Clearwater, Nebraska

Clearwater, Nebraska is a welcoming community in Antelope County, located directly along Nebraska Highway 275 and the Cowboy Trail Corridor.
Clearwater serves as a key link between Ewing, Neligh, Orchard, and Inman, offering trail access, regional services, and a strong connection to the Summerland school district.

Location

• County: Antelope County
• Region: Northeast Region
• Primary Corridor: NE‑275
• Trails: Cowboy Trail (direct access)
• Nearby Towns:
  Ewing (6 miles northwest),
  Neligh (12 miles southeast),
  Orchard (14 miles west),
  Inman (16 miles northwest)

Adjacent Towns

• Ewing – 6 miles northwest
• Neligh – 12 miles southeast
• Orchard – 14 miles west
• Inman – 16 miles northwest

Adjacent Counties

• Antelope County (surrounding)
• Holt County (north and west)

Points of Interest Near Clearwater

Outdoor & Recreation

• Cowboy Trail – Direct access to the
  Cowboy Trail Corridor
• Elkhorn River recreation areas
• Clearwater Rodeo Grounds
• Nearby parks and recreation in Neligh and Ewing

Cultural & Historical

• Historic railroad community along the former Chicago & North Western line
• Highway 275 corridor history
• Part of the Summerland school region

Nearby Events

• Clearwater Rodeo
• Summerland school events
• Community events in Neligh, Orchard, and Ewing

Extended Historical Background

Clearwater developed as a railroad and agricultural community along the Chicago & North Western line. Its location along the Elkhorn River valley made it a natural gathering point for early settlers, ranchers, and farmers.

With the rise of Highway 275, Clearwater became a key link between Ewing, Neligh, and Orchard. The corridor strengthened Clearwater’s role as a service town and regional connector.

The conversion of the former rail line into the Cowboy Trail added a new chapter to Clearwater’s history. Today, the town serves as a midpoint between Ewing and Neligh, offering trail access, prairie scenery, and a connection to Nebraska’s longest rail‑to‑trail project.

Education

• Summerland Public Schools serves the Clearwater area, providing K–12 education for the communities of Clearwater, Ewing, and Orchard.
• Learn more at SummerlandBobcats.org

Health Resources

• Antelope Memorial Hospital (Neligh)
• Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital (O’Neill)

Cowboy Trail: Clearwater Segment

Clearwater sits directly along the
Cowboy Trail, offering a scenic and accessible stretch between Ewing and Neligh.

Northwest Toward Ewing

• Distance: ~6 miles
• Surface: Crushed limestone
• Scenery: Elkhorn River valley and open prairie
• Connections: Ewing

Southeast Toward Neligh

• Distance: ~12 miles
• Surface: Crushed limestone
• Scenery: Prairie landscapes and river crossings
• Connections: Neligh

Learn more at the
Cowboy Trail Corridor Page.

Highway 275: Clearwater Segment

Clearwater sits directly on Highway 275, connecting the town to communities across northern and northeastern Nebraska.

Northwest Toward Ewing and Orchard

• Ewing – 6 miles
• Orchard – 14 miles
• Inman – 16 miles (via connector)
• O’Neill – 22 miles

Southeast Toward Neligh and Norfolk

• Neligh – 12 miles
• Oakdale – 16 miles
• Tilden – 24 miles
• Norfolk – 40+ miles

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