My kind of tour of the Arbor Lodge State Park, located in Nebraska City, Nebraska, is usually precluded with a wholesome visit to the nearby Apple House for a delicious glass of fresh apple cider and mind-boggling slices of apple pie. The tour then begins with a visit to the Carriage House, built in 1901, to be wowed by a collection of very-well-aged coaches and carriages, including a fine Brougham carriage used by President Grover Cleveland. Following a comfy rest in the Gazebo, a replica of the original structure donated by Ray L. and Esther M. Daniel on Arbor Day back in 1987, the tour continues to the Mansion to explore its elegant furnishings and impressive 52-room layout all together with my finely-chopped excitement and curiosity. After visiting the Monument Square, the Log Cabin, the Pine Grove, and the Arboretum, the tour ends with a quiet visit to the Italian Terraced Garden to savor on a one-fine-day and to meditate on the inscription of a short poem, probably a modified quote by Henry Van Dyke, found in the base of the sundial.

HOURS FLY, FLOWERS DIE
NEW DAYS, NEW WAYS
LOVE STAYS

The Arbor Lodge State Park, officially known as the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Arboretum, consists of a mansion, a carriage house, gardens, apple orchards, and an arboretum. The mansion, started as a four-room frame house in 1955 for J. Sterling Morton, who originated Arbor Day and served as the Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland in the 1890s. The structure was gradually expanded into a 52-room architectural gem and is currently opened daily to visitors from April to December.