Brown County Nebraska

Towns in Brown County

Listings in Brown County

Buffalo County, Nebraska

County Seat: Kearney
Founded: 1864 (boundaries set 1855)
Named For: The herds of buffalo that once roamed the Platte River Valley
License Plate Prefix: 9
Population: 50,084 (2020 census)
Area: 968 sq mi

History

Buffalo County was officially organized in 1864, though its boundaries were set by the Territorial Legislature in 1855. The county was named for the vast herds of buffalo that once grazed the Platte River Valley. Fort Kearny, established in 1848, protected travelers along the Oregon Trail and other westward routes. The arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad in the 1860s spurred settlement, and Kearney Junction (later shortened to Kearney) became the county seat after a spirited contest with Gibbon. Agriculture flourished, though early settlers endured hardships such as grasshopper plagues and harsh winters. Today, Buffalo County is a thriving agricultural and educational hub, home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Geography

• Location: Central Nebraska, along the Platte River
• Landscape: Fertile river valley, rolling plains, and prairie hills
• Major Highways: Interstate 80, U.S. Highways 30 & 183, Nebraska Highways 10, 40, 44
• Adjacent Counties: Sherman (N), Hall (E), Adams (SE), Kearney (S), Phelps (SW), Dawson (W), Custer (NW)

Culture & Landmarks

• Great Platte River Road Archway Monument (Kearney) – Spanning I‑80, telling the story of westward migration.
• Fort Kearny State Historical Park – Preserves the site of the 1848 military post.
• Buffalo County Courthouse – Historic courthouse in downtown Kearney.
• University of Nebraska at Kearney – A major educational and cultural institution.

Notable Communities

• Kearney – County seat, largest city, cultural and economic hub.
• Gibbon – Early county seat, historic railroad town.
• Shelton – Community with strong agricultural roots.
• Elm Creek – Historic rail stop, now a small but vibrant town.
• Ravenna – Incorporated in 1886, known for its Czech heritage and festivals.

Events & Attractions

• Sandhill Crane Migration (Platte River) – Each spring, hundreds of thousands of cranes stop along the river, drawing visitors worldwide.
• Kearney Cruise Nite – Annual summer car show and festival.
• Buffalo County Fair – Livestock shows, rodeo, concerts, and community events.
• Archway Events – Educational programs and cultural exhibits at the Archway Monument.

Living in Buffalo County

Buffalo County blends the vitality of Kearney with the charm of small towns and rural landscapes. With strong schools, a major university, cultural attractions, and access to the Platte River, it offers both opportunity and quality of life. Agriculture, education, and healthcare anchor the economy, while community pride and hospitality define daily life.