Cities and Towns in Grant County, Nebraska
Founded in 1887, Grant County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Grant County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Hyannis is the county seat. With FIPS code of 75, Grant County has a population of 579 and area of 776 square miles (2,010 km²).
List of all cities in Grant County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Ashby, NE | 69333 | 308 |
| Hyannis, NE | 69350 | 308 |
| Survey, NE | 69333 | 308 |
| Whitman, NE | 69366 | 308 |
Major Cities and Towns in Grant County, Nebraska
Hyannis
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 69350
- Latitude: 41.7740° N
- Longitude: 101.4845° W
Location and History
Hyannis is the county seat of Grant County, located in the central part of Nebraska’s Sandhills region. It was founded in 1887 and named after Hyannis, Massachusetts, where early settlers originated. The town developed as a trade center for the surrounding ranching community, with settlers attracted to the region’s abundant grasslands for cattle grazing. The arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century contributed to the town’s growth, and it became a key stop for travelers and transport of goods. However, despite its early boom, Hyannis remained a relatively small town, with its population fluctuating as families moved in and out of the area seeking economic opportunities in ranching and agriculture. The town’s location, amidst the sweeping, flat grasslands of the Sandhills, lends a quiet, rural character to the community. Hyannis maintains its agricultural roots, with ranching and farming still playing a prominent role in the local economy, though the population has steadily declined over the years.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hyannis is served by the Hyannis Area Schools district, which includes Hyannis High School and Hyannis Elementary School. The school district provides students with a solid education in a small, close-knit community, with a focus on athletics and community involvement. Hyannis is home to several landmarks, including the Grant County Courthouse, which stands as the center of local government. The historic Hyannis City Park, located in the town’s center, offers picnic areas and a peaceful place for residents to gather. Additionally, the nearby Sandhills Wildlife Management Area provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife watching, and birding, which attract visitors and provide recreational outlets for locals. Hyannis is also known for the annual Grant County Fair, a local event that celebrates the agricultural heritage of the region with rodeos, livestock shows, and community activities. The Sandhills region’s unique natural beauty and Hyannis’ historical significance as a ranching community make it an iconic representation of Nebraska’s rural charm.
Stapleton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 69163
- Latitude: 41.4594° N
- Longitude: 99.7479° W
Location and History
Stapleton is a small village located in the southern part of Grant County, Nebraska. It was founded in 1886 and named after the Stapleton family, who were early settlers in the area. The town’s development was closely tied to the railroad, which passed through the region and made it a crucial point for transporting agricultural goods like grain and cattle. As a result, Stapleton grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming a commercial and service hub for the surrounding agricultural community. Stapleton also served as an important stop along the Lincoln Highway, one of the first transcontinental highways in the United States, which brought travelers and commerce through the area. In the latter half of the 20th century, Stapleton saw a decline in population as rural residents moved to larger towns and cities. Despite this, the town retains much of its historic character and is still a vital part of Grant County’s agricultural base. The town’s economy is still centered around farming and ranching, with cattle and hay production being prominent industries in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Stapleton is served by the Stapleton Public Schools district, which includes Stapleton High School and Stapleton Elementary School. The district emphasizes small-school advantages, offering personalized attention and fostering a strong sense of community among students. Notable landmarks in Stapleton include the Stapleton City Park, which features a playground, sports fields, and space for family gatherings. The town is also home to the historic Stapleton Community Center, which hosts local events and provides a venue for social activities. The area around Stapleton is characterized by wide-open plains, with large ranches and farms dominating the landscape. The nearby South Loup River offers scenic views and recreational opportunities, such as fishing and boating, and is an important natural feature of the area. Stapleton’s location near the historic Lincoln Highway makes it a point of interest for travelers, and the town’s annual events, such as the Stapleton Rodeo, attract visitors from surrounding areas. The town’s historic charm, combined with its commitment to education and recreation, makes Stapleton a vital part of the Grant County community.
Gandy
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 40 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 69136
- Latitude: 41.4626° N
- Longitude: 101.4615° W
Location and History
Gandy is a small village located in the western part of Grant County, Nebraska, near the North Platte River. Originally established in 1887, the village was named after a local railroad executive, A.R. Gandy, who was instrumental in bringing the railroad to the area. Gandy’s growth was fueled by the railroad, which helped the village become a key point for agricultural transportation. The town’s economy has long been based on ranching and farming, with settlers drawn to the area’s fertile land and access to water from the nearby river. Gandy has remained a small, rural community throughout its history, with population fluctuations tied to the fortunes of agriculture in the region. Despite its modest size, Gandy has remained an important location for the surrounding ranching community, and its residents have maintained strong ties to farming and livestock production. The town’s location in the Sandhills region adds to its natural beauty, with vast prairies and rolling hills surrounding it.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As a very small village, Gandy does not have its own school, and children typically attend schools in nearby towns such as Hyannis or Stapleton. Gandy’s main landmark is its rural character, with wide-open spaces and scenic views that characterize life in the Nebraska Sandhills. The North Platte River, which runs near the town, provides not only a picturesque landscape but also opportunities for fishing and other outdoor activities. Gandy’s minimal commercial infrastructure reflects its rural nature, but the town does host small local events that bring the community together. The Gandy Cemetery is another historical landmark, serving as the final resting place for many of the town’s early settlers. While Gandy is not a bustling town, its location in one of Nebraska’s most beautiful natural regions makes it a peaceful retreat for those looking to experience the quiet life of rural America.
Little Spring
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.1 square miles
- Population: Fewer than 20 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 69136
- Latitude: 41.5042° N
- Longitude: 101.5879° W
Location and History
Little Spring is an unincorporated community located in the northwestern corner of Grant County, Nebraska. The village was founded in the late 1800s and is known primarily for its spring, which provided an essential water source to early settlers and travelers crossing the plains. The spring was a significant feature of the area, and Little Spring served as a small watering stop for travelers moving westward, as well as a point of interest for early homesteaders. While it never grew into a bustling town, Little Spring had a post office for a time and supported a small population of ranchers and farmers. Over the years, as larger towns grew in prominence, Little Spring slowly faded, and today it remains a historic marker for those interested in Nebraska’s early pioneer history. Its location in the Sandhills makes it a peaceful and scenic area, but there are few remaining structures or businesses in the area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Because Little Spring is an extremely small and unincorporated community, it does not have its own school or other major public facilities. Residents typically attend schools in nearby towns like Hyannis or Stapleton. The most significant landmark in Little Spring is the historic spring itself, which still flows in the area, providing a connection to the region’s early days. The spring is a natural feature that offers a reminder of the challenges early settlers faced while traveling across the Great Plains. The surrounding Sandhills region, with its rolling hills and sparse vegetation, provides a serene backdrop for the area. Although Little Spring does not have the infrastructure of a larger town, it remains a part of Grant County’s heritage, offering a glimpse into the rural past of Nebraska. The quiet beauty of the area and its historical significance make it an important part of the county’s overall character.
