Nebraska City
As railroads made transportation more sophisticated, the town's population became more civilized, and Nebraska City developed into a shipping center for agricultural products. Cloaked in secrecy, transport of another sort also flourished in the early days. Slaves seeking freedom via the Underground Railroad found shelter in the region within caves and underground passageways.
The city is best known for its apple orchards, and it celebrates this crop each September at the Apple Jack Festival. Arbor Day, a holiday set aside for tree planting, originated in Nebraska in 1872. The event is celebrated in each state as well as in foreign countries. The home of the holiday's founder, J. Sterling Morton, is now part of Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, 2600 Arbor Ave.
Visitor Centers
Nebraska City Tourism & Commerce 806 1st Ave. Nebraska City, NE 68410. Phone:(402)873-6654 or (800)514-9113
Shopping
Nebraska City offers several downtown stores, including antique shops and the Pendleton Outlet, 115 S. 8th St. Factory Stores of America Outlet Mall, at 1001 SR 2 and US 75, features additional outlet retailers.
Things to Do
Arbor Day FarmArbor Lodge State Historical Park
Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail & Visitor Center
Wildwood Historic Center: Victorian Home, The Barn Art Gallery and Victorian Garden