Cities and Towns in Cherry County, Nebraska

Founded in 1883, Cherry County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Cherry County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Valentine is the county seat. With FIPS code of 31, Cherry County has a population of 5,458 and area of 5,961 square miles (15,439 km²).

List of all cities in Cherry County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Cody, NE	69211	402
Crookston, NE	69212	402
Eli, NE	69201	402
Elsmere, NE	69135	308
Kilgore, NE	69216	402
Merriman, NE	69218	308
Nenzel, NE	69219	402
Sparks, NE	69220	402
Valentine, NE	69201	402
Wood Lake, NE	69221	402

Major Cities and Towns in Cherry County, Nebraska

Valentine

Location and History

• Area: 1.59 square miles
• Population: 2,800 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 69201
• Latitude: 42.8797° N
• Longitude: 100.5500° W

Valentine is the county seat of Cherry County, located in the north-central part of Nebraska. The town was founded in 1883 and named after Valentine McGillycuddy, a prominent figure who served as the military surgeon at Fort Niobrara. The arrival of the railroad in 1883 helped to establish Valentine as an important trading hub in the region, as it connected the town to the larger markets. Early settlers in Valentine were primarily cattle ranchers, and the town quickly became a key center for the cattle industry. Over the years, Valentine expanded with the development of various businesses and infrastructure, and it became a commercial and service center for the surrounding ranching communities. Today, Valentine continues to serve as an economic and cultural hub for the area, maintaining a focus on agriculture, tourism, and local industries.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Valentine is served by the Valentine Community Schools district, which includes Valentine High School, Valentine Middle School, and Valentine Elementary School. The district offers a wide variety of educational programs, including sports, arts, and extracurricular activities. Major landmarks in Valentine include the Cherry County Courthouse, a historic structure in the heart of town, and Niobrara National Scenic River, which offers opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and hiking. The Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, just outside of town, is a major attraction for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, with its expansive wetlands and wildlife habitats. The Broyhill Fountain in Valentine’s City Park is a well-known local landmark, offering a serene space for relaxation and outdoor activities. Smith Falls State Park, located near Valentine, is home to Nebraska’s tallest waterfall, Smith Falls, and is a popular spot for camping, hiking, and exploring the Niobrara River’s stunning scenery.

Cody

Location and History

• Area: 0.36 square miles
• Population: 125 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 69211
• Latitude: 42.7921° N
• Longitude: 100.4654° W

Cody is a small village located in the southwestern part of Cherry County, Nebraska. The town was established in 1886 and named after the famous Buffalo Bill Cody, who was known for his Wild West shows and as an advocate for the American frontier. Cody’s early history was tied to the development of the cattle industry, as the town served as a local center for ranchers and farmers. The construction of the railroad brought increased settlement to the area, and Cody became a hub for shipping livestock and agricultural products. Over the years, Cody remained a small agricultural community, with a focus on cattle ranching and farming. The town has seen limited growth but continues to serve as a quiet rural community with a strong connection to its history and the surrounding open landscapes.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Cody is part of the Cody-Kilgore Unified Schools district, which includes Cody High School and Cody Elementary School. The district serves both Cody and nearby Kilgore, offering education from elementary through high school with a focus on community involvement. While Cody is a small village, it does feature several key landmarks, including the Cody Post Office, which is a historic building and a symbol of the town’s early development. The Cody General Store is a popular local landmark, providing goods and supplies to residents and visitors alike. Cody also celebrates its history through the Cody Centennial Park, which features a small museum and historical markers related to the town’s namesake, Buffalo Bill Cody. The surrounding area offers vast open spaces, and the town is known for its scenic landscapes, making it a popular stop for those traveling through the Sandhills region. The Niobrara River is also nearby, providing outdoor recreation opportunities such as canoeing, fishing, and camping.

Kilgore

Location and History

• Area: 0.25 square miles
• Population: 55 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 69216
• Latitude: 42.7896° N
• Longitude: 100.4261° W

Kilgore is an unincorporated village located in the southern part of Cherry County, Nebraska. It was founded in 1884 and named after John Kilgore, an early settler in the area. Like many towns in Cherry County, Kilgore’s early economy was based on ranching and agriculture, with local farmers growing wheat, corn, and oats, while cattle ranchers provided meat and livestock for regional markets. The village grew slowly but steadily, serving as a small rural center for local residents. Over the years, the population of Kilgore has remained small, but the town continues to serve the surrounding agricultural community. It is known for its close-knit atmosphere, with a few businesses and services available to residents and those passing through.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Kilgore is served by the Cody-Kilgore Unified Schools district, with students attending the Kilgore School until they reach high school, at which point they attend Cody High School. The district focuses on providing quality education in a rural setting, with a strong emphasis on community participation. As a small village, Kilgore does not have many formal landmarks but is known for its historic Kilgore Schoolhouse, which serves as a local icon and reminder of the village’s early days. The Kilgore Cemetery holds the graves of some of the early settlers of the area and provides insight into the history of the town. The Niobrara River runs close to Kilgore, and the town is part of the greater Niobrara region, which is known for its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The surrounding Sandhills region is also famous for its natural beauty, making Kilgore a popular spot for visitors interested in exploring the Nebraska wilderness.

Merriman

Location and History

• Area: 0.21 square miles
• Population: 100 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 69218
• Latitude: 42.5228° N
• Longitude: 100.8472° W

Merriman is a small village located in the northern part of Cherry County, Nebraska, near the South Dakota border. The town was established in 1910 as a ranching and farming community and was named after Charles Merriman, an early settler. Merriman developed as an agricultural town, with local farms producing a variety of crops, including corn, wheat, and hay, and cattle ranching playing an important role in the local economy. The village grew steadily throughout the 20th century but has always remained small, serving primarily as a center for surrounding ranchers and farmers. Today, Merriman is a quiet, rural village with a close-knit community that retains much of its old Western charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Merriman is part of the Valentine Community Schools district, with children attending schools in Valentine. The Merriman Community Center serves as a hub for local events and gatherings, while the Merriman Cemetery holds the graves of early settlers and provides a connection to the town’s past. The Niobrara River is nearby, offering recreational opportunities such as canoeing, fishing, and camping. The surrounding area is also known for its pristine natural beauty, with vast open spaces and grasslands that are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife watching, and birding. The region is part of the Nebraska Sandhills, one of the most unique and ecologically significant areas in the state.

Wood Lake

Location and History

• Area: 0.29 square miles
• Population: 50 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 69221
• Latitude: 42.5028° N
• Longitude: 100.3547° W

Wood Lake is a small village located in the western part of Cherry County. The town was originally settled in the early 1900s and was named for the nearby woodlands that were once prevalent in the area. Early residents were primarily involved in ranching and agriculture, and the town grew slowly as a result. Over the years, Wood Lake has remained a tiny, close-knit community, with a population that fluctuates based on the economic cycles of farming and ranching. While the town has never grown significantly, it continues to serve as a peaceful rural community for those who call it home. Today, it is surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Nebraska Sandhills.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Wood Lake is part of the Valentine Community Schools district, with students attending the larger schools in Valentine. The town is known for its Wood Lake Community Center, which hosts various events and activities for the residents. The Wood Lake Cemetery offers a historical look at the town’s early settlers. The area surrounding Wood Lake is known for its natural beauty, with vast grasslands and wildlife habitats, making it a popular spot for hunting, bird watching, and hiking. The nearby Niobrara River also provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation. The Sandhills region, where Wood Lake is located, is one of Nebraska’s most unique landscapes, known for its rolling dunes and rich wildlife.