Nelson House
Property Overview
Taylor-Wessel-Bickel-Nelson House
About
The Taylor-Wessel-Bickel-Nelson House is a museum inside an 1857 brick home which sits on one of the historic brick streets just a couple blocks off Central Avenue in Nebraska City. The exhibits within this house from Nebraska’s territorial era show how the town of Nebraska City has changed and evolved over the years, seen through the eyes of the different families that lived there.
Visitors will watch the town’s buildings and streets grow from dirt to pavement, from oxen to the first automobiles. See opera houses, race tracks, churches, and mansions rise up from the Nebraska prairie. The community’s history is surprising, captivating, and endearing.
Exhibits
The exhibits within this house from Nebraska’s territorial era show how the town of Nebraska City has changed and evolved over the years, seen through the eyes of the different families that lived there.
Visitors will watch the town’s buildings and streets grow from dirt to pavement, from oxen to the first automobiles. See opera houses, race tracks, churches, and mansions rise up from the Nebraska prairie. The community’s history is surprising, captivating, and endearing.
EXHIBIT
Frank J. Zimmerer
Frank J. Zimmerer (1882–1965) was an American painter and commercial artist born in Nebraska City, Nebraska.He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Glasgow School of Art, and in Paris, and later led the art department at Northwest Missouri Normal School before relocating to Los Angeles, where he continued his artistic career.
EXHIBIT
History of Nebraska City
Established in the mid-1800s as a key Missouri River port and gateway for westward expansion.
Property Timeline
The Nelson House is originally constructed. Being built for prominent businessman and politician William H. Taylor.
1857
1870's
The first major addition is added to the property including a south wing & distinctive entrance portico.
Karl & Wealtha Nelson donate the newly restored Nelson House to the Nebraska City Historical Society.
1982
2025
Today, the Nelson House operates as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Nebraska City's transformation from its territorial days to the present.
Visit The Nelson House
Hours of Operation
Arbor Day - June 30
Friday to Sunday
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
July 1 - September 30
Thursday to Sunday
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
