Nebraska is a state made up of just a few cities…and what seems like a thousand small towns. While everyone seems to have a different definition of “small” when it comes to population, we can all agree that the smallest towns in Nebraska have definitely earned that description. In these places, it would be virtually impossible not to know the names of everyone in town. (Note that, while there are lots of unincorporated communities with smaller populations in Nebraska, this list includes only officially designated towns and villages.)
- Moorefield
Wikimedia
Wikimedia Moorefield is home to 32 people. The Frontier County town had a peak population of around 200 between 1925 and 1940, but the population shrank as improved transportation made it possible for people to get supplies from neighboring towns. Moorefield, NE 69039, USA
- Gandy
Wikimedia
Wikimedia This Logan County village boasts a population of 31. Once a rough-and-tumble frontier town, Gandy is where the notorious robber and murderer “Parker” was captured in the late 19th century by Sheriff Doan. Gandy, NE 69163, USA
- Lushton
Wikimedia
Wikimedia Thirty people reside in Lushton. A magazine article published in 1960 proclaimed the cemetery here to be the smallest National Cemetery in the country. The Lushton Cemetery is actually not a designated National Cemetery but does hold the graves of 24 soldiers who died in the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and both World Wars. Lushton, NE 68371, USA
- Verdel
Wikimedia
Wikimedia With a name derived from the Spanish word for “green,” you know this Knox County village of 30 residents is full of natural beauty. Verdel may be quieter and less busy than it once was, but residents still retain their town pride. Verdel, NE 68760, USA
- Cowles
Wikimedia
Wikimedia Thirty people call Cowles home. The tiny Webster County village was named for a railroad official back in the late 1800s. Cowles was a popular recreation spot back in the 1920s. There was even a special train between Hastings and Cowles to bring weekend visitors over. Cowles, NE 68930, USA
- Strang
Wikimedia
Wikimedia The 28 people who call Strang home are very proud of their little part of Fillmore County. The town is home to many historic buildings that are still in use today. After being called Media and then Bixby, Strang acquired its current name when A.L. Strang donated a windmill and water pump in 1886. The windmill is still standing today. Strang, NE 68444, USA
- Stockville
Wikimedia
Wikimedia With 25 residents, Stockville is a little less busy now than it was in its heyday. As the county seat of Frontier County, it has been an important place since the late 19th century. Frank B. Morrison, governor of Nebraska from 1961 to 1967, was born in Stockville. Stockville, NE, USA
- Lamar
Wikimedia
Wikimedia With just 23 residents, Lamar is a scrappy little Chase County town. It was once called Allentown after A.S. Allen, the first settler there. Other people in the town disliked the name, so they redubbed the town Lenox - a name they got from a box of soap. Later, a town site was laid out just southeast of Lenox by the Burlington Railroad. Wanting the benefits that a railroad would bring their town, the residents of Lenox all picked up and moved to the new location, now called Lamar. In the end, the railroad tracks never did come. Lamar, NE 69023, USA
- Brewster
Wikimedia
TripAdvisor/Mary C. Brewster was named for George Washington Brewster, a homesteader whose ancestors arrived in America on the Mayflower. G.W. Brewster expected the town to become the state’s capital thanks to its central location, but that expectation was never realized. Instead, Brewster is home to 18 people and is the county seat of Blaine County. Uncle Buck’s Lodge is Brewster’s one-of-a-kind lodging and dining experience - one that you should definitely check out the next time you’re in the area. Brewster, NE, USA
- Burton
Wikimedia
UNL Located in Keya Paha county, Burton has a population of 10 - but it wasn’t always so small. In the early 20th century, Burton was the second largest town in the county. The double disasters of the Great Depression and WWII caused just about everyone to leave Burton for somewhere with jobs to give. Burton, NE 68778, USA
- Gross
Wikimedia
Wikimedia Gross clocks in with a population of just two people. The Boyd County town was once home to a box factory, a cheese factory, and around 600 people. A devastating fire more than 100 years ago caused many to move away, and the population never rebounded. Today, the town’s two residents operate the Nebraska Inn, a burger restaurant that’s popular with people in surrounding communities. Gross, NE 68719, USA
- Monowi
flickr/Andrew Filer
Wikimedia Of course, no list of small Nebraska towns would be complete without the ultra-tiny Monowi. It’s the only incorporated town in the U.S. with a population of just one person. Stop by Elsie’s Tavern for a sandwich and a beer, then ask for the key to the library. The 5,000-volume Rudy’s Library is dedicated to the memory of Elsie’s husband. Monowi, NE 68746, USA
Most of these towns used to have far more residents; for one reason or another, the populations shrank over time. But in true state spirit, the residents who remain are unflinchingly loyal to the smallest towns in Nebraska and wouldn’t live anywhere else.
Wikimedia
Moorefield is home to 32 people. The Frontier County town had a peak population of around 200 between 1925 and 1940, but the population shrank as improved transportation made it possible for people to get supplies from neighboring towns.
Moorefield, NE 69039, USA
This Logan County village boasts a population of 31. Once a rough-and-tumble frontier town, Gandy is where the notorious robber and murderer “Parker” was captured in the late 19th century by Sheriff Doan.
Gandy, NE 69163, USA
Thirty people reside in Lushton. A magazine article published in 1960 proclaimed the cemetery here to be the smallest National Cemetery in the country. The Lushton Cemetery is actually not a designated National Cemetery but does hold the graves of 24 soldiers who died in the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and both World Wars.
Lushton, NE 68371, USA
With a name derived from the Spanish word for “green,” you know this Knox County village of 30 residents is full of natural beauty. Verdel may be quieter and less busy than it once was, but residents still retain their town pride.
Verdel, NE 68760, USA
Thirty people call Cowles home. The tiny Webster County village was named for a railroad official back in the late 1800s. Cowles was a popular recreation spot back in the 1920s. There was even a special train between Hastings and Cowles to bring weekend visitors over.
Cowles, NE 68930, USA
The 28 people who call Strang home are very proud of their little part of Fillmore County. The town is home to many historic buildings that are still in use today. After being called Media and then Bixby, Strang acquired its current name when A.L. Strang donated a windmill and water pump in 1886. The windmill is still standing today.
Strang, NE 68444, USA
With 25 residents, Stockville is a little less busy now than it was in its heyday. As the county seat of Frontier County, it has been an important place since the late 19th century. Frank B. Morrison, governor of Nebraska from 1961 to 1967, was born in Stockville.
Stockville, NE, USA
With just 23 residents, Lamar is a scrappy little Chase County town. It was once called Allentown after A.S. Allen, the first settler there. Other people in the town disliked the name, so they redubbed the town Lenox - a name they got from a box of soap. Later, a town site was laid out just southeast of Lenox by the Burlington Railroad. Wanting the benefits that a railroad would bring their town, the residents of Lenox all picked up and moved to the new location, now called Lamar. In the end, the railroad tracks never did come.
Lamar, NE 69023, USA
TripAdvisor/Mary C.
Brewster was named for George Washington Brewster, a homesteader whose ancestors arrived in America on the Mayflower. G.W. Brewster expected the town to become the state’s capital thanks to its central location, but that expectation was never realized. Instead, Brewster is home to 18 people and is the county seat of Blaine County. Uncle Buck’s Lodge is Brewster’s one-of-a-kind lodging and dining experience - one that you should definitely check out the next time you’re in the area.
Brewster, NE, USA
UNL
Located in Keya Paha county, Burton has a population of 10 - but it wasn’t always so small. In the early 20th century, Burton was the second largest town in the county. The double disasters of the Great Depression and WWII caused just about everyone to leave Burton for somewhere with jobs to give.
Burton, NE 68778, USA
Gross clocks in with a population of just two people. The Boyd County town was once home to a box factory, a cheese factory, and around 600 people. A devastating fire more than 100 years ago caused many to move away, and the population never rebounded. Today, the town’s two residents operate the Nebraska Inn, a burger restaurant that’s popular with people in surrounding communities.
Gross, NE 68719, USA
flickr/Andrew Filer
Of course, no list of small Nebraska towns would be complete without the ultra-tiny Monowi. It’s the only incorporated town in the U.S. with a population of just one person. Stop by Elsie’s Tavern for a sandwich and a beer, then ask for the key to the library. The 5,000-volume Rudy’s Library is dedicated to the memory of Elsie’s husband.
Monowi, NE 68746, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Exploring Nebraska September 21, 2022 Sara Dager What are the best things about living in Nebraska? While you may not hear a lot about the Cornhusker state in popular media, it is a lovely place to visit and an even lovelier place to make a home. Some of the best things about living in Nebraska include our consistently friendly people, our natural beauty (we have a river, massive bluffs, as well as the chance to witness a yearly crane migration,) and our state pride. Nebraska is so much more than corn and our citizens are what makes it special. From strange art installations like a Stonehenge made of cars, to a robust football culture, and a world-renowned zoo, every type of person will find something to love about Nebraska. Does Nebraska have any natural wonders? There are a ton of natural wonders in Nebraska! You can check out a massive natural rock formation known as Chimney Rock, which is quite the site to both admire and learn about. This huge rounded rock, topped perfectly with a chimney-shaped formation, is actually on the National Register of Historic sites — that’s how important it is! You will also be amazed by a visit to the Nebraska sandhills. A trip to see these unique rolling sand dunes will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a breathtaking landscape painting of a desert. What underrated places in Nebraska should I visit? If you are looking for underrated places in Nebraska to visit, we have a few recommendations. We love an underrated spot because they are usually guaranteed to be peaceful and relatively low on tourists while still providing a lot of bang for your buck (or being free!) Snake River Falls is a great choice if you want to see some natural beauty. The hike is quite challenging which is why it’s quieter, but the work is well worth it for the views. Another great stop is the sculpture garden in Oconto, where you can take in some fresh air while admiring curious and beautiful pieces of art.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Exploring Nebraska
September 21, 2022
Sara Dager
What are the best things about living in Nebraska? While you may not hear a lot about the Cornhusker state in popular media, it is a lovely place to visit and an even lovelier place to make a home. Some of the best things about living in Nebraska include our consistently friendly people, our natural beauty (we have a river, massive bluffs, as well as the chance to witness a yearly crane migration,) and our state pride. Nebraska is so much more than corn and our citizens are what makes it special. From strange art installations like a Stonehenge made of cars, to a robust football culture, and a world-renowned zoo, every type of person will find something to love about Nebraska. Does Nebraska have any natural wonders? There are a ton of natural wonders in Nebraska! You can check out a massive natural rock formation known as Chimney Rock, which is quite the site to both admire and learn about. This huge rounded rock, topped perfectly with a chimney-shaped formation, is actually on the National Register of Historic sites — that’s how important it is! You will also be amazed by a visit to the Nebraska sandhills. A trip to see these unique rolling sand dunes will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a breathtaking landscape painting of a desert. What underrated places in Nebraska should I visit? If you are looking for underrated places in Nebraska to visit, we have a few recommendations. We love an underrated spot because they are usually guaranteed to be peaceful and relatively low on tourists while still providing a lot of bang for your buck (or being free!) Snake River Falls is a great choice if you want to see some natural beauty. The hike is quite challenging which is why it’s quieter, but the work is well worth it for the views. Another great stop is the sculpture garden in Oconto, where you can take in some fresh air while admiring curious and beautiful pieces of art.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While you may not hear a lot about the Cornhusker state in popular media, it is a lovely place to visit and an even lovelier place to make a home. Some of the best things about living in Nebraska include our consistently friendly people, our natural beauty (we have a river, massive bluffs, as well as the chance to witness a yearly crane migration,) and our state pride. Nebraska is so much more than corn and our citizens are what makes it special. From strange art installations like a Stonehenge made of cars, to a robust football culture, and a world-renowned zoo, every type of person will find something to love about Nebraska.
Does Nebraska have any natural wonders?
There are a ton of natural wonders in Nebraska! You can check out a massive natural rock formation known as Chimney Rock, which is quite the site to both admire and learn about. This huge rounded rock, topped perfectly with a chimney-shaped formation, is actually on the National Register of Historic sites — that’s how important it is! You will also be amazed by a visit to the Nebraska sandhills. A trip to see these unique rolling sand dunes will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a breathtaking landscape painting of a desert.
What underrated places in Nebraska should I visit?
If you are looking for underrated places in Nebraska to visit, we have a few recommendations. We love an underrated spot because they are usually guaranteed to be peaceful and relatively low on tourists while still providing a lot of bang for your buck (or being free!) Snake River Falls is a great choice if you want to see some natural beauty. The hike is quite challenging which is why it’s quieter, but the work is well worth it for the views. Another great stop is the sculpture garden in Oconto, where you can take in some fresh air while admiring curious and beautiful pieces of art.
