Most People Don’t Know These 15 Super Tiny Towns In Nebraska Exist
Nebraska is a state made up of almost all small towns. In fact, there are around 250 towns with populations under 1000 – and that’s not even counting the unincorporated townships and all of the people who live out in the country in between towns. There are so many of these charming small towns in Nebraska that even those of us who’ve lived here forever don’t know about all of them. Have you been to or lived in any of these hidden small towns in Nebraska?
This village, population 678, was first settled in 1864. The quiet town is home to two parks, a rifle range, and an 18-hole golf course.
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With 400 people, Big Springs is actually medium-sized in terms of Nebraska towns. The two biggest attractions in town are the beautiful Big Springs Veteran's Memorial Park and the student-maintained Big Springs Youth Recreation Pond Area.
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With 929 people, Chappell is large by small-town standards. Richard Cabela, the co-founder of Cabela's, claimed Chappell as his hometown.
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482 people call Cortland home. Though the population is small, the community is vibrant. They celebrate tons of community events throughout the year and more than 40 businesses operate from Cortland.
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This village of 303 people is known as "The Danish Capital of Nebraska," and the residents show ample pride in their shared heritage. Beautiful historic buildings, scenic Oak Creek, and a wooded hiking/biking trail make Dannebrog a fun little place to live or visit.
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At just 260 people, Diller is tiny but charming. The village features a historic opera house which can be rented for weddings and other special occasions.
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Clocking in at just under 1000 residents, Genoa has the largest population on this list. Known as "The Pawnee Capital of Nebraska," the town has a rich cultural history. Current residents and visitors enjoy the excellent Indian School Museum and Genoa Historical Museum, both of which document the area's heritage.
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At less than 0.2 square miles and 214 people, Gurley is a sweet little town. It was founded in 1913 to accommodate the new railroad. The residents showed their community spirit in 1977 when the town was in danger of losing its only cafe. Twenty-four people pooled their money, formed a corporation, and bought a building to keep a cafe in Gurley.
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Home to 213 people, Hallam has a tough community spirit. The village was nearly leveled when it was struck by a massive F4 tornado in 2004. The town has been diligently rebuilding since that time and is known as a safe, peaceful place for families.
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This village of 803 is home to an annual county fair that is ranked among the best in Nebraska. Visitors come from miles around to view the spectacular Christmas Diorama display every year. This is one of those hidden small towns in Nebraska that should not be passed up!
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This unincorporated village is the smallest of the small with a population of just one. It's been featured on several national TV shows for its uniqueness and the special Rudy's Library, founded in honor of the sole resident's late husband.
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Although it houses only 351 residents, Palisade is a special little town. It boomed to life in the 1880s and suffered through several hard times in the 19th and 20th centuries, but always bounced back. It once housed the largest swimming pool in the state, and a POW camp in the 1940s. Though the population has dwindled from its high of 800, it still has a public park, a library, and an annual Pioneers Day festival that keeps residents very happy.
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Little Pleasant Dale boasts a population of 205 in a scenic spot in the Middle Creek Valley. The sleepy town enjoys a tight community, beautiful wildlife, and one of the most picturesque settings in the state.
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Walthill, a town with a population of 780, is located within the Omaha Reservation. Developed as a railroad town, Walthill was home to Susan La Flesche Picotte, the country's first female Native American physician.
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The village boasts a population of 577, a large leap from its beginnings as a two-person town in 1875. This quiet town features a strong sense of community and a pretty great public pool.
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Wauneta, NE 69045, USA
This list of tiny towns is just a little sample of the hidden small towns in Nebraska that dot the map. We obviously can’t get to all 250 towns with a population of less than 1000 in just one list, so let us know in the comments: what’s your favorite Nebraska micro-town? Sometimes the smallest towns in Nebraska are the ones with the friendliest people!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Small Towns In Nebraska
September 24, 2021
Marisa Roman
What are the most charming small towns in Nebraska?
Sometimes the best impromptu trips involve visiting those charming small towns in Nebraska that are busting with character. Immerse yourself in small-town life when you adventure through these little towns. Start with Ashland, Nebraska for a dose of history and old-time architecture, then continue on to Chadron for an adorable main street and unparalleled surroundings.
What is the smallest town in Nebraska?
We’ve gone through the list above of some of the smallest towns in Nebraska, but what about the actual smallest?! The Boyd County town of Monowi is considered the smallest town in Nebraska with a population of just one. Somewhat of an American legend now, this town has one resident who is both a small business owner AND the town mayor.
What is the most unique town in Nebraska?
Looking to plan a few day trips in Nebraska? We can help with a few suggestions of where to visit first. If you're looking for a truly unique town to visit, we suggest the little town of Wilbur, Nebraska. Just southwest of Lincoln, in Saline County, Wilber is considered to be the Czech Capital of the U.S.A. Another incredibly unique town in Nebraska to visit is Ogallala. What was once built to entice tourists, Ogallala is the Cowboy Capital of Nebraska and showcases Western frontier history.
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As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
