Fall is here in Nebraska, and it is time to get into the spirit. Nebraska offers many orchards and farms perfect for apple and pumpkin picking. But there is much more happening this fall.
Living History Events
1.Fort Atkinson is a former military fort active during the early 1800s, right outside Fort Calhoun. The fort was used to support pioneers moving west, fur traders and as a place for the U.S. Army to work. Now, the public can visit to learn about its history. The fort hosts living history events, where volunteers dress in period time clothing and demonstrate daily tasks in the 1800s. On Saturday, Nov. 2, there will be a Candlelight Tour, where groups get a one-hour and 30-minute tour starting at 6 p.m., here they can experience the 1800s at night, focusing on the election of 1824. General Henry Atkinson will make an appearance.
2, Arbor Lodge is the home to the Arbor Day Holiday, a day to celebrate trees. It began in 1872, when over 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska. Arbor Lodge was a farm built by the Morton family in 1855 and is a 70-plus acre farm. In late September and throughout October, every weekend will host different themed living history events. Some of the themes are “Celebrate Heritage,” focused on ethnic cultures and customs of early Nebraskans, and “Vintage Halloween,” displaying early Halloween customs. Arbor Day Lodge is also known for other activities including apple picking, nature trails, and restaurants.
Haunted Attractions
Nebraska has lots to offer for haunted attractions, which makes it difficult to list the best ones, but these are few highlights.
1.Scary Acres, near 168th and Giles, is a popular choice for people who want to be frightened, featuring 20 acres of haunted houses, circus arts and other attractions. It also has won the Best of Omaha award the past six years, and the Omaha’s Choice Awards 2020 through 2023. They opened Sept. 13 and operate through Nov. 2.
2.Bloodrush, in Elkhorn, is another Best of Omaha and Omaha’s Choice awards winner. Bloodrush is based inside a forest and is open Sept. 27 to Nov. 1. They also offer chances to meet celebrities related to scary movies, books, shows, etc., during select times throughout the Halloween season.
3.Dungeon of the Damned is for those who do not want an actor screaming in their face, it is a newer attraction to Omaha and the Old Market, that offers an hour-long tour through a labyrinth of an old warehouse.
4.Museum of Shadows, near the Gene Leahy Mall is not a typical haunted house, it is a two-story building filled with over 3,000 haunted artifacts from across the entire United States and other countries. This is the perfect place to go for the chance to experience potentially haunted activities including disembodied voices, poltergeist activity and more.
Apples and Pumpkins
Nebraska City is home to many of Nebraska’s orchards and are perfect for apple picking. The Applejack Festival started Sept. 19 and ends Sept. Events include farmers markets, bull riding, craft fairs, petting zoos, and of course apple picking.
1.Kimmel Orchard, located in Nebraska City, is an orchard originating in 1925, offering a large area to pick apples or visit a barn where many products can be found.
2.Union Orchard is also in Nebraska City and is an over 100-year-old farm that is open year-round. They offer a general store and market for people to visit. They have baked goods, popcorn, apples, farm produce, donuts, cider and many other products.
Farms
1.Bellevue Berry Farm is an over 100-year-old farm found between Bellevue and Papillion. It is a well-known spot for picking pumpkins, weddings and various events throughout the year. They offer 20-acres of pumpkins and a haunted attraction.
2.Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard is a well-known farm in Gretna, that has operated for over 40 years and has 400-acres. Vala’s has a variety of events to take part in. They periodically host live shows and events, including stunt dog shows, pig derbies, fire juggling and tightrope walking, live music and fireworks.
