Cities and Towns in Custer County, Nebraska

Founded in 1877, Custer County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Custer County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Broken Bow is the county seat. With FIPS code of 41, Custer County has a population of 10,460 and area of 2,576 square miles (6,672 km²).

List of all cities in Custer County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Algernon, NE	68855	308
Anselmo, NE	68813	308
Ansley, NE	68814	308
Arnold, NE	69120	308
Berwyn, NE	68814	308
Broken Bow, NE	68822	308
Callaway, NE	68825	308
Cliff, NE	69120	308
Comstock, NE	68828	308
	68881	308
Corner, NE	68874	308
Custer, NE	68825	308
Delight, NE	68825	308
Douglas Grove, NE	68828	308
East Custer, NE	68860	308
Elim, NE	68825	308
Geranium, NE	68828	308
Kilfoil, NE	68856	308
Mason City, NE	68855	308
Merna, NE	68856	308
Milburn, NE	68813	308
Myrtle, NE	68814	308
New Helena, NE	68813	308
Oconto, NE	68860	308
Ryno, NE	68825	308
Sargent, NE	68874	308
Spring Creek, NE	68881	308
Triumph, NE	68825	308
Victoria, NE	68813	308
Weissert, NE	68814	308
West Union, NE	68874	308
Westerville, NE	68881	308

Major Cities and Towns in Custer County, Nebraska

Broken Bow

Location and History

• Area: 1.47 square miles
• Population: 3,600 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 68822
• Latitude: 41.3983° N
• Longitude: 99.9792° W

Broken Bow, the county seat of Custer County, Nebraska, was founded in 1871 and named after a local landmark, Broken Bow Creek. The town quickly grew into a thriving community due to its location along the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, which connected it to larger regional markets and cities. Broken Bow’s early economy was based on agriculture, with cattle and grain being major products. The town’s central location in the state made it an ideal hub for transportation and commerce, which helped fuel its growth. By the late 19th century, Broken Bow had established itself as a regional center for goods and services, and its population grew steadily. Today, Broken Bow retains its agricultural roots, though the economy has diversified to include light industry and retail. The town is known for its historical downtown district, beautiful parks, and strong sense of community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Broken Bow is served by the Broken Bow Public Schools district, which includes Broken Bow High School, Broken Bow Middle School, and Broken Bow Elementary School. The district is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular opportunities, including sports and the arts. Major landmarks in Broken Bow include the Custer County Courthouse, a striking historic building that serves as a focal point of the community. The Broken Bow City Park provides ample recreational opportunities, including walking trails, a swimming pool, and sports fields. The Pine Boughs Golf Course is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, while the Custer County Museum offers exhibits showcasing the town’s history, including its settlement, agricultural roots, and cultural heritage. The Broken Bow Depot, a preserved train station, is another key historic site. In addition, the Long Pine Recreation Area and nearby Calamus Reservoir offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and boating, contributing to the town’s reputation as a gateway to Nebraska’s scenic Sandhills region.

Ansley

Location and History

• Area: 0.56 square miles
• Population: 500 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 68814
• Latitude: 41.4130° N
• Longitude: 99.1797° W

Ansley is a small village located in the central part of Custer County, Nebraska. The town was established in the early 1880s when the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad laid tracks through the area. Ansley was originally a railroad town and served as a trade hub for local farmers and ranchers, particularly for cattle and grain. The town was named after a local rancher, Ansley. Over time, Ansley grew and became known for its agricultural focus, with the surrounding land used for farming and ranching. Today, the village remains a quiet rural community with agriculture as the primary economic activity. While the railroad once played a pivotal role in the town’s development, Ansley is now known for its agricultural heritage and close-knit community, which is focused on preserving its historical roots while adapting to modern changes.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Ansley is served by the Ansley Public Schools district, which includes Ansley High School, Ansley Middle School, and Ansley Elementary School. The district is known for providing quality education with strong academic and extracurricular programs, including sports and clubs. The major landmarks in Ansley include the Ansley Community Park, which features walking paths, a playground, and sports fields for recreation. The Ansley Historical Society Museum offers exhibits on the town’s founding, its railroad heritage, and its agricultural history. The Ansley Library is another important community space that provides resources and services for residents. The Sandy Creek, which runs nearby, is a popular location for fishing and outdoor activities. Ansley also hosts several community events, such as Ansley Days, which celebrates the town’s history and brings together locals for a day of activities, including parades, games, and food.

Callaway

Location and History

• Area: 0.47 square miles
• Population: 500 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 68825
• Latitude: 41.3386° N
• Longitude: 99.3564° W

Callaway is a small village located in the northeastern part of Custer County, Nebraska, founded in 1881. The town’s name honors A.H. Callaway, an early settler and railroad executive, and the village quickly became an agricultural center due to its proximity to fertile land and the Union Pacific Railroad. Agriculture, especially cattle ranching and crop production, has always been a central aspect of Callaway’s economy. Over time, the town developed a strong sense of community and pride, with a focus on maintaining its rural charm. Callaway’s location along the South Loup River provides scenic beauty and recreational opportunities for residents. Today, the town remains a vital part of Custer County, maintaining a small-town atmosphere while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Callaway is served by the Callaway Public Schools district, which includes Callaway High School, Callaway Middle School, and Callaway Elementary School. The district is known for its personalized education approach and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including athletics and arts programs. Major landmarks in Callaway include the Callaway Historical Museum, which provides insights into the town’s history, particularly its founding and agricultural heritage. The Callaway City Park is a local favorite, offering outdoor activities such as picnicking, hiking, and sports. The Callaway Community Center hosts various local events, from town meetings to social gatherings. The South Loup River is another landmark, providing recreational opportunities such as fishing, kayaking, and camping. The town also celebrates its history and community spirit with events like the Callaway Homecoming, which features a parade, music, and festivities that bring the town together.

Oconto

Location and History

• Area: 0.42 square miles
• Population: 200 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 68860
• Latitude: 41.2113° N
• Longitude: 99.4015° W

Oconto is a small village located in the southeastern part of Custer County, Nebraska, established in 1883. It was named after a local river, the Oconto River, which flows nearby. The town developed as a railroad stop for farmers and ranchers in the region, and agriculture quickly became the central economic activity. Over the years, Oconto grew slowly, with the community maintaining its rural character and strong ties to farming. Today, Oconto remains a quiet, close-knit village with a focus on preserving its historical and agricultural heritage. Though its population has declined in recent decades, Oconto continues to serve as a community hub for nearby farms and rural residents.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Oconto is served by the Oconto Public Schools district, which includes Oconto High School, Oconto Middle School, and Oconto Elementary School. The district is small but provides strong academic programs and a range of extracurricular activities for its students. Major landmarks in Oconto include the Oconto Community Hall, which is a gathering place for local events and activities. The Oconto City Park offers green space for recreation, featuring sports fields, a playground, and picnic areas. Oconto is also located near the Oconto River, which provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. The village celebrates its history through annual events like Oconto Day, which brings the community together for a parade, local food, and festivities that honor the town’s agricultural and railroad past.

Arnold

Location and History

• Area: 0.81 square miles
• Population: 500 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 69120
• Latitude: 41.2539° N
• Longitude: 99.2919° W

Arnold, located in the southwestern corner of Custer County, Nebraska, was established in 1883 and named after Arnold D. Tully, an early settler. The town grew rapidly after the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad, which brought new settlers, businesses, and agricultural trade to the region. Arnold’s economy has historically been driven by agriculture, including cattle ranching and crop farming. Today, Arnold remains a small agricultural community, with its economy still primarily based on farming and ranching. The town is known for its strong community spirit, and its agricultural focus remains at the heart of daily life.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Arnold is served by the Arnold Public Schools district, which includes Arnold High School, Arnold Middle School, and Arnold Elementary School. The district offers quality education with strong academic and extracurricular programs, particularly in sports and the arts. Major landmarks in Arnold include the Arnold Public Library, which offers educational and recreational resources for residents. The Arnold City Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as picnicking, sports, and family gatherings. The Arnold Museum features exhibits on local history, including the town’s founding and its agricultural development. The surrounding area offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, and hiking in the nearby Sandhills region. Arnold celebrates its history and agricultural roots with events such as the Arnold Picnic, a community celebration that includes a parade, games, and local entertainment.