Educational Tours

Bees and Blossoms Tour

Spring Only

A springtime trip to Arbor Day Farm provides an awesome view of the apple orchards in bloom. It’s also a great time to learn about apple development, integrated pest management, and the importance of pollinators. Take a peek into the world of honeybees and beekeeping, plus take a hands-on approach to discover how flowers are pollinated.

Wildlife Detective Tour

Wildlife abounds at Arbor Day Farm, but we don’t always see it. Some animals come out only at night; others are very shy around people. But they all leave clues that they are here. Learn to read the signs and discover who is hiding as you take a hike along South Table Creek Trail. Each person uses a photo scavenger hunt sheet to help with the discovery process. Great for sharpening observational skills and experiencing a wilder side of nature.

Tree Adventure Tour

Walk Arbor Day Farm’s Tree House Trail with a knowledgeable guide to learn about Nebraska’s native flora and fauna. Climb to the top of the 50-foot tree house. Explore the nature cabin filled with natural wonder. And continue your journey into the Lied Greenhouse where thousands of tree seedlings get their start. This is our most popular tour.

Ecosystems Tour

Discover Arbor Day Farm’s diverse ecosystems — a creek, prairie, and riparian forest — all within a short walking distance. Take part in interactive games that match animals to their native habitat and explore the advantages of camouflage. Build a food web chain of producers, consumers, and decomposers, then dig up some decomposers for up-close viewing. A favorite among students!

Terrific Trees Tour

Recommended for 3rd grade and older

Take an up-close look at trees to gain the basic skills needed for tree identification. Discover how the parts and function of a tree can become unforgettable once you act them out. Get an introduction to dendrochronology—the study of tree rings. Observe the many species that depend on trees for their survival. And share our passion for growing trees with a trip through the Lied Greenhouse.

Apple Harvest Tour

Fall Only

September and October offer bountiful ways to experience fall at Arbor Day Farm. Head to the orchard to learn how apples grow and are harvested. Interactive learning opportunities emphasize the importance of honeybees to the growing process. Visit the Apple House where the apples are washed, sorted, and packed and see where our cider is pressed and bottled. Everyone in the group receives a free sample of cider to taste.