Displaying and interpreting landscape plants of horticultural and historical significance to southeast Nebraska.

Entrance on Main at Fifth Street, extends from 4th to 6th Street

In 1991, Brownville was selected as one of the 29 communities in Nebraska to qualify for funds to develop an arboretum. The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum provided assistance to develop an arboretum with funding from the Peter Kiewit Foundation. The Governor Furnas Aboretum in Brownville was developed on property owned by the Brownville Fine Arts Association in the area around the Schoolhouse Art Gallery. The BFAA collects donations and pays expenses for this important educational and environmental project.

The arboretum’s mission is to display and interpret landscape plants of horticultural and historical significance to southeast Nebraska. Emphasis is placed on plants unusual to the Brownville area or associated with Robert W. Furnas (Nebraska’s second elected governor) and Nebraska’s early days.

The Furnas Arboretum provides educational activities, eco-tourism, birding, symposiums, garden tours, memorial plantings and dedication opportunities. 

Consider donating a tree in honor of or in memory of a loved one or making a donation to the Gov. Robert W. Furnas Endowment Fund. Click here to learn more.