Nebraska's Gateway to the West!

The Lewis and Clark expedition camped along the Missouri River here where the future Nebraska City would grow as they made their travels in 1804. Once the original site of Fort Kearny, Nebraska City boomed into life as a transportation hub leading west. Steamboat travel was important to the settlement of Nebraska City as the boats traveled up to Ft. Benton, Montana. Gold miners heading to California traveled through here. Pioneers heading west with dreams of building a new home left their mark here as well. There are many museums preserving history in Nebraska City to satisfy almost every curious mind including the Enchanted Arboretum, the Mayhew Cabin, which is the only recognized Underground Railroad historic site in the United States, and a windmill factory museum, the Kregel Windmill Factory museum to name a few.
The expedition of Lewis and Clark was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson after the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. The goal was to map a transcontinental route to the northwest territories of America's newly acquired land. The journey began at St. Louis, Missouri in May of 1804. The expedition reached what is now Nebraska City approximately two months later. The Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Visitor Center is located along Nebraska Highway 2 just west of the Missouri River Bridge. The Center highlights many of the discoveries made by the expedition as it made its way to the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. Only one member of the expedition died along the way.

HOME OF ARBOR DAY

Nebraska City is the home of Arbor Day. J. Sterling Morton, a respected agriculturalist and Secretary of Agriculture (1893-1894), was an avid promoter of planting trees and has left quite the legacy behind him to ensure that tree planting and the teaching of the importance of trees continues. Morton's beautiful home, Arbor Lodge, is now a State Historical Park. You do not need a Nebraska state park permit to enter this park, but there are entrance fees for access. The park includes the Arbor Day Farm and Tree Adventures, gardens and orchards.

NEBRASKA CITY BUSINESSES

Downtown main street (Central Avenue) overlooks the Missouri River and here you will find unique restaurants, clothing stores, antique shops, and shops to meet your sewing needs. Close to downtown is a one of a kind toy store, a bike shop, liquor store, and several auto repair shops for those unexpected bumps in the road.

Just north of Nebraska City, along the Missouri River, is the Riverview Marina where you can launch your boat, camp and fish. You will need a State Park Permit which you can purchase at Paap's Sport Shop, 1315 S 11th St, Nebraska City, NE. You will need cash, no cards accepted at this bait shop.

There are several places to camp with an RV such as at the Hidden Falls Cabins and RV Park or to rent cabins close to activity. If a motel is more to your liking there are several choices.

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