Burr
As of the last census, there were about 66 people (or 16 families) calling this charming southwest Otoe County village home. From Syracuse, you can find Burr 6 miles south on HWY 50 and 6 miles west on County Road R.
Douglas
The westernmost village of Otoe County, Douglas boasts approximately 230 people and close proximity to Lincoln, the state capitol. From Palmyra, you can find Douglas 7.7 miles south on Spur 66A.
Dunbar
With a population of about 230 people, this rural village is situated right in between Nebraska City and Syracuse in Otoe County. It is 11 miles west of Nebraska City on HWY 2.
Lorton
Lorton, population 39, is one of the smallest communities of Otoe County, but remains an important point of socialization for area farmers. It covers a total area of 0.1 square miles, all of it land. Locals frequent the popular Lorton Lounge.
Situated on the beautifully wooded Missouri River, Nebraska City is: rural Otoe County’s largest community, the county seat, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Midwest.
Its 7,500 residents are proud to say they’re from the Home of Arbor Day, the National Arbor Day Foundation, Arbor Day Farm, Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Center, and the Mayhew Cabin, which is Nebraska's only site on the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. Although best known for their lush fall foliage and apple harvests, you can experience the splendor of Arbor Day’s hometown year-round. In search of a sun-filled family
adventure or cozy getaway? Visit the Nebraska City pages on this site for the best of the area’s eclectic shops, cafes, wineries, museums (There are 11!), world-class recreation and lodging opportunities. Climb a 50-foot tree-house; lose yourself in the aroma of 300 varieties of lilacs; hone your golf game, sample some of the best cider, microbrews, and wines in the region; cozy up in front of the fireplace on a romantic winter get-away. Go ahead . . . Take Your Pick.
Otoe
Photo Credit: Nebraska City News-Press
Otoe, population 217, is a village in North Central Otoe County. Previously Berlin, the town was renamed after World War I due to prevailing anti-German sentiment. The Otoe Volunteer Fire Department hosts an Annual Mud-Drag racing event the first Saturday of each July. From Syracuse, visit Otoe by driving 3 ½ miles north on HWY 50 and 3 miles east on Spur 66C.
Palmyra
Tucked into the northwest corner of Otoe County with a population of nearly 550, this quaint little community is a prime example of the Nebraska good life.
And this small town celebrates in a big way every June during the annual Palmyra Old Settler’s Picnic. Some of the main attractions at the event include outdoor movies, bingo, a children’s carnival, flea market, baseball games, horseshoeing demonstrations, an antique tractor display, parade, pie eating contest, pedal tractor pull, street dance, and all kinds of delicious food.
Syracuse, population 1,762, is located in the middle of Otoe County, nineteen miles west of Nebraska City and 25 miles southeast of Lincoln on HWY 2. Hometown hospitality and many delightful attractions can be found here.
In July, Syracuse celebrates their rich German heritage with GermanFest. Activities include a parade that features the GermanFest royalty, “der Veiner Schlinger,” craft shows, 5th Street Market, bed races, polka lessons, polka contest, horseshoe tourney, wine tasting and ribs. Syracuse also hosts the Otoe County Fair in mid-August.
The community celebrates the Tannenbaum Festival the first Saturday each December. The day includes extended shopping hours, a visit from Santa, community carolers, tour of homes, a soup supper, and hot cocoa and cookies. It concludes with the lighting of a huge decorated fir tree on 5th Street downtown.
Syracuse is home to the Otoe County Museum of Memories, open April through September on Sundays from 1-4pm.j
A new ball complex was completed in the spring of 2009 and features: 4 baseball diamonds, concession stand, soccer field, basketball and volleyball courts, picnic shelters, and a bike/walk trail. Teams coming for weekend ball tournaments find enjoyable lodging, shopping, and dining all right within town.
Photo Credit: Nebraska City News-Press
This rural community of just over 250 people is on the southern edge of Otoe County, off of Highway 67. Early pioneers selected the land for its extreme fertility and resources. The grain and food this valley continues to produce surely exceeds the dreams of its early settlers.
Each May and November, the volunteer fire and rescue personnel sponsor a popular pancake breakfast that supports the area’s ongoing services.
The annual community-wide Talmage Days festival features an antique tractor and jeep show, pedal tractor games, good food, and a variety of entertainment. Gritzka Lake, on First Street, is the site of the Youth Fishing Derby and is always open for public fishing.
Additional area attractions include: the 125-year-old Zion United Church of Christ where visitors stand in awe of unique tin sanctuary walls that prominently feature “the Little Green Man,” an ancient symbol reminding worshipers of the importance to be good stewards of the earth; the Berg Prairie, a 13-acre natural prairie preserve that is home to over 80 species of plants, several mammals, and, during certain times of the year, neo-tropical birds (Call 402-445-4138 for more information.); and Tri Valley Bank,
one of the oldest banks in the United States, founded in 1884.
The Talmage Public Library was begun in 1904 by efforts of community women with a donation of 80 books. Today, its remodeled and expanded space includes a collection of thousands of books, videos, records, copies of early newspapers, and internet access providing an outstanding source for historical and geneology research. Great for geneology buffs! For current hours, phone 402-264-3875.
The Talmage Community Building is reserved by many for dances and family gatherings. Its central location, air-conditioning, and new kitchen make it a great meeting facility. The reservation book is kept at the bank. Call 402-264-2795.
Unadilla is a village in the northwest region of Otoe County some 20 miles southeast of Lincoln on HWY 2. The population was 342 at the 2000 census.
In 1911, Main Street was consumed by fire. The buildings were rebuilt in their original locations mirroring the curve of the Nemaha river and railroad tracks. This is the only Main Street of its kind in Nebraska and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
In January 1988, the Lt. Governor signed a proclamation declaring Unadilla "Groundhog Capital of Nebraska." Groundhog Day is celebrated the first Saturday in February and is always marked with a parade at 1pm, even during Blizzards. Other activities include a jerky contest, soup contest, crafts fair, and a featured speaker.
Unadilla Day is the third Saturday in June and almost always features city-wide garage sales and BBQ.
In recent years, Unadilla has seen a surge of young families looking for a quieter way of life.