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Mar 16
2009
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In the mid 1800s, when Nebraska was referred to as "The Great American Desert," the area now known as Dodge County - nestled in a valley between the Platte and the Elkhorn rivers - offered an ideal location for settlers and railroad developers. Today, the area still attracts residents, visitors and businesses with its natural resources, beauty and convenience. Located only 20 minutes from Omaha and 1 hour from Lincoln, the county prides itself for its "small town friendliness with big city access."
Fremont, the largest city in Dodge County, is home to 25, 000 of the county's 36,000 residents. Named for explorer Gen. John C. Fremont, "the Great Pathfinder" who once ran for U.S. president, the city celebrates its heritage every July with John C. Fremont Days. This festival includes a parade, carnival, living history encampments and even a SPAM recipe cook-off. (The famous canned meat is produced in town.)
Though it is known as the Antiques Capital of Eastern Nebraska, other features of Dodge County attract those with more modern interests. For example, at the Nebraska Motorplex in Scribner, dragsters race at speeds of up to 300 mph. People who wish to explore the area at a slower pace can enjoy a scenic ride on the Fremont and Elkhorn Valley Railway, which also offers a formal dinner ride on its historic locomotive. Additionally, over 800,000 people per year come to the Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area to swim, fish, and boat on 20 lakes scattered over 600 acres of land.
Dodge County is attracting an increasing number of residents to the county, from those who work in the local agribusiness, food processing, metal and electronics industries, to commuters and retirees. With modern health facilities, impressive local and public schools, a private four-year college, and an extension of Omaha's Metropolitan Community College, the area has earned a reputation as not only a charming place to visit, but also a great location to settle.
