# Arbor Lodge State Historical Park

> Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City was the home of J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day. The mansion was begun in 1855 as a modest house and grew through…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/arbor-lodge-state-historical-park/

A mansion and arboretum near the Missouri River, linked to the founder of Arbor Day, with tree-lined paths and formal gardens. Tour the house, then walk the grounds in spring or autumn when the trees are at their best.

Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City was the home of J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day. The mansion was begun in 1855 as a modest house and grew through renovations to 52 rooms; it displays period furnishings and exhibits on Morton's life. The Morton family gave the grounds to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in 1923. The park includes an arboretum with more than 200 varieties of lilacs, an Italian terraced garden, a historic log cabin and walking trails.

Hours vary by season, and the park is usually closed on Mondays (as of October 2026). Allow about two hours for the house and gardens. From September 1 through October 31 there are living-history weekends with historical demonstrations; it can be busier then. The address is 2600 Arbor Avenue.

- **Nearest town:** Nebraska City, NE
- **Category:** History & culture
- **GPS:** 40.6760, -95.8570

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Sources

- [Arbor Lodge State Historical Park (Outdoor Nebraska)](https://outdoornebraska.gov/location/arbor-lodge/)
- [Arbor Lodge State Historical Park (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbor_Lodge_State_Historical_Park)

## Nearby

- [Old Market](https://camping-spirit.com/places/old-market-omaha/) – 40 mi
- [Nebraska State Capitol](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b19-nebraska-capitol/) – 45 mi
- [Homestead National Historical Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/homestead-national-historical-park/) – 58 mi
- [Roseman Covered Bridge](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b9-roseman-bridge/) – 97 mi

## FAQs

### Where is Arbor Lodge State Historical Park?

Arbor Lodge State Historical Park is in Nebraska City, NE, at GPS 40.6760, -95.8570. It is about 40 mi from Omaha.

### Can you camp near Arbor Lodge State Historical Park?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camp Woodmen, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Arbor Lodge State Historical Park?

Places worth a stop nearby: Old Market (40 mi), Nebraska State Capitol (45 mi), Homestead National Historical Park (58 mi) and Roseman Covered Bridge (97 mi).

### When is the best time to visit Arbor Lodge State Historical Park?

The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)