Colfax County, Nebraska (Plate 43)
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Colfax County, Nebraska
County Seat: Schuyler
Founded: 1869
Named For: Schuyler Colfax, 17th Vice President of the United States
License Plate Prefix: 43
Population: 10,582 (2020 census)
Area: 416 sq mi
History
Colfax County was established in 1869 and named after Vice President Schuyler Colfax. Early settlement was shaped by European immigrants—especially Czech, German, and later Hispanic communities—who built farms, churches, and small towns along the Platte River and Shell Creek. Schuyler, founded as a railroad town, became the county seat and remains the cultural and economic center.
The county’s history reflects agricultural development, railroad expansion, and the blending of diverse cultural traditions that continue to define the region today.
Geography
Location: East‑central Nebraska along the Platte River
Landscape: Fertile farmland, rolling prairie, river valleys, and growing rural communities
Adjacent Counties:
- Stanton County (north)
- Cuming County (northeast)
- Dodge County (east)
- Butler County (south)
- Platte County (west)
Culture & Landmarks
- Historic Downtown Schuyler – Architecture and cultural sites reflecting Czech, German, and Hispanic heritage.
- Platte River Corridor – Wildlife habitat, scenic views, and outdoor recreation.
- St. Mary’s Catholic Church – A landmark of early immigrant settlement.
Notable Communities
- Schuyler – County seat and regional commercial center.
- Clarkson – Community with strong Czech heritage.
- Howells – Village known for agriculture and local traditions.
- Leigh – Small town with deep farming roots.
Events & Attractions
- Colfax County Fair – Livestock shows, rodeo events, and community celebrations.
- Czech Heritage Festivals – Cultural events celebrating the county’s immigrant history.
- Outdoor Recreation – Fishing, hunting, and scenic drives along the Platte River and Shell Creek.
Living in Colfax County
Colfax County blends agriculture, cultural diversity, and small‑town life. Schuyler provides essential services, while Clarkson, Howells, and rural communities maintain strong farming traditions. Residents value the area’s heritage, open spaces, and close‑knit communities.
Outdoors — Camping, RV, Hunting & Fishing
There is no state park or state recreation area in Colfax County. The camping is municipal plus one NRD reservoir — and that reservoir is the county’s flagship.
Maple Creek Recreation Area
Road 1A, immediately north-west of Leigh. 557 acres including a 160-acre reservoir divided by Highway 91, opened in May 2011 by the Lower Elkhorn NRD. Note: at least one rendering of the state fishing guide files this reservoir under Platte County. It is in Colfax.
Camper pads with water and 50-amp electric, plus tent camping. Dump station on site. Restrooms, showers and a self-service payment kiosk. ⚠️ The site count is genuinely unclear — the village puts it at 50 RV sites and 10 tent sites, another source says 21, and the NRD publishes no number. Ring the Lower Elkhorn NRD on (402) 371-7313 before relying on availability.
Concrete boat ramps with a 5 mph no-wake limit; bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, walleye and northern pike. A swimming beach, a 2.36-mile hike and bike trail, equestrian trails and picnic shelters.
⚠️ Blue-green algae: the lake has been under toxic algae health alerts in several recent summers, including 2024 and 2026. The state samples public swimming beaches weekly from May through September and posts results each Friday; the beach closes during an alert. Check before planning a swim.
Other camping
Schuyler has a city campground; Howells and Clarkson have village parks. None publishes reliable hookup or fee detail, so ring the city or village office first.
Fishing and hunting
Maple Creek Reservoir is the county’s main managed water. The Platte River forms the southern boundary and gives channel and flathead catfish from the bank, and Shell Creek crosses the county. No park entry permit applies anywhere in Colfax County.
Hunting is largely private farm ground — whitetail in the creek bottoms, pheasant in the stubble, waterfowl along the Platte during passage. Open Fields and Waters walk-in tracts change annually, so use the current Public Access Atlas.
Colfax County at a Glance
Colfax County, Nebraska — carved out of Platte County in 1869 and named for Schuyler Colfax, Grant’s vice president. County seat Schuyler, which began as Shell Creek Station on the Union Pacific and spent 1870 as a Texas cattle-loading town. Strong Czech heritage through the county. 87 listings across 6 towns.
Getting there: US-30 runs east and west through Schuyler along the Platte; NE-15 and NE-91 cross north to south.
For visitors: Maple Creek Recreation Area near Leigh — a 160-acre reservoir with 50-amp camping, a dump station, showers, a swimming beach and a 2.36-mile trail. ⚠️ Check for blue-green algae alerts before planning a swim; the beach has closed in several recent summers.