Hay Springs, Nebraska is a historic community in
Sheridan County, located along the high‑plains edge of the
Nebraska Panhandle. Known for its classic main street, strong agricultural heritage, and proximity to the Pine Ridge region, Hay Springs serves as an important local hub along U.S. Highway 20. The community blends small‑town charm with access to scenic landscapes, ranchland, and regional services. With its schools, parks, and deep ties to the surrounding prairie, Hay Springs remains a meaningful part of Sheridan County’s identity.
Location
- County: Sheridan County
- Region: Nebraska Panhandle
- Highways: US‑20 (primary), access to NE‑87
- Nearby Cities:
Rushville (10 miles west),
Chadron (15 miles east),
Gordon (26 miles west)
Adjacent Towns
- Rushville – 10 miles west
- Chadron – 15 miles east
- Gordon – 26 miles west
- Hemingford – 35 miles south
- Cody – 80 miles north
Adjacent Counties
- Dawes County (east)
- Box Butte County (south)
- Cherry County (north)
- Sheridan County (surrounding)
Points of Interest Near Hay Springs
Outdoor & Recreation
- Pine Ridge region (hiking, wildlife, scenic drives)
- Nearby ranchland and open‑range vistas
- Niobrara River recreation areas (north)
- Hunting and wildlife viewing throughout the region
Cultural & Historical
- Historic downtown Hay Springs
- Local churches and community institutions
- Regional museums in Chadron and Gordon
- Hay Springs Heritage Center
Nearby Events
- Hay Springs community celebrations
- Sheridan County Fair (Rushville)
- Chadron and Gordon regional events
Historical Background
Hay Springs was founded in the late 1800s as a ranching and railroad community along the Pioneer Memorial Highway. Its early development was shaped by agriculture, trade, and its position near the Pine Ridge region. Over time, Hay Springs has maintained its small‑town character while supporting the surrounding ranchlands and rural communities of Sheridan County.
Education
Local Schools
- Hay Springs Public Schools (K–12)
Nearby Higher Education
- Chadron State College (Chadron)
- Western Nebraska Community College (Alliance & Scottsbluff)
Health Resources
Clinics & Local Care
- Local medical services in Hay Springs
- Family clinics in Chadron and Gordon
Hospitals
- Chadron Community Hospital (Chadron)
- Gordon Memorial Hospital (Gordon)
- Box Butte General Hospital (Alliance)
Why Hay Springs Matters
Hay Springs reflects the quiet, enduring character of the Nebraska Panhandle—open spaces, strong community ties, and a deep connection to the land. Its location along U.S. Highway 20 and its role in Sheridan County make it an important and lasting part of northwest Nebraska.
Navigate & Explore Hay Springs
Get directions to Hay Springs: Waze → · Google Maps → · Apple Maps →
Road Conditions: Nebraska 511 — 511.nebraska.gov
Cameras: View Sheridan County Cameras →
Hay Springs Businesses & Places
68 listings in Hay Springs.
Click a category to see the businesses.
Eat & Drink (5)
- Julie's Hay Town Grill — Diner / Family Restaurant
- Main Street Grind Hay Springs — Cafe / Coffee Shop
- Outlaw Saloon Bar and Grill Hay Springs — Bar & Grill
- Shay's Place Hay Springs — Bar & Grill
- Steak-Out Hay Springs — Steakhouse
Stay (4)
- Cedar Inn Hay Springs — Motel
- Flying Heart Ranch — Guest Ranch
- Sunset RV Park — RV Park
- Sunset RV Park Hay Springs — RV Park
Outdoors & Recreation (5)
- Alcorn's Hunter Haven — Private Hunting Preserves & Lodges
- Campgrounds, Walgren Lake State Recreation Area — Campgrounds & RV Parks
- Hay Springs Golf Course — Golf Course
- Running Water Hunting LLC — Private Hunting Preserves & Lodges
- Sunset RV Park — Campgrounds & RV Parks
Places to Visit (6)
- Hay Springs Heritage Center — Museum
- Hay Springs Heritage Center #1 (200 Block N. Baker) — History & Heritage Museums
- Hay Springs Heritage Center #2 (2nd & Main) — History & Heritage Museums
- Heritage Center I and II — History & Heritage Museums
- Walgren Lake Nebraska — State Recreation Areas
- Walgren Lake State Recreation Area — State Recreation Areas
Health & Emergency (1)
- Hay Springs Medical Clinic — Medical Clinic
Shopping & Gifts (2)
- Farm to Family Cooperative — Grocery
- Sacker's Hay Springs — Grocery
Community & Faith (18)
- Antelope Cemetery — Cemeteries
- Beaver Valley Cemetery — Cemeteries
- Bomar Cemetery — Cemeteries
- Deer Haven Cemetery — Cemeteries
- Hay Springs Cemetery — Cemeteries
- Hay Springs United Methodist Church — Methodist Church
- Highland Cemetery — Cemeteries
- Neely Flat Cemetery — Cemeteries
- New Hope Friends Church Hay Springs — Other Denomination
- Novotny Cemetery — Cemeteries
- Pine Knoll Cemetery — Cemeteries
- Preble Cemetery — Cemeteries
- Sacred Heart Cemetery — Cemeteries
- Saint Columbkille Catholic Church — Catholic Church
- Saint Columbkille Catholic Church Hay Springs — Catholic Church
- Saint Peters Cemetery — Cemeteries
- St. Mary's Cemetery — Cemeteries
- Zion Lutheran Church Hay Springs — Lutheran Church
Government & Resources (8)
- City of Hay Springs — City Hall
- Cravath Memorial Library Hay Springs — Libraries
- Hay Springs Chamber of Commerce — Chamber of Commerce
- Hay Springs Housing Authority — Housing Authority
- Hay Springs Post Office — Post Office
- Pioneer Manor Hay Springs — Assisted Living
- Pioneer Manor Nursing Home — Assisted Living
- Sharing & Caring Neighbors — Food Pantry
Education (5)
- Hay Springs Early Childhood — Elementary & Middle School
- Hay Springs Elementary School — Elementary & Middle School
- Hay Springs High School — High School
- Hay Springs Middle School — Elementary & Middle School
- Hay Springs Public Schools — School District (K-12 / General)
Land & Property Services (3)
- Bar C Bar Tree Service — General Tree Service
- Chad Swim — Land Clearing & Brush Removal
- John M Hahn Enterprises — Land Clearing & Brush Removal
Agriculture & Farm (3)
- Farmers Coop Grain Hay Springs — Equipment Dealers
- Lazy A Ranch — Boarding Stable
- WESTCO — Farm Coop
Professional Services (3)
- Security First Bank — Banking
- Security First Bank Hay Springs — Banking
- Security First Insurance — Insurance
Utilities (2)
- City of Hay Springs — Water Utility / District
- Northwest Rural Public Power District — Electric Power Provider
Automotive (2)
- D & S Auto Center — Used Car Dealer
- Young's Repair Inc — Auto Repair
Personal Services (1)
- Chamberlain Mortuary-Hay Springs — Funeral Home
Transportation (1)
- Hay Springs Municipal Airport — Municipal / General Aviation Airport
Media (1)
- KBPY 107.7 FM — Radio Station





