The Under-The-Radar Destination In Nebraska With The Most Beautiful Fall Foliage In The State
By Tamsen Butler|Published October 17, 2023
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Tamsen Butler
Author
A frequent contributor to Omaha Magazine, Tamsen Butler originally moved to Nebraska more than two decades ago. Though it was Offutt AFB that brought her here, it was the friendly people and low cost of living that kept her here.
Tamsen is an award-winning author with a writing career that spans nearly 20 years. And though she doesn’t use her psychology degree in a professional capacity, she finds that she uses it daily in everyday interactions.
She spent years exploring everything Nebraska has to offer with two kiddos in tow, but nowadays as an empty nester, she enjoys exploring the art and culture scene with the occasional hike thrown in for good measure.
Tamsen is a big fan of the Old Market area in Downtown Omaha but is also excited when it comes to exploring smaller towns in the state. She knows Nebraska has a lot of stories to tell, and she’s happy to search them out!
The OPPD Arboretum was originally created as a way for the Omaha Public Power District to demonstrate how trees and power lines can live harmoniously. And while it’s been around for more than 30 years, many people still dismiss it as a utility company’s attempt at positive propaganda. That is, until they visit. The first time I visited was for a friend’s quick wedding ceremony amongst the trees. And while the abbreviated wedding was lovely, I was taken aback by how gorgeous the fall foliage was on this 26-acre site. In fact, it may be some of the prettiest fall foliage in Nebraska.
Rumor has it that this particular tree grew from a seedling taken from Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate.
It looks beautiful in fall with the changing leaves and is an interesting detail of an under-the-radar spot in Nebraska that many people don’t realize exists. And it is open to the public.
It’s hard to believe that so much beauty resides alongside a bunch of OPPD power lines, although that’s basically the point of the space.
Walking trails and foliage galore are scattered throughout the Arboretum. I dare you to spot one power line while you’re there, but I know you won’t because you’ll be too busy looking at all the fall foliage.
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The Arboretum is a great place to take kids who want to collect some fall leaves. They’ll find a huge variety of fall colors here!
The birds calling the Arboretum home during all times of the year will delight ornithologists and amateur birdwatchers alike!
The OPPD Arboretum isn’t just an attempt to get Nebraskans to like the utility provider – it’s also a spot for learning about nature and progress co-existing.
OPPD calls the space an “Outdoor Learning Area,” but it’s also a fantastic place to watch the leaves change with the seasons.
You can’t judge a book by its cover, and you can’t judge a nature spot by its sponsor. What started as an attempt to make Nebraskans feel good about power lines has evolved into a lovely spot for enjoying some of the prettiest fall foliage in Nebraska. Planning a visit? Check out some nearby vacation rentals on VRBO!
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