Why Arbor Day Farm's Lied Lodge is one of the Midwest's Best Hotels

 I recently went to Nebraska City to write an article for Living Here Midwest magazine about the history of Arbor Day, and I got to stay in the stunning Lied Lodge. The hotel is part of a group of high-quality attractions run by the Arbor Day Foundation on the former estate of Arbor Day creator J. Sterling Morton, and I was given a hotel stay and admission to the Arbor Day Foundation attractions so that I could write about them. What I discovered is that the Lied Lodge isn't just one of the best hotels in the area or along I-29; I'd argue it's one of the best in the Midwest. Here's the full scoop on why I think the Arbor Day Farm Lied Lodge is one of the best hotels in the Midwest.

Where is the Lied Lodge?

The Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm is in Nebraska City, NE just a few minutes from interstate 29 near the Iowa/Nebraska border (and not too far from the Iowa/Missouri border either!). The address is 2700 Sylvan Road in Nebraska City, NE, and there is ample free parking in the hotel lots.  

The Lobby at Lied Lodge

The view just inside the main lobby at the Lied Lodge is breathtaking, with a sky-high ceiling, stone fireplace, rich colors and lighting, and wood and natural elements all around. The check-in desk is here, and a coffee station with delicious Arbor Day Coffee, complimentary for hotel guests. 

There was also seating around the lobby's central stairwell, and there were people sitting in the lobby nearly every time I went by, enjoying the view, waiting for someone, and many were sipping on coffee or wine. 

The gift shop is also just off the lobby and carries a nice variety of Arbor Day themed gifts like shirts, socks, drink and drinkware.

There were also Nebraska-made snacks and drinks, including wine and more of that delicious Arbor Day Coffee!

There was also a basket of kid essentials including swim diapers and I think that is so smart. I have definitely forgotten swim diapers before and regretted it, and at some stores they're only available in summer so you're just out of luck the rest of the year. Not here! 

Rooms at the Lied Lodge

The rooms at the Lied Lodge are beautiful and bring the mission of the Arbor Day Foundation into their theming, with exposed timber elements throughout. Floor plans currently include rooms with a king bed or with two queen beds, and the rooms on the 4th floor include gorgeous, vaulted ceilings that make the rooms feel so light and airy. 

Half of the rooms look towards the orchard and the Arbor Day Farm. The view is amazing! We went in fall and the trees had exploded into a rainbow of colors. This is actually the view from the stairwell: 

The other half of the rooms look towards the parking lot. But don't expect a typical hotel parking lot view--even this side of the building has tons of trees, and walking along the path to your car feels like you're on a nature trail! 

The Lied Lodge strives for sustainability in their rooms, and there are clever touches throughout, like water conserving toilets with two different buttons depending how much flush you need, and both a recycling bin and trash can. But they don't skimp on providing what guests need. The toiletries were great and the room and bathroom were both very clean.

Pool at Lied Lodge

The Lied Lodge has an Olympic-length pool that's 4' deep. At one point while we were there, I'd estimate two dozen people in the pool and it was definitely still not crowded! 

There's also a large hot tub area, and while we were swimming in other parts of the pool area, I noticed a young adult couple enjoyed glasses of wine as they relaxed in the hot tub.

But my family's favorite part of the pool area was the wading pool. This pool had cool but not cold water that was 1 foot deep around the edges and 18 inches deep in the center. And it was a nice size; I'd guess 10 by 12 feet. Even with my whole family in the wading pool it felt like there was still room for another family that also had a toddler who came to the pool a few minutes later. My toddler loved that she could safely walk around the pool on her own, and my elementary age kids liked being able to sit in it. 

Other Amenities at the Lied Lodge

There is a gym and a spa on the bottom floor, each near but separate from the pool area. The gym was well lit, with modern exercise equipment. 

At the Lied Lodge Spa, guests can enjoy a wide variety of services including body scrubs, facials, massages, reflexology, cupping, and much more. 

And the Lied Lodge has indoor and outdoor venues for wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, other family occasions, or for work conferences and retreats. They accommodate large and small events and occasions in their venues like a charming historic barn, conference rooms, and garden spaces.

Restaurants at the Lied Lodge: The Library and Timbers 

The Lied Lodge has a lounge bar called The Library Lounge and an on-site restaurant, Timbers, which serves upscale food. But it's also kid-friendly and offers kids menus, highchairs, booster seats, and kids cups. 

One of our favorites from the food we bought was the French toast kids meal. One of my kids ordered it and it came with two huge slices of french toast, a sausage link, a sliced strawberry, a tiny pitcher of maple syrup, and a cute dollop of whipped cream with a cherry on top. He was very impressed and ate it all. 

The adult meals were delicious too! I had the Eggs Benedict and it was cooked to perfection and generously portioned. 

One thing I'd love to see them add in the future is something on the menu to indicate ingredients sourced from the Arbor Day Farm. I know the apple cider is, but I wondered about some of the other plant-based ingredients like herbs or maple syrup. 

Either way though, the food was delicious and well-made, and I will definitely eat there again next time I go. 

There's also a BBQ Restaurant called Porter's just a short walk away near the Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, which is another delicious option!

More information about the Lied Lodge

To find out more about the Lied Lodge and make a reservation, visit the Lied Lodge website or connect with the Lied Lodge on Facebook or  Arbor Day Farm on Instagram. And check out my full guide to Arbor Day Farm to learn about the other fun at the Arbor Day Farm like the Tree Adventure!

I think you'll be blown away like I was with how they manage to combine natural elements and rustic charm with modern elements and amenities in a way that feels so fresh, clean, and upscale. We had such a relaxing weekend there, and I can't wait to head back again another time. Soon, I hope!