Cities and Towns in Garfield County, Nebraska
Founded in 1884, Garfield County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Garfield County was formed from Wheeler County. The city of Burwell is the county seat. With FIPS code of 71, Garfield County has a population of 1,839 and area of 570 square miles (1,476 km²).
List of all cities in Garfield County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Burwell, NE | 68823 | 308 |
Major Cities and Towns in Garfield County, Nebraska
Burwell
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 68823
- Latitude: 41.8389° N
- Longitude: 98.5704° W
Location and History
Burwell is the county seat of Garfield County, located in central Nebraska along the Loup River. The town was established in 1871 and named after J. M. Burwell, a railroad executive who played a key role in the town’s founding. Early settlers in the area were attracted by the fertile land and the Loup River, which provided a water source for farming and ranching. Burwell grew rapidly with the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, becoming a key point for transportation and the movement of agricultural products. In the early 20th century, Burwell developed into a commercial center for the surrounding agricultural region. The town’s economy has remained largely based on agriculture, with a strong emphasis on cattle ranching and crop production. Over time, Burwell has evolved from a small railroad town into a modern, yet rural, community. Despite its small size, Burwell is an important hub in the region and serves as the government, education, and commercial center for Garfield County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Burwell is served by the Burwell Public Schools district, which includes Burwell High School, Burwell Middle School, and Burwell Elementary School. The district is known for offering a solid education in a small-town setting, with strong extracurricular programs in athletics and the arts. Burwell is home to several key landmarks, including the Garfield County Courthouse, which serves as the administrative heart of the county. The town is also well-known for its annual Calamus Reservoir events, including the Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area, which is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping. Other landmarks include the Loup River Bridge and the Burwell City Park, which features picnic areas, sports fields, and a community pool. The local Burwell Museum preserves the history of the town and the region, highlighting its agricultural roots and the impact of the railroad. The town’s combination of historical sites, educational institutions, and natural beauty make Burwell a distinctive and welcoming community in central Nebraska.
Ord
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,100 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 68862
- Latitude: 41.5987° N
- Longitude: 98.9491° W
Location and History
Ord is located in the central part of Nebraska, situated along the North Loup River. Founded in 1871, Ord was named after the military post Fort Ord, which had been established in the area during the 1860s to protect settlers from Native American conflicts. As a result, the town’s early history is tied to both military and pioneer settlement. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s spurred the town’s growth, turning it into a key transportation hub for agricultural goods. Ord quickly became known as a center for cattle ranching, grain production, and later, irrigation agriculture. In the 20th century, Ord’s agricultural base shifted with the growth of corn and soybean farming, thanks in part to the development of irrigation systems that enabled more intensive farming. Ord was incorporated in 1875 and, over the years, developed a strong economy based on agriculture, retail, and tourism. While it has grown into a modern town, Ord still retains much of its historic charm, with many buildings from the early 20th century still standing.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ord is served by the Ord Public Schools district, which includes Ord High School, Ord Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its academic excellence and its athletic programs, particularly in basketball and wrestling. Ord also features the Valley County Historical Museum, which showcases the town’s early history, including exhibits on local agriculture, Native American history, and the railroad’s impact on the community. One of Ord’s major landmarks is the North Loup River, which provides scenic views and recreational opportunities, including fishing and boating. The nearby Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area is another popular landmark, attracting visitors for its outdoor recreation options such as fishing, boating, and camping. Ord’s local parks, including the Ord City Park, provide space for community events and outdoor activities. The town’s combination of historical sites, parks, and educational institutions makes it a lively and attractive community in central Nebraska.
Scotia
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 68875
- Latitude: 41.7436° N
- Longitude: 98.9055° W
Location and History
Scotia is a small village located in the northeastern part of Garfield County, Nebraska. The town was established in 1873 and named after Scotia, New York, reflecting the origins of early settlers from the East Coast. Scotia’s early history was tied to agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, and its location along the Loup River made it a key point for the transportation of goods by steamboat and later by railroad. Like many small towns in Nebraska, Scotia’s population grew rapidly during the late 19th century and early 20th century, reaching its peak during the 1910s. Over time, however, the town saw a decline in population as residents moved to larger cities for better economic opportunities. Despite this, Scotia remains a rural community with a strong sense of local pride and a commitment to preserving its agricultural heritage. The town is surrounded by farmland and is part of a larger agricultural region that produces corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Scotia is served by the Loup Valley Public Schools district, with students attending Scotia High School and Scotia Elementary School. The school district is known for its community involvement and strong support for local youth. One of the major landmarks in Scotia is the historic Scotia Park, a small but scenic location in the center of town, offering a place for recreation and relaxation. The Loup River, which flows near Scotia, is another prominent feature, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The Scotia Cemetery is also a historical landmark, as it holds the graves of many early settlers and local families. Though small in size, Scotia offers a glimpse into rural Nebraska life and serves as a reminder of the state’s agricultural history. Community events such as the annual Harvest Festival bring residents together and help preserve the town’s small-town charm. Despite its size, Scotia’s historical sites and rural character make it an important part of Garfield County.
Elyria
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 30 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 68849
- Latitude: 41.7600° N
- Longitude: 98.8462° W
Location and History
Elyria is an unincorporated village in Garfield County, located along the South Loup River. The village was founded in the early 1880s and served as a stop along the railroad. Elyria’s early history was focused on agriculture and cattle ranching, and it became a small community of farmers, ranchers, and railroad workers. Elyria grew rapidly in its early years, but like many small rural towns, its population began to decline as agriculture became more mechanized and residents moved to larger towns for better opportunities. Today, Elyria is a small settlement with only a few remaining structures, but it retains historical significance for the county. The village’s location along the river provides scenic views and is a reminder of the region’s agricultural past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As a small unincorporated village, Elyria does not have its own school. Students attend schools in nearby communities such as Ord or Burwell. There are no major commercial or recreational landmarks within Elyria, but the South Loup River is a prominent feature of the area, providing both natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing and bird watching. The Elyria Cemetery is another landmark, serving as the final resting place for many of the area’s early residents. Although Elyria is not a major destination for tourists, it is a testament to Nebraska’s rural heritage and the history of small farming and ranching communities. Its quiet, peaceful setting makes it a unique part of Garfield County’s history.