Bertrand, NE

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Welcome to Bertrand, Nebraska. We are a Village of 750 residents, nestled quietly in fertile farmland filled with tall green corn glistening in the summer sun. We have friendly neighbors who care about each other and about the community. Our creativity, ingenuity and friendly spirit make this a great place to visit and a great place to live in every season.

Located along Highway 23, or the Hi-Line (highest land between the Platte and Republican Rivers in Nebraska), Bertrand was settled in 1877 by hardy pioneers who lived through numerous hardships. Far from their former homes and markets, they braved heat and drought, blinding blizzards and roaring prairie fires. By 1882, however, most of our countryside was settled and on December 11, 1885, the Village was incorporated. By 1887, local business was booming.

Today, more than a century later, Bertrand continues to flourish: irrigation has changed this section of the "Great American Desert" into productive farmland, with corn, wheat, soybeans and alfalfa as the principal crops. In the Village itself, tree-lined, paved streets and comfortable homes are the rule.

Bertrand boasts a high quality of life, providing excellent water, sewer and garbage services, County Law Enforcement and local fire protection, an emergency unit staffed with certified EMTs, nursing home and assisted living, elderly apartment complexes and an active senior center. Bertrand also has a comprehensive K-12 school district which provides a recognized, high quality education while maintaining one of the lowest school tax rates in the state. Churches, service clubs, civic organizations and a local newspaper keep the town active and informed.

Bertrand also features a 9-hole, par 35 golf course beautifully maintained with reasonable green fees (tee times not required.) The course overlooks the scenic rolling hills of pastureland south of town and is open from early spring through late fall (plus whenever weather permits year round!).

In the springtime we host many winged visitors. In February and March about 500,000 Sandhill Cranes stop along the Platte River on their northward migration from Mexico to Canada. The cranes can be easily seen feeding in farmers' fields along the river 10 miles north of town. Geese, waterfowl and many other species of birds can also be seen migrating through the area.

Events in Bertrand include an annual fishing tournament in early June, 4th of July celebration, public swimming pool (open all summer) and the annual Bertrand Days in June. The rodeo is one of the area's best and features two nights of bull and bronc riding, along with activities and events for the whole family. Late October or early November features one of the area's busiest craft show, with exhibitors from all over a three-state region. Fishing is also available just a short distance away at Johnson Lake, the Elwood Reservoir, and along the Platte River. In the fall, there is abundant game for hunting, including pheasant, quail, geese, dove and deer.

Come visit Bertrand for a first-hand look. We're just 16 miles from Interstate 80 in south central Nebraska.