Cities and Towns in Hayes County, Nebraska
Founded in 1877, Hayes County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Hayes County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Hayes Center is the county seat. With FIPS code of 85, Hayes County has a population of 843 and area of 713 square miles (1,847 km²).
List of all cities in Hayes County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Hayes Center, NE | 69032 | 308 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hayes County, Nebraska
Hayes Center
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 69032
- Latitude: 40.3140° N
- Longitude: 101.0286° W
Location and History
Hayes Center is the county seat of Hayes County, located in the southwestern part of Nebraska. The town was established in 1872 and named after President Rutherford B. Hayes. Its early history is closely tied to the expansion of the railroad through the region, which helped to foster the growth of local agriculture. The town grew as a transportation hub for cattle, grain, and other agricultural products. The arrival of settlers, particularly from the Midwest, contributed to the development of the area as an agricultural center. The town’s position along the Republican River made it ideal for farming, and it quickly became a vital center for grain production and livestock trading. Over time, Hayes Center became known for its close-knit community and rural charm, maintaining its small-town atmosphere despite changes in the region. Like many small towns in Nebraska, Hayes Center has experienced population decline in recent decades, but it remains a significant part of Hayes County’s agricultural economy. The town’s history is reflected in its architecture and local landmarks, including its historic courthouse, which still serves as the center of local government.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hayes Center is part of the Hayes Center Public Schools district, which includes Hayes Center High School and Hayes Center Elementary School. The district is known for its small but dedicated faculty and a focus on offering personalized education to its students. Major landmarks in Hayes Center include the historic Hayes County Courthouse, a prominent structure in the town that dates back to the late 19th century and continues to serve as a center of local governance. The town also features several parks, including a community park that offers picnic areas and space for outdoor activities. While Hayes Center is small, it hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including the annual Hayes Center Community Day, which features a parade, live music, and local food vendors. The town’s proximity to the Republican River also provides access to recreational activities like fishing and wildlife watching, making it a peaceful retreat for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits. Hayes Center’s rural charm, combined with its agricultural economy and community-centered approach, makes it a significant part of Hayes County.
Palisade
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 69040
- Latitude: 40.4069° N
- Longitude: 101.1837° W
Location and History
Palisade is a small village located in the northeastern part of Hayes County, Nebraska. The town was founded in 1879 and named after the nearby Palisade Bluffs, a series of impressive geological formations along the Republican River. These bluffs are notable for their striking appearance and played a significant role in attracting early settlers to the area. The village grew rapidly during its early years, with agriculture becoming the backbone of its economy. Settlers took advantage of the fertile land along the river to grow crops, particularly corn and wheat. The town also benefited from the arrival of the railroad, which facilitated the transportation of local agricultural products to larger markets. While the population of Palisade has remained small, the village continues to be known for its agricultural roots and rural lifestyle. The presence of the Republican River nearby also allowed for fishing and other recreational activities. Today, Palisade retains its small-town atmosphere, with a tight-knit community that continues to support agriculture as its primary economic driver.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Palisade is served by the Palisade Public Schools district, which includes Palisade High School and Palisade Elementary School. The school district focuses on providing a well-rounded education with opportunities for extracurricular involvement, including sports and music programs. Palisade has several landmarks that showcase the village’s history and natural beauty. The Palisade Bluffs, which the town is named after, are a prominent natural feature and serve as a local attraction for visitors and residents alike. The Republican River, running just east of the town, offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Local parks, including the community park, provide space for outdoor events and sports activities. Palisade is known for its strong sense of community, and it hosts a variety of annual events such as the Palisade Homecoming, which includes parades, games, and family-friendly activities. Though it is a small town, Palisade maintains its agricultural character while embracing the outdoor lifestyle afforded by its scenic surroundings, making it an attractive place for those seeking a peaceful rural retreat.
Trenton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 69044
- Latitude: 40.5323° N
- Longitude: 101.5569° W
Location and History
Trenton is the largest village in Hayes County, located in the southern part of the county. It was established in 1872, during a period of rapid westward expansion, and named after Trenton, New Jersey, the birthplace of an early settler. The town’s location along the Republican River provided fertile ground for agriculture, and early settlers primarily engaged in farming. The development of the railroad through the region in the late 19th century spurred further growth, making Trenton a regional trade center for grain, livestock, and other agricultural products. Trenton’s population and economy grew steadily through the early and mid-20th century, and the town became known for its agricultural output, particularly corn, wheat, and cattle. While the population of Trenton has remained relatively stable in recent decades, the town still plays an important role in the agricultural industry of Hayes County. Today, Trenton serves as a small, rural community with a rich history and a deep connection to Nebraska’s agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Trenton is served by the Hitchcock County Schools district, which includes Trenton High School and Trenton Elementary School. The district is well-regarded for its academic excellence and provides a variety of extracurricular programs, including athletics and fine arts. Major landmarks in Trenton include the Hayes County Historical Museum, which preserves the town’s history and the history of Hayes County. The town also features several parks, including a large community park with picnic areas, a playground, and sports fields, offering space for both relaxation and outdoor recreation. The Republican River runs just to the east of the town, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Trenton is home to a strong local business community, with a variety of locally owned shops and restaurants. The town hosts several events throughout the year, including the Trenton Harvest Festival, which includes a parade, live music, and local food vendors. As the largest town in Hayes County, Trenton serves as a key center for commerce, recreation, and community life in the region.
