About Seward County
It is a pleasure to “officially” welcome you to our historic and picturesque Seward County, located in the heartland of the Midwest. Indeed, Seward County is a great place to visit, shop, raise a family and return to visit with your family, as well!
As you visit our Seward County, you will discover the roads lead to much more than the next town. The beautiful farmland scenes and historic settings of Seward County connect us to the pioneer spirit and the American West, creating a strong heritage in each of our unique communities. Each Seward County community has a “claim of fame” that varies from Seward-hosting the State of Nebraska in a gala July 4 celebration (recently named one of the Top Ten July 4 Celebrations in the Nation!) to the community of Bee’s annual Bee Buzz Run to the famous Goehner spaghetti feed, or Cordova’s “Blue River Shoot Out!”
We encourage you to explore the natural and historic sites and the beauty of the Seward County plains to the many timeless traditions taking place year-round in our area. Seward County is a great place to visit and live! We invite you to stay and welcome your exploration at our new Nebraska National Guard Museum in Seward or the Seward County Historical Society Museum in Goehner and ride their Chippewa Northwestern Railway free of charge. A host of outstanding art galleries-such as Red Path Gallery and Tasting Room, await you in Seward. The antique shops are plentiful, historic and fun to visit too! The beautiful, new winery (Junto) and brewery (Bottle Rocket Brewing Company) are some of the best in the state!
Seward County is a wonderful location for your business or family and we are anxious to share even more of our story. Stop in for a visit and we know you won’t be disappointed!
History of Seward County
In 1865, Mr. Lewis Moffitt, pioneer and founder of the City of Seward, purchased some choice land. He built a two‑room cabin for his family, which then served as a meeting place and lodging for newcomers. On April 1, 1867, the City of Seward was established. The City of Seward was incorporated on April 5, 1870. The City was named after the County of Seward which was named “Seward” in honor of William Henry Seward, Secretary of State under President Lincoln.
The First Fourth of July celebration took place on July 4, 1868. A flag‑pole was planted in the center of the public square and the ladies of the town, with patriotic hands, made a banner of stars and stripes, which were unfolded to the breeze. Squire Ward, the Justice of the town, delivered the oration of the day, and at mid‑day, the festivities were concluded and the happy participants, about twenty in number, including the entire population of the town, had returned to their homes.
The City of Seward continues on with the tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July. In fact, in a proclamation signed by Governor J. James Exon on March 27, 1973, the City of Seward was proclaimed to be “Nebraska’s Fourth of July City”; and on May 20, 1979, Senator Edward Zorinsky proclaimed the City of Seward to be “National Fourth of July City ‑ Small Town U.S.A.
Seward County Visitors Bureau
The Seward County Visitors Bureau is an independent organization made up of volunteers who either represent lodging or have a strong background in tourism. It is funded solely with lodging taxes that have been collected in Seward County and submitted to the Nebraska Department of Revenue. In the 1980’s a law was established allowing counties to request a certain percentage of these taxes to come back to each county for the purpose of marketing their area. A group of volunteers at that time did follow-up, apply and establish a process. Over the years they have developed many forms of marketing including a website, signage, and advertising in state magazines. They also develop brochures to be distributed both independently and at the State of Nebraska Brochure swap. We follow the State of Nebraska’s Tourism Commission’s guide of defining tourism as supporting entities that would draw visitors from other communities to our community as a destination. This guide is followed when reviewing the grants that are submitted to the Bureau for assistance in either marketing or aiding a bricks and mortar effort. The Seward County Visitors Bureau works with a very limited budget, however, what this small group of volunteers accomplishes for Seward County is invaluable and remarkable.
Seward County Visitors Bureau Members:
Clark A. Kolterman – Chair
Mary Meyer – Vice Chair
Sue Imig
Sharon Hambek
Pat Coldiron
Doug Brand
Jeanne Wiemer
Ken Schmieding – Seward County Commissioner Representative
Phil Bangert – Treasurer - Appointed
Leanne Miller – Secretary - Appointed
The Seward County Visitors Bureau usually meets on the third Thursday of the month at 4:00pm in the Seward Civic Center. The agenda is posted in advance. The SCVB meetings are open to the public. Call 402-643-4189 to be placed on the agenda.
