Elkhorn, NE (again)

On Tuesday, Sept.13th we drove from Pipestone to Elkhorn, NE to visit with my sister and her family again.

We usually go out to eat the first night.  Aliza was making the rounds.

On Wednesday we went to the Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha.  Katie, Aliza, Judeen, and Alison went with Judy and me.

About Mission Lauritzen Gardens is a living museum of unique four-season plant displays, maintained to the highest standards consistent with environmental stewardship. It provides memorable educational and aesthetic experiences for all. Escape to an urban oasis of beauty and tranquility to experience the glory of the garden. Discover a hidden sanctuary in the heart of the city. Relax while cultivating your mind in this living plant museum, conveniently located in the beautiful riverfront hills.

They have an indoor display as well as an outdoor walk.

You will notice fr om the pictures below that this was the best part of the Gardens for me.

The model railroad garden is located on a hillside just north of the rose garden. It surrounds visitors with a bright botanical world that features the activity of model trains, continually traveling through miniature communities, landscapes and countrysides.  The garden’s structural elements are constructed of natural materials such as leaves, twigs, bark, berries, pinecones, gourds and cinnamon sticks. It includes stunning reproductions of natural landscapes as well as recognizable buildings and landmarks seen in and around Omaha. The flora throughout the exhibit includes live plants, trees and shrubs – all scaled to size – and continuously manicured. Seven G-scale model trains run through the garden.

We talked with a volunteer who made sure that the trains continue to run.  While talking to him, a lone engine came by.  He had to stop it and then find the cars that belonged to this engine - for some reason they had all fallen off the track.  So he went back and got the engine and then placed it back on the track with the cars.

We continued around the park and Judy caught Katie and Aliza watching a train.

Shortly after that we think Aliza wanted to let us know that she had had enough!!

We found the cafe on site and had some lunch.  Aliza was busy watching the big fish.

It was a great day.  Did not know that Omaha had a place like this.

Thursday we had lunch in downtown Elkhorn with Judeen, Jim, Katie, and Aliza.  Then we walked around Main Street.  They have a new Art Gallery just opened with artists working on site.  Very interesting.

It was fun to be able to come back here a second time and visit with Judeen and family.  Will have to do it again next year!!