Tour #1 - Farms and Menards
Take a visit to Nelson Produce Farm and learn about how they’ve supplied Omaha and the surrounding areas with farm fresh produce for over 15 years as first-generation vegetable farmers. They have used their expertise to help bridge the gap between rural and urban Nebraska to educate the public about the ins and outs of farming and the agricultural industry. The second tour visit is Menard's Distribution Center & Midwest Manufacturing. Menards® is a family-owned company that started in 1958. They currently have 300 home improvement stores in the Midwest and beyond. You’ll get the chance to tour their distribution center and learn the component manufacturing and building processes for agricultural post frame buildings as Midwest Manufacturing was founded on those buildings.

Cost: Free
Available for Child 4-11

 

Tour #2 - All aboard the Candy Express
The first stop will be Bakers Candies outlet store, well known in the Nebraska area for their world-famous chocolate meltaways. You’ll get to see their current chocolate operation and learn about the history of Kevin Baker who started Bakers Candies. You’ll also have a chance to shop in their candy outlet. The next stop will be Union Pacific Railroad Company Headquarters. Learn how Omaha and Union Pacific Railroad share a rich and lengthy history together that all started when Abraham Lincoln created Union Pacific by signing into law the Pacific Railway Act of July 1, 1862.

Cost: Free
Available for Child 4-11

 

Tour #3 - Gardens and Castles
The first stop will be Lauritzen Gardens, an escape to a 100-acre urban oasis of beauty and tranquility. Experience the glory of the garden as you discover this hidden sanctuary within the heart of Omaha. Enjoy the wonder of the gardens as you enrich your knowledge of nature. The next stop is Joslyn Castle, a premier historic landmark located in Omaha’s Gold Coast in the heart of midtown. The Scottish Baronial style mansion was designed by John McDonald, one of Omaha’s most prominent architects in the early 1900s. The Castle was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and designated a local landmark in 1979.

Cost: $23
Available for Child 4-11

 

Tour #4 - University of Nebraska - Lincoln
This tour will take you through the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) touring their state-of-the-art facilities, among the best in the country. Starting with the UNL Meat Lab, they will break down a full side of beef and highlight cutting techniques, efficient processing, innovative cuts and portioned sizes that consumers have come accustomed to in recent years. Additionally, topics of aging, yield, quality and packaging will be discussed. Then you’ll continue your visit through the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center, a 7.2-million-dollar facility which is a part of the university’s Beef Innovation Hub. It’s a commercial-scale feedlot research center currently under construction at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center. Learn how the facility will allow students and industry stakeholders to observe cattle handling without interfering with the process.

Cost: Free
Available for Child 4-11

 

Tour #5 - Chicken and Pork Things
The first stop will be Lincoln Premium Poultry, established in 2016 in collaboration with Costco to serve as the poultry management company for their new poultry complex in Fremont, Nebraska. You’ll get a chance to take a look inside their facilities. The next stop is Wholestone Farms, a unique pork supply chain. It’s a farmer-owned, pork processing facility also in Fremont. Their vision is to create a unique and authentic pork supply chain by bringing the consumer closer to the farmer.

Pre-arrival paperwork required. This tour cannot be traded after registration closes.

Cost: Free
Available for Child 4-11

 

Tour #6 - Historical Omaha Trolley
Enjoy a two-hour trolley ride through Omaha learning and seeing their most popular attractions Warren Buffett, Riverfront, Mutual of Omaha, Blackstone area, Zoo, Old Market, Ameritrade, etc.

Cost: $26
Available for Child 4-11

 

Tour #7 - Green Plains *This tour has been adjusted*
The first stop will be CLAAS North American headquarters where you'll experience a behind-the-scenes look at the where hundreds of LEXION combines are assembled each year. Omaha is the assembly site for North America’s LEXION combines and home to a team of engineers and CLAAS personnel spearheading header and machine development.

The final stop will be the Green Plains corporate headquarters. Green Plains is a leading ag-tech company using innovative processes to transform annually renewable crops into sustainable, high-value ingredients. Learn and see first-hand how they are rapidly transforming into the biorefinery platform of the future, harnessing the potential of their resources, technology and people. 

Cost: Free
Available for Child 4-11

 

Tour #8 - Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
This is a self-guided tour through Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. Unleash your sense of wonder across 160-acres of plants, animals and unique habitats from around the world right here in Omaha, Nebraska.

Cost: Adult - $25, Child - $18
Available for Child 4-11

 

Tour #9 - Orchards and Pumpkins
The first stop is Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm, a family-owned and operated business that operates as an agritourism farm. Their specialty is fall activities as they have a full slate of pumpkins. The next stop is Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard. Since 1925, apples, cherries and dozens of other fruits and vegetables have been produced on these rolling hills of Southeast Nebraska. The orchard is dedicated to agricultural education research, historic preservation and wholesome family experiences.

Cost: $10
Available for Child 4-11

 

Tour #10 - Petting Farm
The first stop is Scatter Joy Acres, with a public petting zoo. The animals serve as an integral part of the on-going mission of providing therapeutic interaction for developmentally disabled and autistic children, seniors, veterans and at-risk children. You’ll learn how they got started and the story and significance behind each animal. The next stop is Gifford Farm, where you will learn about their outdoor education experiences that enrich curriculum and bring learning to life. Their programs provide a unique blend of hands-on activities in science, history, nature, farm animals, agriculture and adventure!

Cost: $18
Available for Child 4-11

 

Tour #11 – Arbor Day Farms
Spend the afternoon at Arbor Day Farms. Starting with an engaging Nature Interpreter who shares the history of this 260-acre historic treasure. The tour begins at Lied Lodge, includes a look inside the Fuelwood Energy Plant and concludes with a walk to the Tree Adventure.

Cost: $18
Available for Child 4-11

 

Tour #12 - Nebraska Brews (21+ only)
Are you ready to taste what’s brewing in Nebraska? This tour will begin at the Nebraska Brewing Company. Starting at their La Vista production facility where you can meet the people behind the pints, learn about the art and science of crafting beer. The second tour location is Brickway Brewery & Distillery, where you’ll tour the brewery, distillery and tasting room. Tastings are included. This tour is only available to attendees 21 years old and older.

Cost: $45
Available for attendees 21 years old and older.

 

Tour #13 - Nebraska Wine Trail (21+ only)
Have you ever heard of the Nebraska Wine Trail? The Nebraska wine trail goes on for miles and miles but you’re close enough to now take part. This tour will begin at the Cellar 426 voted The Best Winery six years in a row (2018 - 2023) by the readers of The Omaha World Herald, the state's largest newspaper. Plus, Cellar 426 was voted Best Nebraska Winery by the users of Yelp. The next stop is Soaring Wings Vineyard. A family owned and rooted vineyard winning over 300 medals all at major international wine competitions. Tastings are included. This tour is only available for attendees 21 years old and older.

Cost: $34
Available for attendees 21 years old and older.

 

Tour #14 - Volunteer: Food Bank
Share your time and talents as a volunteer at the Food Bank for the Heartland, a partner food bank of Feeding America. Volunteer details will be emailed as we get closer. Lunch at a local restaurant will be provided for this group.

Cost: Free
Not available for children.

 

 

**All tours are subject to change**

 

**Closed toe shoes must be worn on all tours**

**Tours are open to all attendees and are free unless otherwise noted under the tour description**