McCook is a city located in Red Willow County, Nebraska. It is the county seat and the largest city of Red Willow County. The city was founded in 1882, and the population was estimated to be 7,690 in 2018. The city is located in southwest Nebraska, near the Kansas border. The village of McCook was established in 1883, and the city was officially incorporated in 1886.
McCook is a regional hub for agriculture, tourism, and industry. The city lies in the western edge of the Prime Zone of Crop Panning, which is a collection of counties throughout the western states with favorable climate and soil conditions for growing crops. The heart of the city is the Courthouse Square, with the iconic red brick Red Willow County Courthouse at the center.
McCook is known for its rich sports and recreation history. McCook was the birthplace of NBA player, Scott Wedman. The city is also home to the McCook Bison High School football team, which won 10 state championships from 1972 to 1987. The city is also home of the McCook Gators, one of the first semi-professional basketball teams in Nebraska. McCook is also well known for its expansive outdoor recreation system, which includes lush grasslands and rolling hills that provide great habitat for deer, waterfowl, pheasant, and other wildlife.
McCook is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for history, outdoor recreation, arts and culture, or its friendly people, McCook has it all. From unique boutiques to delicious restaurants, McCook is a great place to visit and explore.
Interesting Facts About McCook City
1. The McCook National Bank was the first national bank in the state of Nebraska and opened for business in 1883.
2. The citizens of McCook staged a "subscriber dance" in order to raise funds to build a new public library in the 1930s.
3. The same sources that fed McCook's newspaper plant fueled the city's firehouses for two decades, starting in 1894.
4. McCook operates the nation's first municipally-operated, municipally-owned airport, which was established in 1917.
5. The National Conservation Training Center, an education facility operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is located just outside of McCook.
6. McCook has served as a major railroad hub since the late 1800s and continues to be a major contributor to the local economy.
7. McCook was home to the world's largest corn plant, Harvey Reeh Co., since 1928. It closed in 1976.
8. The McCook Generating Station, operated by Nebraska Public Power District, has been a major source of power for the area since 1992.
9. Sergeant Bluff, located just north of McCook, is the site of one of the great battles of the Great Sioux War of 1876.
10. The first rural streetcar line in Nebraska operated between McCook and Bartley from 1914-1927.
What is McCook known & Famous for
McCook, Nebraska is known for being a small business-friendly city and a rural center. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere, friendly people, and its beautiful outdoor atmosphere. It is also known for its unique 1866 "Old Main" building on the campus of McCook Community College. It is also home to Mid-Plains Community College, providing educational and training opportunities for those seeking higher education.
What Is It Like To Visit In McCook City?
McCook, Nebraska is a friendly city that offers a variety of activities for visitors to explore. It is home to a wide range of attractions including museums, art galleries, historic sites, hiking trails, and local parks. Visitors can enjoy a variety of restaurants, shop in unique boutiques, and explore the area’s agricultural roots. The city is situated close to the Nebraska-Colorado border and boasts a laid-back atmosphere. Furthermore, McCook is considered a great place for a weekend getaway, offering plenty of fun activities for the whole family.
