Cities and Towns in Seward County, Nebraska

Founded in 1855, Seward County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Seward County was formed from Cass and Pierce Counties. The city of Seward is the county seat. With FIPS code of 159, Seward County has a population of 17,603 and area of 575 square miles (1,489 km²).

List of all cities in Seward County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Beaver Crossing, NE	68313	402
Bee, NE	68314	402
Cordova, NE	68330	402
Garland, NE	68360	402
Goehner, NE	68364	402
Grover, NE	68405	402
Milford, NE	68405	402
Pleasant Dale, NE	68423	402
Seward, NE	68434	402
Staplehurst, NE	68439	402
Tamora, NE	68434	402
Utica, NE	68456	402

Major Cities and Towns in Seward County, Nebraska

Seward

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

• Area: 2.31 square miles
• Population: 7,200+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68434
• Latitude: 40.9145° N
• Longitude: 97.1514° W

Location and History:

Seward is the county seat and largest city in Seward County, Nebraska, located about 20 miles west of Lincoln and 45 miles east of Grand Island. It was founded in 1856 and named after William H. Seward, who was the U.S. Secretary of State during the time of its founding. Seward’s location along the Big Blue River was initially significant for agriculture, especially in the 19th century when settlers arrived via the Overland Trail. The railroad came to Seward in 1871, boosting its growth as a trading and shipping center. In the early 20th century, the city transitioned into an industrial economy, while still maintaining its agricultural roots. Seward is often referred to as the “Gateway to the West” because it played a key role during the westward expansion. Its historic downtown area still features a number of preserved buildings from its late 19th and early 20th-century development. Seward is also known for its vibrant cultural life, including a strong tradition of community events and its proximity to the beautiful Nebraska countryside. Today, the city is a mix of small-town charm and modern amenities, with residents enjoying both its historic significance and contemporary offerings.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Seward is home to Seward Public Schools, which operates a highly regarded district that includes Seward High School, the middle school, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its academic excellence and wide range of extracurricular activities. The city is also home to Concordia University, a private Christian university affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Major landmarks in Seward include the Seward County Courthouse, an impressive historic structure in the center of town, and the Seward Bandstand, which hosts numerous local events such as the Seward 4th of July celebration. The city is also home to the Seward County Historical Museum, which showcases local history from its early Native American and settler periods. The city park system includes numerous green spaces, such as the Memorial Park, which is dedicated to Seward’s veterans, and the Seward City Park, which offers playgrounds and sports facilities. In addition, Seward is known for its popular annual event, the Seward County Fair, which attracts thousands of visitors each summer.

Milford

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

• Area: 0.87 square miles
• Population: 2,200+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68405
• Latitude: 40.7453° N
• Longitude: 97.0132° W

Location and History:

Milford is located about 15 miles southeast of Seward, along the Big Blue River in the southeastern part of Seward County. The town was founded in 1864, making it one of the county’s earliest established settlements. Its location along the Big Blue River and near major transportation routes contributed to its development as a commercial hub for surrounding rural areas. Early settlers were drawn to the fertile soil and water supply, and Milford quickly became a key center for agriculture and farming. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s further boosted the town’s economy, especially in shipping agricultural products such as grain and livestock. Milford has a rich history of community involvement and agricultural pride, which is reflected in its many local events and community-oriented spirit. Today, Milford remains a small, close-knit town that maintains strong ties to its rural heritage while also providing modern conveniences and services to its residents. The town offers a slower pace of life, making it a desirable place for those seeking a rural lifestyle while still being close to larger urban centers like Lincoln.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Milford Public Schools serves the area, with Milford High School being the central institution for secondary education. The school district is known for its commitment to both academic and extracurricular programs, with a strong sports program and opportunities for arts and music education. Milford is also home to Southeast Community College’s Milford campus, which offers a range of vocational training and associate degrees in various fields. The town’s major landmarks include the historic Milford Depot, which was a key structure during the railroad days and now serves as a local museum. The Big Blue River, which runs through the town, is another important landmark that provides recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. Milford also hosts annual events, such as the Milford Farmers Market and the Milford Fall Festival, which highlight the town’s agricultural roots and community spirit. The Milford City Park is another popular location for outdoor activities, featuring picnic areas, walking trails, and playgrounds for residents to enjoy.

Beaver Crossing

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

• Area: 0.19 square miles
• Population: 500+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68313
• Latitude: 40.8353° N
• Longitude: 97.0522° W

Location and History:

Beaver Crossing is a small village in southeastern Seward County, Nebraska, located about 15 miles east of Seward and 40 miles west of Lincoln. The village was established in 1871 and named after Beaver Creek, which runs through the area. Originally a stop on the railroad, Beaver Crossing grew quickly as a service center for the local farming community. The town’s population peaked in the early 20th century but has since remained relatively small. Despite its size, the town played an important role in the region’s agricultural economy, particularly in grain production and livestock raising. Today, Beaver Crossing remains a rural village, with its economy still rooted in farming and agriculture, though many residents commute to nearby towns like Seward and Lincoln for work. The village has retained its small-town charm, with a focus on maintaining its close-knit community.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Beaver Crossing is part of the Seward Public Schools district, so students attend schools in nearby Seward. The village itself does not have its own school but benefits from the district’s high academic standards and extracurricular offerings. Major landmarks in Beaver Crossing include the historic Beaver Crossing Train Depot, which serves as a reminder of the town’s origins as a railroad stop. The village also boasts a small community park where residents gather for outdoor activities, including picnics, sports, and local events. Although the town is small, its agricultural background is celebrated through local fairs and the annual harvest festival. The surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, bird watching, and visiting nearby farms.

Pleasant Dale

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

• Area: 0.30 square miles
• Population: 300+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68423
• Latitude: 40.7478° N
• Longitude: 97.2743° W

Location and History:

Pleasant Dale is a village located about 20 miles southeast of Seward and 15 miles northwest of Lincoln. The village was founded in 1873 and was named for the surrounding pleasant landscape of rolling hills and fertile farmland. It grew quickly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the railroad brought new settlers and helped facilitate the transport of grain and livestock. Much like other towns in Seward County, Pleasant Dale’s economy has always been centered around agriculture, particularly wheat, corn, and cattle farming. The village is small but has a rich history of local events and a close-knit community. Today, Pleasant Dale is known for its agricultural production, friendly atmosphere, and its quiet, rural lifestyle. While the town has experienced a population decline in recent decades, it still retains many of its original buildings and historical features, including its old railroad depot, which serves as a reminder of the town’s early economic development.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Pleasant Dale is part of the Seward Public Schools district, with students attending schools in Seward. The village doesn’t have its own school but benefits from being part of a district with a solid academic reputation and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Major landmarks in Pleasant Dale include the Pleasant Dale Community Park, where local residents gather for various activities, including picnics and sporting events. The old railroad depot is another important historical landmark, and it reminds visitors of the town’s railroad origins. Additionally, Pleasant Dale is home to several local businesses, some of which have been in operation for generations. Though small, the village hosts community events, such as the annual harvest celebration, which showcases the town’s agricultural history. Its rural setting and proximity to Lincoln also make it a desirable location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while remaining connected to larger urban centers.