Chase County Nebraska

Map_of_Nebraska_highlighting_Chase_County

Towns in Chase County:
Grant
Wauneta
Haigler

Chase County, Nebraska

County Seat: Imperial
Founded: 1873 (organized 1886)
Named For: Champion Valley settler and/or U.S. Senator Salmon P. Chase (sources vary)
License Plate Prefix: 29
Population: 3,893 (2020 census)
Area: 894 sq mi

History

Chase County was created in 1873 and organized in 1886. Early settlement was tied to the fertile Frenchman River valley and the arrival of the railroad. Ranching and farming became the backbone of the economy, with Imperial chosen as the county seat. The county’s history is preserved in the Chase County Museum in Imperial, which showcases pioneer life, Native American artifacts, and agricultural heritage.

Geography

Location: Southwestern Nebraska, bordering Colorado
Landscape: High Plains, rolling prairie, Frenchman River valley
Major Highways: U.S. 6, U.S. 61, Nebraska Highway 15
Waterways: Frenchman River, Enders Reservoir

Culture & Landmarks

Chase County Museum (Imperial) – Preserves pioneer, Native American, and agricultural history.
Champion Mill State Historic Site – Nebraska’s last functioning water‑powered mill, now a museum.
Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area – Popular for boating, fishing, camping, and birdwatching.

Notable Communities

Imperial – County seat, cultural and economic hub.
Wauneta – Known for its Harvest Festival and Frenchman River setting.
Champion – Historic village near Champion Mill.
Enders – Gateway to Enders Reservoir.
Lamar – Small historic community founded in 1887.

Events & Festivals

Chase County Fair (Imperial) – One of Nebraska’s largest small‑town fairs, with rodeos, concerts, carnival rides, and food.
Wauneta Harvest Festival – Parade, car show, and community celebration of harvest season.
Smokin’ on Broadway (Imperial) – Summer barbecue competition with food, drinks, and live music.

Natural Attractions & Recreation

Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area – Fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Frenchman River Valley – Scenic drives, birding, and agricultural landscapes.
Hunting & Outdoor Sports – Deer, pheasant, turkey, and waterfowl attract hunters from across the region.

Living in Chase County

Chase County offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with strong community traditions. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, while Imperial provides schools, healthcare, and cultural amenities. With its wide‑open skies, historic sites, and welcoming communities, Chase County is a classic example of life on Nebraska’s High Plains.