Gretna is a city in and the county seat of Sarpy County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Statistical Area. It occupies a total area of 4.51 sq mi and had a population of 6,279 as of the 2010 census.
The city was founded in 1857 by Dr. J. C. Berry and named for his daughter, Gretna. Through its first few years of existence, many traveling salesmen referred to the city as “Gretna Green” due to its romantic rural setting. Over the ensuing years, the city evolved from a small farming village to a well-developed residential and business community and a desirable location for raising a family.
The city is served by Gretna Public Schools, along with numerous other schools in the area, including Christ the King Catholic Elementary School, Norris Elementary School, Papillion-La Vista French-American School, and Sumner-Eddyville-Miller High School.
The city of Gretna is a popular recreational destination due to its proximity to the Platte River and the fact that there are a number of outdoor activities available, such as camping, fishing, boating, and golfing. The city also holds an annual Oktoberfest celebration that draws many visitors from the surrounding area.
Interesting Facts About Gretna City
1. Located in the beautiful Loess Hills of Nebraska's Western region, Gretna is one of Nebraska's fastest-growing cities.
2. Home to the historic Simmons Windmill Village, Gretna was founded in 1856.
3. Its population is estimated to be around 6,000.
4. The city's biggest attraction is the Mahoney State Park which houses over 2400 acres of recreational activities, including a swimming pool, golf courses, and a recreational lake.
5. The city also offers a unique shopping experience with its downtown district stores, as well as the recently developed outdoor shopping center, Shadow Lake Towne Center.
6. Gretna offers its unique blend of small-town charm and access to big city amenities, such as business opportunities and easy access to the greater Omaha area.
7. The city is home to a vibrant dining and cultural scene, including the Gretna Farmer's Market and the Gretna Summertime Concert Series.
8. Gretna has a rich history, including the legacy of the Great Western Trail, which was used by early pioneers.
9. Gretna is home to the annual Celebrate Gretna festival and even hosts an annual corn-eating contest!
10. The Gretna Little League proudly serves the city's youth baseball and softball players.
What is Gretna known & Famous for
Gretna, Nebraska is a small city with a population of about 6,000 people located southwest of Omaha. It is known for being an "All-America City" in 2019, and also for its annual Cornhusker State Games held in July each year. The annual festival includes sporting events, live music, carnival rides, and carnival games. In addition, Gretna is known for being the site of the world's largest horseshoe tournament held each July.
What Is It Like To Visit In Gretna City?
Gretna is a small town in Nebraska, located just outside of Omaha. The town has many family-friendly attractions, such as a bowling alley, golf courses, and antique stores, as well as great restaurants and activities. Gretna also has a few parks and a lake for outdoor recreation. All of this provide visitors with plenty of chances to explore the area and opportunities to relax. Gretna has a downtown area that is home to the historic Benson Theatre, several shops, and several other attractions. The town and surrounding area also host various cultural festivals throughout the year, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to experience the area's culture and history.