Garden County

          Oshkosh is the county seat of Garden County, Nebraska.  It is located along the North Platte River.  This offers many types of land formations.  We have excellent farming areas throughout the county.  The northern part of our county is made up of the Sandhills.  Although there isn’t much farming in the Sandhills, there are plenty of ranches.  There are also many small lakes located in the northern part of our county which provide entertainment for the fishermen.  Island Lake is probably the most recognized of the lakes in northern Garden County, but there are many others.  Many of the lakes are located on the Crescent Lake Wildlife Refuge.  Approximately 20 miles to the east of Oshkosh is Lake McConaughy, a large lake that provides fishermen and sportsmen a lot of pleasure.  There are designated areas for hunting along the lake also.  Although Lake McConaughy is not located in Garden County (it is in Keith County), the locals get a lot of use from it.  The valley of the North Platte River provides our county with a lot of good hunting.  Goose hunters come from all over the country come to try their hand.  The river serves as a stopping place for the geese on their way South. 

          The population of Garden County, according to the 2000 Census, is 2,292.  There are 1,722 square miles of land in our county.  In Oshkosh you will find antique shops, restaurants, a sandwich shop, grocery store, golf course, tennis courts, a free swimming pool (in the summer) and many specialty shops.  Oshkosh also has a bank, post office, elementary school, high school, nursing home, and two day care centers.   Lewellen, which is 12 miles east of Oshkosh, has a bank, post office, two eating establishments, a free swimming pool and a few specialty shops.  It also has a fitness center, the VOA, which has one of the best preschools in the state. The Riverview Assisted Living is home to many satisfied residents and is open for meetings as well. Lewellen has a thriving lumberyard and a new winery, 17 Ranch Winery and The Most Unlikely Place Art Gallery & Coffee Shop   Just to the east of Lewellen is Ash Hollow State Historical Park, host to the annual Ash Hollow Pageant.  Lisco, which is 16 miles west of Oshkosh, has a bank, post office and a restaurant.  Although Lisco is small, it is full of hometown charm.  

          The primary business in Garden County is farming and ranching.  We grow crops such as corn, wheat, oats, beans and even some sunflowers and popcorn.  Another large business is Cabela’s, Inc. Distribution Center which employs approximately 80 people.