Cities and Towns in Dundy County, Nebraska
Founded in 1873, Dundy County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Dundy County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Benkelman is the county seat. With FIPS code of 57, Dundy County has a population of 1,635 and area of 920 square miles (2,383 km²).
List of all cities in Dundy County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Benkelman, NE | 69021 | 308 |
| Doane, NE | 69021 | 308 |
| Haigler, NE | 69030 | 308 |
| Max, NE | 69037 | 308 |
| Parks, NE | 69041 | 308 |
| Sanborn, NE | 69030 | 308 |
Major Cities and Towns in Dundy County, Nebraska
Benkelman
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,100 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 69021
- Latitude: 40.0320° N
- Longitude: 101.6280° W
Location and History
Benkelman is the county seat of Dundy County, located in the southwestern corner of Nebraska, close to the Kansas and Colorado state lines. The town was established in 1884, named after a prominent landowner and railroad executive, J. C. Benkelman. The town quickly developed as a railroad stop and agricultural community, benefiting from its location along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway. Early settlers in the area were drawn to the fertile land and the opportunity for farming and ranching. Over the years, Benkelman became a vital center for trade in Dundy County, serving as the economic hub for local farmers and ranchers. The town’s economy has historically been driven by agriculture, particularly wheat and corn production, as well as livestock. The community, which remains small today, has maintained its rural charm, with agriculture continuing to be a major contributor to its economy. Despite its size, Benkelman is the focal point of the county and hosts important government and civic functions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Benkelman is served by the Dundy County Stratton School District, which includes Benkelman Elementary and Dundy County Stratton High School. The schools offer a close-knit educational environment with a strong focus on academic achievement and community involvement. Major landmarks in Benkelman include the Dundy County Courthouse, an important civic structure, and the Prairie View Golf Course, which offers recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The nearby Frenchman Creek offers scenic views and outdoor recreation, while the town also hosts local events such as the annual Dundy County Fair, which celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage. For history enthusiasts, the Dundy County Historical Society Museum offers exhibits that delve into the history of the county and the town’s early days. Benkelman also enjoys proximity to the High Plains, making it a popular stop for travelers on U.S. Route 34, which runs through the town.
Haigler
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 69030
- Latitude: 40.1586° N
- Longitude: 101.6350° W
Location and History
Haigler is a tiny village located in the southeastern corner of Dundy County, Nebraska, near the border with Kansas. The town was founded in 1884 as a small agricultural settlement and was named after W.S. Haigler, a local rancher and businessman. Haigler’s early economy was closely tied to the railroad, which provided transportation for the region’s agricultural products. The town developed around the railroad depot, with settlers drawn to the area for farming and ranching. Over the years, however, Haigler has remained a small, rural community, with a population that has steadily declined as many residents moved to larger towns or cities in search of greater economic opportunities. Despite its small size, Haigler has maintained its identity as a quiet farming town, with agriculture continuing to play a central role in the local economy. The town’s location along U.S. Route 34 provides easy access to the neighboring areas, though Haigler itself remains largely residential and agricultural.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Haigler is part of the Dundy County Stratton School District, and students attend the district’s schools in nearby Benkelman. The town has limited infrastructure but offers a quiet, rural environment for those who enjoy a slower pace of life. A major landmark in Haigler is the Haigler Community Park, which provides recreational space for the town’s few residents. The park hosts events during the summer months, including small local festivals and family gatherings. Haigler is also near the Frenchman Creek, which offers opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and hiking, and it is a place that local residents visit for relaxation and leisure. As a small town, Haigler is more about its natural beauty and agricultural heritage than large public attractions, but it offers a peaceful, community-focused way of life for its inhabitants.
Champion
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 60 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 69023
- Latitude: 40.0931° N
- Longitude: 101.5973° W
Location and History
Champion is an unincorporated village located in the northern part of Dundy County, Nebraska. Established in the early 20th century, the community was initially centered around a railroad station, with the local economy based on farming and ranching. Much like other small towns in the area, Champion grew as an agricultural center, where local crops and livestock were transported by rail. The town was named for the fact that it was considered the “champion” settlement of the region at one time, with early settlers celebrating the area’s potential for successful farming. However, Champion has remained a small, unincorporated village, with few residents and minimal development. Over time, the expansion of nearby towns and cities has led to a decrease in population and services in Champion, and many of the original buildings from its early days have been lost to time. Still, the village maintains a historical significance as part of the fabric of Dundy County’s past and continues to serve as a reminder of the area’s agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Champion is part of the Dundy County Stratton School District, where students attend the district’s schools in Benkelman. The village has few public amenities, but it is located near several recreational opportunities, including the nearby Frenchman Valley Reservoir, which provides a location for fishing and boating. The small town remains a quiet, rural place with limited commercial activity, but it holds a significant place in the agricultural history of Dundy County. The area is largely dominated by farmlands and open spaces, and residents and visitors enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding plains and the peaceful, slow-paced life that is characteristic of many rural Nebraska towns. While it does not boast major landmarks, Champion’s connection to the region’s early agricultural and transportation history makes it an important part of the local narrative.
Venango
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 69048
- Latitude: 40.5276° N
- Longitude: 101.5025° W
Location and History
Venango is a small town located in the northeastern corner of Dundy County, Nebraska, just a few miles from the Colorado state line. The town was founded in the early 1900s and named after a location in Pennsylvania, reflecting the heritage of its early settlers. Like many small towns in Nebraska, Venango’s economy was originally tied to agriculture, particularly wheat and cattle. The construction of the railroad in the late 19th century played a crucial role in the town’s development, as it allowed local farmers to ship their products to distant markets. Over the years, however, Venango has remained a relatively small rural community, with its population fluctuating due to economic factors and the rise of nearby larger towns. Venango still retains much of its agricultural roots, but like many small towns, it has seen a decline in both population and commercial development. Despite this, it remains a close-knit community, with local events bringing residents together to celebrate the area’s history and traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Venango is served by the Creek Valley School District, where students attend schools in nearby towns like Chappell and Big Springs. The small town has limited public facilities but provides a rural environment for residents and visitors. Notable landmarks include the Venango Community Center, which serves as the hub for local events and social gatherings. Additionally, the town is near the Frenchman Valley, which offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation, as well as the Frenchman Creek for those interested in fishing. Venango is also close to the Ogallala National Wildlife Refuge, which provides scenic views and a chance to observe native wildlife. The town’s location, amid the rolling plains and agricultural lands of southwestern Nebraska, offers residents a peaceful rural lifestyle with easy access to nature and outdoor activities. While it lacks major tourist attractions, Venango’s small-town charm and agricultural heritage make it an interesting stop for those traveling through Dundy County.
