The Secret Garden Walk In Nebraska That Will Make You Feel Like You’re In A Fairytale
By Delana Lefevers|Updated on April 06, 2024(Originally published August 05, 2018)
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
Is there anything quite as soothing and serene as walking through a beautiful garden full of vibrant, generously-blooming flowers in the springtime? This close contact with nature has been scientifically proven to improve your mood, and it may even have some physical health benefits, too. The secret garden in Nebraska we’re featuring today is one of our very favorites, because this particular garden in the tiny city of Humboldt (located in southeastern Nebraska) just might heal the soul, as well. Check out this beautiful spot that just might be the best secret garden in NE: the Southeast Nebraska Memorial Cancer Garden.
Of course, the Cornhusker State is teeming with small towns and cities. Humboldt is tucked away in southeastern Nebraska, and it's home to the area's only garden that's been created as a cancer memorial garden.
Humboldt Lake Park is this little city's main recreation area, and it's here that you'll find the Southeast Nebraska Memorial Cancer Garden, occupying one end of the park. The unique thing about this secret garden in Nebraska is that it's 100% funded and maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers.
The garden is actually a rather recent addition to the city of Humboldt. It was first planned and planted back in 2017. Humboldt resident Jan Wilhelm had been nurturing the idea of creating a cancer memorial garden for more than seven years. These kinds of projects take time, and the stars never quite aligned for her planning until early 2017.
After that, things moved surprisingly quickly with the garden's development. Between January 2017 and the middle of summer that same year, volunteers removed old vegetation and cleared out an entire side of the park. Wilhelm plotted out her ideas for flower beds, statues, and structures, and added a few decorative touches. Locals pledged their time, materials, funds, and support: this is truly a communal effort!
By that summer, just a few months after the idea for the garden gained approval from the city council, the Southeast Nebraska Memorial Cancer Garden was already full of spectacular flowers, trees, shrubs, and brilliant beauty.
You'll find little signs of hope all over the place here. The community of Humboldt really pulled together to bring this beautiful vision to life. It's amazing that this secret garden in Nebraska was funded by a handful of dedicated citizens. All of the structures and materials that created this work of art were donated by local businesses.
There is considerable labor involved in a project of this size, of course. The labor to maintain the garden is provided by Wilhelm and a crew of volunteers known as the Humboldt Garden Club. Even the city's youngest citizens throw their backs into the job to keep this stunning garden looking neat, healthy, and lush even in the extremely hot summer weather that we Nebraskans know so well.
The widespread dedication that locals have to the garden is evident in every square inch of this enchanting place. Walking through the garden's paths brings a sense of connection to everyone who has given so generously to make this magical spot a reality.
As you stroll through this garden path, you might also feel connected to the people to whom the garden is dedicated. The Southeast Nebraska Cancer Memorial Garden is dedicated to anyone who has ever battled cancer, regardless of the outcome. These souls are represented here in every flower, in every brick, in each soft walkway light that flickers on after the sun sets.
There is poetry here that's present in every single little leaf and petal. There's summer and sunshine in every stone and every drop of water to hit the leaves that make this place look so lush and inviting.
There's no admission fee to visit, and the garden is open to anyone and everyone. Whether you visit Humboldt just to see the garden or happen to be passing through the city and decide to make a quick stop on your journey, this place will leave its mark on you.
Every aspect of the garden has been thoughtfully designed and implemented to celebrate survivors, honor those who have passed away, and acknowledge everyone whose life has been touched by cancer in some way. This is such a special place, and we're sure that once you visit, you'll never forget it.
You can find this beautiful secret garden in Nebraska at the northeast entrance of Lower Lake Park at 1st and Longbranch in the city of Humboldt. Interested in learning more about this unique garden? Check out the Southeast Nebraska Memorial Cancer Garden Facebook group. Ask about purchasing a memorial brick in honor of a loved one at the City of Humboldt website.
We’re so lucky to live in such a vibrant state that’s full of so much beauty! If you’re interested in checking out more unique attractions in Nebraska, check out the Nebraska tours available on Viator.
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