Small town life in Nebraska is the embodiment of The Good Life. Towns that are so small you can walk from one end to the other without breaking a sweat, towns where everyone is your neighbor and most of your neighbors are family, towns that people usually just fly right by unless they know what to look for – these are some of our favorite small towns.
- Pleasanton, Buffalo County
Wikimedia/Ammodramus - Own work This village’s name is completely fitting - it’s a perfectly pleasant place. The old Pleasanton Railroad Depot was built in 1890, and in 2005 it was in danger of being torn down. The high school’s Future Business Leaders of America led the effort to save and renovate the historic building.
- Meadow Grove, Madison County
Wikimedia/Ammodramus - Own work Meadow Grove boasts a population of 301. It’s home to the John W. Warrick Sr. house, a beautiful Queen Anne-style home on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Bushnell, Kimball County
Wikimedia/Ammodramus - Own work This little village of 124 people lies in the southwest corner of the panhandle. It’s known as the last town on Highway 30 before it passes into Wyoming.
- Crookston, Cherry County
Wikimedia/Ammodramus - Own work There are only 69 souls residing in Crookston. Although it’s a near-ghost town, Crookston remains a picturesque village. It has the distinction of being home to a Post Office that’s been in operation since 1886.
- Cornlea, Platte County
Wikimedia/Ammodramus - Own work The itty-bitty village of Cornlea began life as a railroad siding and became a close-knit farming community. Today, just 36 people call Cornlea home.
- Loma, Butler County
Wikimedia/Ammodramus - Own work Little Loma is technically not a town, but an unincorporated community. It houses the Loma Tavern, a beloved restaurant that people drive miles and miles to visit. It was also featured in the movie To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar.
- Brainard, Butler County
Wikimedia/Ammodramus - Own work Brainard is home to 330 people who swear they’ve discovered their little piece of heaven. Local businesses and recreational opportunities abound here.
- Diller, Jefferson County
Wikimedia/Ammodramus - Own work Located in southeastern Nebraska, Diller is home to 260 people. It’s tiny, but the community is thriving, and the residents have created a wonderful environment in which to live and raise a family.
- Arthur, Arthur County
Wikimedia/Ammodramus - Own work Arthur is home to 117 people and the Pilgrim Holiness Church, the oldest known straw-bale church in North America.
- Henry, Scotts Bluff County
Wikimedia/Ammodramus - Own work Henry is located right at the Nebraska/Wyoming border; if you’re traveling on Highway 26 it’s the very last town you’ll pass in Nebraska. Just 106 people call Henry home.
- Primrose, Boone County
Wikimedia/Ammodramus - Own work This tiny village with its sweet name has a population of just 61. It was originally named Dublin after the former home of its founders.
- Edgar, Clay County
Wikimedia/Ammodramus - Own work Edgar is the largest small town on this list, clocking in at 498 residents. It occupies just .79 square miles and boasts several fun and unique locally-owned businesses.
- Springview, Keya Paha County
Wikimedia/Ammodramus - Own work Springview was built around a natural spring - hence the name - which has long ago dried up. But this wonderful little community is thriving, and unlike many rural communities, its population remained relatively steady between 2000 and 2010. Today, it’s home to 242 people.
These sweet little towns all have their own special characteristics that make them absolutely delightful to visit. Next time you’re passing through, keep your eyes open and maybe stop for a while to explore.
Wikimedia/Ammodramus - Own work
This village’s name is completely fitting - it’s a perfectly pleasant place. The old Pleasanton Railroad Depot was built in 1890, and in 2005 it was in danger of being torn down. The high school’s Future Business Leaders of America led the effort to save and renovate the historic building.
Meadow Grove boasts a population of 301. It’s home to the John W. Warrick Sr. house, a beautiful Queen Anne-style home on the National Register of Historic Places.
This little village of 124 people lies in the southwest corner of the panhandle. It’s known as the last town on Highway 30 before it passes into Wyoming.
There are only 69 souls residing in Crookston. Although it’s a near-ghost town, Crookston remains a picturesque village. It has the distinction of being home to a Post Office that’s been in operation since 1886.
The itty-bitty village of Cornlea began life as a railroad siding and became a close-knit farming community. Today, just 36 people call Cornlea home.
Little Loma is technically not a town, but an unincorporated community. It houses the Loma Tavern, a beloved restaurant that people drive miles and miles to visit. It was also featured in the movie To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar.
Brainard is home to 330 people who swear they’ve discovered their little piece of heaven. Local businesses and recreational opportunities abound here.
Located in southeastern Nebraska, Diller is home to 260 people. It’s tiny, but the community is thriving, and the residents have created a wonderful environment in which to live and raise a family.
Arthur is home to 117 people and the Pilgrim Holiness Church, the oldest known straw-bale church in North America.
Henry is located right at the Nebraska/Wyoming border; if you’re traveling on Highway 26 it’s the very last town you’ll pass in Nebraska. Just 106 people call Henry home.
This tiny village with its sweet name has a population of just 61. It was originally named Dublin after the former home of its founders.
Edgar is the largest small town on this list, clocking in at 498 residents. It occupies just .79 square miles and boasts several fun and unique locally-owned businesses.
Springview was built around a natural spring - hence the name - which has long ago dried up. But this wonderful little community is thriving, and unlike many rural communities, its population remained relatively steady between 2000 and 2010. Today, it’s home to 242 people.
Didn’t see your favorite small town on this list? Not to worry – there’s a good chance it’s on one of our other lists! Here are 11 Picturesque Little Towns, 12 Small Towns Where Everyone Knows Your Name, 10 Cool Small Towns You’ve Probably Never Heard of, and 11 Small Towns That Offer Peace and Quiet.
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