Each room is completely furnished in the elegance of the Victorian era. Imported French and English wallpapers throughout the house feature designs from the period. Local residents donated a large number of the authentic furnishings, but many of the items on display are original possessions of the Ware family.

After the passing of the last immediate family member the land was purchased and the house restored by citizens of Nebraska City. The property was later given to the City of Nebraska City and has been open for tours since 1970. Visitors can wander through the beautiful Victorian Garden, browse The Gift Shop for arts & crafts created by area artists, or go on a historical tour of Wildwood House.

Wildwood Historic Center has been listed on the National Registry of Historic Places as the Jasper A. Ware House since 1973.

The Story of Wildwood

In 1869 Jasper Anderson Ware moved his wife and three little daughters to a house in the country.  His wife, Ellen, exclaimed that she could never live amid such a 'wild wood'. The family eventually grew to love their home among the trees in southeastern Nebraska, residing here for many decades. The property is now owned by the city of Nebraska City and operated as Wildwood Historic Center for the benefit of the community and its visitors.

Wildwood period house is one of Nebraska’s finest examples of early rural estates. The Gothic-Revival house features ten rooms, including both formal and informal parlors, dining room, kitchen, and a downstairs pantry in which even the interior walls are brick. The open stairway leads to four upstairs bedrooms and the maid’s quarters, which can also be accessed from the back stairs.