Cities and Towns in Otoe County, Nebraska

Founded in 1854, Otoe County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Otoe County was one of nine original counties. The city of Nebraska City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 131, Otoe County has a population of 15,930 and area of 616 square miles (1,595 km²).

List of all cities in Otoe County, NE alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Burr, NE 68324 402
Douglas, NE 68344 402
Dunbar, NE 68346 402
68382 402
Lorton, NE 68346 402
68382 402
Nebraska City, NE 68410 402
Otoe, NE 68417 402
Palmyra, NE 68418 402
Paul, NE 68410 402
Sterling, NE 68324 402
Syracuse, NE 68446 402
Talmage, NE 68448 402
Unadilla, NE 68454 402
Wyoming, NE 68410 402

Major Cities and Towns in Otoe County, Nebraska

Nebraska City

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

  • Area: 5.07 square miles
  • Population: 7,000+ (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 68410
  • Latitude: 40.6073° N
  • Longitude: 95.8602° W

Location and History:

Nebraska City is the county seat of Otoe County, located in the southeastern part of Nebraska, near the Missouri River. The city was founded in 1854 and played a key role in the early history of the state. Nebraska City is most famously known as the birthplace of Arbor Day, celebrated annually on April 22, and the site of the first observance of this event in 1872. The city quickly developed as a commercial and transportation hub due to its location along the river, becoming an important stop for trade and shipping. It was also a key location for the establishment of agricultural industries, especially apple orchards, earning it the title of “The Apple Capital of Nebraska.” Nebraska City thrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its economy being based on agriculture, particularly the production of fruit and other crops, as well as its timber industry. Today, Nebraska City remains a small but historically significant city, with a rich cultural heritage tied to agriculture, conservation, and early Nebraska settlement.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Nebraska City is served by the Nebraska City Public Schools district, which includes Nebraska City High School. The district is known for its academic excellence, and students have the opportunity to participate in various extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and arts programs. Key landmarks in Nebraska City include Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, the former home of J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day. The city is also home to the Nebraska City Historical Museum, which offers exhibits on the region’s history, including Native American culture, early settler life, and agricultural development. The Missouri River, which borders the city, provides opportunities for boating and fishing, while the nearby trees and orchards give Nebraska City a picturesque and natural landscape. The annual Arbor Day celebration is a major event that brings people from across the country to Nebraska City, and the city’s downtown district features historic buildings, parks, and shops that reflect its long-standing cultural ties to the community.

Syracuse

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

  • Area: 1.07 square miles
  • Population: 1,900+ (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 68446
  • Latitude: 40.7076° N
  • Longitude: 96.1727° W

Location and History:

Syracuse is located in the northeastern part of Otoe County, about 10 miles west of Nebraska City. The city was founded in 1856 and named after the city of Syracuse, New York. Its early history was tied to agriculture and transportation, as the town grew up along the Missouri River and became an important trade and shipping center. As the railroad expanded to the area in the late 19th century, Syracuse became a key hub for grain elevators and livestock processing. The town flourished during the late 1800s and early 1900s, with businesses related to agriculture, such as flour mills and packing houses, playing a major role in its economy. Syracuse also benefited from its proximity to the river and its role as a regional agricultural trade center. Over the years, the city’s population has remained relatively stable, and it continues to be a farming community with a strong agricultural base. Today, Syracuse has a quiet, small-town atmosphere while still serving as a vital center for the surrounding rural areas.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Syracuse is served by the Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Schools district, which includes Syracuse High School. The district emphasizes high academic standards and offers a range of extracurricular opportunities, including sports, music, and clubs. Major landmarks in Syracuse include the Otoe County Fairgrounds, which hosts the annual Otoe County Fair, a popular local event that draws visitors for its rodeo, carnival, and agricultural exhibits. The downtown area of Syracuse is home to several historic buildings, including the Otoe County Courthouse, which adds to the town’s small-town charm. The nearby lake and natural areas provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The city also boasts several parks, including Syracuse City Park, which features playgrounds, sports fields, and a walking trail. The community hosts a variety of local events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations, a farmer’s market, and cultural festivals, which help bring the town together and celebrate its agricultural heritage.

Talmage

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

  • Area: 0.48 square miles
  • Population: 250+ (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 68448
  • Latitude: 40.6353° N
  • Longitude: 96.1928° W

Location and History:

Talmage is a small village located in the eastern part of Otoe County, Nebraska, about 15 miles south of Nebraska City. The town was established in 1881 and named after Talmage, New York. Talmage developed as an agricultural community with a strong focus on farming, particularly grain and livestock production. Its location along the Burlington Railroad allowed for the transportation of goods to larger markets, which helped the town grow in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although the village has remained small, Talmage has maintained its rural identity and continues to serve as a quiet farming community. The town has a close-knit population, with residents focused on preserving the area’s agricultural heritage while embracing local businesses and community events. Talmage’s location in the fertile plains of southeastern Nebraska makes it an ideal location for farming, and the surrounding landscape offers scenic views of the Nebraska countryside.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Talmage is served by the Talmage Public School district, which provides a solid education for local children, offering a small but supportive community of teachers and staff. The district offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, academic clubs, and community service opportunities. Notable landmarks in Talmage include the Talmage Community Center, which is the site of local events, social gatherings, and meetings. The village also has several historical buildings, including old farmhouses and early 20th-century structures, that reflect its agricultural past. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and farming tours, with local events and activities focused on celebrating the agricultural lifestyle. Talmage is known for its quiet, rural atmosphere and is a peaceful retreat for those looking to experience the slower pace of life in the heart of Nebraska’s farming country.

Douglas

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

  • Area: 0.42 square miles
  • Population: 90+ (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 68344
  • Latitude: 40.3931° N
  • Longitude: 96.1295° W

Location and History:

Douglas is a very small village located in the southwestern part of Otoe County, Nebraska, along the banks of the Big Blue River. The town was settled in the 1860s and incorporated in 1871. It was originally established as an agricultural community, taking advantage of its fertile soil and access to water from the river for irrigation. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century allowed Douglas to expand its economy, primarily based on grain and livestock farming. Over the years, the population of Douglas has steadily declined, and it now remains a small village that primarily serves the local agricultural community. Despite its size, Douglas still maintains a rural charm with historical homes and buildings reflecting its agricultural roots. The town remains a peaceful, quiet place for those seeking a slower pace of life, with a strong sense of community and a connection to the land.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Douglas is part of the Nebraska City Public Schools district, with students attending school in nearby Nebraska City. The small community offers a range of local events, including gatherings at the Douglas Community Center, which serves as the site for meetings and social activities. The town is also home to a few historic landmarks, such as early 20th-century homes and farm structures. Douglas is surrounded by open fields, which provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation along the Big Blue River. The village hosts a variety of local gatherings throughout the year, including holiday celebrations, picnics, and outdoor activities that bring residents together. Though small, Douglas is a welcoming community with deep agricultural roots and a peaceful rural setting.