Cities and Towns in Thurston County, Nebraska
Founded in 1889, Thurston County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Thurston County was formed from Blackbird County and an Omaha Indian reservation. The city of Pender is the county seat. With FIPS code of 173, Thurston County has a population of 6,620 and area of 394 square miles (1,020 km²).
List of all cities in Thurston County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Macy, NE | 68039 | 402 |
| Pender, NE | 68047 | 402 |
| Rosalie, NE | 68055 | 402 |
| Thurston, NE | 68062 | 402 |
| Walthill, NE | 68067 | 402 |
| Winnebago, NE | 68071 | 402 |
Major Cities and Towns in Thurston County, Nebraska
Pender
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.47 square miles
- Population: 1,000+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68047
- Latitude: 42.0022° N
- Longitude: 96.4449° W
Location and History:
Pender is a small town located in the southeastern corner of Thurston County, Nebraska, about 30 miles north of the Missouri River and 20 miles southwest of Sioux City, Iowa. The town was founded in 1874 and named after a local pioneer, Henry Pender, who played an important role in its early development. Pender grew rapidly with the establishment of the railroad, which brought increased trade, commerce, and settlement to the area. The town was incorporated in 1883 and soon became an agricultural center, serving as a key location for shipping crops and livestock. The surrounding fertile farmland and proximity to major transportation routes made Pender a thriving community throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the town retains much of its rural charm, with agriculture continuing to be a primary economic driver while also serving as a bedroom community for residents working in nearby Sioux City and surrounding towns.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Pender is served by the Pender Public Schools district, which includes Pender High School, an elementary school, and a middle school. The district focuses on providing quality education in a small-town setting with strong community involvement. Pender also has a private school, St. Joseph Catholic School, which serves students in the region. The town’s landmarks include the Thurston County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as the county’s administrative center. Pender is also home to several parks, such as the Pender City Park, which features playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Hubbard Creek and surrounding farmlands provide recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Additionally, the annual Thurston County Fair, held in Pender, is a major community event celebrating the area’s agricultural heritage and bringing together local residents and visitors.
Walthill
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.64 square miles
- Population: 900+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68067
- Latitude: 42.0369° N
- Longitude: 96.4333° W
Location and History:
Walthill is located in the northeastern part of Thurston County, Nebraska, about 10 miles from the Missouri River and 40 miles south of Sioux City, Iowa. The town was founded in 1880 and was named after Walthill H. B. Thomas, a railroad executive who helped establish the town’s first depot. Walthill developed quickly after the arrival of the railroad, becoming a key stop for trade and commerce in the region. The village’s early economy was based on agriculture, with corn, livestock, and grains being the primary commodities. Over the years, Walthill grew as an agricultural center, but it also became known for its Native American heritage, as it is located near the Omaha Indian Reservation. Today, the town is a blend of agricultural and Native American influences, with the Omaha Tribe playing a prominent role in the community. While Walthill remains small, its historical significance and unique cultural heritage make it an important part of Thurston County.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Walthill is served by the Walthill Public Schools district, which includes Walthill High School and an elementary school. The district is known for its commitment to academic excellence, offering both traditional education and programs that honor the town’s Native American heritage. Walthill’s landmarks include the Walthill Community Center, which serves as a hub for local events, meetings, and social gatherings. The nearby Omaha Tribe Reservation is a key feature of the town’s cultural landscape, with several tribal buildings and institutions that celebrate the heritage of the Omaha people. For outdoor enthusiasts, Walthill offers access to several parks and natural areas, including the nearby Missouri River, where residents can enjoy fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The annual Walthill Powwow is another major event in the town, showcasing the vibrant culture and traditions of the Omaha Tribe and drawing visitors from across the region.
Winnebago
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.72 square miles
- Population: 1,500+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68071
- Latitude: 42.0342° N
- Longitude: 96.5092° W
Location and History:
Winnebago is located in the northeastern part of Thurston County, Nebraska, just a few miles from the Missouri River and close to the Iowa state line. The town is situated on the Winnebago Reservation, home to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, also known as the Ho-Chunk Nation. The village was established in the late 19th century, following the relocation of the Winnebago people to this area after being displaced from their original homeland in the Great Lakes region. Over the years, the town and the tribe have faced challenges, including economic hardship and cultural assimilation pressures. However, the Winnebago people have continued to thrive, and the village remains an important center of Native American culture and heritage. The tribe operates a number of enterprises, including casinos, hotels, and agricultural businesses, which contribute to the local economy. Winnebago also has a strong community focus, with cultural events and tribal programs aimed at preserving the language, traditions, and customs of the Winnebago people.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Winnebago is served by the Winnebago Public Schools district, which includes Winnebago High School and an elementary school. The school district provides educational opportunities with an emphasis on both academic achievement and cultural awareness, including programs that teach the Winnebago language and traditions. The town’s key landmarks include the Ho-Chunk Village, which celebrates the history and culture of the Winnebago Tribe, and the Winnebago Heritage Center, where visitors can learn about the tribe’s history, art, and cultural practices. The tribe also operates the Ho-Chunk Gaming casino, which serves as both a recreational and economic hub for the area. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Missouri River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The annual Winnebago Powwow is another important event, showcasing Native American dances, music, and traditions, drawing visitors from across the region and celebrating the vibrant culture of the Winnebago Tribe.
Macy
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.03 square miles
- Population: 1,000+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68039
- Latitude: 41.5606° N
- Longitude: 96.4225° W
Location and History:
Macy is a village located in the western part of Thurston County, Nebraska, and it is situated within the Omaha Indian Reservation. Founded in the late 19th century, Macy was originally established as a settlement for the Omaha Tribe, who had been relocated to the area from their ancestral lands in the Midwest. The village was named after a prominent figure in the Omaha Tribe’s history, and it remains one of the key centers of Native American life in the region. Over the years, Macy has evolved into a community that blends its Native American heritage with modern-day developments. Agriculture, education, and tribal enterprises continue to be important aspects of the town’s economy, and Macy has served as a vital hub for the Omaha people. Despite facing challenges, Macy has remained a vibrant community with a strong sense of cultural pride, and it plays an important role in preserving the traditions and heritage of the Omaha Tribe.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Macy is served by the Omaha Public Schools district, which includes the Omaha Nation High School and an elementary school. The district focuses on providing an education that reflects the community’s Native American heritage while also offering academic programs and extracurricular activities. Key landmarks in Macy include the Omaha Nation Museum, which showcases the history, art, and culture of the Omaha Tribe. The village is also home to the Omaha Tribal Council offices and several other tribal government buildings that serve as the political center for the Omaha people. The nearby Missouri River offers outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Macy’s role as a cultural center for the Omaha Tribe makes it an important landmark in Native American history, and its annual cultural events, such as the Omaha Tribe Powwow, draw people from across the region to celebrate the tribe’s heritage and traditions.
