Discover Gordon, Nebraska

A Gateway to the Sandhills on Nebraska Highway 20

Welcome to Gordon, Nebraska

Nestled in the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills, Gordon is a vibrant community where small-town charm meets the beauty of wide-open prairie landscapes. Located along the historic Highway 20, Gordon offers travelers and residents alike a unique slice of the American Midwest, with a rich heritage, friendly faces, and a wealth of outdoor adventures waiting just beyond the city limits.

History and Heritage

Gordon traces its origins back to the late 19th century, when the westward expansion of the railroad brought pioneers seeking new opportunities to the region. Founded in 1885, the city was named after John Gordon, a railroad official who played a pivotal role in its development. The early settlers faced the challenges of the plains with grit and determination, establishing a strong agricultural tradition that continues today.

Historic buildings line the streets of downtown Gordon, bearing witness to over a century of progress and community spirit. The city is proud of its heritage, with local museums and organizations preserving stories from homesteading days, Native American history, and the growth of ranching. Visitors can stroll the downtown district, admire the architecture, and stop by the Gordon Heritage Center to learn more about the area’s past.

Community and Culture

Gordon is more than just a town—it’s a close-knit community where neighbors look out for one another and newcomers are welcomed with open arms. The city’s population hovers around 1,500, creating an atmosphere where everyone is a familiar face. Community events, from summer festivals to holiday parades, draw crowds to Main Street and the city park, fostering a sense of belonging.

Throughout the year, Gordon hosts events that celebrate local culture and traditions. The annual Fur Trade Days highlight the region’s role in early trading routes, with historical reenactments, craft vendors, and live music. The city’s public schools and library serve as hubs for learning and engagement, while local churches and civic groups organize activities that bring people together.

Outdoor Adventure in the Sandhills

The landscape surrounding Gordon is part of the Nebraska Sandhills, a unique ecosystem of rolling grass-covered dunes, wetlands, and rivers. Nature enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for exploration, whether hiking along scenic trails, birdwatching in the nearby Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, or casting a line in one of the area’s tranquil lakes.

Anglers and boaters are drawn to nearby lakes like Gordon Reservoir and Smith Lake, known for their serene waters and abundant fish species. Camping facilities and picnic areas offer perfect spots for family outings or quiet getaways. The Sandhills are also home to diverse wildlife, including deer, coyotes, prairie chickens, and migratory waterfowl—making the region a premier destination for hunting and wildlife photography.

For those seeking the thrill of horseback riding or cycling, local outfitters provide guided tours across the hills and prairies. The wide-open roads around Gordon invite cyclists to experience the wind and sun of Nebraska’s big sky country.

Economic Life and Local Businesses

Gordon’s economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, with cattle ranches and grain farms stretching across the horizon. The city serves as a regional hub for commerce and services, supporting local farmers, ranchers, and small businesses. Visitors will find everything from cozy diners serving homemade pies to modern retail stores carrying supplies for daily life.

Main Street boasts a blend of boutique shops, hardware stores, and family-owned restaurants, each offering a personal touch and genuine hospitality. Farmers markets showcase the bounty of the Sandhills, featuring freshly-picked produce, locally-raised meats, and artisan crafts. The city’s workforce is known for its hardworking ethos, with generations of families contributing to Gordon’s steady growth and resilience.

Education and Family Life

Families in Gordon benefit from strong educational institutions, including the Gordon-Rushville Public Schools, which serve students from preschool through high school. The commitment to academic excellence is matched by extracurricular opportunities in sports, music, and the arts. The local library provides resources for lifelong learning, hosting reading programs, workshops, and community events.

Children grow up with the freedom to explore the outdoors, participate in 4-H clubs, and join community sports leagues. The city’s low crime rate and safe neighborhoods make it an ideal place for raising a family. Healthcare needs are met by the Gordon Memorial Hospital and clinics staffed by dedicated professionals.

Transportation and Access

Gordon’s strategic position on Nebraska Highway 20 gives it excellent connectivity to nearby towns and attractions. The highway itself is part of the historic “Niobrara River Route,” offering scenic drives through rolling hills and prairie vistas. Travelers can reach Gordon by car, and regional airports in Chadron and Valentine provide access to air travel.

For those exploring by RV or motorcycle, the city offers comfortable accommodations, well-maintained roads, and friendly service stations. Roadtrippers find Gordon a convenient stopping point between major destinations, with easy access to lodging, food, and services.

Notable Landmarks and Attractions

• Gordon Heritage Center: A museum dedicated to preserving the area’s history, featuring exhibits on pioneer life and Native American culture.
• Main Street Murals: Vibrant artwork depicting scenes from Gordon’s past and present, created by local artists.
• Gordon Reservoir: Popular for fishing, boating, and picnicking, the reservoir is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
• City Park: The heart of Gordon’s outdoor community, offering playgrounds, walking trails, and spaces for events.

Gordon’s Spirit: A Place to Call Home

Life in Gordon unfolds at a gentle pace, with breathtaking sunrises over the prairie and the sounds of songbirds in the morning. Whether you’re stopping in for a visit or considering a move, you’ll discover a town where tradition meets progress, and where the spirit of the Sandhills is alive in every handshake and smile. From its storied past to its bright future, Gordon, Nebraska stands as a welcoming gateway on Highway 20—a place to explore, connect, and call home.

Plan Your Visit

Planning a trip to Gordon is easy. Information on lodging, dining, and attractions is available at the city’s visitor center and online resources. Local guides are happy to recommend the best hiking spots, fishing lakes, or family-friendly events. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a quiet retreat, Gordon offers something for everyone along the scenic journey of Nebraska Highway 20.

Contact & Learn More

For more information about Gordon, Nebraska, visit www.nebraskahighway20.com or contact the city’s visitor center. We look forward to welcoming you to our community and sharing the beauty and hospitality of the Sandhills.

• Population: 1,504
• Elevation: 3,557 ft (1,084 m)

Gordon is located on the edge of the Sand hills and is the gateway to many area attractions. History abounds in this small town from author Mari Sandoz to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre.
While in Gordon be sure to stop at the Tri-State Cowboy Museum, located in Winship Park on Oak Street and the Sheridan County Historical Society’s Scamahorn Museum on west 5th Street.

Family history can be researched at the Church of Latter Day Saints – Gordon Branch Family History Center.
North of town is the entrance to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where you may see a Pow-Wow, sleep in a teepee, travel through the Badlands and tour the Black Hills of South Dakota.

The reservation has many historical sites that document the role of the Ogalala Sioux Tribe and its people ‘s role in the history of our country.
South of town is the Mari Sandoz Mementoes, which features her home site, bird sanctuary trail, orchard, Writers Quarters and Bookstore.
Gordon is an agricultural community, drawing deeply on its  natural resource of grassland to raise some of the best cattle in the world.

Ranchers pride themselves on “Nebraska Beef”. Wheat, corn, oats and sunflowers are among some of the crops which area farmers grow and produce in abundance.

Hunting opportunities abound; deer, pheasant and even buffalo can be found.

Numerous lakes provide fishing, boating and water sport adventures .

There are spectacular roads providing unique rides for mountain biker s, motorcyclists and hikers.

Try the Gordon Golf and Country Club where you can be challenged by a tough nine-hole course.

The Gordon Swimming Pool, located in one of the many city parks , is open from May to August for the young and old alike. King Pin Lanes and the Gordon Theatre provide quality entertainment for adults and children.

Annual events in Gordon include Sell-A-Bration Saturday held the first Saturday in June which features city-wide yard sales and retailer sidewalk clearance sales .

The local Farmers’ Market begins the first Saturday in June and continues through the month of September.

The Sheridan County Fair and Rodeo is held the third week of August and features a Rodeo Queen con test, Trailer Loading contest, 4-H auction, 3 PRCA Rodeos and a concert, that has attracted many top country performers.
The Willow Tree Festival, held the second full weekend in September, showcases artisans and crafters as well as national and local performance artists as well as food booths that tantalize everyone’s taste buds.

The Sportsman’s Challenge is held the last weekend in September and features sporting clays, golfing and bowling.

Lakota Red Nation Pow-Wow is held the last weekend in November.

Traditional Indian dancers, musicians and performers gather with local national American artisans.

The Christmas season is shared with friends and neighbors through the annual Parade of Homes, held the second Sunday in December.