Lincoln Conventions and Visitors Bureau

Learn about the Morton family’s historical contributions. This 72-acre hilly, wooded land near Nebraska City was part of the estate of J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day. The grounds and the Morton Mansion were donated to the State of Nebraska in 1923 by Joy Morton to be preserved as a monument to his father. Joy Morton founded the Morton Salt Company. Call ahead for schedule changes or to arrange special group tours.

Hours: The park grounds/arboretum/gardens are open from 8 a.m. to sunset year-round. A state park entry permit is required.
Mansion Hours: 1-5 p.m. daily mid-April to mid-October.

Cost: $4 adults; $1 ages 3-12; 2 and under, free. (Subject to change)

Directions: 50 minutes southeast on Nebraska 2
(402) 873-7222
www.outdoornebraska.gov
 

“FREE LAND!” was the cry! The Homestead Act of 1862 was the greatest land giveaway in American history and brought sweeping changes to nearly every aspect of American life. This National Park Service site commemorates the Homestead Act and the vast impact it had on the United States and the world. The Homestead Heritage Center, a world-class facility, offers an award winning film and National Homestead Museum that looks at homesteader life and the evolution of the Homestead Act. Nearby is the Palmer-Epard Cabin, an original homesteader's cabin furnished with pioneer artifacts. The newly remodeled Education Center often hosts special programs and temporary exhibits. The Freeman School, a one-room prairie schoolhouse, is a quarter-mile west of the education center. A 2.5 mile self-guiding trail traverses 100 acres of restored tallgrass prairie. In late summer prairie grasses up to 9 feet high give visitors a sense of the Great Plains as the settlers saw them.

Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Special events take place throughout the year. Contact park for more information.

Cost: No admission charge.

Directions: 45 minutes south on U.S. 77. Located four miles west of Beatrice on Nebraska 4.
(402) 223-3514
www.nps.gov/home
 

Each year Seward hosts the state of Nebraska in an old-fashioned family celebration on the Fourth of July. The observance is unique in that major leadership is provided by high school youth. This event adds new attractions each year and draws upward of 40,000 visitors with a full day of family activities, entertainment, craft fairs, contests and a grand parade.

Directions: 20 minutes west on U.S. 34
(402) 643-4189