Dodge, Nebraska
The original interlocking red brick road paves the entire length of 2nd Street in Dodge, Nebraska, like it is frozen in time. The quaint city center embraces its heritage buildings, as most of them have been left untouched. Residents and passersby may enjoy highly rated restaurants and explore different green spaces around the town. The old water tower is reminiscent of the famous Warner Brothers' water tower. A village that is almost the same size as the average American neighborhood is a safe place for children to walk or ride their bikes from one end to the other.
Climate And Geography Of Dodge
In Western Nebraska, Dodge is situated next to a windy branch of Pebble Creek and positioned at 1401 feet above sea level. It is a relatively flat town that is surrounded by the rolling hills of the tallgrass prairie of Nebraska. Seventy-five miles south is the state capital, the city of Lincoln. The Missouri River divides Iowa state from Nebraska just 71 miles east of Dodge. One and a half hours north is where the Big Sioux River begins and detaches from the Missouri River. This pivotal point of interest is where the states of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota border each other.
Summer in Dodge is rated comfortable according to the comfort index. The days are long and sunny, with 215 days of sunshine annually. The temperature can reach above 86˚F. Twenty of those days will see temperatures higher than 90˚F. Fall in Dodge County is cool and dry. By the beginning of November, temperatures will drop below freezing. The cold and wet weather transforms Dodge into a winter wonderland. It is snowier than most places in the U.S., as around 30 inches of snow accumulates throughout the winter months. Spring may be the driest season but almost matches the snowfall depth, with 31 inches of rainfall each year.
Brief History Of Dodge
For over 700 years, the Pawnee Tribe resided north of the Platt River. Beyond 60,000 members of the tribe, the colony branched off into four definite bands. As the U.S. government formed and evaluated different native tribes, they considered the Pawnees to be extremely friendly. Throughout history, the Pawnees have worked closely with the U.S. government and fought with them in multiple battles.
Moving forward to 1872, a lonely post office was stationed in Dodge County and was controlled by Anton Bartosh. Word got around that a railroad was going to be constructed nearby, which attracted many European immigrants to the area. The drawings claimed that it would run adjacent to South Branch Pebble Creek and bypass the post office in Dodge. The town was founded on August 10, 1886, and the post office was relocated to the center of town.
Population And Economy Of Dodge
The town of Dodge covers a small area of 0.4 square miles. The village services include a library, cemetery, post office, dentist, police, fire, and rescue services. The village's population has decreased from 611 residents in 2010 to recently assessed at 590 people. Caucasian is the only ethnicity within the town's limits and the average age is 52.2 years old. The poverty rate is under 12% with the median household income being $57,450 annually. Roughly $77,000 is the average price of a detached home in Dodge. In 2019, the municipality employed just over 220 citizens with the main industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. The highest paying profession is tied with transportation and educational services.
Attractions In Dodge
Robin's Nest Garden of Hope
Steps away from the center of Dodge, people can find a garden and a pink pathway in the shape of a ribbon. The garden had been constructed to pay respects to a local woman who lost her life to breast cancer and any other patients battling the illness. Along the walkway lies 28 different colored ribbons to identify different types of cancers. Flowers and trees line the trail with lamps to illuminate at night.
Eat Restaurant
Set in the heart of Dodge, Eat Restaurant is the highest-rated eatery in the area. The interior is beautifully restored to its original state. Crown molding and beautiful light fixtures bring out its true character. The dining room is set in the early 1900s and is a former lobby of the town bank. Reviews say that the staff is extremely friendly, and the food is homemade American quality.
Holsten Park
Holsten Park stretches to Holsten Memorial Park, which covers a third of the town's land area. Scattered across the park are baseball diamonds, a football field, a local pool, and an indoor auditorium. On the baseball diamonds, locals can catch a Dodge Count League baseball game. When the temperatures are scorching, many residents cool off in the village pool or nearby creeks.
