Ashfall Fossil Beds park offers a fascinating and educational experience for the entire family: A chance to step back in time and see what Nebraska wildlife was like long before modern man ventured onto the Great Plains.

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.

For further information on the Historical Society, contact:

Orchard Historical Society
225 Windom St.
Box 133
Orchard, NE 68764

Phone: (402) 893-3816

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.

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.

For information about the District 57 school, contact:

Orchard Historical Society
225 Windom St.
Box 133
Orchard, NE 68764

Diamond B Trout Resort

Diamond B Trout Resort is located on the wooded & crystal clear Big Springs Creek, 3 miles North of Orchard, Neb. Surrounded by rolling hills, the resort offers good fishing, paddleboats, hiking, local attractions, and a relaxed pace of country living. For more information, please e-mail judyann@bloomnet.com or phone 402-893-3050.

Area Attractions

• Grove Lake: 6 miles East and 3 miles North of Orchard
  
  
• Grove Lake Bait Shop and Custom Carving: 6 miles East and 2 1/2 miles North of Orchard

E-mail address: rerb@bloomnet.com
Open: seven days a week
Phone: (402) 893-2694

Website: www.randyerbcarvings.com

• Grove Lake Trout Rearing Station: 6 miles East and 3 miles North

E-mail address: grovefh@ngth.state.ne.us
Visiting hours: 8 - 4:30
Office hours: 8 - 5
Phone: (402) 893-5468

• L & P Pheasant Ranch: 14 miles North of Orchard

87727 514 Ave
Orchard, NE 68764
Phone: (402) 655-2244

• Neligh Mills: http://www.nebraskahistory.org/sites/mill/
  
  
• Orchard - Hand Forged Ironwork. Furniture, Lawn Ornaments, Fences, Gates, Railings, Trash can anchors, and custom orders.
  
  Micro Mini Tractor Pull
  
  For Bookings:
  Larry Pavlik
  P.O. Box 39
  Orchard, NE 68764
  Phone: 1-402-893-3255

• Zoo Nebraska: 6 miles East of Orchard on Hwy 20

Winter Visiting Hours -- 10 - 5 (Sat. & Sun.)
Summer Visiting Hours -- 10 - 5 Daily
Phone: (402) 893-2002
E-mail Address: zoonebraska@frontiernet.net (attn: Northeast Nebraska Zoo)
Website: www.zoonebraska.org

• Spirit of the Wild Taxidermist and Gift Shop: 6 miles East on Hwy 20

P.O. Box 101 Hwy 20
Royal, NE 68764
Store Hours -- 1 - 5 (Mon-Fri) 1 - 4 (Sat) Phone: (402) 842-2555

• Summerland Golf Course: 6 miles South and 3 miles West of Orchard

RR 1
Ewing, NE 68735
Phone: (402) 626-7555