Chase County, Nebraska

County Seat: Imperial
Founded: 1873 (organized in 1886)
Named For: Champion S. Chase, Nebraska’s first Attorney General
License Plate Prefix: 29
Population: 3,893 (2020 census)
Area: 894 sq mi

History

Chase County was established in 1873 and named after Champion S. Chase, Nebraska’s first Attorney General and a prominent early political figure. The county remained sparsely settled until the mid‑1880s, when homesteaders arrived following the expansion of railroads and the promotion of agricultural opportunities on the High Plains.

Imperial was selected as the county seat after a series of early settlement disputes. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the county’s economy, with dryland farming, cattle operations, and later irrigation transforming the region. The construction of Enders Reservoir in the 1950s provided a major boost to recreation, water management, and local development.

Geography

Location: Southwestern Nebraska, part of the High Plains region
Landscape: Rolling prairie, agricultural land, canyons, and the Frenchman River valley

Adjacent Counties:

• Perkins County (north)
• Hayes County (east)
• Dundy County (south)
• Yuma County, Colorado (southwest)
• Phillips County, Colorado (west)

Culture & Landmarks

• Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area – Fishing, camping, boating, and wildlife viewing.
• Champion Mill State Historical Park – Nebraska’s last functioning water‑powered mill, preserved as a historic site.
• Frenchman River Valley – Scenic landscapes central to the county’s agricultural heritage.

Notable Communities

• Imperial – County seat and largest community.
• Wauneta – Known for the historic Wauneta Roller Mills.
• Champion – Home to Champion Mill and Enders Reservoir access.
• Lamar – Small rural community in northern Chase County.
• Enders – Community near the reservoir and recreation area.

Events & Attractions

• Chase County Fair & Expo – One of Nebraska’s largest county fairs, featuring concerts, rodeo events, and exhibits.
• Enders Reservoir Recreation – Popular for fishing, boating, birdwatching, and camping.
• Historic Mill Tours – Explore the preserved water‑powered mill at Champion.

Living in Chase County

Chase County offers a rural lifestyle centered around agriculture, outdoor recreation, and small‑town community life. Imperial provides essential services, schools, and businesses, while the county’s natural features — including Enders Reservoir and the Frenchman River — support a strong outdoor culture. Residents value the area’s quiet pace, open landscapes, and deep agricultural roots.