We’re in no danger of a shortage when it comes to charming small towns in the Cornhusker State. From one border to the other, it is almost all small towns and little cities. Let’s take a day trip to the village of Elk Creek, Nebraska. So, where is Elk Creek, Nebraska, you may be wondering? Well, it’s in Johnson County, just a short hop away from both the Missouri and Kansas borders. Let’s go!

Life moves at a gentler pace down here in the southeast corner of Nebraska.
Google Maps
You'll see plenty of farmland around here along with the remains of mines that once provided rare earth minerals.
The village of Elk Creek, NE takes its name from - what else? - the nearby creek of the same name. The creek earned its moniker thanks to the elk that roamed the area.
Ammodramus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The town popped up in the 1870s thanks to the construction of the Atchison and Nebraska Railroad. In those days, towns that weren't near railroad tracks often fizzled quickly.
Elk Creek was never a huge, well-known metropolis - it reached its peak population of 116 in 1990.
Ammodramus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
According to the 2022 census, there are just 69 residents today in this charming small town in Nebraska.

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Still, the people here are hard-working and community-minded.
Ammodramus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
In a Nebraska small town like this, it's essential for residents to pitch in and do their part to keep things running smoothly.
It seems like there's always something special happening in Elk Creek, Nebraska.
Ammodramus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
You'll often find a festival, a community BBQ, a classic car show, or a number of other events in every season.
As you may imagine, there aren't too many businesses in this teeny-tiny village. But you'll find delicious meals - not to mention plenty of conversation - any day of the week at many spots where the locals just sit and spend time together.
JoSand, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
As soon as you leave Elk Creek, you'll be surrounded by naturally beautiful scenes like this. It's not as common to see elk around here anymore, but there are still plentiful places and ways to experience Nebraska's raw beauty.

This little village is just overflowing with charm, don’t you think? Coming here is such a lovely and welcoming surprise. Who knew Nebraska offered so much?

If you decide to spend the night in the area before heading home, you’re in luck – there’s a unique corn crib cottage Airbnb just about 30 minutes down the road.

Have you ever been to Elk Creek, Nebraska? If so, what do you think? What was your favorite part? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section.

If you’re still in the mood for more Nebraska adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

Out and About in Nebraska

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | March 07, 2023

Where can we find outdoor adventures in Nebraska?

  • Deroin at Indian Cave State Park located in the southeast part of the state is an interesting ghost town to explore.
  • The Happy Jack Chalk Mine in Scotia is Nebraska's only mine.
  • Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge at the western edge of the Sandhills near Oshkosh offers a wide array of wildlife sightings.

Read on to learn more about the many exciting outdoor adventures in Nebraska.

Where can we find hidden gems in Nebraska?

  • El Museo Latino in Omaha is the first Latino art and culture center in the Midwest and one of only 11 in the entire country.
  • The Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area near Royal offers some amazing fishing opportunities. You can also walk through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state.
  • The small town of Brownville is nevertheless a popular tourist destination with numerous museums, a riverboat, and historic homes. Their annual flea market is a popular attraction here as well.

Read on to learn more about the many awesome hidden gems in Nebraska.

Where can we find lakes in Nebraska?

  • Branched Oak Lake near Malcolm is the largest of the Lincoln area's Salt Valley Lakes.
  • The Fremont State Recreation Area features 20 sandpit lakes offering swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing.
  • The Harlan County Reservoir is Nebraska's second-largest lake and a favorite for anglers.

Read on to learn more about the many beautiful lakes in Nebraska.

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Elk Creek, NE 68348, USA