Cities and Towns in Saunders County, Nebraska

Founded in 1856, Saunders County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Saunders County was formed from Douglas and Lancaster Counties. The city of Wahoo is the county seat. With FIPS code of 155, Saunders County has a population of 22,787 and area of 754 square miles (1,953 km²).

List of all cities in Saunders County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Ashland, NE	68003	402
Cedar Bluffs, NE	68015	402
Ceresco, NE	68017	402
Colon, NE	68018	402
Ithaca, NE	68033	402
Malmo, NE	68040	402
Mead, NE	68041	402
Memphis, NE	68042	402
Morse Bluff, NE	68648	402
Prague, NE	68050	402
Valparaiso, NE	68065	402
Wahoo, NE	68066	402
Weston, NE	68070	402
Yutan, NE	68073	402

Major Cities and Towns in Saunders County, Nebraska

Wahoo

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

• Area: 2.19 square miles
• Population: 4,500+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68066
• Latitude: 41.2194° N
• Longitude: 96.6642° W

Location and History:

Wahoo is the county seat of Saunders County and is located in southeastern Nebraska, approximately 30 miles west of Omaha and 40 miles east of Lincoln. The city was founded in 1869, following the establishment of the railroad through the area. Its name was derived from the native plant “Wahoo” (a type of buckeye tree) that grows in the area, chosen by the railroad executives as a unique and memorable name. Wahoo quickly became a key regional hub for trade, transportation, and agriculture due to its prime location at the crossroads of major rail lines and its fertile soil. The town grew steadily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a farming center, particularly known for its corn and wheat production. As Wahoo developed, it also became a community-oriented town with a strong sense of civic pride, maintaining a blend of rural and suburban characteristics. Today, Wahoo is known for its excellent school system, strong agricultural ties, and close proximity to the metropolitan areas of Omaha and Lincoln, making it an attractive place to live for those seeking a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing access to urban amenities.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Wahoo is served by the Wahoo Public Schools district, which operates Wahoo High School, a well-regarded institution that emphasizes both academics and extracurricular activities. The district offers a wide range of programs, including sports, arts, and advanced placement courses. Wahoo is also home to Bishop Neumann High School, a Catholic secondary school that provides a faith-based education. The city has a variety of cultural and historical landmarks, including the Saunders County Courthouse, a beautiful historic building in the heart of downtown Wahoo. Other key landmarks include the Wahoo City Park, which offers recreational opportunities such as picnic areas, walking trails, and a community pool. The city is also home to the Wahoo Historical Museum, which showcases the town’s rich heritage, particularly its early days as a railroad hub and its agricultural roots. Wahoo hosts annual events such as the Wahoo Harvest Festival, which celebrates local culture, food, and entertainment, drawing visitors from around the region. The town’s close-knit community and convenient location near larger cities contribute to its charm as a desirable place to live and visit.

Ashland

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

• Area: 1.30 square miles
• Population: 2,500+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68003
• Latitude: 41.0291° N
• Longitude: 96.3321° W

Location and History:

Ashland is a small city located in the eastern part of Saunders County, about 25 miles northwest of Omaha and 40 miles southeast of Lincoln. The city was founded in 1866, originally serving as a stop on the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, which helped establish Ashland as an important trade center for the surrounding agricultural area. The city’s name was chosen in honor of the Ashland Springs in Kentucky, reflecting the town’s connection to the natural environment. Ashland grew steadily as a small agricultural town, and by the early 20th century, it became known for its proximity to the Platte River, which provided ample opportunities for agriculture and recreation. Over time, Ashland transitioned from being an agrarian community to a bedroom community for those working in Omaha, as the city’s location along Interstate 80 made it an attractive place to live. Today, Ashland is known for its peaceful, rural atmosphere, while offering modern amenities and easy access to the major metropolitan areas of Omaha and Lincoln.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Ashland is served by the Ashland-Greenwood School District, which includes Ashland-Greenwood High School, a well-regarded institution offering a broad range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs. The district is known for its strong emphasis on preparing students for both college and career paths. Ashland also boasts a number of recreational and cultural landmarks, including the Ashland City Park, which features picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities. The city is home to the strategic and scenic Platte River State Park, a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is also home to a historic lodge and offers stunning views of the surrounding prairie landscape. Ashland is also known for its proximity to the Mahoney State Park, which features a number of family-friendly attractions, including a water park, hiking trails, and an educational center. The town hosts several annual events, including a popular Fourth of July celebration, which brings together locals and visitors alike to enjoy fireworks, food, and entertainment.

Yutan

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

• Area: 0.52 square miles
• Population: 1,500+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68073
• Latitude: 41.2000° N
• Longitude: 96.4216° W

Location and History:

Yutan is a small rural city in the southern part of Saunders County, located about 20 miles west of Omaha. Yutan was settled in the late 1800s, originally as an agricultural community. The city was named after a nearby creek, which was named by Native Americans for the sound made by the rushing water, meaning “where the water flows.” Yutan’s early economy was centered around farming, particularly the cultivation of crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans. The city’s development was boosted by its location on the Midland Railway, which connected it to the growing cities of Omaha and Lincoln. Over time, Yutan developed a strong sense of community, with local schools, churches, and businesses serving the surrounding agricultural area. Today, Yutan remains a small town with a tight-knit community, though it has seen growth due to its proximity to Omaha and its appeal as a quieter, more rural alternative to city living.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Yutan is served by the Yutan Public Schools district, which includes Yutan High School. The school district is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities, with a focus on both academics and community involvement. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Yutan Community Park, which provides a space for outdoor activities such as picnics, sports, and local gatherings. A notable landmark near the city is the Yutan Creek, which holds historical significance as the source of the city’s name and continues to provide a scenic backdrop for the area. Yutan also hosts annual community events such as the Yutan Corn Festival, a celebration of the town’s agricultural heritage, which includes a parade, music, food, and games. The town’s rural setting and its proximity to Omaha make it an attractive location for those looking for a small-town lifestyle with easy access to the larger metropolitan area. Yutan also offers residents easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating at nearby lakes and parks.

Cedar Bluffs

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

• Area: 0.55 square miles
• Population: 500+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68015
• Latitude: 41.2266° N
• Longitude: 96.6286° W

Location and History:

Cedar Bluffs is a small village located in the southeastern part of Saunders County, about 30 miles west of Omaha. The village was established in 1882 and was named for the bluffs along the nearby Cedar Creek. Early settlers of Cedar Bluffs were drawn to the area’s natural beauty and fertile soil, which made it an ideal location for agriculture. The village grew steadily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a center for farming and grain production. The arrival of the railroad helped the village develop into a hub for shipping agricultural products. Over the years, Cedar Bluffs has remained a small, rural village, with a strong sense of community and an agricultural-based economy. Today, Cedar Bluffs retains its small-town charm while benefiting from its proximity to Omaha, making it an attractive place to live for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to city amenities.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Cedar Bluffs is served by the Cedar Bluffs Public Schools district, which includes Cedar Bluffs High School. The district is known for its close-knit community and emphasis on academic achievement and extracurricular activities. One of the town’s major landmarks is the Cedar Bluffs Community Park, a popular location for outdoor activities, family gatherings, and events. The nearby Cedar Creek also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. Although Cedar Bluffs is small, it hosts a number of community events, including a local Christmas parade and summer festivals that celebrate the town’s agricultural heritage. The village’s scenic location along Cedar Creek and its proximity to larger cities like Omaha give it a unique balance of rural tranquility and accessibility to urban amenities.