Berne is a city in Boone County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 111 at the 2010 census. It is part of the larger Omaha-Council Bluffs, Nebraska-Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Berne was platted in 1885 when the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad was extended to that point. It was named for the Swiss city of Bern. In 1887, Berne was incorporated as a village and in 1901, it was incorporated as a city.
Berne is the home of Retlaw Enterprises, the personal holding company of Walt Disney. The corporation was founded in 1923 by Walt and Roy Disney in order to manage their business interests. Walt Disney visited the town of Berne in the 1950's and maintained a relationship with the residents in the area.
Berne offers several annual events, including a parade and car show in July, a Dutch Festival in September, and a Christmas Parade in December. There is also a Park and Recreation Board, a City Council, and a volunteer fire department.
Interesting Facts About Berne City
1. Berne is the third largest city in Nebraska with a population of 6,591 in the 2010 census.
2. Berne was founded in 1886 and was originally called Bernhart’s. It was renamed after Bern, Switzerland in 1897.
3. Berne is on the East bank of the North Loup River and was one of the first towns to be established along the new Union Pacific Railroad route.
4. Berne is home to “the Tree” or “Tree of Life”, which is a 120-year-old elm tree located in the city park.
5. The Neihardt House Museum, housed in the hometown of poet John G. Neihardt, is located in Berne. Neihardt wrote much of his work in the house including, “Black Elk Speaks.”
6. Berne is home to one of the nation’s oldest celebration of Oktoberfest, beginning in 1973.
7. The Wolf Creek Dam, located just outside of Berne, was constructed in the early 1970s with the purpose of conserving water and providing water for irrigation.
8. The Four Corners Fire Memorial, located in Berne’s Four Corners park, was dedicated in 2008 in memory of four young boys who tragically died in a house fire in 1977.
What is Berne known & Famous for
Berne, Nebraska is a small farming community known for its friendly atmosphere and tight-knit community. The town is home to the Berne Pioneer Village and a historic fort, which were both designated as National Historic Landmarks in 1972. Each year, the community hosts both the Berne Pioneer Days and the Berne County Fair, providing a chance for the locals to come together.
What Is It Like To Visit In Berne City?
Berne is a small city located in Antelope County, Nebraska, with a population of less than 500 people. It is serviced by the nearby Antelope Valley Airport in nearby Neligh, Nebraska.
Visiting Berne is a great way to experience small-town Nebraska culture. It has a few shops, a popular local diner, a couple of parks, a couple of churches and a graveyard. The local cemetery is a great place to explore and take in the history of the area.
The residents in the area are friendly and welcoming, plus there are some really great places to eat nearby. A few notable spots include The Dutch Oven and Pigeons Nest restaurants. Berne is also one of the few towns in the area with a small grain elevator, a symbol of the hard work and effort that keeps the agrarian lifestyle alive and well in the area.
Berne is a great place to experience rural Nebraska and to get a sense of all the pride the people take in their farming roots. It is a great destination to just get out and away from the fast pace and hustle and bustle of the larger cities.
