Polk County, NE
The famous Platte River enters Polk county on the
western boundary cutting off a triangular piece
from the northwest corner and forms the northern
boundary. A beautiful and exceedingly fertile valley
stretches back from the river a distance ranging
between fifteen and twenty miles, when a line of
low hills separates the valley from the upland.
Many early settlers were Swedish and German
people who had come in search of land in the new
world. Word was carried back across the waters
to relatives and friends, who then came directly to
Polk County where they filed claims of their own
or purchased railroad land.
Osceola, named after the Seminole Chief Osceola lies at the geographical center of the county and was
made the county seat in 1870. The handsome courthouse and the Polk County Historical Society
Museum are located in Osceola. Four governors have come from the community: Albimus Nance served
Nebraska 1879-83, John Mickey from 1902-007, Ashton Shallenberger from 1909-11 then ten years
in Congress, and Stanley Hathoway was Wyoming's governor 1966-74.
South of Osceola and located on Highway 81, Stromsburg was proclaimed to be "The Swede Capital
of Nebraska" at the Swedish Festival in June 1966 by Governor Frank Morrison. Over 10,000 visitors
enjoy the Swedish Festival each June as well as the Midwest Park Arboretum and the scenic walkways
between the City Park and beautiful Buckley Park.
Explore Polk County
Victor E. Wilson House
The dwelling was built for Swedish immigrant Victor E. Wilson, who was elected to the state legislature in 1909. During the teens Wilson served
Stromsburg, NE National RegisterPolk County Historical Society Museum
John H. Mickey, a businessman and politician was an influential and respected citizen of Osceola and president of the State Bank of Osceola. He was
Osceola, NE MuseumsRecreation
Camping - Free camping and RV hook-ups at Buckley Park. Recent up-grading in the electrical wiring has made it possible to provide power for
Stromsburg, NE RecreationHistoric Downtown Buildings
By 1882 Stromsburg had two brickyards furnishing material for businesses, churches, and homes. Buildings of "native brick" still standing include the opera house (
Stromsburg, NEMidwest Park Arboretum & Sculpture
Midwest Park Arboretum in the northeast part of Stromsburg has more than 75 different varieties of trees and plants, with more added each year.
Stromsburg, NE ArtsCity Park
The City Square Park is in full view to travelers on the busy Highway 81 which passes on the west side of the Square. To commemorate the new millennium 2000
Stromsburg, NESwedish Festival
Held the 3rd weekend in June each year.
Stromsburg looks forward to its 50th annual celebration in 2002.
Stromsburg, NE Festivals
Clarks Historic Site
The Grand band of the Pawnee established this village some time after 1823 and remained there until about 1845. There is evidence that other bands lived at Clarks during the 1840s. The village was besieged and burned by the Delaware Indians in 1832
Osceola, NE ArchaeologyMorrill Farmstead - NHR
The Charles H. Morrill Homestead, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located on a picturesque site near the Big Blue
Stromsburg, NE National RegisterBuckley Park and Two Parks Trail
RV Camping
It is remarkable for a town the size of Stromsburg to have three beautiful and unique parks with a walking trail connecting two of them. The city
Stromsburg, NE RecreationFawley Fountain
The Frawley Fountain has been the focal point of the City Square since the late 1800's. The fountain was placed on the east side of the park by J. A. Frawley and has been recently refurbished by his descendants.
Stromsburg, NE Arts
Ryan Hill Country Club
Course Access: Semi-Private
Holes: 9
Reserve Advance Tee Times: