Richard and Laurine Kimmel believed in the land and shared what the land produced with their neighbors. Since 1925, apples, cherries, and dozens of other fruits and vegetables have been produced in the rolling hills of Southeast Nebraska. The Orchard is dedicated to agricultural education research, historic preservation, and wholesome family experiences. We take pride in being a destination for fresh, locally-grown produce and other homegrown Nebraska products. A trip to Kimmel Orchard is a fun, educational experience for the whole family as well as an immersive, engaging setting for your next school field trip—just as the Kimmel Family envisioned
Richard Kimmel grew up in Nebraska City and graduated from high school in 1915. He left Nebraska to complete his education. Following his education, Richard served in World War I and, after, returned to work in banking. In 1925, he established Kimmel Orchard in the rolling hills near Nebraska City and managed Kimmel Farms, located a few miles West. Kimmel Farms was established in the 1850s by his grandfather, John. Laurine Oetgen, who also grew up with the Kimmel Family in Nebraska City as neighbors. She attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she developed a love for art and painting. It was no surprise that she and Richard married not long after he started the orchard.
Even as she worked alongside Richard to build Kimmel Orchard, Laurine continued to perfect her painting. She gained national recognition for her series of watercolor paintings depicting old outhouses titled “American Architecture.” She remained active in the community, painting and working with the orchard until her death in 1993 at the age of 92. The orchard’s establishment marked the beginning of a rich and innovative agricultural tradition in the Nebraska City area. What started as a simple roadside fruit stand became a favorite destination for those seeking a slice of country life in the Missouri River Valley.
In 2005, Kimmel Orchard, in cooperation with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, built the Kimmel Education and Research Center (KERC), which extends the UNL campus to the heart of Southeast Nebraska. The center houses; research facilities, a food laboratory, meeting rooms, and office spaces.
Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard Educational Foundation, G Road, Nebraska City, NE, USA
Distance: 0.00 mi (straight line)
Guided Tours Outdoor Experiences Farms
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Arbor Day Farm, Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE, USA
Distance: 1.26 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Farms Fun and Sports
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Arbor Day Farm, Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE, USA
Distance: 1.26 mi (straight line)
Lodging Farms Food and Drinks Walks and Hikes Outdoor Experiences
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Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE, USA
Distance: 1.39 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
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Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast, 6th Avenue, Nebraska City, NE, USA
Distance: 1.53 mi (straight line)
420 Steinhart Park Road, Nebraska City, NE 68410, USA
Distance: 1.88 mi (straight line)
Galleries and Venues Museums and Interpretive Centers Guided Tours
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407 N 14th St, Nebraska City, NE 68410, USA
Distance: 1.99 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
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Kregel Windmill Factory Museum, Central Avenue, Nebraska City, NE, USA
Distance: 2.09 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
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Neb City Museum-Fire Fighting, Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Nebraska, USA
Distance: 2.15 mi (straight line)
Guided Tours Museums and Interpretive Centers
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Riverview State Recreation Area, Nebraska City, NE, USA
Distance: 2.17 mi (straight line)
1474 N 4th St, Nebraska City, NE 68410, USA
Distance: 2.26 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes
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Nebraska City, Nebraska, USA
Distance: 2.27 mi (straight line)
Festivals and Events Cultural Districts
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Yellow Taco Truck, South 11th Street, Nebraska City, NE, USA
Distance: 2.38 mi (straight line)
Civil War Veterans Museum, 1st Corso, Nebraska City, NE, USA
Distance: 2.40 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
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910 1st Corso, Nebraska City, Nebraska 68410, United States
Distance: 2.40 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
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Tommy Angel Restaurant Pho, Central Avenue, Nebraska City, NE, USA
Distance: 2.41 mi (straight line)
The Keeping Room, Central Avenue, Nebraska City, NE, USA
Distance: 2.48 mi (straight line)
The Keeping Room, Central Avenue, Nebraska City, NE, USA
Distance: 2.48 mi (straight line)
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