Change of Nebraska Travel Plans … For the Better
After six long days of travel, a mix of business and pleasure, the last stop for two days before heading to the airport was in Nebraska City.
When I mentioned to a colleague that I was tired, cranky, and looking forward to taking a long nap in an airport hotel, she suggested that I cap off my road trip through Iowa and Nebraska with a hotel that basks in nature.
Here’s the funny part. I thought she was kidding when she suggested I stay at a place called the “Lied Lodge.” She was not lying … a quick stay “in nature” and that was exactly what I needed at that moment. The fact that just a few years ago Lied Lodge underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation really piqued my interest.
Connecting With Nature at Lied Lodge
Considering that I was hours away from booking a bland hotel room by the airport with only a bed and a television, I won the travel jackpot with the right mix of Nebraska fresh air and a retreat like environment.
Lied Lodge is a nature-inspired hotel set on the 260-acre Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City. The lodge features a charming, rustic wood interior reminiscent of a lodge from days gone by, but beautifully and tastefully renovated. Everything I needed or wanted was on the premises like a pool, restaurants, spa, lounge, shopping, and lots of outdoor activities, gorgeous trees, and a nine-acre hazelnut orchard.
To explain it better, Lied Lodge is owned and operated by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation. Its mission: “Inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.”
Lied Lodge Guest Rooms and Suites
There are 140 guest rooms, a Junior King Suite, and an Arboretum Suite, each offering spectacular views of nature. Extending the truly inspiring outdoor scenery, I was pleased to see the nature-inspired guest room décor and comfortable bedding.
In addition to a comfortable, cozy guest room, modern amenities include:
:: 120 HD channels of cable TV
:: Mattresses by Sleep Gold with Euro Top
:: Farm House Fresh Toiletries
:: Iron and ironing board
:: Hair dryer
:: Alarm clock
:: Coffee maker with premium shade-grown Arbor Day Coffee™
:: Refrigerator
I highly recommend the patio guest room that offers a dramatic touch as French doors open up to the beautiful outdoors. It has its own personal patio that offers a scenic view that made for an unforgettable experience. The room features a king-size bed, and the room was located near to the indoor pool. It was so nice to open the French doors and let the fresh air in. It was lovely; everything was clean and well maintained. The bed was super comfortable, and I slept soundly.
Lied Lodge Amenities and Activities
Lied Lodge and Arbor Day Farm offer something for everyone whether planning a romantic weekend with your sweetheart, a visit to the spa, or a family adventure. The staff is amazing, and the facility is outstanding.
Take a swim in the expansive indoor swimming pool, enjoy a delicious meal or beverage at the onsite restaurants and lounge, or take a walk on the trails or anywhere around the stunning property. There’s acres and acres of natural beauty and fun waiting to be had.
Enjoy a range of exceptional onsite amenities at Arbor Day Farm:
:: Free WI-FI access
:: Free morning coffee service in lobby
:: Restaurants
:: Room service
:: Indoor pool
:: Fitness center
:: The Spa at Lied Lodge
:: Tree Adventure
:: Treetop Village®
:: Lied Greenhouse
:: Arbor Day Farm trolley
:: Airport shuttle to and from Lincoln Airport and Omaha Eppley Airfield
:: EV charging stations in the west parking lot of Lied Lodge
:: Golf nearby
The large indoor pool and the fitness center are open daily for overnight guests. If you need some pampering, make an appointment at The Spa at Lied Lodge. It offers a diverse selection of massages and body treatments.
You can shop at the many cute shops throughout Arbor Day Farm. The Apple House Market educates visitors through activities involving tree growing and shipping, and apple picking and pressing. You can also participate in wine tasting from the selection of Arbor Day Farm wines.
The lodge’s terrace is a wonderful place to enjoy fresh air and beautiful scenery. Relax while enjoying a free morning coffee from the lobby or sit by the fireplace viewing beautiful sunsets with a cocktail in the evenings.
Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, Treetop Village®, and Other Nature-Inspired Fun
Many of the Arbor Day Farm activities were not included in the room fee but rest assured, the add-ons were reasonably priced. Advanced ticket reservations are encouraged.
The Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure attraction includes orchards, hiking trails, outdoor activities, the Treetop Village®, and the Lied Greenhouse. The Tree Adventure is a year-round experience, leading visitors on high adventures among treetops.
Treetop Village® is the only place in America where you can explore 11 different treehouses scattered among 3 acres and they’re connected by unique bridges and netted walkways above the ground. The WonderNet is a large, raised area for jumping and playing, to be enjoyed by all ages. Treetop Village also features a 50-foot slide in the trees.
Nature Explore Classroom features hands-on, immersive experiences for all age groups. Carly’s Climbing Cube is a woven climbing structure filled with tunnels, portals, and open fun space to move around. Take the Discovery Ride Tour, a one-hour journey into the backwoods of Arbor Day Farm, or the Sunset & S’mores Discovery Ride followed by a bonfire where you can make and eat s’mores.
The U-Pick Flowers activity allows visitors to stroll the garden and snip your own flowers while taking advantage of amazing photo opportunities.
It’s also highly recommended to visit the Historic Arbor Lodge, a historic mansion with 52 rooms filled with displays of historic artifacts belonging to the Morton Family.
Depending on when you plan a stay at Lied Lodge or visit Arbor Day Farm, there are many additional seasonal activities offered throughout the year.
Dining at Lied Lodge
It was so nice to enjoy all meals on the Arbor Day Farm. The two restaurants and lounge provided wonderful meals and room service.
Timbers Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While enjoying your meal indoors or on the patio, you can also appreciate the breathtaking views of the orchards.
The Library Lounge offers comfortable seating and a bar that serves local beers, cocktails, and other beverages, in addition to meals and appetizers in a cozy atmosphere.
Porter’s Restaurant offers delicious barbecue foods like pulled pork and tender brisket, plus apple pie and apple cider slush.
Lied Lodge: Spectacular Scenic Views and the Fresh Air of Nebraska
I’m not going to lie (pun intended) … you won’t appreciate the Lied Lodge until you discover it for yourself. This hotel was so much more fun than I expected to find in a small Nebraska town. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The guest rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable with beautiful nature views and modern amenities. It’s a simply peaceful retreat nestled in the middle of nature.
The restaurants were very good, the shops were adorable, the fire pit was appreciated, and walking around the property provided some much-needed fresh air. Having everything you need right there on the property is a huge benefit. Accommodations are reasonably priced, but prices vary depending on when you visit.
I appreciated the conservation efforts, and that everyone that visits the Arbor Day Farm is supporting the tree-planting mission of the Arbor Day Foundation. So, while you relax, get pampered, and inspired, you’re actually supporting a worthy cause.