Cities and Towns in Blaine County, Nebraska
Founded in 1885, Blaine County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Blaine County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Brewster is the county seat. With FIPS code of 9, Blaine County has a population of 461 and area of 711 square miles (1,841 km²).
List of all cities in Blaine County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Brewster, NE | 68821 | 308 |
| Dunning, NE | 68821 | 308 |
| 68833 | 308 | |
| Purdum, NE | 69157 | 308 |
Major Cities and Towns in Blaine County, Nebraska
Brewster
Location and History
- Area: 0.66 square miles
- Population: 200 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 68821
- Latitude: 41.7761° N
- Longitude: 99.3806° W
Brewster is a small village located in Blaine County, Nebraska, situated along the Middle Loup River. The town was established in 1887 as a stop on the railroad, which played a key role in its early development. Named after Brewster, New York, the village was founded by settlers who were primarily interested in agriculture, especially cattle ranching and farming. Over the years, Brewster grew as a local agricultural hub, with the surrounding land supporting crops like wheat, corn, and hay. While the town’s population peaked in the early 20th century, Brewster remains a close-knit rural community with a rich history tied to Nebraska’s agricultural roots. Today, Brewster is known for its scenic rural surroundings and is a popular location for ranchers and farmers seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Brewster is served by the Blaine County Schools, which offers educational opportunities for students in the K-12 range. The school district is small, but it prides itself on offering individual attention to students and a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including sports like basketball and volleyball. Brewster’s key landmarks include the Brewster Community Center, which is used for local events and social gatherings, as well as the Brewster City Park, which offers a playground, picnic area, and sports field for outdoor activities. The Brewster Public Library serves as a community resource for books, internet access, and educational programs. The town also hosts several annual events, such as the Brewster Picnic, which features parades, games, and local food. The Middle Loup River running nearby offers opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation, contributing to the town’s natural charm.
Dunning
Location and History
- Area: 0.87 square miles
- Population: 100 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 68833
- Latitude: 41.5297° N
- Longitude: 99.3069° W
Dunning is a small village located in the eastern part of Blaine County, Nebraska, established in the early 1900s. It was founded primarily as a railroad town, similar to many others in the region, when the railroad tracks were extended through the area. The town’s name is believed to be derived from the family of a prominent early settler. Dunning’s growth was closely tied to the arrival of the railroad, which allowed for easier transport of local agricultural goods such as grain, livestock, and hay. As with many small Nebraska towns, Dunning’s economy has always been largely agricultural, with ranching and farming as the primary livelihoods for its residents. Over the years, the town has experienced a decline in population, but it still serves as a quiet, rural community that preserves the traditions of the past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dunning is part of the Dunning Public Schools, a small but close-knit district serving the educational needs of students in the town and surrounding areas. The school is known for its strong academic programs, especially in agriculture and science, which are well-suited to the rural environment. The Dunning Community Hall serves as the town’s focal point for local meetings, celebrations, and events. Dunning also has a Community Park, which is a popular spot for outdoor activities like picnics, sports, and family gatherings. The Dunning Historical Museum offers visitors a chance to learn about the town’s early railroad days, agriculture, and Native American history. The town also hosts an annual Dunning Picnic, which is a local celebration of the town’s agricultural heritage, featuring games, contests, and local food.
Purdum
Location and History
- Area: 0.59 square miles
- Population: 30 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 69157
- Latitude: 41.5928° N
- Longitude: 99.3519° W
Purdum is an unincorporated village located in the central part of Blaine County. The town was established in the early 1900s and grew around the railroad, which played a significant role in its early development. Named after the Purdum family, who were early settlers in the area, the town quickly became a hub for local ranchers and farmers who relied on the railroad for transporting livestock and crops. As the years passed, the population of Purdum began to decline, and the town gradually became a quieter, more rural area. Today, Purdum is a very small village, but it remains an important part of the local ranching and agricultural community. The land surrounding Purdum is still used for cattle grazing and farming, and the area continues to be shaped by its agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Purdum is served by the Blaine County School District, with students attending schools in nearby communities, as there are no educational facilities directly in the village. The district offers small classes and a strong community support system for students. Key landmarks in Purdum include the Purdum Cemetery, which reflects the history of early settlers in the region. The surrounding Sandhills area provides breathtaking natural beauty, with vast prairies, rolling hills, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Although the town is small and lacks significant commercial development, the area surrounding Purdum remains a rural and agricultural hub, offering visitors a chance to experience the peace and tranquility of Nebraska’s western countryside.
Halsey
Location and History
- Area: 1.56 square miles
- Population: 150 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 69142
- Latitude: 41.5886° N
- Longitude: 99.5501° W
Halsey is a small village located in the southeastern corner of Blaine County, near the Nebraska National Forest and Halsey National Forest. The area has been historically important for its role in the cattle ranching industry and its location near the forest, which has made it a significant area for conservation and recreation. Halsey was founded in the early 1900s, and the town’s early economy was built on agriculture and timber. The establishment of the Nebraska National Forest in the 1930s helped boost the local economy by providing jobs in conservation and forestry. Today, Halsey remains a quiet, rural community surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife, with the forest serving as an attraction for outdoor enthusiasts.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Halsey is part of the Blaine County School District, and students attend local schools in nearby towns. The district is known for its small student population and strong academic programs, especially in the fields of science and environmental studies, given the town’s proximity to the Nebraska National Forest. Halsey’s primary landmark is the Nebraska National Forest, which draws visitors for its hiking trails, camping sites, and recreational opportunities. The Halsey Community Center hosts local events, including town meetings, festivals, and celebrations. The Halsey Historical Museum provides information about the town’s history, particularly its connection to the forest and local ranching traditions. Additionally, the Halsey State Recreation Area is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and picnicking, adding to the town’s natural attractions.
