Nebraska State Maps

These maps show Nebraska State’s Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.




Nebraska County Map

The 93 Counties in Nebraska and Their Name Origins



Nebraska County Sizes Map

Nebraska State County Sizes Map

Smallest County in Nebraska State

Sarpy County: 247 sq miles

Largest County in Nebraska State

Cherry County: 5978 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Counties in Nebraska State

Mean Area: 576 sq miles

Median Area: 573 sq miles

Nebraska Major Cities Map

Major Cities of Nebraska State and Their Locations

In Nebraska State, most major cities are located near important transportation routes or river systems. Below are some examples:

1. Omaha

Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska and is located along the Missouri River in the eastern part of the state. It is a major economic hub, known for its rich history in transportation and trade, particularly through its railroads and stockyards. Omaha is home to Fortune 500 companies and several cultural landmarks, including the Henry Doorly Zoo and the historic Old Market district.

2. Lincoln

Lincoln, the state capital, is located in southeastern Nebraska. It serves as the political and administrative center of the state and is home to the University of Nebraska. Lincoln is known for its vibrant downtown, historic buildings, and its role as a regional economic hub, particularly in education, healthcare, and government.

3. North Platte

North Platte is located in west-central Nebraska and is famous for its connection to the Union Pacific Railroad, specifically Bailey Yard, the largest railroad classification yard in the world. The city has a strong railroad history and offers a variety of attractions, including the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park.

4. Scottsbluff

Scottsbluff is located in western Nebraska near the Wyoming border. It is the largest city in the Nebraska Panhandle and serves as an agricultural and regional service center. The nearby Scotts Bluff National Monument is a prominent landmark, and the area is rich in pioneer history, playing a key role in the Oregon Trail.

5. Ogallala

Ogallala, located in southwestern Nebraska, was once a major stop along the historic cattle drives of the Texas Trail. Today, it is a gateway to Lake McConaughy, Nebraska's largest reservoir, offering recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and camping. Ogallala is also known for its Wild West history.

6. Grand Island

Grand Island is located in central Nebraska and is a key city for agricultural processing and transportation. It is home to the Nebraska State Fair and has a growing economy driven by manufacturing, agriculture, and retail. The city is also known for the Crane Trust, which protects the habitat of migrating sandhill cranes.

7. Kearney

Kearney is located in central Nebraska along the Platte River. It is a growing city with a strong economy based on agriculture, education, and manufacturing. Kearney is home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the Great Platte River Road Archway, which commemorates the westward expansion of the United States.

8. Norfolk

Norfolk, located in northeastern Nebraska, serves as a regional hub for agriculture and healthcare. The city has a rich railroad history and is a key commercial center for surrounding rural areas. Norfolk is also known for its parks and recreational areas along the Elkhorn River.

9. Falls City

Falls City is located in southeastern Nebraska, near the Missouri River. Historically, it was a key transportation and trading post. Today, Falls City is a smaller, agriculturally focused community with a rich history, including connections to early pioneers and river commerce.

10. Hastings

Hastings is located in south-central Nebraska and is known for its role in the development of Kool-Aid, the famous soft drink. The city has a strong agricultural base and is home to several historical sites, including the Hastings Museum. Hastings College is also located in the city, contributing to its educational and cultural offerings.

11. Valentine

Valentine is located in north-central Nebraska near the South Dakota border. Known as the "Heart City," Valentine is a gateway to the scenic Niobrara River Valley, which offers canoeing, tubing, and other outdoor recreational activities. The city is also near the Nebraska Sandhills and the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge.

12. McCook

McCook is located in southwestern Nebraska and is known for its agricultural economy and historical significance. It was the home of U.S. Senator George Norris, a key figure in New Deal legislation and rural electrification. The city also serves as a regional service center for surrounding rural communities.

Nebraska Federal Lands Map

Notable Federal Lands in Nebraska: Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations

1. Oglala National Grassland

Oglala National Grassland is located in the northwestern corner of Nebraska, near the borders with South Dakota and Wyoming. This vast grassland spans over 94,000 acres and is known for its wide-open prairies, buttes, and badlands. It offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring geological features like the Toadstool Geologic Park, which showcases ancient rock formations shaped by wind and water erosion.

2. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, located in northwestern Nebraska, is a significant paleontological site featuring some of the world's best-preserved Miocene Epoch fossils, including ancient mammals. Visitors can explore the museum and trails that highlight the fossil discoveries, as well as learn about the area's Native American heritage, particularly through its connection to the Lakota Sioux.

3. Nebraska National Forest

The Nebraska National Forest, which spans over 141,000 acres, is unique for its large hand-planted forest. Located in the Sandhills and Pine Ridge areas of Nebraska, it features a diverse mix of grasslands, forests, and recreational opportunities. Popular activities include camping, hiking, hunting, and observing wildlife. The Bessey Ranger District near Halsey contains one of the largest hand-planted forests in the world.

4. Valentine National Wildlife Refuge

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, located in north-central Nebraska in the Sandhills region, covers more than 71,000 acres of grasslands, wetlands, and lakes. It serves as an important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, fishing, and hiking, while the refuge's scenic lakes and rolling hills offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife observation.

5. Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, located in north-central Nebraska, covers around 116,000 acres and is characterized by mixed grass prairie and ponderosa pine forests. It is a popular destination for camping, hiking, and birdwatching, offering visitors the chance to experience the beauty of Nebraska's Sandhills and its wildlife.

6. Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is located near Valentine, Nebraska, and spans approximately 19,000 acres. The refuge is known for its diverse wildlife, including bison, elk, and prairie dogs, as well as its scenic Niobrara River, which is popular for canoeing and kayaking. Visitors can also explore the refuge's hiking trails and enjoy the beautiful Niobrara River Valley.

7. Hugh Butler Lake

Hugh Butler Lake, located in southwestern Nebraska, is a man-made reservoir offering a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and camping. The lake is surrounded by scenic landscapes and is popular for anglers looking to catch walleye, white bass, and crappie. It also provides important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

8. DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is located along the Missouri River on the Nebraska-Iowa border. It spans more than 8,000 acres and is a key stopover point for migratory birds, particularly snow geese and bald eagles. The refuge also has historical significance, as it preserves the remains of the steamboat Bertrand, which sank in 1865. Visitors can explore the museum, view wildlife, and enjoy hiking and fishing in the area.

9. North Platte National Wildlife Refuge

North Platte National Wildlife Refuge is located in western Nebraska and encompasses several bodies of water, including Lake Minatare. It provides critical habitat for migratory waterfowl, bald eagles, and other wildlife. The refuge offers recreational opportunities such as wildlife viewing, birdwatching, fishing, and photography, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.



Nebraska State Shaded Relief Map

Topographic Tour of Nebraska

Nebraska State offers a diverse range of terrains, shaped by its unique geology, climate, and natural features. From vast grasslands to rolling sand dunes, and from river valleys to rugged buttes, the state presents a rich tapestry of landforms. Below are some of the key topographic features that define Nebraska’s landscape:

1. Nebraska Sandhills

The Sandhills, located in north-central Nebraska, are the largest sand dune formation in the Western Hemisphere, covering nearly a quarter of the state. These stabilized dunes are covered with native grasses and serve as critical recharge areas for the High Plains Aquifer.

2. Loess Hills

These hills, found in the eastern part of Nebraska, were formed by wind-deposited silt called loess during the last Ice Age. The rolling hills provide fertile soils for agriculture and are a distinctive feature of the state’s topography.

3. Pine Ridge

Located in the northwestern part of Nebraska, Pine Ridge is a rugged escarpment covered with ponderosa pine forests. It features cliffs, canyons, and buttes, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding plains. The region is home to wildlife such as bighorn sheep and provides opportunities for hiking and camping.

4. Platte River Valley

The Platte River Valley runs through the heart of Nebraska, providing a wide, flat corridor that has historically been an important route for transportation and migration. The river supports extensive agriculture and serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds like sandhill cranes.

8. Ogallala High Plains

The western part of Nebraska is characterized by the high plains, which feature flat to gently rolling terrain. This region is semi-arid and primarily used for cattle ranching and dryland farming. The Ogallala Aquifer, a key water source for the region, lies beneath these plains.

9. Scotts Bluff National Monument

Scotts Bluff, located in western Nebraska, is a prominent geological formation that served as an important landmark for pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail. The towering bluff and surrounding badlands provide a dramatic contrast to the flat plains and are a popular destination for visitors.

Nebraska Ecoregions Map

Ecoregions of Nebraska

Central Dissected Till Plains Section

This ecoregion is characterized by rolling hills and valleys formed by glacial deposits. The fertile soils in this region support extensive agriculture, particularly corn and soybean farming. The landscape includes a mix of grasslands, woodlands, and agricultural fields.

Central High Plains Section

The Central High Plains feature flat to gently rolling terrain, with a mix of shortgrass prairie and agricultural land. This ecoregion experiences a semi-arid climate and is dominated by ranching and dryland farming, with crops like wheat and sorghum.

Central High Tablelands Section

This ecoregion consists of elevated, flat tablelands that are dissected by canyons and river valleys. The area is primarily used for cattle grazing, with some irrigated agriculture in the river valleys. The dry climate and higher elevation give this region a distinctive landscape.

Central Loess Plains Section

The Central Loess Plains are characterized by deep loess (wind-blown silt) deposits, which create gently rolling hills. The region is primarily agricultural, with productive soils that support corn, soybeans, and wheat. Grasslands remain in less developed areas.

Nebraska Sand Hills Section

The Nebraska Sand Hills are the largest dune field in the Western Hemisphere, covered in native grasses. This unique ecoregion is largely undisturbed and supports cattle ranching. The Sand Hills are critical for groundwater recharge and are home to a variety of wildlife.

North-Central Glaciated Plains Section

This ecoregion is marked by its glacial history, with rolling hills, flat plains, and numerous wetlands and lakes. Agriculture is dominant here, with corn, soybeans, and wheat as major crops. Wetlands in this region provide important habitat for migratory birds.

North-Central Great Plains Section

The North-Central Great Plains are characterized by a mix of grasslands and cropland. This region has more rugged topography than the Central High Plains, with ridges, valleys, and occasional badlands. Agriculture and ranching are the primary land uses.

Northwestern Great Plains Section

The Northwestern Great Plains feature a semi-arid climate, rolling hills, and large areas of native grassland. This sparsely populated region is mainly used for cattle grazing, with limited agriculture. The ecoregion also includes some areas of exposed bedrock and badlands.

South-Central Great Plains Section

This ecoregion is known for its broad, flat plains and extensive agriculture, including irrigated crops. The climate is semi-arid, and much of the natural grassland has been converted to cropland. The region also contains important aquifers that support irrigation.

Western Glaciated Plains Section

The Western Glaciated Plains are characterized by rolling terrain and small hills formed by glacial activity. This ecoregion has fertile soils and supports a mix of agriculture and prairie. It is an important area for both farming and wildlife habitats, particularly for migratory birds.

Nebraska Physiographic Map

Physiographic Regions of Nebraska

Central Lowland, Dissected Till Plains

This region is characterized by rolling hills and valleys that were formed by glacial deposits during the last Ice Age. The fertile soils in the Dissected Till Plains support extensive agriculture, particularly corn and soybean production. The terrain is primarily composed of loess, glacial till, and alluvial deposits, with numerous rivers and streams crisscrossing the landscape.

Great Plains, High Plains

The High Plains are a flat to gently rolling region that forms part of the western Great Plains. This area is semi-arid, with much of the land used for cattle ranching and dryland farming. The High Plains are distinguished by their higher elevation and extensive grasslands, with some areas irrigated for crops like wheat and sorghum.

Great Plains, Missouri Plateau, Glaciated

The Glaciated Missouri Plateau lies in northeastern Nebraska and extends into the Dakotas. This region features rolling hills and valleys shaped by glacial deposits, with areas of wetlands, lakes, and rivers. The fertile soils here are highly suitable for agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and wheat being the primary crops. The region also supports important wildlife habitats.

Great Plains, Missouri Plateau, Unglaciated

Located in western Nebraska, the Unglaciated Missouri Plateau has a more rugged topography compared to its glaciated counterpart. This region is characterized by steep valleys, buttes, and badlands. It is primarily used for cattle ranching, with limited crop production due to the dry climate and rocky terrain. The area retains much of its native grassland and wildlife habitats.

Great Plains, Plains Border

The Plains Border region lies along the western edge of the Great Plains and is marked by its transitional geography between the flat plains and the more rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains. This region includes areas of rolling hills, mesas, and river valleys. It supports a mix of agriculture and grazing, and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.