Cities and Towns in Hooker County, Nebraska
Founded in 1889, Hooker County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Hooker County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Mullen is the county seat. With FIPS code of 91, Hooker County has a population of 734 and area of 721 square miles (1,867 km²).
List of all cities in Hooker County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Mullen, NE | 69152 | 308 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hooker County, Nebraska
Mullen, Nebraska
Location and History
Mullen is the county seat of Hooker County, located in the north-central part of Nebraska. The town was established in 1887, originally serving as a railroad town for the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad. The arrival of the railroad helped the town grow, as it became a crucial shipping point for local agricultural products, including cattle, grains, and hay. Mullen was named after the town’s first postmaster, Thomas Mullen, and was designed to serve the needs of local farmers and ranchers. The town’s early economy was primarily agricultural, with an emphasis on cattle ranching and farming. Over time, Mullen’s population stabilized, and the town retained much of its small-town, agricultural character. Today, Mullen is known for its proximity to the Nebraska Sandhills, making it a gateway for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. Despite its rural location, Mullen remains an important community in Hooker County, with a strong local economy and tight-knit community spirit.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mullen is served by the Mullen Public Schools district, which includes Mullen High School, a school known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities. The town’s major landmarks include the Hooker County Courthouse, which serves as the center of local government, and the Sandhills Ranching Heritage Center, which celebrates the region’s ranching history. The nearby Nebraska Sandhills provide a stunning natural backdrop for the town and offer opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, wildlife watching, and off-roading. Mullen is also known for the Dismal River, which is popular for fishing and canoeing, and the surrounding prairies are home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, bison, and migratory birds. The town hosts a number of local events, including agricultural fairs and rodeos, which celebrate the community’s agricultural and ranching roots. With its scenic beauty and rich cultural history, Mullen is a vibrant, rural community in the heart of Nebraska.
- Area: 1.09 sq mi
- Population: 575 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 69152
- Latitude: 41.6649° N
- Longitude: 100.5745° W
Thedford, Nebraska
Location and History
Thedford is a village located in the central part of Hooker County, Nebraska. Founded in 1885, Thedford was named after an early settler, Thomas Thedford. The town was established primarily as an agricultural center, with early settlers drawn to the fertile land and the availability of transportation via the railroad. Thedford grew quickly during the late 19th century, as ranching and farming dominated the local economy. The town saw significant development in its early years, with a school, post office, and several businesses established to serve the needs of the growing population. Thedford’s economy has remained primarily agricultural, with ranching and cattle production being key industries in the area. Over time, the town’s population has remained small, but Thedford continues to serve as a rural hub for the surrounding agricultural community. Today, the town is a quiet, close-knit place that attracts visitors interested in the region’s history and the vast open spaces of the Nebraska Sandhills.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Thedford is served by the Thedford Public Schools district, which includes Thedford High School. The school offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports teams, arts, and music. Thedford’s key landmarks include the Hooker County Historical Museum, which highlights the history of the area and its settlers, and the nearby Sandhills, which are known for their scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Thedford for activities like hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation in the Sandhills. Thedford also hosts several local events, such as the Sandhills Rodeo and the annual Thedford Fair, which celebrate the region’s agricultural and ranching heritage. The area surrounding the town is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, antelope, and wild turkeys, making it a prime location for outdoor recreation. Thedford’s small-town charm, combined with its natural beauty, makes it a great place for visitors seeking a taste of rural Nebraska.
- Area: 0.42 sq mi
- Population: 254 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 69166
- Latitude: 41.8287° N
- Longitude: 100.6307° W
Hyannis, Nebraska
Location and History
Hyannis is a village located in the western part of Hooker County, Nebraska. The town was established in the late 1880s and was originally a railroad stop along the Union Pacific Railway. It was named after Hyannis, Massachusetts, and became a key shipping point for cattle, grain, and other agricultural products from the surrounding farms and ranches. The town grew slowly but steadily throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with many residents involved in agriculture. Ranching, in particular, has played a central role in Hyannis’ economy, and it remains a center for cattle and livestock in the region. The town has seen modest population growth over the years and remains a small, rural community. Today, Hyannis continues to serve as a center for agriculture and ranching in western Nebraska, attracting visitors with its western heritage and proximity to the scenic Sandhills region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hyannis is served by the Hyannis Area Schools district, which includes Hyannis High School. The school is known for its strong academic and athletic programs, particularly in rural sports like football and basketball. Hyannis also boasts a number of local landmarks, including the Hyannis Community Hall, which hosts local events and gatherings, and the Hooker County Fairgrounds, where the annual fair and rodeo take place. The town’s proximity to the Nebraska Sandhills provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Dismal River is a popular destination for fishing and canoeing, while the expansive prairie landscapes around Hyannis are ideal for hunting and birdwatching. Hyannis celebrates its western heritage with annual events such as the Sandhills Roundup Rodeo, attracting both locals and visitors from across the state. The town’s combination of history, community spirit, and natural beauty makes it an appealing destination for those seeking a rural experience in Nebraska.
- Area: 0.45 sq mi
- Population: 141 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 69350
- Latitude: 42.0434° N
- Longitude: 101.6449° W
Stapleton, Nebraska (Unincorporated Community)
Location and History
Stapleton is an unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Hooker County, Nebraska. Originally founded in the late 1800s, the settlement grew as a railroad town along the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad. While the town was never officially incorporated, it served as a key point for transporting goods and agricultural products such as grain and livestock. The community has always been closely tied to farming and ranching, with many of the area’s residents working in agriculture. Today, Stapleton remains a small rural area with a few scattered homes and businesses, though its influence as a center for regional commerce and industry in the past is still remembered. The surrounding rural landscape, particularly the Nebraska Sandhills, continues to draw people to the area for recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, and horseback riding.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As an unincorporated community, Stapleton does not have its own schools or public facilities. However, residents are served by nearby districts such as the Mullen Public Schools district. The community is also home to a number of historic sites that reflect its railroad and agricultural history. The old train depot, once a bustling center of commerce, now serves as a local landmark. Stapleton’s rural setting is ideal for outdoor activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and hunting, particularly in the nearby Sandhills. The area is also home to various wildlife, including deer, antelope, and pheasants, making it a prime destination for hunters. While Stapleton itself may not have the amenities of larger towns, its historical significance and rural setting continue to make it a part of Hooker County’s rich heritage.
- Area: N/A
- Population: Estimated under 50
- Zip Codes: 69152
- Latitude: 41.6311° N
- Longitude: 101.4608° W
