Antelope County is located in the northeastern corner of Nebraska and covers an area of 1,018 square miles. It is bordered by Boyd and Holt Counties to the north, Knox County to the east, Wheeler County to the south and Rock County to the west. The county seat is Neligh and its largest city is Clearwater.
The geography of Antelope County consists mainly of rolling hills with some flat areas in between. The terrain is generally more rugged than other parts of Nebraska due to its close proximity to the Missouri River Valley. The majority of Antelope County lies within the Loess Hills region which is characterized by wind-blown silt soils that form steep bluffs and escarpments along rivers and streams.
The county’s topography features several small lakes, ponds, creeks and rivers including Elkhorn River which runs through its eastern border with Knox County. There are also several islands located within Antelope County including Cottonwood Island near Clearwater Lake which provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species.
The climate in Antelope County is typical for Nebraska with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from highs in the mid-80s during summer months to lows in the mid-teens during winter months. Precipitation levels are moderate throughout most of the year with annual averages ranging from about 24 inches in western portions of the county to 28 inches in eastern portions near Elkhorn River Valley.
Overall, Antelope County offers a unique combination of rolling hills, small lakes, ponds, creeks and rivers that make it a great place for outdoor activities such as fishing, camping or hunting as well as simply admiring its scenic beauty. Its diverse economy provides plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to start their own business and its close proximity to the Missouri River Valley offers a wide range of recreational activities.
Country seat and other main cities of Antelope County, Nebraska
Neligh is the county seat of Antelope County, Nebraska located in the northeastern corner of the state. The city was founded in 1873 and is home to over 1,500 people. It serves as the administrative center for the county and has a variety of services and amenities including a post office, library, public schools, banks and shopping centers. Neligh is also home to several historic buildings such as the First Congregational Church which was built in 1887.
According to Countryaah, Clearwater is the largest city in Antelope County with a population of just under 1,000 people. Located near Cottonwood Island on Clearwater Lake, it’s a popular destination for outdoor recreation including fishing, camping and hunting. The city also has its own public school system and offers several services such as banks, restaurants and gas stations.
Tilden is another significant town in Antelope County with a population of around 800 people. It’s located between Neligh and Clearwater and offers a variety of services such as banks, restaurants, retail stores and gas stations. Tilden also has its own post office as well as public schools which serve both Tilden residents and those living in other parts of Antelope County.
Oakdale is located on the eastern edge of Antelope County near Knox County border with a population just over 600 people. It’s known for its scenic views overlooking Elkhorn River Valley which makes it popular among nature lovers looking to enjoy some peaceful time outdoors or take part in recreational activities like fishing or boating on nearby rivers or lakes.
Royal is one of the smallest towns in Antelope County with a population just under 500 people but it still boasts plenty of local amenities such as restaurants, retail stores and gas stations for visitors to enjoy during their stay there. The town can be accessed from either Boyd or Holt counties via highway 20 which runs through Royal making it easy to get from one place to another within Antelope County.
History of Antelope County, Nebraska
Antelope County is located in the northeastern corner of Nebraska and is home to 4,744 people according to the 2019 census. The county has a rich history that dates back to before the mid-1800s when it was first settled by pioneers. The county was officially formed in 1854 and named after the antelope that roamed the area at that time.
In 1855, the first settlers arrived in what is now Antelope County and established a small community called Neligh. This town became the county seat of Antelope County, and over time more settlements were established throughout the area. The settlers were mostly farmers, but some also worked in lumbering, milling, and other trades.
In 1873, Antelope County was officially organized with Neligh as its county seat. Over time several more towns were established throughout Antelope County including Clearwater, Tilden, Oakdale, Royal and Orchard. These towns all served as centers for commerce and transportation for those living within or near their boundaries.
In 1882 railroad lines were constructed through much of Antelope County which further helped to spur economic growth as well as providing convenient transportation links between communities within the county. This increased access to markets outside of Antelope County further encouraged settlement and growth during this period.
Throughout much of its history agriculture has been a major contributor to Antelope County’s economy with corn being one of the main crops grown here due to its suitability for growing in this part of Nebraska’s environment. Other crops such as wheat, oats, barley and hay have also been grown here over time along with livestock such as cattle and hogs being raised locally as well.
Today Antelope County remains largely rural with many small towns scattered throughout its boundaries providing services for local residents including banks, post offices, libraries, schools and other amenities necessary for daily life here today. Despite its small population size today there are still plenty of opportunities available here both economically and socially making it an attractive place to call home for those looking for a peaceful life away from bigger cities nearby.
Economy of Antelope County, Nebraska
The economy of Antelope County, Nebraska is largely driven by agriculture and related industries. The county is located in the Midwestern United States and has a semi-arid climate which makes it well suited for growing corn, wheat, oats, barley and hay. These crops are the mainstay of the agricultural industry here and are grown on a large scale to meet the needs of both local residents as well as those further afield.
Livestock production is also an important part of the economy here with cattle and hogs being raised on farms throughout Antelope County. This provides another source of income for local farmers while also contributing to the overall economy in terms of jobs, taxes and other associated benefits.
In addition to agriculture, there are several other industries that contribute to Antelope County’s economy. Tourism is one such industry with many visitors coming to enjoy the area’s natural beauty which includes rolling hills, rivers, lakes and forests. There are also several historical sites in the area which attract tourists from across the country who come to learn about this part of Nebraska’s past.
Manufacturing is another important sector here with several large companies having operations in Antelope County. These companies produce a wide range of products including paper products, automotive parts as well as food processing equipment among others.
Retail businesses are also prevalent throughout Antelope County providing goods and services for local residents as well as visitors from outside of the area. These businesses range from small corner stores to larger chain stores offering a variety of merchandise including clothing, electronics, furniture and more.
Finally, Antelope County has seen some recent growth in terms of its service industry with new restaurants opening up throughout area offering locals a variety of dining options while providing employment opportunities for those looking for work in this sector.
Overall, Antelope County has seen steady economic growth over time thanks largely to its agricultural base but also due to an increase in manufacturing operations as well as tourism related activities occurring within its boundaries. This has helped create more job opportunities while strengthening businesses already existing here leading to an overall improvement in living standards for those living within or near its borders today.
