Apple House Market at Arbor Day Farm Re-Opens 18 Months After Fire

NEBRASKA CITY, Nebraska (March 24, 2022) – Arbor Day Farm’s improved Apple House Market and adjoining Porter’s barbecue restaurant opened its doors to the public after a fire caused major damage in September 2020. The Nebraska City firefighters contained the fire to the northeast corner of the building saving the apple sorting area and surrounding properties.

The Arbor Day Foundation and Nebraska City officials unveiled the expanded 6,149 square-foot space at a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday morning where the upgraded facility is located on the Arbor Day Farm property. Special thanks were given to the Nebraska City firefighters, who also received a free dinner at Porter’s restaurant earlier in the week.

“The Apple House Market is in many ways the centerpiece of the Arbor Day Farm property, where the Arbor Day Foundation’s mission comes to life and we are thrilled to have a completely reimagined space for the public to enjoy,” said Austin Mackrill, vice president of Arbor Day Farm. “The Nebraska City firefighters were crucial in containing the fire and we want to thank them by donating a portion of this weekend’s proceeds to the fire department.”

After the fire, a unique opportunity presented itself to reimagine what the Apple House Market and Porter’s restaurant facility could be. It now boasts a larger footprint with several new amenities aimed at educating the public about the Arbor Day Foundation’s impact and mission while it reduces its carbon footprint with the installation of 62 400-watt solar panels. During opening weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the new amenities for themselves as they also enjoy free samples, guided tours and giveaways.

New viewing room gives visitors a peek at the Foundation’s global impact

The new facility will be highlighted by an educational viewing room in the Apple House Market. This area will help visitors understand the positive impact of trees and the global work of the Arbor Day Foundation by providing a pictorial history of more than 150 years at Arbor Day Farm. Depending on the season, the viewing room will provide a direct line of sight for visitors to watch the trees be packaged and prepared for shipment, see the apples being sorted and the cider getting pressed. During the off seasons, videos will be available to show each process in action and share additional information about apple growing and cider making at Arbor Day Farm and the property’s role in shipping millions of trees to Arbor Day Foundation members across the country.

A new tasting room with a flavor for education

A new tasting room will become a destination space for learning more about the value trees provide, while allowing individuals and groups to sample products grown locally and around the world in locations where the Arbor Day Foundation is helping communities create economic value through trees. The Foundation’s line of Arbor Day Coffees will be featured along with information about the villages and families that the coffee helps support. Arbor Day Farm wines and other local products that promote the local farming economy will also be promoted.

Additional themed rooms available for groups to gather

In addition to the educational opportunities, the new Apple House Market facility will boast two new meeting rooms for visitors to use. The “Four Seasons Room” will capture the spirit and feel of a country front porch and offer visitors a place to relax, enjoy a meal, meet and visit. It will expand potential seating of Porter’s throughout the year and also be available for private functions or family gatherings. In addition, new retail flex space will create opportunities for special events and seasonal activities.

The facility renovations were paid for by insurance money from the fire and private donations.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters and valued partners. Since 1972, almost 500 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival.  

As one of the world's largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees. More information is available at arborday.org.