If you’re into gardening, you might have heard the familiar saying, “If it’ll grow in Nebraska, it’ll grow anywhere.” That might be a little bit of an exaggeration, but gardening in our state does come with its own unique set of challenges. That makes these beautiful public gardens even more impressive. It takes a lot of work and dedication to keep these spots looking lovely year after year. Here are some of the best gardens in Nebraska:

1. Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Arboretum, Nebraska City

Arbor Lodge Mansion, arbor lodge, 2600 Arbor Ave, Nebraska City, NE 68410, USA
Rachel Kulik/Google Reviews
Arbor Lodge's beautiful 65-acre grounds are home to a wide variety of trees, shrubs, native plants, and plants that are rarely found in Nebraska. Visit and see why it's one of the best gardens in Nebraska.

2. Boys Town Garden of the Bible, Boys Town

Boys Town, NE, USA
Canteen/TripAdvisor
Located between Dowd Chapel and Chambers Chapel, the Boys Town garden contains only plants mentioned in the Bible.

3. Gerald Ford Birthsite Gardens, Omaha

Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens, 3202 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
Chris Murphy/Flickr
Looking for the "best gardens near me" in Omaha? Although the home in which the former president was born no longer stands, exceptional rose gardens are located at his birth site. In 1978, the gardens were installed and dedicated to former First Lady Betty Ford.

4. Gilman Park Arboretum, Pierce

Gilman Park, 6F2H+VF, Pierce, NE 68767, USA
Pamela Bergstrom/Google Reviews
Located around the Bill Cox Memorial Lake in Pierce, the 14-acre arboretum is full of more than 200 varieties of trees and shrubs along with plenty of lovely perennial plants. Head to the Visit Nebraska website for location information.

5. Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha

Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
Author
With both indoor and outdoor displays, there is always something to see at Omaha's botanical garden. The grounds hold several different garden zones, each of which features a unique collection of plants. You'll love your time at Lauritzen Gardens!

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6. Living Memorial Gardens/Legion Park War Memorial and Gardens, Sidney

Living Memorial Gardens, 2200 Legion Park Rd, Sidney, NE 69162, USA
Lori Borchert/Google Reviews
The tiered Living Memorial Gardens are located in the former Sidney public pool. On site is also the state's first Angel of Hope memorial, located in the former baby pool. The site is a place for visitors to remember their loved ones who have passed on. Head to the Visit Nebraska website for location information.

7. Memorial Park Gardens, Omaha

Memorial Park Drive, Mem Pk Dr, Omaha, NE 68132, USA
flickr/Ali Eminov
The gardens at Omaha's Memorial Park include annual and perennial flower beds, but the shining star is the All-American Rose Society Garden. Check the Visit Omaha website for location information.

8. D.A. Murphy Panhandle Arboretum, Scottsbluff

D.A. Murphy Panhandle Arboretum, 450 Ave I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, USA
UNL Panhandle Research, Extension & Education Center/Facebook
This 40-acre site is located at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center and is affiliated with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. The arboretum is divided into distinct zones where visitors can enjoy a diverse collection of high plains plants. Follow the UNL Panhandle Research, Extension & Education Center Facebook page for more photos and updates.

9. Sunken Gardens, Lincoln

Sunken Gardens, 2600 D St, Lincoln, NE 68502, USA
Wikimedia/Babymestizo
The Sunken Gardens have been beautifying Lincoln since 1930. Since then, the gardens have been improved constantly, including a major renovation completed in 2005.

10. UNL Botanical Gardens and Arboretum, Lincoln

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1400 R St, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
flickr/UNL Today
Pictured is the Love Garden, which is one of 10 located on UNL's City Campus and East Campus grounds. Visit the UNL website for more.

What do you think of this list of the best gardens in Nebraska? There are plenty of other beautiful display and research gardens all over Nebraska. What’s your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

Ready to take a road trip around Nebraska to see these botanical gardens? Check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List before you hit the road. You can also make a getaway out of your road trip by booking unique vacation rentals throughout the state on Vrbo!

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What are some of the best flower fields in Nebraska?

During spring and summer, flower fields come alive with pops of color in Nebraska. Here are a few flower fields:

  • Valley View Farms in Albion, Nebraska offers u-pick flowers if the season cooperates. 
  • Nelson Produce Farm in Valley, Nebraska has a u-pick sunflower field plus a wide range of family-friendly activities.
  • A-Mazing Flowers and Studio in Prague, Nebraska has a cut flower maze unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

Are there any wildflower hikes I can take in Nebraska?

Yes! There certainly are wildflower hikes you can take in Nebraska. Here are a few to consider:

 

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