Press Release
Nebraska City is gearing up for its annual Arbor Day Celebration starting today (Friday, April 25), with events continuing throughout the weekend.
Originally proposed by Nebraska City resident J. Sterling Morton as a day to focus on tree planting in a mostly barren state, Arbor Day has grown into an environmental powerhouse of a holiday, celebrated in all 50 states and in many countries around the world.
Today (April 25), Arbor Lodge will be open with free admission while the annual Children’s Programs take place on the lawn just to the east of the mansion, weather permitting.
At 4 p.m. at the upper parking lot of Steinhart Lodge, 2025 Arbor Day Honorees Dennis and Carol Marshall and 2025 Tree Planter of the Year Rob Schreiner will be recognized at a Commemorative Tree Planting.
A reception will follow at the Old Stone Cabin on Central Avenue.
Saturday’s events include a Fun Run throughout Arbor Day Farm, the Home, Craft, and Garden Market at the Eagles Club, a parade downtown at 1 p.m., and a free kid-themed Arbor Jamboree sponsored by the Nebraska City Creative District.
Special events Saturday include “A Ride Back in Time” Car Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kimmel Orchard, which is celebrating its 100th year in 2025, and the unveiling of the Kregel Windmill Factory Museum’s National Historic Landmark at 11 a.m.
Sunday opens with yoga on the Hazelnut Lawn behind the Lied Lodge, the Jaycees Fly-In Breakfast at the Nebraska City Municipal Airport, and the Best of the Midwest Bloody Mary Championship from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eagles Club.
New this year is a Bloom Fest in the Lilac Grove at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, free guided tours of the Lilac Trail are offered, showcasing the 215 specimens in the park. It is the largest public collection of lilacs in Nebraska.
Other activities throughout the community include cosmic bowling, food trucks, shopping and dining specials, live music, reenactments at the Lewis & Clark Center, and more.
All Nebraska City museums will open for the season this weekend and the three local orchards all have special events planned.
Details on the entire weekend can be found at NebraskaCity.com.
