LASR.net Homepage




Menu

Bessey Nursery


category : National Register
Bessey Nursery Located near Halsey, the Bessey Nursery, as originally established, comprised fifteen acres of land south of the Middle Loup River and included a two-story headquarters building, mess hall, barn, and shop building. The nursery was created in 1903 to produce seedling trees for planting on the Dismal River Forest Preserve, which later became the Nebraska National Forest. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places,It was the first federal forest tree nursery and was developed by the U.S. Bureau of Forestry, which later became the Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.


Originally called the Halsey Nursery, the name was changed in 1915 in honor of Dr. Charles E. Bessey, former professor of botany at the University of Nebraska.



Address: Located at the entrance to the Nebraska National Forest Park on Highway 2, one mile west of Halsey.

Come visit us in Thedford, Nebraska

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Thomas County Historical Society Museum

The area's newest museum is the Thomas County Historical Society Museum. Each room of the former residence of one of Thedford'

Thedford, NE Museums

Thedford Art Gallery

This major attraction is a surprising discovery for many visitors ... even more so when they learn that it is owned and totally supported by a small art group ... the Thedford Art Guild. It is an inspiration for fellow artists and travelers alike, and a warm welcome is extended to all!

Thedford, NE Arts

Scott Lookout Tower

You can see the trees and beautiful sand hills countryside for miles when you climb to the top of the Scott Lookout Tower. Visitors may view the sandhills scenery and tree plantations as well as learn about forest fire spotting techniques. The stairway to the observation deck is steep;

Thedford, NE

Discover Llamas

An outing to Rainbow Llamas owned by the Dickman's of Thedford, Nebraska, is educational as well as enjoyable, and the Dickmans are outstanding hosts and can answer all questions about llamas and their care.

Thedford, NE One Of A Kinds

Thomas County Courthouse

Following the establishment of Thomas County, Thedford became the county seat in 1887, and a courthouse was built two years later. The courthouse served the county well until it was destroyed in a fire in 1920. After some delays a special election was held in 1923

Thedford, NE Historic Courthouses

Things to do National Register near Thedford, NE

Lewis Bridge - NHR

In 1922 Keya Paha County Commissioners and representatives from Tripp County, South Dakota, awarded a contract to the S...