Welcome to Elkhorn

Nestled alongside the Elkhorn River—and located in the premier spot to cross it—the city’s growth got an immediate bump at its founding in 1865, thanks to the Union Pacific Railroad. Before the founders could even plat the town, UP bought a 40-acre tract and dubbed it Elkhorn Station for its riverside location. A post office, livery, stable, hotel, general store, blacksmith and, of course, a saloon quickly followed. Confusion with several other already-taken city and county names led to the eventual lock on the name Elkhorn for the town.

The first schools, churches and volunteer fire department were well-established by 1900, and the nation’s first transcontinental road—the Lincoln Highway—also passed right through Elkhorn when it was established in 1913. Elkhorn’s future as a prime place to live has been only upward since its inception.

Well Known For:

Annexed by Omaha in 2007, Elkhorn has maintained its small-town flavor with an historic downtown and a population of fewer than 20,000. Composed mostly of families, couples and retirees, the affluent suburb is a highly desirable place to live and only minutes away from Omaha proper, with its entertainment, shopping and employment opportunities.

Elkhorn today boasts a highly regarded school system, which was founded even before the city was platted, and now features 12 elementary schools, five middle schools and three high schools. Omaha’s Metro Community College’s western campus is also located here. While some residents are employed by the school system and local businesses, most make the short commute to work in Omaha.

Area Highlights:

Entertainment in Elkhorn includes sports options for all ages at Lawrence Youngman Park, various ball diamonds, many horse stables in the surrounding area and golfing at the popular Indian Creek Golf Club. The Mark entertainment center and Medieval Putt also provide family fun. Fitness and dance studios are plentiful. There’s even tubing, kayaking and tanking on the Elkhorn River. Popular annual events include the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival, complete with hot-air balloons, and the Elkhorn Days Festival.

Options for housing in Elkhorn include apartment and townhome communities, senior living center Life Care Center of Elkhorn, and single-family villas and homes. Find your new home among well-loved houses or new builds at developments such as Andresen Meadows Estates, Blondo Ridges, BlueSage Creek, Grandview Estates, Indian Pointe, The Prairies, and Windgate Ranch II, just to name a few. Don’t miss the opportunity to claim your spot in this great location!