Northeast Region, NE Land for Sale

The Northeast region of Nebraska is in the upper eastern corner of the state and borders Iowa to the east and South Dakota to the north. The largest cities in the region include Wayne, West Point, Norfolk, Schuyler and Columbus. Winnebago Indian Reservation is located in the region, and features an annual powwow open to the public where tribes in the U.S. gather to sing, dance and perform traditional ceremonies.

The economy of the Nebraska's Northeast region is primarily based in agriculture and smaller businesses, though wind farms have recently boosted the economy. Central Community College, Little Priest Tribal College, Nebraska Indian Community College and Northeast Community College are located in the Northeast region. Wayne State College is a highlight in the region, with enrollment of 3,500, it also features a planetarium and an arboretum which are open to the public.

There are a few protected areas in the region, which include Buckskin Hills State Wildlife Management Area, Hasemann Wildlife Management Area, Niobara State Park, Ponca State Park, Whitetail Wildlife Management Area and Wilkinson Wildlife Management Area. Lake Babcock, a 600-acre lake and Lake North, a 200-acre lake, offer fishing, waterskiing, jet skiing, swimming, boating, camping, biking, hiking and picnicking. Some additional attractions in the Northeast region include Platte County Historical Society Museum, Columbus Art Gallery, Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial, U.S. 30 Speedway and Riviera Raceway, which feature stock car racing, Columbus Racetrack, featuring horse racing, Ponca Tribal Museum, Niobara Museum, which includes many exhibits relating to automobiles, farms and local history, Elkhorn Valley Museum and Research Center, Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail at Ta-Ha- Zouka Park, with trails for walking, biking and horseback riding, and the Klown Doll Museum, with more than 7,000 unique clown dolls. The region also features many vineyards and breweries, a nationally-known comedy festival and jazz festivals.

Platte County is located in the southern part of Nebraska's Northeast region. It is named for the Platte River which runs through the county. Columbus is the largest city and the county seat. Other cities are Humphrey and Newman Grove, and there are 30 other villages, townships and unincorporated communities. University of Nebraska- Lincoln has an extension in Platte County which contributes to the county's economic development. Central Community College, Platte County has been listed by CNN/Money Magazine as the "Third Best Place to Find a Job." The economy is primarily focused on manufacturing, technology, data centers and food processing. There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, camping, boating and other water activities at recreation areas along the Loup Power Canal, Lake North, Babcock Lake and on the Loup and Platte Rivers. Columbus itself features 11 parks, 16 tennis courts, municipal and country club golf courses, three pools, two bowling alleys, an Arts Council and the Platte County Playhouse. Some additional attractions in the county include Horn T Zoo, a water park, 1857 Gottschalk Cabin, the home of one of the original 13 founders of Columbus, Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial, Glur's Tavern, built in 1876, the oldest continuously-operated tavern west of the Missouri River, Platte County Museum and Courthouse and Bob Lake Trail.

Dakota County is located in the northeast corner of Nebraska's Northeast region, and borders Iowa to the east and South Dakota to the northeast, and is separated from both by the Missouri River. It is the second smallest county in the state by area. It is named for the historic Dakota Sioux tribe, who were indigenous in the region. Dakota City is the county seat, but South Sioux City is the largest city, the 14th largest city in Nebraska, and there are seven other villages and unincorporated communities. The county's economy has a strong heritage in agriculture. A large beef production plant is located in Dakota City. The Annual Art Show is held in South Sioux City in April and features artists from throughout the United States. Some attractions in the county include O'Connor House, a restored 19th century mansion, Machinery Museum, and several other historical markers and landmarks, including Combs School, the oldest school building in the county, built in 1857, Tonwantonga Historical Marker, a monument to the 1,100 Indian people who lived in the area prior to 1850, and Emmanuel Lutheran Church, the oldest church in Nebraska Territory, built in 1860.