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In Nebraska City, NE, the Arbor Day Foundation built Lied Lodge in 1993. Nestled on the Arbor Day Farm, guests get to enjoy a 260-acre National Historic Landmark. Lied Lodge is perfect for families, events, and even romantic getaways. Rooms start at $129, and you can get special packages that include spa treatments, too.
When you stay at the Lied Lodge, you’ll have access to attractions such as the Olympic-sized swimming pool, a kiddie pool, hot tub, apple picking, and the Arbor Lodge Mansion. The kids will love Tree Adventure, which is a network of 11 treehouses amongst three acres—all without touching the ground. Book your stay today using the coupon “PURSUIT” when booking your stay. You will need to select PROMOTIONAL in the drop-down for SPECIAL CODES.
The Lodge
Lied Lodge has two suites and 138 guest rooms, all with nature-inspired decor, and incredible views. During our stay, we were on the top floor and got to enjoy a thunderstorm while we slept—it’s one of our favorite parts about living in the Midwest!
Behind the Lodge are hazelnut trees, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a black cat who enjoys the attention of passersby. We couldn’t go anywhere without the kids spending a good twenty minutes cuddling on the cat.
When you’re done playing with the cat, come inside and enjoy the Olympic-sized swimming pool, which goes as deep as 4ft 6in. The pool area is great for families of all ages with the hot tub and a kiddie pool, too. There is also a sauna just outside of the pool area.
Accessibility at Lied Lodge
Lied Lodge is committed to ensuring all guests enjoy their stay, regardless of their physical capabilities. The lodge features accessible parking, elevators for easy room access, and wheelchair-accessible paths across the property. The Olympic-sized swimming pool is equipped with a pool lift, and all public areas, including the restaurant and spa, are accessible. However, please note that some outdoor activities at Arbor Day Farm, given their nature-oriented setting, might present challenges. It’s advisable to reach out to the Lodge’s friendly staff ahead of your visit to discuss any specific accessibility needs you may have.
Activities & Services at Lied Lodge
On the Arbor Day Farm, Lied Lodge gives easy access to many unique attractions. You’ll get to enjoy many of the little footbridges throughout the woods on your way to Arbor Day Farm, which is only about a half-mile walk.
Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure
One of our family’s favorite attractions is Tree Adventure. Over three acres, there are 11 connected treehouses. This means that you can travel to each tree house within the Tree Adventure via netting or a bridge in the canopy, all without ever touching the ground.
You can book tree climbing during your stay. If you’re not keen on climbing up the tree with ropes and harnesses, you can climb a rope instead. Or, you might find a pop-up tent where they’re doing face painting.
Arbor Day Farm Apple Picking
After enjoying the Tree Adventure, be sure to pick some apples at Arbor Day Farm. Our favorites were the Jonagold apples, which are enormous! You can buy bags to pick the apples, and there’s even a station for you to wash your hands when you’re done. Don’t forget to swing by the greenhouse to get your free tree sapling to plant once you get home!
Visit the Lied Lodge Spa
Lied Lodge also has spa services for your enjoyment. These include foot reflexology, Swedish massages, and body treatments. Their hours are limited, so you’ll want to inquire about special accommodations outside of regular hours if you can’t make an appointment then.
DINING AT LIED LODGE
There are several on site restaurant options to consider at Lied Lodge. The main restaurant is Timbers, and you can enjoy your meal inside or on the patio. We were so grateful to see an outside option because it can be a nightmare to eat at a restaurant with our little guy, who has sensory processing disorder and autism.
We checked in on a Friday afternoon this fall and were lucky enough to hear music while dining outside. If you look towards the Arbor Lodge Mansion, you’ll see field lights nestled in the trees. This is because the high school football field is situated right by the mansion, so you can hear the music they play before the game starts.
Timbers
When you order at Timbers, you’ve got to have the gnocchi with smoked corn cream, and the Bohling Farms 8 oz American Wagyu burger. It has a brioche bun, bourbon-candied TD Niche pork belly, smoked cheddar, and caramelized onions. While the meat itself is good, the toppings were delicious enough by themselves! We ate at Timbers twice during our stay, and Kennedy got the crab cake appetizer both times to keep to herself since she enjoyed them so much.
Porter’s at Arbor Day Farm
If you’re at the Arbor Day Farm, eat at Porter’s. You’ll want to get there as soon as they open, which is 11 am. Otherwise, the line gets long very quickly. We got in line when it was just at the door and we waited for almost an hour. It was so worth it, though. I got brisket and apple cider slushies with “the works” which include ice cream and drizzled caramel.
While there, be sure to stop at the Apple House Market to grab an apple pie and a gallon of apple cider. It’s seriously the best apple cider I’ve ever had.
Nearby Attractions
While there’s plenty to do at the Lodge and Arbor Day Farm, there’s also a wealth of attractions in the surrounding Nebraska City area. History buffs will appreciate a visit to the Civil War Veterans Museum or the Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting. Nature lovers can explore Indian Cave State Park, a public recreation and historic preservation area on the Missouri River. For families, the Wildwood Historic Center offers a fascinating glimpse into the 19th-century life.
Transportation
Nebraska City is conveniently located just one hour away from Omaha’s Eppley Airfield. Several car rental services are available at the airport if you choose to drive. Lied Lodge doesn’t offer shuttle services, but taxis and ride-sharing apps are widely used in the area. Once at the Lodge, most amenities are within walking distance. If you plan on exploring further afield, a personal or rental car would be recommended.
Eco-Friendliness
In alignment with the Arbor Day Foundation’s commitment to the environment, Lied Lodge follows various eco-friendly practices. The Lodge is built from reclaimed timber and locally sourced stone, and it operates on a geothermal system for heating and cooling. They also implement water conservation efforts and recycling programs. Guests are invited to join in these efforts by reusing towels, recycling, and turning off lights and electronic devices when not in use. As a unique touch, each guest is gifted a tree sapling to take home and plant, further contributing to the goal of a greener world.
Pets are not allowed inside the Lied Lodge, except for service animals.
The Lodge offers a flexible cancellation policy, but it can vary depending on the time of year and the type of booking. It’s advisable to check this at the time of booking.
Some activities, such as certain spa treatments, may have age restrictions. Please check with the Lodge when planning your activities.
More Information
Hotel: Lied Lodge & Conference Center
Location: 2700 Sylvan Rd., Nebraska City, NE 68410
Accommodation: Family-friend lodge
Price Range: $$
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Arbor Day Farms and Lied Lodge. The opinions and text are all mine.
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