Cities and Towns in Garden County, Nebraska

Founded in 1910, Garden County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Garden County was formed from Deuel County. The city of Oshkosh is the county seat. With FIPS code of 69, Garden County has a population of 1,847 and area of 1,705 square miles (4,416 km²).

List of all cities in Garden County, NE alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Cabela’s, NE 69190 308
Kowanda, NE 69154 308
Lewellen, NE 69147 308
Lisco, NE 69148 308
Oshkosh, NE 69154 308
Oshkosh, NE 69190 308
Penn, NE 69154 308

Major Cities and Towns in Garden County, Nebraska

Oshkosh

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.5 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 900 (2023)
  • Zip Codes: 69154
  • Latitude: 41.4297° N
  • Longitude: 101.8723° W

Location and History

Oshkosh is the county seat of Garden County, located in the southwestern part of Nebraska, near the Nebraska-Wyoming border. Founded in 1887, Oshkosh was named after Oshkosh, Wisconsin, reflecting the town’s early ties to settlers from that region. The town’s history is tied to the expansion of the railroad, which played a major role in bringing settlers and commerce to the area. The establishment of a post office and the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s helped Oshkosh grow into a regional agricultural hub. Early industries focused on farming, cattle ranching, and grain production, with the town becoming a key point for the transportation of goods. The town continued to grow into the 20th century, with the development of local businesses, schools, and community institutions. Despite its small size, Oshkosh remains an important center of government and services for Garden County. The town has experienced population declines over the years, like many rural areas, but it still retains much of its historic charm and agricultural roots. Its location on the North Platte River provides scenic beauty and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Oshkosh is served by the Garden County Schools district, which includes Garden County High School and Garden County Elementary School. The district is known for offering a comprehensive education and strong athletic programs. Oshkosh also has a public library, which serves as a community gathering place for educational and social events. Major landmarks in Oshkosh include the Garden County Courthouse, a historic building that anchors the town’s center of government. The town is also known for its annual events, such as the Oshkosh Rodeo, which celebrates the town’s ranching and agricultural heritage. The North Platte River, which runs through the area, is another landmark that offers recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. Oshkosh is also home to a small city park, which provides space for outdoor activities like picnicking, sports, and walking. These landmarks and events contribute to Oshkosh’s unique rural character and the close-knit community feel that residents take pride in.

Lewellen

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.3 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 200 (2023)
  • Zip Codes: 69147
  • Latitude: 41.3531° N
  • Longitude: 101.7413° W

Location and History

Lewellen is a small village located in the southeastern part of Garden County, Nebraska, near the shores of Lake McConaughy. The town was established in the early 1880s and was named after a railroad engineer, L.W. Lewellen, who played a role in the development of the town. The railroad was pivotal in Lewellen’s early growth, bringing settlers to the region and providing transportation for the area’s agricultural products. Early settlers were drawn to the fertile land and access to water sources, which supported the growth of farms and ranches. Over the years, Lewellen maintained a small but steady population, with a focus on farming, ranching, and tourism, thanks to its proximity to Lake McConaughy. The construction of the Kingsley Dam in the 1940s, which formed the lake, brought additional recreational opportunities to the area. Despite its small size, Lewellen continues to serve as a local service hub for the surrounding rural area, with agriculture, tourism, and lake-related activities contributing to the economy. The town’s combination of rural charm and recreational opportunities makes it a peaceful and attractive place to live.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lewellen is part of the Garden County Schools district, with students attending Garden County High School and Garden County Elementary School. The schools provide a solid educational foundation for the small community, and students often participate in local activities and sports. Lewellen’s main landmark is the nearby Lake McConaughy, Nebraska’s largest reservoir, which attracts visitors year-round for boating, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing. The lake and surrounding area are a major source of tourism, with many people coming from surrounding states to enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The Kingsley Dam, which forms Lake McConaughy, is also a significant landmark, providing water storage and power generation. Lewellen has a small but welcoming community park, where residents and visitors can gather for social events, picnics, and local celebrations. In addition to outdoor activities, Lewellen hosts events such as the annual Lewellen Picnic, which brings the community together for fun and entertainment. These landmarks and events highlight Lewellen’s rural character and its connection to both agriculture and recreation.

Brule

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.5 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 300 (2023)
  • Zip Codes: 69127
  • Latitude: 41.2997° N
  • Longitude: 101.7956° W

Location and History

Brule is a small village located in the southwestern part of Garden County, Nebraska, along the South Platte River. It was established in the 1870s as a railroad stop, and like many towns in Nebraska, its early development was tied to the expansion of the railroad network. The town was named after the nearby Brule Creek, which was named for the Brule Sioux, a Native American tribe that once lived in the area. The arrival of the railroad facilitated trade and settlement in the region, and Brule quickly became a point of commerce for agricultural products such as grain and livestock. Brule was officially incorporated in 1882 and served as a hub for the surrounding rural agricultural community. Over time, Brule developed into a small town with a focus on farming and ranching. Today, Brule is known for its peaceful rural setting and its historical significance as part of Nebraska’s agricultural landscape. Though its population has remained small, Brule’s location along the South Platte River provides scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities for residents.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Brule is served by the Brule Public Schools district, which includes Brule High School and Brule Elementary School. The district offers a strong academic environment for its small student body, and students often participate in local sporting events and activities. One of Brule’s key landmarks is the South Platte River, which offers residents and visitors opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. The Brule Cemetery, located just outside of town, is another notable historical landmark, serving as the final resting place for many of the town’s early settlers. The town is also home to a small community park, where locals gather for picnics, recreational activities, and local events. Brule’s close proximity to the river and its agricultural history give it a quiet charm, and the community celebrates its rural roots with events such as the Brule Fall Festival, which highlights local traditions and fosters a strong sense of community.

Lisco

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.2 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 40 (2023)
  • Zip Codes: 69148
  • Latitude: 41.2706° N
  • Longitude: 101.7194° W

Location and History

Lisco is a tiny village located in the northeastern part of Garden County, Nebraska. Founded in the early 1900s, Lisco was named after the Lisco family, who were early settlers in the area. The town’s growth was initially tied to the expansion of the railroad system, which facilitated the transport of agricultural products from the surrounding farms and ranches to larger markets. Like many small towns in Nebraska, Lisco has struggled with population decline over the years as larger towns and cities grew and farming practices became more mechanized. However, Lisco retains a rural charm, and its small size has made it a quiet place for residents who value a slower pace of life. Although Lisco is not a major commercial center, it serves as a reminder of the many small, unincorporated communities that played an important role in the development of Nebraska’s agricultural economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lisco is part of the Garden County School District, and students typically attend schools in nearby Oshkosh or Lewellen. The town’s small size means there are fewer amenities and public spaces, but the surrounding area offers outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, with the South Platte River just a short distance away. The town does not have many notable landmarks, but it is home to a few old buildings and homes that reflect its early 20th-century roots. Lisco’s location within Garden County means it is surrounded by agricultural land, offering scenic views of Nebraska’s rural landscape. Despite its small size, the community of Lisco takes pride in its history and agricultural heritage.