Traveling through Nebraska, one of the most popular places to visit is the Kimmel Orchard Heritage Center, situated near the picturesque town of Nebraska City, in Otoe County, along the Missouri River. Established in 2004, the Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and traditions of the Kimmel family, who have been actively involved in agriculture, particularly apple production, in the area since 1925. The Kimmel Orchard, surrounding the Heritage Center, is home to over 100 acres of apple trees, offering breathtaking views of the rolling hills and valleys of the region.

As one of the oldest continuously operating family farms in the region, the Kimmel family has been instrumental in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and preserving the rich history of farming in the area. The Kimmel Heritage Center features a museum with exhibits on the history of the farm, its farming practices and innovations over the years, as well as the role that the Kimmel family played in shaping the agricultural landscape of Nebraska. Visitors can explore the restored 19th-century heritage buildings, including the original farmhouse, now housing a family history museum and gift shop, and the old apple packing shed, showcasing vintage farming equipment and restored artifacts.

One of the standout features of the Heritage Center is the Apple Barn, which offers a variety of fruit and farm products to visitors, including fresh apples, cider, and baked goods. The barn is also home to the Kimmel Orchard Apple Festival, a popular annual event celebrating the apple harvest season, with activities such as live music, apple pressing demonstrations, and children's farm activities. Visitors can also explore the surrounding orchard on a self-guided walking tour, experiencing the beautiful scenic views and learning about the techniques and methods employed by the Kimmel family in their apple farming operations.

The Kimmel Orchard Heritage Center has also become an educational hub, offering workshops, classes, and lectures on sustainable agriculture, gardening, and historical preservation. The center collaborates with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and other organizations to provide educational resources and training programs to farmers, students, and community members. Additionally, the Heritage Center hosts various cultural events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and historical reenactments, further enriching the visitor experience and tying the heritage of the Kimmel family to the broader context of American agricultural history.

Beyond the educational and promotional aspects, the Kimmel Orchard Heritage Center serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Kimmel family, who, over generations, have worked tirelessly to cultivate and preserve the rich agricultural heritage of Nebraska. Visitors to the Heritage Center can gain a profound appreciation for the values of tradition, hard work, and community that underpin American agriculture and contribute to the beauty and wonder of Nebraska's rural landscapes.

Visitors to the Heritage Center can plan a day trip to nearby attractions such as the Arbor Day Farm, a National Historic Landmark, located just a few miles north of Nebraska City, or the historic town of Brownville, situated along the Missouri River, with its charming shops, restaurants, and waterfront views.

Both the Nebraska City and Brownville areas, are rich in historical charm with evidence of settlements dating back to the 1850s, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the pioneer era settlements in the area.

Traveling through Nebraska, visiting places such as the Kimmel Orchard Heritage Center not only provides a glimpse into the daily life of the early Nebraskans but offers a moment in time to step back and analyze how agricultural practices have led to a better way of understanding the countryside we see today.

Places such as the Kimmel Orchard illustrate an essential ingredient in preserving the agricultural traditions of Nebraska.