Celebrate Arbor Day with us April 24-26 and enjoy special event and activities. Learn more.
Arbor Day Weekend Celebration
Friday, 4/24 - Sunday, 4/26
Celebrate Arbor Day where the holiday began. Join us at Arbor Day Farm for a weekend of spring blooms, guided tours, hands-on activities, and family-friendly experiences across the Farm.
Location
Arbor Day Farm, 2611 Arbor Ave, Nebraska City, NE 68410
Date
Friday, 4/24 - Sunday, 4/26
Type
Family
Where Arbor Day Comes to Life
At Arbor Day Farm, Arbor Day is more than a holiday — it’s the beginning of the planting season and a reflection of the mission that started here. Throughout the weekend, guests can explore the Farm through tours, demonstrations, and family-friendly experiences that celebrate trees, stewardship, and the lasting impact they have on our communities.
Friday, April 24: Activities
Free Admission to Arbor Lodge Mansion
Arbor Lodge Mansion | 9 AM-5 PM
Free admission today only! Explore a special exhibit highlighting the history and global impact of Arbor Day. While you're here, stroll the grounds of Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, home to eight State Champion Trees and one of the nation’s largest public lilac collections.
Wine and Cider Tastings, Shopping & More
Apple House Market | 9 AM-5 PM
Stop by Apple House Market to browse local goods, enjoy wine and cider tastings, and take home a taste of Arbor Day Farm.
Tree Planting Demonstration
Lied Lodge Lobby | 2 PM
Learn the basics of planting and caring for trees during this live demonstration led by Arbor Day Farm experts. Some light walking may be required.
Saturday, April 25: Activities
Arbor Day Exhibit at the Mansion
Arbor Lodge Mansion | 9 AM-5 PM
Explore a special exhibit highlighting the history and global impact of Arbor Day. While you're here, stroll the grounds of Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, home to eight State Champion Trees and one of the nation’s largest public lilac collections.
Purchase Tickets
Wine and Cider Tastings, Shopping & More
Apple House Market | 9 AM-5 PM
Stop by Apple House Market to browse local goods, enjoy wine and cider tastings, and take home a taste of Arbor Day Farm.
Make-and-Take Birdhouse Craft
Tree Adventure | 11 AM and 3 PM
Create a simple birdhouse to take home while learning how birds depend on trees for habitat and shelter. Included with Tree Adventure admission.
Purchase Tickets
Terrific Trees Guided Walking Tour
Tree Adventure | 11:30 AM and 1 PM
Join our guides for a walk among the trees and discover what makes them so remarkable. Learn simple tree identification tips and explore how trees support the world around us. Included with Tree Adventure admission.
Purchase Tickets
Bloom Fest: Guided Lilac Trail Tours
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park | 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM
Join a 45-minute guided tour of the Lilac Trail at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and experience the beauty and fragrance of Arbor Day Farm’s stunning lilac collection. Originally planted in 1996, the trail now includes 215 lilac specimens, making it the largest public lilac collection in Nebraska. Tours are free, but RSVPs are required.
RSVP Here
Bloom Fest: Apple Trees & Pollinators Workshop
Hero Gallery | 9-10 AM
Discover how apple trees and pollinators work together to transform spring blossoms into fall harvests, and learn how to support them in your own landscape.
RSVP Here
Arbor Day 5K/Kids Run
Woodland Grove behind Lied Lodge | 5K at 9 AM | Kids Run at 10 AM
Take part in a run or walk inspired by J. Sterling Morton. The course starts and finishes at Woodland Grove behind Lied Lodge. Check-in opens 30 minutes before each race. Packet pick-up is available April 22 from 9 AM to 4 PM at the NCTC Office or the morning of the event on-site. Route details will be shared ahead of race day.
Learn more and register
Bloom Fest: America the Beautiful: A Tour of Lilacs Workshop
Hero Gallery | 10-11 AM
Explore standout lilac cultivars developed by American breeders and hear the stories behind these beloved spring bloomers found throughout Arbor Day Farm.
RSVP Here
Bloom Fest: The Story of the International Lilac Society Workshop
Hero Gallery | 11 AM-12 PM
Learn about the history and mission of the International Lilac Society and get a preview of the 2027 ILS Convention coming to Arbor Day Farm.
RSVP Here
Bloom Fest: A Story of Place: Native Plants and Lilacs in Nebraska Workshop
Hero Gallery | 1-2 PM
Discover how native Nebraska prairie plants and heritage lilacs can be combined to create landscapes that support pollinators and celebrate the beauty of spring.
RSVP Here
Arbor Day Parade
Central Ave. from 16th Street east to 6th Street | 1 PM
Catch Carly the Cardinal and more during the Arbor Day Parade in Nebraska City.
Bloom Fest: Red, White, & Bloom: Planting for America’s 250 Years Workshop
Hero Gallery | 2-3 PM
Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with a vibrant garden of red, white, and blue - featuring regionally adapted plants while supporting pollinators and resilient landscapes here in Nebraska.
RSVP Here
Plant and Tree Sale
Apple House Market | 9 AM-5 PM
Shop a selection of trees and plants grown by the Arbor Day Farm team.
Sunday, April 26: Activities
Wine and Cider Tastings, Shopping & More
Apple House Market | 11 AM-5 PM
Stop by Apple House Market to browse local goods, enjoy wine and cider tastings, and take home a taste of Arbor Day Farm.
Make-and-Take Birdhouse Craft
Tree Adventure | 11 AM and 3 PM
Create a simple birdhouse to take home while learning how birds depend on trees for habitat and shelter. Included with Tree Adventure admission.
Purchase Tickets
Discovery Ride Tour
Tree Adventure | 11:30 AM and 12:45 PM
Travel through orchards, vineyards, and scenic landscapes on a guided Discovery Ride tour of Arbor Day Farm. Reservations are recommended and can be made when purchasing a Tree Adventure ticket online or on property.
Purchase Tickets
Terrific Trees Guided Walking Tour
Tree Adventure | 11:30 AM and 1 PM
Join our guides for a walk among the trees and discover what makes them so remarkable. Learn simple tree identification tips and explore how trees support the world around us. Included with Tree Adventure admission.
Purchase Tickets
Carly the Cardinal Meet & Greet
Tree Adventure | 11:30 AM-12:15 PM and 1:15 PM-2 PM
Say hello to Carly the Cardinal and snap a photo with Arbor Day Farm’s favorite feathered friend. Included with Tree Adventure admission.
Purchase Tickets
Bloom Fest: Guided Lilac Trail Tours
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park | 1 PM and 2 PM
Join a 45-minute guided tour of the Lilac Trail at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and experience the beauty and fragrance of Arbor Day Farm’s stunning lilac collection. Originally planted in 1996, the trail now includes 215 lilac specimens, making it the largest public lilac collection in Nebraska. Tours are free, but RSVPs are required.
RSVP Here
Plant and Tree Sale
Apple House Market | 11 AM-5 PM
Shop a selection of trees and plants grown by the Arbor Day Farm team.
Stay at the Heart of Arbor Day
Make the most of Arbor Day Weekend with a stay at Lied Lodge. Pick your path, choose your perks, and enjoy a spring getaway rooted in the place where Arbor Day began.
Share Your Arbor Day Farm Story
Have a favorite memory from Arbor Day Farm or a special tree planting story? Share it with us for a chance to be featured on our social channels and receive an invitation to our Arbor Day Celebration Reception.
