As of May 2011, the City of Omaha (cityofomaha.org) manages 18 parks with floral displays, including the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens. One of the most historic is Mount Vernon Gardens, established in 1928, which is a replica of George Washington's estate in Virginia. It features colorful displays depicting buildings and gardens of the estate. The gardens' long portico overlooks panoramic views of the Missouri River. Dedicated to the veterans of World War II and other wars, Memorial Park is another significant city garden, which features a rose garden with more than 1,000 rose bushes.
A rose garden, Victorian garden, children's garden, herb garden and shade hosta garden are found at the 100-acre Lauritzen Gardens (lauritzengardens.org). Since construction began in 1995, the site has expanded each year with the addition of new gardens. It also features a woodland trail through a native hardwood forest with hilltop overlooks. Wildflowers at the Song of the Lark Meadow evokes the landscape of Nebraska's prairies and includes an arboretum and bird sanctuary. Visitors can also see a replica of Mount Fuji and a model railroad garden.
Built in 1879, the General Crook House (omahahistory.org) is the restored home of General George Crook that houses a museum with period furniture, costumes and other artifacts. The historic site also features the Crook House Victorian Heirloom Garden, which overlooks a parade ground and Historic Fort Omaha. It has approximately 110 varieties of heirloom flowers, trees and shrubs native to Nebraska. Visitors will find four central flower beds with annuals patterned as Oriental rugs surrounded by perennial flowers.
Located on the banks of the Missouri River near downtown Omaha you can see the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center (nps.gov). Covering 11 states, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail features numerous hiking trails. Operated by the National Park Service, the visitor center in Omaha includes exhibits on the Lewis and Clark Expedition and offers Ranger programs. It also features an outdoor garden with native prairie plants and information on nearby interpretive tails.
