Cities and Towns in Kearney County, Nebraska

Founded in 1860, Kearney County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Kearney County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Minden is the county seat. With FIPS code of 99, Kearney County has a population of 6,674 and area of 516 square miles (1,336 km²).

List of all cities in Kearney County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Axtell, NE	68924	308
Cosmo, NE	68959	308
Eaton, NE	68945	308
Heartwell, NE	68945	308
Keene, NE	68924	308
Lake, NE	68982	308
Minden, NE	68959	308
Mirage, NE	68924	308
Norman, NE	68959	308
Oneida, NE	68982	308
Sherman, NE	68982	308
South Minden, NE	68959	308
Wilcox, NE	68982	308

Major Cities and Towns in Kearney County, Nebraska

Minden, Nebraska

Location and History

Minden, the county seat of Kearney County, is located in the south-central part of Nebraska. Founded in 1871, Minden was established as a railroad town along the Union Pacific Railroad, serving as a key transport hub for settlers moving west. The city was named after Minden, Germany, reflecting the German heritage of many early settlers. Minden quickly grew as a center of commerce, with a focus on agriculture, particularly wheat farming and cattle ranching. It became a vital agricultural service center, and its location at the crossroads of U.S. Highways 34 and 10 made it a crucial point for trade and transportation. Minden was incorporated in 1878, and the town’s growth was spurred by its connection to the railroad and its strategic location on the Great Plains. Over time, Minden evolved into a modern, small town that retains much of its historical charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Minden is served by the Minden Public Schools district, which includes Minden High School, known for its strong academic reputation and successful athletic programs. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Minden Opera House, a historic venue for live performances that dates back to 1914. The city also boasts the Kearney County Historical Museum, which highlights Minden’s agricultural and railroad history. Another key landmark is the Prairie Trail, a scenic walking trail that offers views of the surrounding prairie landscape. Minden is also known for the Nebraska Prairie Museum, a museum dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Great Plains. The city’s proximity to the Platte River provides additional opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. Minden is a town with a rich history and a vibrant community that celebrates its past while embracing modern progress.

• Area: 1.58 sq mi
• Population: 2,924 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 68959
• Latitude: 40.5304° N
• Longitude: 98.9571° W

Axtell, Nebraska

Location and History

Axtell is a small village located in the northeastern part of Kearney County, Nebraska. The town was founded in 1871, during a period of westward expansion, and was named after an early settler, William Axtell. It developed as an agricultural hub, with a strong focus on wheat farming, cattle ranching, and the transportation of goods via the Union Pacific Railroad. Like many towns in Nebraska, Axtell grew around the railroad and its connection to the broader agricultural economy of the Great Plains. Over time, the town became a small, close-knit community with a rich history tied to its rural roots. Axtell has remained a quiet agricultural town, with a population that has remained relatively stable over the years, relying on local farming and industry as its primary economic drivers.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Axtell is served by the Axtell Public Schools district, which includes Axtell High School. The school is known for its small student body, allowing for close attention to individual academic and extracurricular needs. Axtell’s primary landmarks include the Axtell Community Park, which provides outdoor spaces for local events and recreational activities. The town also features a variety of historical buildings that reflect its rural heritage, including the Axtell Depot, which once served as a stop on the railroad. While Axtell itself is not known for large tourist attractions, its proximity to larger cities like Minden and Kearney offers residents and visitors access to additional cultural and recreational opportunities. The town’s peaceful rural setting, along with its historical architecture, makes it a charming place to live or visit.

• Area: 0.34 sq mi
• Population: 480 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 68924
• Latitude: 40.7943° N
• Longitude: 98.7483° W

Heartwell, Nebraska

Location and History

Heartwell is an unincorporated village located in the southeastern corner of Kearney County, Nebraska. The village was founded in the early 1880s and named after the local Heartwell Creek, which runs nearby. The settlement grew primarily as a rural agricultural community with farming and ranching as the main economic drivers. Over the years, Heartwell developed a small but thriving population, with a focus on crop production and livestock raising. The village’s location in the central Great Plains made it ideal for farming, and it quickly became a part of Nebraska’s agricultural backbone. Today, Heartwell remains a quiet rural village, with a small population that continues to rely on farming and agriculture as its primary source of livelihood. Though the village has not experienced much growth, it retains a sense of community and historical charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Heartwell does not have its own school system, so students generally attend schools in nearby communities such as Minden or Kearney. The village itself does not have major landmarks, but it is surrounded by vast fields and open prairie land that reflect the agricultural nature of the area. The Heartwell Creek remains an important natural feature of the village, and the nearby Kearney Canal provides irrigation for local farms. Heartwell’s small size and rural location make it a peaceful retreat, with residents often traveling to Kearney for more urban amenities. The village’s proximity to the larger city of Kearney allows residents to enjoy a quiet, rural lifestyle while remaining close to modern conveniences and cultural attractions.

• Area: N/A
• Population: Estimated less than 100
• Zip Codes: 68940 (Minden)
• Latitude: 40.5485° N
• Longitude: 98.8801° W

Riverdale, Nebraska

Location and History

Riverdale is a small village located in the southwestern part of Kearney County, Nebraska, along the Platte River. The town was established in the early 1880s as a stop along the Union Pacific Railroad. The town’s location near the Platte River made it an ideal site for agricultural development, particularly irrigation farming. Riverdale grew modestly during its early years, with settlers coming to the area for its fertile land and access to water. Over the years, the town’s population remained small, and its economy has continued to rely heavily on agriculture. Riverdale remains an unincorporated community, and while it never became a major population center, it has maintained its rural charm. The town’s historical significance lies in its role as a farming and transport hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Riverdale is part of the Kearney Public Schools district, with students attending schools in Kearney. The town does not have many notable landmarks, but it is known for its picturesque location along the Platte River, which offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The surrounding farmland and open spaces are typical of the Great Plains, providing a scenic backdrop for the small community. Riverdale is located just south of the larger city of Kearney, which provides residents access to more urban amenities and cultural attractions. The town remains a peaceful, quiet place to live, with a strong sense of community and a connection to Nebraska’s agricultural heritage.

• Area: N/A
• Population: Estimated less than 100
• Zip Codes: 68865
• Latitude: 40.6190° N
• Longitude: 99.1070° W