Where is Nebraska Located in the United States?

Nebraska is located in the Midwestern region of the United States, positioned centrally within the Great Plains. Known for its agricultural output, particularly in corn and beef production, Nebraska is characterized by rolling plains, prairies, and vast open spaces. The state is a key hub for transportation, linking the Midwest to the western U.S. It shares borders with six other states and is bisected by the Platte River, a significant waterway in its history and development.

State Facts:

• State Name: Nebraska
• Postal Abbreviation: NE
• Population: Approximately 1.9 million
• Area: 77,358 square miles
• Capital: Lincoln
• Largest City: Omaha
• Statehood Year: 1867 (37th state to join the Union)
• Time Zones: Central and Mountain Time Zones

Bordering States

South Dakota

Nebraska’s northern border is shared with South Dakota, running for about 450 miles. The Missouri River forms part of this border, playing an essential role in transportation and agriculture. South Dakota and Nebraska share a rural, agricultural character, and the states are connected by trade, particularly in cattle and grain. The Pine Ridge area of South Dakota, near the border, offers scenic beauty, and both states contribute to the cultural and economic fabric of the Great Plains.

Wyoming

To the west, Wyoming borders Nebraska, with the two states sharing approximately 100 miles of border. Wyoming’s rugged terrain and mountains sharply contrast with Nebraska’s flatter plains, but both states rely heavily on agriculture and ranching. The western region of Nebraska, near Wyoming, includes the beginning of the High Plains, with rolling hills and cattle ranches dominating the landscape.

Colorado

Colorado borders Nebraska to the southwest. The 300-mile boundary between these two states encompasses part of the Nebraska Panhandle. Like Wyoming, Colorado’s mountainous regions stand in contrast to the open plains of Nebraska, but both states share agricultural ties, particularly in ranching. This area sees fewer people but remains important for its agricultural production, particularly cattle and wheat.

Kansas

To the south of Nebraska lies Kansas, with a 455-mile shared border. Nebraska and Kansas have a strong agricultural connection, with the vast plains between them supporting crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans. This border region is rural and sparsely populated, with small farming communities dotting the landscape. Interstate 80 and Highway 81 are key routes for transportation and trade between the two states.

Missouri

Nebraska shares a short eastern border with Missouri, separated by the Missouri River. While the land connection is brief, this water boundary plays an important role in commerce, connecting both states to river-based trade routes. Missouri’s larger urban centers, such as Kansas City and St. Joseph, have economic ties to Nebraska, particularly in agriculture and industry.

Iowa

To the east, Iowa forms a 470-mile border with Nebraska, with the Missouri River acting as a natural boundary. Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city, lies directly across the river from Council Bluffs, Iowa, creating a major metropolitan area that spans both states. The two states are linked economically through agriculture and transportation, with Interstate 80 and the Missouri River serving as major routes for goods and services.

GPS Coordinates

Nebraska’s geographic location places it centrally within the United States, providing a pivotal point between the Midwest and the West.

The central GPS coordinates of Nebraska are approximately 41.4925° N latitude and 99.9018° W longitude. These coordinates place Nebraska almost exactly at the center of the continental U.S., making it a key part of the country’s transportation network, especially along Interstate 80, which stretches from the east to the west coasts.

Nebraska’s northernmost boundary, near the South Dakota border, lies at about 43.0° N latitude. This region is primarily rural, with farmland and small towns dominating the landscape. As you move south, the terrain remains largely agricultural, but the population density increases near Lincoln and Omaha, the state’s largest urban areas.

The southern boundary of Nebraska, bordering Kansas, is located near 40.0° N latitude, with much of this area consisting of plains used for farming and cattle ranching. Nebraska’s location between the 98° W longitude and 104° W longitude lines reflects its central role in the country’s agricultural industry, as it sits at the heart of America’s breadbasket.

From east to west, Nebraska’s longitude stretches from 95° W near Omaha in the east, with the state’s westernmost point near the Colorado border at 104° W longitude. The change in longitude highlights the state’s transition from the fertile farmland of the eastern part of the state to the more arid High Plains in the west, where ranching becomes more prominent.

Levels of Elevation

Nebraska’s elevation ranges from low plains along the Missouri River in the east to higher elevations in the western part of the state, as it approaches the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

The highest point in Nebraska is Panorama Point, located in the southwestern corner of the state near the Colorado border. Panorama Point sits at 5,429 feet above sea level. Although it’s the highest point, Panorama Point is part of Nebraska’s gently sloping plains rather than a mountain peak. Visitors to this location enjoy expansive views of the surrounding landscape, which highlights Nebraska’s transition from the Great Plains to the more rugged terrain of the Rockies.

In contrast, the lowest point in Nebraska is found along the Missouri River near the state’s eastern border, at an elevation of 840 feet above sea level. This region is known for its rich soil and flat farmland, which has made it a critical area for agriculture, particularly in corn and soybean production.

The average elevation across Nebraska is about 2,600 feet above sea level, with the state gradually sloping upward from east to west. The eastern part of the state, near Omaha and Lincoln, is more fertile and level, while the western regions, particularly the Panhandle, feature rolling hills, valleys, and the beginning of the High Plains.

Most Extreme Points

Nebraska’s geographical extremes highlight the diversity of its landscape, from fertile plains to rugged highlands.

• Easternmost Point: The easternmost point of Nebraska is located near the town of Rulo, in Richardson County, along the Missouri River. This area is part of the river valley that separates Nebraska from Missouri and Iowa. It is characterized by fertile farmland, small farming communities, and riverine landscapes that support agriculture and transportation.
• Westernmost Point: Nebraska’s westernmost point is found near Bushnell, a small town in Kimball County, close to the Colorado border. This area is part of Nebraska’s Panhandle region, where the landscape shifts from the flat plains to the rolling hills of the High Plains. It’s a remote and sparsely populated area, with ranching as the primary economic activity.
• Southernmost Point: The southernmost point of Nebraska is located near the town of Guide Rock, in Webster County, along the Kansas border. This part of Nebraska is characterized by its gently rolling plains, which are heavily used for agriculture. The nearby Republican River also supports farming and irrigation.
• Northernmost Point: Nebraska’s northernmost point is located near the town of Crofton, in Knox County, along the South Dakota border. This region is near the Missouri River, which serves as a natural boundary between the two states. The area is known for its rich farmland and proximity to the Lewis and Clark Lake, which is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation.

These extreme points showcase Nebraska’s wide-ranging geography, from river valleys in the east to high plains in the west.

Major Mountains

Nebraska is not known for its towering mountain ranges, but it does feature some notable highlands, especially in the western part of the state.

The most prominent geographical feature in Nebraska’s Panhandle is Panorama Point, the highest point in the state at 5,429 feet. Although it is technically part of the High Plains and not a true mountain, Panorama Point provides expansive views of the surrounding landscape and offers a glimpse of the Rocky Mountains to the west.

The Wildcat Hills, located near Scottsbluff in the western part of the state, are a series of rugged hills and bluffs that rise above the surrounding plains. These hills offer a striking contrast to the flat farmland of eastern Nebraska and are popular for hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping. The Wildcat Hills are home to several state parks and recreation areas, providing outdoor opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Another important feature in western Nebraska is Scotts Bluff National Monument, a towering rock formation that rises 800 feet above the North Platte River. This natural landmark played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States, serving as a guidepost for pioneers traveling along the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. The monument offers stunning views of the surrounding plains and is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

These highland areas, while not mountainous in the traditional sense, provide Nebraska with some of its most dramatic and scenic landscapes, particularly in the western regions near the Panhandle.

Major Rivers and Lakes

Nebraska’s rivers and lakes play a crucial role in its geography, economy, and history, providing vital water resources for agriculture, transportation, and recreation.

The Platte River is one of Nebraska’s most important waterways, flowing from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Wyoming, across the state, and joining the Missouri River near Omaha. The Platte River was a critical route for pioneers traveling westward during the 19th century and remains vital for irrigation and agriculture today. The river’s wide, shallow nature makes it ideal for supporting wildlife, particularly migratory birds like the Sandhill Crane, which stop along the river during their annual migration.

The Missouri River, which forms Nebraska’s eastern border with Iowa and Missouri, is the longest river in North America and serves as a major transportation route for goods and services. The Missouri River’s floodplains provide rich, fertile soil that supports agriculture in the eastern part of the state. Additionally, the river is a hub for recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking along its scenic bluffs.

Nebraska is also home to several significant lakes, both natural and man-made. Lake McConaughy, located on the North Platte River, is the largest reservoir in the state and a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping. The lake’s clear waters and sandy beaches make it a prime spot for outdoor recreation.

Other notable lakes in Nebraska include Lewis and Clark Lake, located on the Missouri River near the South Dakota border, and Harlan County Lake, a large reservoir used for irrigation, flood control, and recreation.

These rivers and lakes are vital to Nebraska’s agricultural economy and provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, contributing to the state’s cultural and environmental richness.