Smell the flowers: Omaha’s best botanical garden
Even though we recently had a few days off, I still managed to be tired by the time the weekend finally came. If you’re feeling the same way and looking for a relaxing activity to do this weekend, Lauritzen Gardens might be the perfect excursion. It is located just outside Omaha and is about an hour drive from campus. While it may seem like that is a bit far, it is a great chance to get off campus and explore the nearby areas outside of Lincoln.
Lauritzen Gardens is a hidden sanctuary and a living museum that was founded in 1998. There are numerous kinds of flowers, trees and other plants on display that come together to create a gorgeous sprawling garden. Many visitors take their time walking through the 100 acres of property and typically spend about two hours admiring all it has to offer. There are 19 different gardens, a waterfall and a bird sanctuary ready to be explored. Some of them are indoors, while others are outside and along walking trails. If you don’t feel like viewing the beauty by foot, there is a tram that operates for an additional fee that takes visitors around some of the areas.
At the southwest point of the property, there is an area called Kenefick Park. If you have seen your fill of the gardens, this park features two of the locomotives that were part of the Union Pacific Railroad. It also offers seating areas, quiet plazas, sculptures and educational signage about the history of the old railroad system that helped develop Omaha and other parts of Nebraska. This is an ideal spot for a picnic with friends or to enjoy the items available for purchase at the small café nearby.
If you decide to make a trip to this expansive botanical garden, there are a couple things to keep in mind. Their operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. If you can’t make it in the upcoming weeks, don’t worry! They are open year round and offer different garden displays for all four seasons. The price of admission is $10 per person and they recommend purchasing tickets online beforehand. They provide plenty of free parking on property, so that will not be an issue.
When you have a free weekend and need to escape from campus for an afternoon, head over to Lauritzen Gardens and enjoy God’s nature.
By Kelina Rodgers