We decided to spend our first night "on the road" at Victorian Acres, a cute campground in the southeast corner of Nebraska. We stayed here about 15 years ago and had passed by many times on our way to and from Idaho, but never stopped again until now. After getting settled I inquired about the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center just down the highway. I was totally surprised when the owner suggested we go into Nebraska City- about a mile down the road. "Is there actually a town there?", I not so brightly asked. Well, were we surprised!!
Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Visitor Center
We enjoyed our tour of this visitor center and learned more about Lewis and Clark's journey. There is such an amazing amount of information out there and we learn a little more each time we visit these sites. Did you know that Sacagawea died around the age of 25?
George at the helm- er, oar
Actual Size Replica of Lewis and Clark's Keelboat
We took a drive across the Iowa border to a state park, which I had wanted to stay at, but decided against because of the stormy weather. (Actually George decided against and it was a good call!) Great view from overlook, but probably won't ever choose to camp there. It was located in the Loess Hills, which are a geological formation found only along the Missouri River basin in this area and in China. Who knew???
View from overlook at Waubonsie State Park, Iowa
We drove into Nebraska City (actually to get some groceries at Wal-Mart) and stumbled upon the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park.
Arbor Lodge was the home of J. Sterling Morton, who was the founder of Arbor Day and Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland. When he and his young wife settled in Nebraska City around 1855, it was mostly plains and barren hills. He decided that trees should be planted to make the area more attractive to other settlers and to serve as windbreaks.
His original four room house was remodeled and extended several times over the years. The last and grandest remodeling was in 1903 by his son Joy Morton, as in "Morton" salt. The 52 room mansion served as a summer home for Joy and other family members before being turned over to the state of Nebraska. ***The slogan on Morton salt, "When it rains it pours", refereed to the fact that this was the first salt that did not clump when stored for periods of time because of moisture. Joy Morton and a partner discover an additive to make it free flowing.
J. Sterling Morton's Arbor Lodge
Hard to imagine this was ever "barren" land.
At the Carriage House
great pix! i didn't realize there was so much to Nebraska City!
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