Chase County, Nebraska is located in the southwestern corner of the state, bordered by Dundy and Perkins counties to the north and Keith County to the south. It covers an area of 964 square miles and is home to a population of 3,778 people according to the 2020 census. The county seat is Imperial, which also serves as the largest city in Chase County.
According to theinternetfaqs.com, the area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes including Pawnee, Otoe and Sioux before white settlers arrived in the late 19th century. The county was officially established in 1873 when it separated from Dundy County and was named after Salmon P. Chase, an American politician who served as Secretary of the Treasury under President Abraham Lincoln.
Today, Chase County is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities such as hunting, fishing, camping and hiking along its many rivers and streams. It also offers visitors a glimpse into its rich history with several museums located throughout Imperial such as The Pioneer Museum or The Fort McPherson Museum. Other popular attractions include Wauneta Beach State Recreation Area where visitors can enjoy swimming or boating on Lake McConaughy or take a scenic drive down Highway 61 which passes through some of Nebraska’s most picturesque landscapes.
Chase County has been home to several famous people throughout history including author Willa Cather who wrote her acclaimed novel “My Antonia” while living in Red Cloud; actor Gene Hackman who grew up in Imperial; and astronaut Clayton Anderson who was born in Hubbell.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or cultural experiences, Chase County has something for everyone to explore. From its fascinating history to its numerous attractions, this charming county is sure to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.
Climate and weather in Chase County, Nebraska
According to ehuacom.com, Chase County, Nebraska has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Average high temperatures in the summer months range from the mid-80s F (high 20s C) in June to the low 90s F (low 30s C) in July and August. Average lows during this time are in the mid-60s F (high teens C). Winters are typically cold and dry with average highs ranging from the mid-30s F (near 0 C) in December to the low 40s F (low 5 C) in February and lows around 10°F (-12°C). Snowfall is light throughout most of the winter, averaging around 10 inches per month between December and February.
Rainfall is generally light throughout most of Chase County with an average of 12 inches per year, however, there can be occasional thunderstorms during summer months which can bring heavy rains. Strong winds can also be common, especially during spring months when they can reach up to 20 mph on some days.
Despite its relatively dry climate, Chase County does tend to get quite humid during summer months with an average humidity of 60%. This can make it feel hotter than temperatures indicate so it’s important to stay hydrated when spending time outdoors.
Transportation in Chase County, Nebraska
Chase County, Nebraska is served by a variety of transportation options that make getting around the county and beyond easy and convenient.
The primary means of transportation in Chase County is by car. The county is served by several highways including I-80, US-6, US-34, US-83, and Nebraska Highway 61 which passes through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the state. In addition to these major highways, there are also several county roads that provide access to many of the smaller towns in the area.
Public transportation in Chase County is provided by the Bison Bus System which serves Imperial and other nearby towns. The bus system operates several routes throughout the day with stops at various points throughout Chase County as well as connections to other cities in Nebraska such as North Platte and Omaha.
For those who prefer to travel by air, there is an airport located just outside of Imperial which offers daily flights to Denver International Airport with connections to destinations all over the world. The airport also offers charter services for private flights and can accommodate larger aircraft such as corporate jets.
Finally, there are also numerous taxi services available throughout Chase County for those who need a quick ride or want a more personalized experience when traveling around town or out of state.
Cities and towns in Chase County, Nebraska
Chase County, Nebraska is home to several cities and towns that offer a range of amenities and activities for locals and visitors alike.
The county seat of Imperial is the largest city in Chase County, with a population of around 3,000 people. Imperial is known for its historic downtown area with several shops, restaurants, and attractions. The city also hosts several annual festivals such as the Imperial Festival of Trees during the holidays and the Chase County Fair in the summer.
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, other cities in Chase County include Wauneta which has a population of around 800 people and is home to the Wauneta Roller Mills which produces stone-ground flour from locally-grown grains. The town also hosts an annual Harvest Festival that celebrates local farmers.
The town of Enders has a population of just over 200 people and is known for its scenic views of nearby lakes such as Enders Lake. The town also has several parks including Enders State Park which offers camping, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking trails, and more.
Lamar is another small town located in Chase County with a population of just over 300 people. Lamar boasts an impressive collection of vintage buildings along its main street as well as a historic train depot that serves as the hub for Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer route between Oklahoma City and Chicago.
Finally, there are several smaller communities scattered throughout Chase County including Madrid which was founded in 1875 by Spanish settlers; Venango which features an old-fashioned general store; Ough which was once home to outlaws; and Champion which was named after a champion bulldog owned by one of its first settlers.