The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to ArborLinks
Eastern Nebraska’s Haven for Golf Purists
ArborLinks | Nebraska City, Nebraska
Seeking a big-sky golf experience that perfectly blends the natural beauty of the Great Plains with world-class amenities? We recommend ArborLinks, a gem in eastern Nebraska, less than an hour’s drive from Omaha. Renowned for its Arnold Palmer Classic design, luxurious lodging, and Piedmontese Beef-centric seasonal menus, ArborLinks is the ultimate destination for golf purists and groups of any size.
The crown jewel of ArborLinks is its friendly links-style 18-hole championship course, crafted by the master Arnold Palmer. On the tee you’re immersed in prairie natives and a breathtaking sense of quiet, and you’re quickly whisked off to meticulous fairways, strategic hazards, and gorgeous sand bunkers. Offering a stimulating yet equitable challenge, the course includes a range of tee boxes that cater to players of all levels.
Step into the modern farmhouse-design clubhouse and you’ll find ample leather lounge, dining, and bar seating, a fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows providing epic views of the 18th green. Down the stairs is an intimate wine room for private dinners and a game lounge. The club also offers 11 cottages in a variety of formats, ranging from intimate tandem cottages to the massive two-level Palmer Lodge 12-plex overseeing the Northwoods complex.
Making the Most of Your ArborLinks Trip
Whether you’re planning a friends’ getaway, a corporate retreat, or a private tournament, ArborLinks has got you covered. With a concierge on site to help you make all the little details happen and recommend unique treats just for your group, your trip here will be one to remember. Want to improve your game while you’re here? We also offer private clinics and lessons to take your skills to the next level.
Looking to mix business with leisure? The club’s facilities are perfect for business meetings, with a private boardroom overlooking the south deck and 18th green. For more discreet meetings, club staff can set up your cottage for presentations or arrange for dinner to be served in your cottage or on your private patio.
ArborLinks is our top recommendation for large groups: if you need a lot of space and lodging, check out the Northwoods complex, which offers a private practice area surrounded by the impressive two-level four-master-suite Owner’s Cottage, 8-Plex Arnold’s Cottage, and 12-plex Palmer Lodge.
ArborLinks isn’t just about golf—it's about building connections with a backdrop of refined comfort. The club offers a variety of evening activities to make your stay memorable. From poker in the lounge to a friendly chipping contest off the clubhouse patio to an excursion to Arbor Day Farm down the road, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Want more ideas on how to make the most of your trip? Check out our sample three-day, two-night trip itinerary.
About the Course at ArborLinks
This course at ArborLinks is a symphony of design and natural beauty, offering challenges tailored to golfers of every skill level. Known for its meticulously maintained greens, thoughtfully positioned hazards, and awe-inspiring vistas, it’s a course that demands and rewards both strategy and skill.
The world-class practice facilities set the stage for a memorable experience. Fine-tune your game at the new driving range and putting green before you hit the links. The ArborLinks course was designed and built in 2002 by Arnold Palmer, featuring Bentgrass greens and fairways, a par of 72, length of 7,190 yards, and a slope of 141.
The agronomy team is committed to environmental stewardship. From strategically placed trees to stop erosion in partnership with Arbor Day Farm to ensuring clean runoff to the South Table Creek near the clubhouse and the 18th green, we’re invested in not just preserving, but enhancing the natural beauty of the land.
Want to explore the course in greater detail? Check out the hole-by-hole course tour.
All About the Facilities and Lodging at ArborLinks
ArborLinks offers luxurious facilities that are perfect for relaxing after a day on the course. The main clubhouse dining room seats up to 75, the downstairs game lounge includes the wine room and pub tables for 10, a variety of outdoor spaces seat 56 total with plenty of space to stretch out.
Rounding out the facilities are 12 cottages (56 master suites and four tandem rooms), each offering a unique view of the course. You’ll find most cottages nestled into the Back 9, with Dormie and Executive Cottages near the 17th and 18th and the new Northwoods complex with the larger format cottages across H Road on the far side of the practice facility by #16 green. Learn more about the cottages offered at ArborLinks.
All About the Unique Cuisine at ArborLinks
The club’s modern farmhouse setting is the perfect backdrop for an array of dining options, curated by Chef Nick Stukenholtz, that celebrate the richness of Midwestern cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for Certified Piedmontese steaks, made-to-order barbecue feasts, or customized cottage dining experiences, ArborLinks has something for every palate. Enjoy family-style meals, intimate steak dinners, or even casual fare from our chef's trailer in the new Northwoods complex.
The ArborLinks team specializes in creating personalized dining experiences that can be enjoyed in various settings around the club, from the luxurious wine room to outdoor patios and even in the comfort of your own cottage. With an emphasis on quality and in-house preparation, we offer everything from decadent add-ons like roasted bone marrow to mouth-watering staples like brisket grilled cheese. Pair your meal with a selection from our extensive drink menu, including local favorites like smoked Manhattans, and you'll quickly discover that the flavors of ArborLinks are a destination in themselves. Read more about the unique culinary offerings at ArborLinks.
ArborLinks: Consistently Lauded as One of Nebraska’s Best
Don’t let the wide horizon at ArborLinks fool you—Arnold Palmer knew what he was doing with this design, and both members and the golf shop staff agree that #11 is the scariest on the course with its visually intimidating, small hourglass-shaped green. Interestingly, it’s also one of your favorites, with dogleg left #5, downhill #1, and better-do-right-by-this-tee-shot #17 rounding out the list of Holes We Love.
But don’t take our word for it: ArborLinks has consistently been among Golfweek’s list of Best Private Course in Nebraska, most recently snagging #5. Other awards include #4 Best Private Course (Golfweek, 2021) and 3rd Most Improved Facility of the Year (Golf Inc. Golden Fork Award, 2019). Learn more about ArborLinks’ awards.
Let’s Book Your Trip to ArborLinks
Ready to book your trip? ArborLinks typically opens for the season around Master’s Weekend, and looks its best dressed in fall foliage. Check cottage availability (Members Area login required) to see if your preferred dates are available, then contact any concierge to book.
