A tropical vacation sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? Most of us aren’t lucky enough to have the means to just jet off around the world. But did you know there’s a tropical escape right here at Lauritzen Gardens in Nebraska?

The Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha is a magical tropical destination.
Green House
Marjorie K.Daugherty Conservatory, 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
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Even before you get inside, you can tell that this glass building is going to hold some special experiences.
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Stepping into the conservatory after being outside in the frigid Nebraska air is like entering a different world. It's 80 degrees in here all year long, and seeing the lush, vibrant plants is a remarkable contrast to the slumbering natural world outside.
botanical garden in Omaha
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You might even have to pause to catch your breath - partly because it's so warm and humid, but mostly because it's breathtakingly beautiful in here.
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The path will lead you all around the conservatory, past water features and thousands of beautiful plants.
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Along the way you'll see a 10-foot-high waterfall, a large pool filled with delicate water lilies, and too many exotic plants to count.
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There are some unusual plants here that you may have never seen before. They hail from every corner of the world. Some even bear fruit! (Please don't pick it or touch it, though.)
Lauritzen Gardens events
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This is the Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri).
Unlike many other conservatories which focus on interpretive displays, the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory is all about the beauty of the plants.
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The stunning flora is arranged in beautiful gardenscapes rather than grouped into plant communities. Different plants bloom at different times of the year, so you can have a totally different experience each time you visit.
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You'll find lots of little surprises as you wander the conservatory. Unusual plants poke their heads out from beneath other plants' leaves. Vivid colors that you wouldn't expect to find in nature abound in these gardens.
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By the time you get to the far end of the conservatory you will have gained 20 feet in elevation. The glass walls give you a clear look out at the surroundings along the way - it's quite surreal to look out at the snow while you're in the 80-degree garden! At the end of the path you'll have a view of Lauritzen Gardens' century-old bur oak forest outside.
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There are special events in the visitors center and conservatory all year long. One former display called Metamorphosis featured amazing nature-inspired sculptures created with reclaimed materials.
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Entrance to the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory is included in your admission to Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska. The gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. For information on admission prices, special events, and other parts of the gardens, visit the Lauritzen Gardens website.

There’s another, little-known garden in Omaha not too far from this one, tucked away in Omaha’s Old Market. You may want to check out a Nebraska greenhouse in Alliance that grows oranges in the snow!

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Lauritzen Gardens in Nebraska

Bill Hall | July 26, 2022

Are there special Lauritzen Gardens events?

Yes. A large green space in such a cool city will always have something fun and interesting happening. 

The sweet corn festival is in August, which includes crafts, educational activities, and demonstrations. Plus you will experience different ways to prepare and eat one of the most sacred vegetables.

The Lauritzen Gardens Antiques Show happens every year. You’ll have the chance to see experts in antiques, art, design, and gardening. There is plenty to see and buy. It’s an exciting few days. 

There are also chances to practice Flow/Vinyasa Yoga in the garden. Seems like a nice place to stretch and connect with the breath. 

The article, 24 Festivals In Nebraska That Food Lovers Should NOT Miss, is a list of neat stuff to consider looking out for. (The sweet corn festival is mentioned.)

Are there other interesting Nebraska greenhouses?

You can’t get much more interesting than a greenhouse that serves ice cream. Read all about it in the article: This Greenhouse Restaurant In Nebraska Is The Most Enchanting Place To Eat.

Pfanny's Farm in Randolph, Nebraska has all sorts of neat stuff going on. They also happen to have a geothermal greenhouse that’s pretty amazing. 

An interesting botanical garden in Nebraska can be found at the Henry Doorly Zoo. It’s called the Lied Jungle and it’s a warm, tropical environment complete with animals. Check it out!

Where can I find the best flowers in Nebraska?

If you are reading this in May, it’s National Wildflower Week. The Agate Fossil Beds and Daemonelix Trail are well-known places to see wildflowers. Read more about both in the article It’s Impossible Not To Love This Breathtaking Wild Flower Trail In Nebraska. 

Simpler Thymes Flower Farm is a great place to walk around and see all kinds of flowers. There is also a flower maze worth checking out in Prague, Nebraska. You get to pick your own flowers in both spots.

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Marjorie K.Daugherty Conservatory, 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108, USA