Elkhorn Valley Communities
Battle Creek
In July of 1859, numerous reports were received at the territorial capital of Indians stealing from the Elkhorn Valley settlers. A force of 300 men set out to attack a large Pawnee camp. Alerted, the Pawnee immediately surrendered. When a town was established in 1867 it took the name Battle Creek.
Artist, novelist and creator of the Kewpie Doll, Rose O’Neill, lived in Battle Creek as a young girl. O’Neill created the Kewpie Doll to illustrate the stories she was writing for the Ladies Home Journal. Today the porcelain dolls are handmade at H&H Ceramics in Battle Creek.
Battle Creek Mutual Insurance Company, Battle Creek Co-op and Producers Hybrid Seeds are major employers. The local economy is a mix of agri-business, ag production and commuting to jobs in nearby Norfolk.
A new high school is the latest in a long line of community improvements. Battle Creek will win you over with its local charm.
Brunswick
The town was called “Little Chicago,” when first settled. Citizens requested the name be changed to Brunswick in honor of the many settlers from Germany. The town was originally platted in the shape of a cross. Today you can relax in a 19th-century tea room, enjoy the home-baked goods and shop for quilts made by Brunswick area residents.
Recreation opportunities include the Niobrara/Missouri River area for camping, birding, hunting and fishing and the Diamond B Trout Resort in nearby Orchard, Nebraska. The local economy is anchored in ag production and agri-business. Served by the Nebraska Northeastern Railroad and U. S. Highway 20, Brunswick is a shipping center for locally grown grain to U.S. and world markets. Come enjoy a day in Brunswick with all of its small-town charm and down-home hospitality.
Clearwater
Clearwater, platted in 1888 and nestled near the Elkhorn River with fertile farm and ranch land reaching in all directions, clearly is a community whose economic base is ag production and agri- business. Clearwater is also home to Elkhorn Woodworks, maker of custom cabinetry sold throughout the Midwest.
Enjoy the friendly service and safe lifestyle of this thriving small town. Don’t forget to visit Clearwater’s museum, boasting a unique collection of North American and African wildlife, and area pioneer history. Come for the Big Rodeo in June with three days of rodeo action, street dances and entertainment. Recreation in the area is provided by the state parks on the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers at nearby Gavins Point Dam. The Cowboy Nature and Recreation Trail provides hiking, biking and birding opportunities east and west as far as Norfolk and O’Neill.
Elgin
Elgin, population 720 in south central Antelope County, has a rich history in farming and ranching, and continues to produce corn, soybeans, oats, rye and vetch, cattle and hogs. Elgin is situated at the junction of Highways 14 and 70, with the ranch country of the Sandhills lying just to the west, and more fertile soils to the east.
With the arrival of the railroad in 1887, Elgin became a trade center for the area, shipping livestock and grain to points east.
Education has always been an important aspect of the Elgin community, which boasts two K-12 school systems – the Elgin Public Schools, as well as St. Boniface Grade School (K-6) and Pope John Central Catholic (7-12).
Attractions in the Elgin area include the city park and swimming pool, Plantation House Bed & Breakfast, the Centennial Garden, Flobert Springs northeast of town, St. Boniface Catholic Church and the Headquarters Ranch Stone House west of town.
Elgin was once known as the “Vetch Capitol of the Nation” and has several local businesses processing vetch, soil-building legume. The community celebrates Vetch Days each year in June.
Foster
It was originally called Morehouse, for a railroad employee and early settler. In December 1885, Pierce County Courthouse records show that George Foster conveyed title to land for the town of Foster and established a feed store. Soon after, other entrepreneurs added other businesses. In 1886, a school was organized. The first teacher, Mrs. John Beatty, was an early day working mom who took her newborn to school, rocking the cradle while she taught classes.
Today, most residents commute to jobs in surrounding communities in Pierce and Madison counties. The Village of Foster boasts tree-lined streets, a relaxed lifestyle and a neighborly atmosphere.
But don’t miss the Friday night buffet at the Chuckwagon Café - serving the best fish and chicken for miles around!
Hadar
A community of German immigrants left Wisconsin and traveled to the Nebraska Territory in a caravan of 52 wagons. Upon arriving, an argument ensued. The minister of the community, tired of the dissension, placed a pole in the ground and wrote in big letters “H-A-D-E-R,” meaning quarrel in German. When the post office was established, the spelling was changed to “Hadar.”
Pride and growth is evident in the new homes being built and the active community spirit. Residents commute to jobs in Pierce, Norfolk and other towns in the area. This welcoming, neighborly community is a great place to raise a family.
Madison
A good mill site at the confluence of Taylor and Union Creeks brought the first pioneers in 1887. The coming of the railroad made Madison an early center for agriculture, commerce, and the county seat of Madison County. Today, Madison is a job center with an economic mix of agri-business, ag production, and value-added processing.
The history of Madison is well documented at the Madison County Museum, with exhibits ranging from an 1880 firefighting pumper to the Orphan Train Children’s stories. The scale model train exhibit is a visitor favorite. Periodically, traveling Smithsonian exhibits are available. The restored 1912 Carnegie Library is now home to the Carnegie Learning Center, with activities for all ages. St. Leonard’s Church is on the National Register of historic buildings.
The Madison County Fair is recognized as one of the top in the United States, with celebrity entertainment rodeo, premier grandstand events, outstanding midway attractions and spirited livestock competition. Our small-town atmosphere and a wide range of family friendly amenities (golf, swimming, well-manicured parks, playgrounds and soccer fields) make Madison a place to call home.
McLean
Originally the Village of McLean was part of Cedar County. When Pierce County was organized, a few county officials made a clandestine trip to the capitol in Lincoln, and McLean mysteriously became a part of Pierce County. When Cedar County learned of this “theft,” they attempted to have the matter reversed, but were unsuccessful. Because of this skullduggery, a state law was enacted to prohibit such shenanigans in the future. McLean was named after Donald McLean, who installed the sidetracks from the railroad into the town.
Most present-day residents commute to jobs in surrounding communities in the Elkhorn Valley. Although the village has no major employers, it remains a vibrant, close-knit community offering a quiet lifestyle away from the cares of urban centers.
Newman Grove
Newman Grove, located in the Shell Creek Valley of southwest Madison County, was named after Lewis Warren’s son, Newman, who had helped his father plant a grove of cottonwood trees on their timber claim. After the boy’s death at age 21, his father was instrumental in naming the new post office located near the grove, “Newman Grove.”
The mini-park near downtown includes a bandstand reminiscent of the early days and a mural depicting pioneer businesses. Our small town has a history rich in pioneering, Indian encounters and the cattle trail days when thousands of longhorn cattle were driven through Newman Grove by “wild cowboys.”
The railroad came in 1887 with opportunity for additional growth. The local economy remains based in agriculture production and agri-business services. Local residents also drive to jobs in neighboring communities. Newman Grove merchants offer a full range of products and services for every need. In 1975 Newman Grove was declared “Norwegian Capital of Nebraska” and celebrates the Norwegian Days festival in mid-August with ethnic foods and family entertainment. If you’re Norwegian (or just enjoy good family fun) it’s the place to be.
Norfolk
The agriculture, manufacturing, and services center of the Elkhorn River Valley, Norfolk is a progressive community of 25,000-plus serving a market area of over 100,000. Norfolk is a vibrant and diverse community offering many cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities, yet still maintains a small-town feel. A dozen Fortune 500 companies have found the well-educated productive workforce in the Norfolk area to be an important asset in today’s competitive world economy. Major employers are Nucor Steel, Affiliated Foods, Goodyear, Faith Regional Health Services, Wis-Pak of Norfolk, Tyco and Vulcraft.
Norfolk was founded in 1866. By 1881, citizens organized the village of “Norfork,” a compounding of the name of the nearby North Fork River. Legend has it that post office authorities, assuming the name was misspelled, changed it to Norfolk. Natives of the area have not given up the original name and still pronounce it “Norfork.”
Norfolk is the boyhood home of the famous late night entertainer Johnny Carson, and Thurl Ravenscroft (the voice of Tony the Tiger). Memorabilia and memorable show clips from Carson’s legendary television career are displayed at the Elkhorn Valley Museum and Research Center.
Recreational activities abound. Amenities include golf courses, the YMCA, city parks, swimming pools, campgrounds, soccer, baseball and sand volleyball facilities. The Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail begins here. There is great hunting around the area, thanks to both Wildlife Management Areas in the region and private hunting preserves. Some of the many annual events you can enjoy throughout the year are the Ethnic Festival, Big Bang Boom 4th of July, LaVitsef Festival, and Miss Nebraska USA, along with concerts and community theater productions. Norfolk offers many education options, public and private (religious based) K-12 schools, and Northeast Community College.
Osmond
A child of the railroad, Osmond came to life on a treeless prairie late in 1890. A mix of immigrants from northern European countries settled the area along with those of English and Irish descent. Osmond’s leaders throughout the 115-year history, have looked to the future, keeping Osmond on the “cutting edge,” attracting new businesses to keep the community growing.
Local merchants and professionals offer a full range of products and services. Osmond is home to two manufacturing plants, a center pivot irrigation firm, a grain terminal and an ethanol plant west of town. Osmond Venture Resources, Osmond Community Club, and the city all cooperate in development and community activities.
Education is important in Osmond. The public K-12 school facility was recently improved with a $1.3 million addition and renovation. St. Mary’s Church has a new facility for K-8 classes and Immanuel Lutheran Church offers both preschool and kindergarten.
Osmond General Hospital is completing a $3.3 million expansion and renovation and offers many patient clinics in addition to acute care, skilled nursing care and ICCP. A medical clinic, pharmacy and dental clinic provide additional healthcare services for the area.
Public facilities include a new library, swimming pool and city auditorium, softball and baseball complex, two city parks and tennis courts. Only a short distance in several directions are golf courses and water sports venues. A senior citizen center, service organizations and social clubs enjoy strong memberships. A community celebration, Osmond Summerfest, is held in July.
Pierce
Pierce County was established in 1859. A wave of migration followed, and the Pierce community began to develop rapidly. Today Pierce is a thriving community with a host of events for visitors and area residents.
Enjoy a visit to Cuthills Vineyards; Nebraska’s first winery, located close by where you can enjoy the Wine and Wings (jazz and blues) Festival every August with food, tours through the vineyards, and wine tasting at this great summer celebration. Other community festivals include Art by the Glass, Pierce County Fair and the Annual Pierce Old-Time Threshers’ Bee and Antique Show. Visit the Pierce Historical Society Museum Complex for a glimpse of the past.
The Gilman Park and Arboretum and the 700-acre Willow Creek State Recreation Area provide outdoor fun from picnics and camping to water sports, hiking and biking. A trip to Pierce would not be complete without a stay at the Willow Rose Bed & Breakfast. Pierce is a growing community with a proactive attitude, evidenced by expanding neighborhoods, a new school and new library.
Pilger
Pilger was incorporated by 1887 on land owned by Peter Pilger. The Stanton County Historical Society Museum located in Pilger details the history of the area. The Village of Pilger is rich in history and full of life with a reputation for being a quiet, close-knit, family-oriented community. The economy is based on agriculture production, cattle, agri-business and sand and gravel mining. Many residents commute to jobs in nearby Wisner, Stanton and Norfolk. Pilger Days brings the community and visitors from neighboring towns together in July with a variety of family activities.
The Village of Pilger operates a successful Transfer Station/Recycling Facility serving Stanton. Pilger’s progressive philosophy and community improvement initiatives have been recognized by the Nebraska Community Improvement Program, Tree City USA, Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District and the Outstanding 100 Top Rural Development Initiative Program. Planning is underway for a new swimming pool and camping facility at the Pilger Park. Outdoor recreation opportunities in the area include amenities at the 40-acre Pilger State Recreation Area and the Red Fox State Wildlife Management Area.
Plainview
Plainview is a farming community whose ancestry is predominantly Danish and German. The Pacific Short Line from Sioux City to O’Neill was built in 1890. Today the Nebraska Northeastern Railway serves Plainview and the other communities between O’Neill and Sioux City, moving grain and ethanol to the Chicago markets. Husker Ag is a primary employer, producing nearly 25 million gallons of ethanol annually from corn grown locally. Sidump’r Manufacturing produces a unique, top-of-the-line trailer that can dump on either side. Health services in the area are provided by the Plainview Public Hospital.
For family recreation visit Plainview during “Klown Days,” held in early June, celebrating the Klown Doll Museum. The museum is home to more than 2,000 clown dolls from all over the world – the largest collection of clown dolls in the United States. Located near Plainview is world-famous Ash Fall Fossil Park, with 12-million-year-old fossils of three-toed horses, barrel-bodied rhinos and saber-toothed deer. Grove Lake and the Missouri and Niobrara Rivers provide water recreation, fishing and hunting in the area. Plainview is a forward-thinking community, active in economic and community development. Stanton The City of Stanton, located in northeast Nebraska, 12 miles southeast of Norfolk, is the county seat of Stanton County.
The first white settlers arrived in 1865 from Indiana and Wisconsin. Stanton saw little growth until after the coming of the railroad in 1879, when more than two dozen businesses sprung up and two churches were organized. In 1881, a tornado struck the community. By 1893, Stanton had bounced back, gaining in population. Primary industries located in Stanton County are Nucor Steel and US Greenfiber, an insulation manufacturer.
Continued progress is evident with new schools, churches and homes. A new high school was completed in 1996. Stanton has a wide variety of retail and service businesses on Main Street and the Uptown Brewery, a northeast Nebraska favorite, boasts the largest wine selection in the region.
Tilden
In 1868, Crandell Hopkins was the first to claim land at this location. Within 10 years nearly 200 settlers from the east as well as German and Swiss immigrants lived in the area. The settlement was still quite isolated until 1879 when the Sioux City and Pacific Railroad extended its line from Norfolk and Battle Creek. Seizing the economic opportunity, the community built a large depot for the railroad where Tilden is now located.
The local economy is a mix of ag production, construction and commuting to jobs in surrounding communities. The major employers are Rutjens Construction, The Tilden Community Hospital and the Tilden Nursing Center. Tilden offers affordable housing, a good retail mix of products and services, good schools and a safe, small-town lifestyle. Healthcare is provided by the Tilden Community Hospital, offering a variety of outpatient services and inpatient care. Recent community improvements include the renovation of the City Auditorium, a new Tilden Bank building and a new state-of-the- art library, a generous gift from Raymond & Marjorie Whitwer.
National Baseball Hall of Fame player, Richie Ashburn, is a Tilden native and is remembered in the community with the Richie Ashburn Park and Memorial Field. This year is the kickoff of the first annual Prairie Days Festival celebrating Tilden’s pioneer past and its faith in the future. You can find no place better to live, work and relax than the town of Tilden.
