Cozad is a small community flush with amenities
Cozad is Midwest to its core. This Nebraska community was established in 1873 along the 100th Meridian line, a symbolic boundary through the center of the United States separating the eastern section of the country from the west. The Cozad of today offers a mix of old-fashioned character and modern allure, from its diverse selection of homes to its eclectic businesses, museums and community events. “I’m a huge fan of the community. I like smaller towns,” says Alyssa Fisher, a local Realtor with Century 21 Midlands who has roughly five years of industry experience. “You know your neighbors. … Your kids grow up and walk around town, ride their bikes to school, all of that.”
Houses come with variety in age and price
In a community over 150 years old, buyers with a taste for classic architecture can find bungalows dating to the turn of the 20th century and midcentury ranch-style houses. The area also has some new construction, thanks in part to the Cozad Development Corporation, a local agency. “They do a really great job of getting grants for the community,” Fisher says. “With that, they’ve been able to bring in some new construction for the community, just to help create less of a deficit for the housing demand.” Most homes sell for between $80,000 and $380,000 based on age and square footage.
Downtown offers an assortment of restaurants and other attractions
Cozad’s downtown revolves around Main Street, lined with brick Italianate buildings. Here, locals can grab materials for a project at 222 Hardware, pick up a prescription at Service Drugs or knock out their grocery list at Sonny’s Super Foods. It’s also an area where people can get a bite to eat, with several restaurants to choose from, some of them relatively new. Fisher says she enjoys Meridian Tap House, open since 2021 and known for its burgers and sandwiches. Studio 6 Bistro opened in 2023 and has homemade pasta. “That’s kind of finer dining,” Fisher says. “A great wine selection there.” Frontier Frau debuted in 2024, a brewery focused on European-style beer and offering a menu featuring German sausages, sandwiches and pizza.
Fisher says Cozad’s museums are also a draw. The 100th Meridian Museum on Main Street focuses on the history of this area, and the Robert Henri Museum and Art Gallery around the corner highlights the work and life of Henri, whose father founded Cozad. “Both of those museums are really well put together,” Fisher says. They’re also both near First Presbyterian Church, which dates to 1892. “It’s a town where there’s a number of churches,” Fisher says. “That’s a huge pillar of importance for the community.”
Cozad’s community gatherings include a parade and hot air balloons
Hay Days is one of Cozad’s most popular traditions, in early September. “That’s a big parade and carnival. We shut down Main Street,” Fisher says. “Everybody comes out.” Platte Valley Tailwinds started in 2023 and is becoming a Father’s Day weekend staple in June. Held at the Cozad Municipal Airport, the event features multiple hot air balloon flights, a car show and live music.
Local schools provide opportunities for hands-on learning
The Cozad Community Schools system has a C-plus grade on Niche. Cozad Elementary also gets a C-plus, and students there can participate in the AfterZone after-school program, with art activities, math games and homework help. The B-minus-rated Cozad Middle has a life skills class with cooking, child care and sewing instruction. Cozad High also carries a B-minus and hosts an annual Maker Fair where students can take short courses in dozens of topics, from African cooking to screenprinting to yoga.
Public parks allow for a range of activities
Cozad has several parks, and Fisher says they’re well maintained. Veterans Memorial Park downtown has a playground and a preserved Pony Express station built in 1860. Centennial Park includes a splash pad, and Muny Park offers a disc golf course and a recently renovated public pool. The Cozad State Wildlife Management Area, just south of the community’s homes, has a lake open to fishing. The 18-hole course at Cozad Country Club is open to the public. Locals can get active indoors at the Cozad Community Wellness Center, which features fitness equipment and a gymnasium.
U.S. highway is a connection to more amenities
Drivers in Cozad are close to U.S. Route 30, an east-west highway. This stretch connects travelers to the North Platte Regional Airport 45 miles away, which is the closest commercial airport and has daily flights to Denver. Residents can also hop on Route 30 to go 14 miles to the larger city of Lexington for more restaurants and big-box stores, including Walmart. Locals don’t have to leave for medical care at the Cozad Community Hospital, a facility with an emergency department.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
