Celebrate Arbor Day at the Farm Where It All Began!
Welcome to the spring season at Arbor Day Farm, where nature is in full bloom and the spirit of Arbor Day is alive! This year, we’re excited to introduce Bloom Fest, a two-weekend celebration highlighting the peak bloom of the lilacs across the property but specifically at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore expansive trails, learn about the history of lilacs, and immerse themselves in activities that celebrate the natural beauty and importance of trees and plants in our community.
As we celebrate the beauty of lilacs, we also honor the significance of Arbor Day (April 25) with a wide range of activities for all ages and interests across Arbor Day Farm. From exciting outdoor adventures to family-friendly events, delicious food, and stunning springtime scenery, it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in history, nature, and the joy of Arbor Day. Bring the whole family and kick off the season with us at this unforgettable celebration!
Special Arbor Day Weekend Hours by Location
Apple House Market
Friday-Saturday: 9am – 7pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Tree Adventure
Friday – Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Porter’s
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 7pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Arbor Lodge Mansion
Friday – Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Make it a weekend getaway!
Arbor Day Schedule
Friday, April 25
9am-5pm: Free Admission! Learn more about the history and home of Arbor Day. Our special display will share memorabilia and history of past Arbor Day celebrations and how Arbor Day spread around the world. Discover how the Morton Family celebrated each year through family journal entries.
12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm: Join our knowledgeable guides on a Discovery Ride tour of the farm and orchards.
6pm-9pm: Free live music on the terrace with Lisa Larsen from High Heel, the band. Pop-up bar available for purchase.
For inclement weather, this event will be hosted in the Lied Lodge lobby.
Saturday, April 26
Arbor Day Family Fun Run/Walk Nebraska City Tourism & Commerce Sponsored Event
7am & 9am: The annual Arbor Day Fun Run/Walk will start and finish at the Woodland Grove located behind Lied Lodge. For more information and to register, visit nebraskacity.com.
Weather-permitting.
10am & 2pm: FREE Orchard Tours. Meet at the Depot located between Tree Adventure and the entrance to the Lied Greenhouse.
Weather-permitting.
10am, 11am, and 2pm: Terrific Trees mini tours. For more information visit arbordayfarm.org. Pre-registration is not required. Included with Tree Adventure admission.
11am-3pm: Face painting and make & take crafts.
12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm: Join our knowledgeable guides on a Discovery Ride tour of the farm and orchards.
1-2pm: Wildlife Encounters will join us in the Tree Adventure Theater and take us on a journey to explore our world’s amazing habitats and the animals that live within them.
Wine and cider tastings, shopping and more! Chai Tea and More will be offering an amazing selection of bold flavors and surprising blends, 9am-2pm.
Bloom Fest at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
1pm, 2pm, & 3pm: Join us for a 45-minute guided tour of the Lilac Trail and experience the stunning, fragrant lilacs at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park! Originally planted in 1996, our collection boasts 215 specimens scattered throughout the park, making it the largest public lilac collection in Nebraska. Meet us near the playground, enjoy mouthwatering barbecue from Porter’s pop-up, and browse our selection of lilac-themed keepsakes at the Arbor Lodge and Apple House Market gift shops.
Tours are free, but please RSVP here. 30 people maximum per tour.
Companion Planting for Lilacs Workshop at the Lied Greenhouse
9am: Join Mark Canney, Director of Landscape and Horticulture at Arbor Day Farm discuss the value of lilacs and their deep cultural significance. Workshop is free, but please RSVP here.
Caring for Your Lilac Workshop at the Lied Greenhouse
10am: Join Nathan & Ashley Mueller with the International Lilac Society as they provide lilac care information, review pest management practices, and discuss maintenance plans. Workshop is free, but please RSVP here RSVP here.
The Orchard in Spring Workshop at the Lied Greenhouse
11am: Join Ben Heusinkvelt, Orchard and Grounds Manager at Arbor Day Farm, as he explains the process of planting, nurturing, and celebrating apple trees from the initial planting and various planting techniques through the harvest season at the Farm. Workshop is free, but please RSVP here.
Plant Sale at the Lied Greenhouse
10am-2pm: An assortment of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals will be available for sale to celebrate the bloom season of spring.
Sunday, April 27
8am: Greet the day with free yoga on the Hazelnut Lawn with Christina Sage. Complimentary mats available.
11am, and 2pm Terrific Trees mini tours. For more information visit arbordayfarm.org. Pre-registration is not required. Included with Tree Adventure admission.
1-2pm Wildlife Encounters will join us in the Tree Adventure Theater and take us on a journey to explore our world’s amazing habitats and the animals that live within them.
12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm: Join our knowledgeable guides on a Discovery Ride tour of the farm and orchards.
11am-3pm: Face painting and make & take crafts.
Bloom Fest at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
1pm, 2pm, & 3pm: Join us for a 45-minute guided tour of the Lilac Trail and experience the stunning, fragrant lilacs at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park! Originally planted in 1996, our collection boasts 215 specimens scattered throughout the park, making it the largest public lilac collection in Nebraska. Meet us near the playground, enjoy mouthwatering barbecue from Porter’s pop-up, and browse our selection of lilac-themed keepsakes at the Arbor Lodge and Apple House Market gift shops.
Tours are free, but please RSVP here. 30 people maximum per tour.
1-3pm: Live music with Dan Holtz and Gary Zalud on the portico at Arbor Lodge Mansion.
3pm: FREE Orchard Tour. Meet at the Depot located in between Tree Adventure and the Lied Greenhouse.
Wine and cider tastings, shopping and more!
