Cities and Towns in Lincoln County, Nebraska

Founded in 1860, Lincoln County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Lincoln County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of North Platte is the county seat. With FIPS code of 111, Lincoln County has a population of 34,133 and area of 2,564 square miles (6,641 km²).

List of all cities in Lincoln County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Bignell, NE	69151	308
Brady, NE	69123	308
Dickens, NE	69132	308
Flats, NE	69165	308
Hershey, NE	69143	308
Maxwell, NE	69151	308
North Platte, NE	69101	308
	69103	308
Sutherland, NE	69165	308
Wallace, NE	69169	308
Wellfleet, NE	69132	308
	69170	308

Major Cities and Towns in Lincoln County, Nebraska

North Platte, Nebraska

Location and History

North Platte, the county seat of Lincoln County, is located in southwestern Nebraska along the South Platte River. It was founded in 1866 as a railroad town, with the establishment of a depot and railroad facilities, and soon became a key stop for travelers on the transcontinental railroad. North Platte’s strategic location at the crossroads of U.S. Highways 30 and 83 helped it develop as a commercial center for the surrounding agricultural region. In its early years, the town was primarily a stopover for pioneers, traders, and railroad workers, and it quickly grew in importance as a transportation hub. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad solidified North Platte’s role as a key player in Nebraska’s rail industry. Over time, the city’s economy diversified, and agriculture, tourism, and commerce became significant contributors. Today, North Platte is a regional center for trade, healthcare, and education, with a population that has continued to grow steadily over the years. The city is known for its friendly, small-town atmosphere while offering urban amenities and services.

Major Schools and Landmarks

North Platte is served by the North Platte Public Schools district, which includes several elementary schools, North Platte High School, and the specialized North Platte Community College, which offers a range of vocational and academic programs. The city is also home to the Mid-Plains Community College, which provides further education and workforce development opportunities. Among North Platte’s most notable landmarks is the historic Union Pacific Railroad Depot, which remains an important symbol of the city’s railroad heritage. The town is also known for the North Platte River, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. One of the major landmarks is the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, the former home of legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody, which offers a glimpse into the history of the American West. The city’s recreational opportunities include parks such as the Cody Park Zoo, and annual events such as the NebraskaLand Days Festival, a large celebration of western heritage with rodeos, concerts, and a parade.

• Area: 11.88 sq mi
• Population: 24,733 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 69101, 69103
• Latitude: 41.1400° N
• Longitude: 100.7605° W

Sutherland, Nebraska

Location and History

Sutherland, located to the north of North Platte, is a small town in Lincoln County that was founded in 1885. It was originally a stop on the Union Pacific Railroad, which helped the town grow in its early years. Sutherland is named after its founder, William Sutherland, who saw the town as a key location for farming and ranching. The town’s proximity to the South Platte River and its fertile land made it an ideal place for settlers to establish farms and ranches. While the railroad no longer serves as the central business driver for Sutherland, the town remains an agricultural hub, with local farms focused on raising livestock and growing crops such as corn and wheat. Over the years, Sutherland has maintained its quiet, rural atmosphere and serves as a small community for people who work in agriculture and related industries. It has also benefitted from its location along U.S. Highway 30, which connects it to other towns in the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sutherland is served by the Sutherland Public Schools district, which includes Sutherland High School. The school district offers a solid educational experience for students, with a focus on academic achievement and extracurricular activities, including athletics and music programs. The town’s most prominent landmark is the Sutherland Water Tower, which stands as a symbol of the community’s resilience and agricultural history. Sutherland is also home to the Sutherland Community Park, which provides a space for outdoor recreation, with facilities for sports, picnics, and family gatherings. The nearby South Platte River offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation, while the surrounding countryside is ideal for hiking and hunting. Sutherland celebrates its agricultural roots with local events, including the annual Sutherland Fair, which features a rodeo, carnival, and agricultural exhibits. Despite its small size, Sutherland is a welcoming community that thrives on its rural heritage and tight-knit population.

• Area: 0.80 sq mi
• Population: 1,240 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 69165
• Latitude: 41.1803° N
• Longitude: 100.6113° W

Maxwell, Nebraska

Location and History

Maxwell is located in the southeastern part of Lincoln County, approximately 15 miles south of North Platte. The town was founded in 1887 as a small agricultural settlement, primarily focused on farming and ranching. It was named after Maxwell D. Gibbs, a landowner who helped develop the area. The town’s development was closely tied to the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, which provided a means of transporting goods and livestock to larger markets. Maxwell’s location along the scenic Platte River made it a desirable spot for settlers, who took advantage of the fertile soil to cultivate crops and raise livestock. Over the years, Maxwell maintained its rural roots, with farming and agriculture continuing to drive its economy. Although the population has remained relatively small, Maxwell is a peaceful community that offers a quiet rural lifestyle while being close to the amenities of larger cities like North Platte.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Maxwell is served by the Maxwell Public Schools district, which includes Maxwell High School. The district is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in basketball and track. The town’s primary landmark is the Maxwell School, which has been an important institution in the community for generations. Maxwell is also home to the Maxwell Cemetery, a historical site that reflects the town’s early settlement history. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Platte River offers recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The community also enjoys local parks, which are popular for picnics, hiking, and sports. Maxwell celebrates its agricultural roots with events such as the Maxwell Harvest Festival, a gathering where locals showcase their farming products and celebrate the community’s close-knit nature. Despite its small size, Maxwell continues to be a charming example of rural life in Nebraska.

• Area: 0.52 sq mi
• Population: 448 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 69151
• Latitude: 41.1192° N
• Longitude: 100.5491° W

Wallace, Nebraska

Location and History

Wallace, located in the eastern part of Lincoln County, was founded in 1886 as a small agricultural community. Like many towns in Nebraska, Wallace’s early development was spurred by the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad, which enabled settlers to move their goods to larger markets. The town was named after a railroad official, and it quickly became a central hub for farming and ranching in the region. Early settlers grew crops such as wheat, corn, and oats, and raised cattle and pigs. Wallace continued to grow throughout the 20th century, although its population has remained relatively small. Agriculture remains the mainstay of the local economy, with a strong emphasis on corn and cattle farming. Wallace’s rural charm, combined with its proximity to North Platte, allows the town to thrive in a quiet yet supportive environment for its residents.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Wallace is served by the Wallace Public Schools district, which includes Wallace High School. The district is known for its commitment to student success and community involvement. The most significant landmark in Wallace is the Wallace School, a historic building that has been an integral part of the town since its early days. The town is also home to the Wallace Community Center, which is used for various social and cultural events. The nearby North Platte River offers opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation, while the surrounding rural landscape provides space for outdoor activities such as hiking and hunting. Wallace’s community spirit is celebrated annually during the Wallace Days, a local festival that brings together residents for a variety of events, including games, music, and food. Despite its small size, Wallace is a welcoming and close-knit community that thrives on its agricultural heritage.

• Area: 0.31 sq mi
• Population: 226 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 69169
• Latitude: 41.1510° N
• Longitude: 100.4690° W