Things To Do
Area Attractions
Ashfall State Historic Park
Located 4 miles east and 6 miles north of Orchard, NE.
Email: ashfall2@unl.edu
Hours: May 1 up to Memorial Day weekend; 10a.m. – 4p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Closed Sunday and Monday. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; 9a.m. – 5p.m. Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 5p.m. on Sunday After Labor Day – Second weekend in Oct. 10a.m. – 4p.m. Tuesday through Saturday 1p.m. to 4p.m. on Sunday. Closed Monday. By Reservation School and tour groups may make special arrangements to visit Ashfall between April 1 and Oct. 20 with advance reservations. For details and to make reservations, call the park at (402)-893-2000. Park Entry Permit and Entry Fee Required Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park. Phone: (402) 893-2000
Website: ashfall.unl.edu
Grove Lake
Located 6 miles east and 3 miles north of Orchard, NE.
Grove Lake Trout Rearing Station
Located 6 miles east and 3 miles north of Orchard, NE.
Email: grovefh@ngth.state.ne.us
Visiting hours: 8 AM– 4:30 PM
Office hours: 8 AM– 5 PM
Phone: (402) 893-5468
Summerland Golf Course
Located 6 miles south and 3 miles west of Orchard, NE.
51020 857th Rd
Ewing, NE 68735
Phone: (402) 626-7555
District 57 Schoolhouse
District 57 schoolhouse has a long history in Antelope County. According to the county superintendent, the district was one of the first rural schools in northwest Antelope County. It was organized on November 6, 1882.
Originally named Glen Alpine School because of its nearness to the pioneer post office of the same name, the school was known by many other names, including the Campbell School, Mtichell School and Willats School. The idea of preserving the school as a memorial to rural schools was that of former Orchard resident, Don McBride. Mr. McBride donated the building to the Orchard Historical Society. Many people helped with the restoration of the building. The school houses many furnishings from the time period that the school was used. A completely refurbished school was opened to the public on Sept. 15, 1991 as tribute to the rural schools of Nebraska. Recently the school has been used by the people of the community for birthday parties, the elementary grade school classes and various classes at the high school. The building is open by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling (402) 893-3816.
Orchard Historical Society
225 Windom St.
Box 133
Orchard, NE 68764
Rex Theater
Austin King and Lloyd Drayton built Rex Theatre in 1914. A feature film was shown on Tuesday and Wednesday and another on Saturday and Sunday. The original theatre had a capacity of 250-300 people. The interior was beautifully decorated and had every known convenience for the patrons. The last show for the Rex Theatre was held on Nov. 14, 1970.
In 1992 the Orchard Historical Society purchased the Rex Theatre from Don Cleveland family. The current building houses many artifacts from Orchard’s past. The building is available for rent at a minimal cost. The Rex Theatre comfortably seats 100 people, has a modern kitchen, and is handicap accessible.
The Rex Theatre is located at 225 Windom Street in Orchard, Nebraska and is open to the public for viewing by contacting: (402) 893-3816.
Historical Society
The Orchard Historical Society was formed in 1989. The Historical Society is a non-profit organization and relies strictly on donations and fundraisers. The mission of the Historical Society is to preserve the history of the community of Orchard and the surrounding area. Current officers are Bev Krutz, chairperson; Wayne Lautenschlager, vice-chairperson; Karen Leiding, secretary; M.J. Schluesener, treasurer. The Historical Society Board of Directors meets on the third Thursday of every month at the Rex Theatre.
Orchard Historical Society
225 Windom St.
Box 133
Orchard, NE 68764
Phone: (402) 893-3816