeño Quail Eggs, which was a uniquely delightful treat). I ordered their airy Edelweiss apple wine. Who better to make fruit wines than arborists?!
The Tree Adventure provides trails deep into the woods. The showcase is the Treetop Village, where the guests walk amongst three acres in the treetops! If you want to gift your child with a sense of veneration for nature, please bring them here. The Arbor Day Foundation has created this entire property to ignite a love in all of us for the magnificence of trees, and their profound purpose on earth.
Just a few miles down the road, is the historic town center. I visited the Keeping Room Cafe and Boutique. It is charmingly designed and a banquet for the senses.
The proprietors of the Keeping Room have artistically created every space for the elation of their guests.
Further down the road is a Lewis & Clark Museum. These are common back here in the Midwest. This particular one is extremely well presented.
I stood outside looking at the replica boat and then down at the Missouri River. I cannot fathom how it successfully navigated this wild river. During the 1800’s, 400 steamboats sank in these waters.
Lewis chose a Newfoundland dog to accompany them, because they are strong swimmers and can rescue drowning victims. Lewis and Clark prepared for every eventual possibility. No wonder only one member of the team died, and he of appendicitis. That is an astounding statistic. Traversing thousands of miles of perilous lands for two years during the first decade of the 1800’s seems nearly impossible, without far more injury.
Just consider their drinking water. How did they not get sick to death drinking this sludge? Today, campers and hikers have water purification methods. Trying to imagine all the problems the team encountered back then is staggering. President Thomas Jefferson did not send a doctor on the expedition, so the captains had to take a quick crash course in medical procedures. They purchased items to create a medicinal chest.
Would you consider this enough medicine for two years? The chest included a lancet to slice a vein for draining ill blood, and an amputation knife. Mercury was a medicinal staple during that era. Can you imagine regularly ingesting mercury?? Thankfully, they had 16 year old, Sacagawea, to assist them with her Indigenous treatments and remedies.
I always learn something new at every Lewis and Clark museum I visit. Their journey was one of the most astounding in all of world history.
So, you can see why a trip to Nebraska City is invaluable for anyone, of any age, who is an enthusiast of learning. Come. Bring your children. Bring your friends who share your exhilaration for exploration. There are worlds of fascination to investigate here.