As longtime Omaha residents and real estate professionals, we at The Heim-Berg Team have discovered countless hidden gems throughout our beloved metro area. But few destinations capture the pure joy of Nebraska summer quite like Nelson Produce Farm's annual Watermelon Festival. Just a short drive from Omaha at 10505 N 234th Street in Valley, this three-day celebration promises to be the sweetest family adventure of the season.

 

Nelson Produce Farm stands as one of the largest watermelon producers in the Midwest, growing roughly a million watermelons each season across 300 acres of their Farm. In 2019, Tyler and Pam Nelson opened their Farm to the public with a simple mission: connect area families to farming by showing them where their food comes from. The Nelsons also help families create unforgettable memories. The Watermelon Festival represents the pinnacle of that vision, transforming their working Farm into a wonderland of summer fun.

 

The festival's crown jewel is undoubtedly the all-you-can-eat watermelon tent, where families can sample Nelson Farm's six different watermelon varieties plus their famous cantaloupe. What surprises many visitors is the creative toppings available, including salt, cinnamon sugar, and Tajín – that delicious Mexican seasoning blend of lime, chili peppers, and salt that transforms watermelon into an entirely new taste experience. Trust us, once you try watermelon with Tajín, you'll wonder how you ever ate it any other way.

 

As you'd expect, watermelon is the star of the event, but the festival offers many fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. The watermelon triathlon challenges participants to carry the fruit through an obstacle course before competing in the traditional seed-spitting contest.

 

Have you ever heard of watermelon skiing? The Nelson's watermelon skiing puts a unique twist on the summer slip-and-slide experience of your childhood. Participants strap hollowed-out watermelons to their feet and glide across the Farm's specially prepared course.

 

Guided bus tours take families directly into the watermelon fields, offering an authentic farm-to-table educational experience where children can see firsthand how their favorite summer fruit grows. These tours provide ideal photo opportunities among the sprawling vines, while educating kids about sustainable farming practices in the heartland.

 

Our team's kiddos love the friendly barnyard animals looking for attention and treats. Children delight in feeding goats, petting rabbits, and watching chickens roam freely throughout the property. For many young visitors, interacting with the farm cats and kittens becomes an unexpected highlight of their day.

 

Beyond the animals, families can enjoy tractor-churned ice cream demonstrations that showcase old-fashioned techniques, climb on tire piles, take barrel train rides, play in the corn pit, and participate in classic yard games that harken back to simpler times.

 

Watermelon Facts for You to Share

As you explore the festival, here are some amazing watermelon facts that will make you the most interesting person at your next family gathering.

  1. Did you know that watermelons are 90% water, which explains why early explorers used them as natural canteens during long journeys?
  2. Ancient Egyptians valued watermelons so highly that they placed them in pharaohs' tombs over 5,000 years ago, believing the fruit would nourish rulers in the afterlife.
  3. The world record for watermelon seed spitting stands at an impressive 75 feet and 2 inches – about four times the height of a giraffe! Jason Schayot set this record in De Leon, Texas, back in 1995, proving that some childhood skills can indeed lead to fame and glory.
  4. While we typically think of watermelons as fruits, they're members of the Cucurbitaceae family, making them cousins to pumpkins, cucumbers, and squash.
  5. Oklahoma officially declared watermelon its state vegetable, sparking a friendly debate about whether this summer staple belongs in the fruit or vegetable category.
  6. Perhaps most surprisingly, every part of the watermelon is edible, including the rind and seeds.
  7. We never knew that you could pickle or stew the rind, did you? In many parts of the world, including Egypt and Israel, watermelon is commonly served with feta cheese. Also, roasted watermelon seeds provide a nutritious snack packed with amino acids.

 

The three-day festival runs from Thursday, August 1st, through Saturday, August 3rd, with each day offering the full spectrum of activities and entertainment. Nelson Farm maintains an intimate, community feel that makes it special, even though the festival attracts around 1,000 visitors per day.

 

Morning hours tend to be slightly less crowded, making them ideal for families with younger children who might feel overwhelmed by larger groups. During the afternoon, when energy levels peak and competitive spirits soar, the seed-spitting contests and watermelon triathlon take place.

 

Cooling stations throughout the Farm, including misting machines, provide relief from the August heat, while watermelon slushes offer a refreshing treat that captures the essence of summer in every sip.

 

Nelson Farm provides the Front Porch Café offering food and beverages, but its so nice to know that families are welcome to bring their snacks and drinks to complement their watermelon feast. The Farm also provides multiple outdoor restrooms and hand-washing stations, ensuring comfort and cleanliness for all visitors.

 

Why does this festival matter for our community? Living in Omaha gives you access to incredible agricultural experiences that you won't find in many urban areas across the country. The Nelson Farm Watermelon Festival represents more than just entertainment; it's a blessing and an opportunity to connect with our agricultural heritage to support local farming families who work tirelessly to feed our communities.

 

As real estate professionals, we've seen how these authentic experiences add value to Omaha's quality of life. Events like the Watermelon Festival remind us why Nebraska living offers such a rich quality of life.

 

The festival also serves as a perfect introduction to the broader Valley community, showcasing the small-town charm and agricultural traditions that define much of our region. For families considering homes in the western suburbs, this festival provides a taste of the community spirit and outdoor lifestyle that draws so many people to call this area home.

 

The Heim-Berg Team's advice for making the most of your visit: Plan to spend at least half a day at the festival to experience everything Nelson Farm offers fully. Consider segmenting your time by visiting during different times of day. Morning visits provide cooler temperatures and shorter lines, while the afternoon brings the energy of competitive events and demonstrations.

 

If you plan to participate in watermelon skiing or spend time in the corn pit, be prepared to get dirty and wet. Wear your most comfortable clothes. Bring cameras to capture the joy on your children's faces as they experience farm life firsthand.  

 

The Farm's season runs from June through October, so if you fall in love with the experience, you can return for their strawberry, corn, sunflower, and harvest festivals throughout the growing season.

 

Don't forget to stock up on fresh produce from their market before heading home. As the largest watermelon distributor in Nebraska and the first U-pick sunflower farm in the state, Nelson Produce Farm offers quality and variety that's hard to find elsewhere.

 

The Nelson Produce Farm Watermelon Festival represents everything we love about summer in Nebraska: genuine hospitality, agricultural traditions, family fun, and the simple pleasure of tasting a locally grown, perfectly ripe, juicy watermelon.

 

In our years of helping families find their perfect homes throughout the Omaha area, we've learned that the best communities offer more than just houses – they provide experiences that create lasting memories.

 

This August, treat your family to a sweet slice of Omaha summer. Create long-lasting family memories. Whether you're spitting seeds, skiing on watermelons, picnicking in the shade of a farm umbrella or watching your children discover the magic of farm life, you'll have fun at the Nelson Farm.

 

Ready to discover more amazing experiences around Omaha? The Heim-Berg Team knows the best-kept secrets and hidden gems that make our area special.  

Call us:

  • Phone:(402)677-9024
  • Website: https://www.omahaarealiving.com/

Give a call, so we can help you discover the magic of Greater Omaha – where agricultural heritage meets modern convenience, and every season brings new adventures just around the corner.