Cities and Towns in Madison County, Nebraska

Founded in 1856, Madison County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Madison County was formed from Loup County, and McNeale County, and unorganized territory. The city of Madison is the county seat. With FIPS code of 119, Madison County has a population of 35,337 and area of 573 square miles (1,484 km²).

List of all cities in Madison County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Battle Creek, NE	68715	402
Hadar, NE	68701	402
Madison, NE	68748	402
Meadow Grove, NE	68752	402
	68758	402
Norfolk, NE	68701	402
	68702	402
Tilden, NE	68781	402

Major Cities and Towns in Madison County, Nebraska

Norfolk, Nebraska

Location and History

Norfolk, located in the northeastern part of Nebraska, serves as the county seat of Madison County and is one of the largest cities in the region. The city was founded in 1866, following the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Its location at the intersection of two major railroads helped Norfolk quickly become a hub for transportation, commerce, and trade. Norfolk’s early economy was based on agriculture, with settlers growing crops like corn and wheat, as well as raising cattle and hogs. The city was named after Norfolk, Virginia, in recognition of its early importance as a railroad and shipping center. Over the years, Norfolk expanded into a bustling center of manufacturing, retail, and industry. During the 20th century, Norfolk’s population and infrastructure grew rapidly, and it became a regional center for health care, education, and retail. Today, Norfolk is known for its cultural offerings, educational institutions, and vibrant downtown area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Norfolk is served by several public and private schools, including Norfolk Senior High School, a school recognized for its diverse academic programs and competitive athletics. The city is also home to Northeast Community College, a two-year institution offering a wide range of degrees and vocational training. Norfolk’s historic downtown area is home to many landmarks, such as the Madison County Courthouse, a beautiful example of early 20th-century architecture, and the Elkhorn Valley Museum, which preserves the area’s history. The city is also known for its beautiful parks, including the popular Skyview Park, which offers hiking, picnicking, and seasonal events. Norfolk’s local zoo, the Nebraska Wildlife Safari, is a family-friendly destination that features animals native to Nebraska and other parts of the world. The city is also known for the Norfolk Arts Center, which promotes local artists and hosts performances, exhibitions, and community events. Norfolk offers numerous festivals, including the annual Norfolk Summerfest, which celebrates the city’s history and community spirit.

• Area: 9.33 sq mi
• Population: 24,210 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 68701, 68702
• Latitude: 41.9897° N
• Longitude: 98.3830° W

Madison, Nebraska

Location and History

Madison, located in the central part of Madison County, is a small city with a rich agricultural history. Founded in 1870, Madison developed along the railroad and was named after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. The city quickly became a center for farming and commerce, with early settlers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans, as well as raising cattle and hogs. In the early 1900s, Madison’s population grew steadily, and the town developed a strong community identity based on its agricultural heritage. As the area’s farming practices became more mechanized in the mid-20th century, Madison, like many rural towns, experienced a slight population decline. However, the city remains an important center for local farmers, offering services, goods, and support for the surrounding rural area. Today, Madison retains its small-town charm, while also benefiting from its proximity to larger cities like Norfolk, offering a mix of rural tranquility and access to urban amenities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Madison is served by the Madison Public Schools district, which includes Madison High School. The district offers strong academic programs, as well as a variety of extracurricular activities, particularly in athletics. The city’s educational facilities are well-regarded for providing students with personalized attention and a well-rounded curriculum. Among Madison’s landmarks is the Madison County Historical Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the area’s history, including its early settler days and agricultural roots. The historic Madison Depot, originally built as a railroad station, is another notable landmark that is now used for community events. Madison is home to several parks and recreational facilities, including the Madison City Park, which features a baseball diamond, playground, and picnic areas. Residents and visitors enjoy spending time in the city’s peaceful parks and outdoor spaces, and the city celebrates its community spirit with annual events like the Madison Community Festival, which features food, music, and family-friendly activities.

• Area: 0.56 sq mi
• Population: 2,519 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 68748
• Latitude: 41.9934° N
• Longitude: 97.4640° W

Battle Creek, Nebraska

Location and History

Battle Creek, located in the eastern part of Madison County, is a small town named after the nearby creek, which was the site of a skirmish between Native Americans and U.S. soldiers during the 1850s. The village was founded in 1869 and quickly grew into an agricultural center, attracting settlers who were eager to farm the fertile land along the creek. Over the years, Battle Creek developed a strong farming community, with local crops such as corn, wheat, and oats becoming the mainstay of the town’s economy. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s further bolstered the town’s growth, as it provided better access for shipping goods to larger cities. Though the population of Battle Creek has remained relatively small, the town has maintained its agricultural focus and rural character. Battle Creek is known for its tight-knit community and its dedication to preserving the traditions and values of small-town Nebraska.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Battle Creek is served by the Battle Creek Public Schools district, which includes Battle Creek High School. The school is known for its strong academic programs and competitive sports teams. The town is also home to several local businesses that cater to the needs of the surrounding farming community. One of the key landmarks in Battle Creek is the Battle Creek City Park, which offers a playground, walking trails, and sports fields. The park is a popular gathering place for residents and hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Battle Creek Days, which features a parade, carnival, and live entertainment. The historic Battle Creek Schoolhouse, built in the early 20th century, is another important landmark, serving as a reminder of the town’s educational roots. For outdoor recreation, residents enjoy the nearby Elkhorn River, which provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. Battle Creek also celebrates its agricultural history with local events and festivals that honor its farming community.

• Area: 0.61 sq mi
• Population: 1,280 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 68715
• Latitude: 41.9223° N
• Longitude: 97.6883° W

Newman Grove, Nebraska

Location and History

Newman Grove is a small town located in the southern part of Madison County, about 25 miles south of Norfolk. The town was founded in 1871 and was named after a local landowner, Newman A. Grover, who played a significant role in its early development. Newman Grove was initially established as a railroad town, with the arrival of the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad playing a key role in the town’s growth. The town quickly became an important stop for farmers who brought their goods to be shipped by rail to larger cities. Over the years, agriculture remained the backbone of the local economy, with crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat being widely grown in the area. Newman Grove’s population peaked in the early 20th century but has remained stable since then. The town is known for its strong sense of community and its commitment to preserving its rural traditions.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Newman Grove is served by the Newman Grove Public Schools district, which includes Newman Grove High School. The district provides a well-rounded education for students, offering a variety of extracurricular programs in sports, music, and academics. The town is also home to the Newman Grove Community Center, which serves as a gathering place for social events, town meetings, and community celebrations. One of the key landmarks in Newman Grove is the historic Newman Grove City Park, which features a large pavilion, sports fields, and picnic areas. The town also has several churches that serve as important centers of social life for the community. The surrounding area is known for its scenic farmland and outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing and hiking. Newman Grove celebrates its agricultural roots with local events such as the annual Newman Grove Harvest Festival, which includes a parade, live entertainment, and local food vendors.

• Area: 0.62 sq mi
• Population: 1,221 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 68758
• Latitude: 41.8509° N
• Longitude: 97.5151° W