Fremont’s thriving downtown brings new business and tourism
Fremont is the county seat of Dodge County and the sixth most-populous city in Nebraska. Known for downtown shopping and dining, Fremont benefits from a partnership with MainStreet of Fremont. A local affiliate of Main Street America, a nationwide, non-profit organization, it promotes the city's central core and aids in business development. "People from Omaha come here regularly and like to say that Downtown Fremont is similar to Omaha’s Old Market but with parking,” says Lainey Paquette, the Director of MainStreet of Fremont.
The city’s population of nearly 28,000 is growing at a rate of about 2 percentage points every three years. Its largest employers include Valmont Industries, Wholestone Farms, and Methodist Fremont Health, which operates the only hospital in Dodge County. About 40 miles northwest of Omaha, along the Platte River, Fremont was founded in 1856 after establishing itself as one of the earliest railroad towns in Nebraska.
Highway 77 is a major trucking route and it runs through Fremont.
There are many shopping at restaurant choices in downtown Fremont for residents to enjoy.
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A diversity of home styles and buildable lots attracts buyers
While Fremont is a small, semi-rural city with a history of agricultural and industrial employers, its varied home styles is similar to more urbanized Omaha's. The median home price is $250,000, compared to statewide and national figures of $295,000 and $420,400. Prices range from $50,000 for a century-old cottage to $900,000 for estate-style homes on a golf courses or lake.
Fremont has a wide variety of homes for residents to choose.
There are many homes for residents to choose from in Fremont.
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New amenities draw visitors to Fremont city parks
Fremont Parks and Recreation manages 22 parks and sports complexes. More than 5 miles of concrete walking and cycling trails cut through the city, including the 3-mile Ridge Road Trail with a trailhead near the Platte River. Clemmons Dog Park offers an enclosed area of about three city blocks, allowing dogs to play off-leash. The Sidner Ice Arena is part of the Fremont YMCA and one of the Midwest's largest rinks. John C. Fremont City Park, in downtown, will have a new amphitheater in 2025, says Paquette. “The timing is perfect as downtown Fremont was recently certified as a Creative District by The Nebraska Arts Council, which means they are eligible for grant awards to support local artists and galleries.”
Enjoy the outdoors at John C. Fremont Park.
The Ridge Road Trail begins at Hormel Park.
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Fremont schools focus on career readiness
Fremont Public Schools is C-rated by Niche. It serves about 5,200 students, 41% of whom are economically disadvantaged. Fremont Senior High promotes its School-to-Career program by helping students gain work experience. Bergan Catholic School has provided kindergarten through 12th grade since 1950 and 100% of its students graduate, the school says. Midland University, a private Lutheran university, offers bachelor's degrees in more than 35 fields of study and four master’s programs.
Archbishop Bergan Catholic School is known for it's success in sports.
Students love attending Fremont High School.
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Downtown Fremont is a successful Nebraska Main Street
Since 2020, small-business growth has been steady in downtown, including Osteria Kayla and Semo. New retailers on Main Street include My Blue Whimsy and Alotta Brownies Bakery. “We’re the oldest Main Street program in Nebraska,” says Paquette. “We’ve been in business for 30 years and offer tremendous support to our long-standing and new businesses. We sponsor spring and summer events, beautification efforts and significant holiday decorations.”
Residents of Fremont love eating at Osteria Kayla Restaurant located downtwon.
Semo Pasta & Wine is a favorite amoung Fremont residents.
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A mild climate with flood and tornado risks
Fremont’s climate is similar to Omaha’s, with humid summers and somewhat snowy and windy winters. The risk of tornadoes in spring and summer is about the same as in the rest of Nebraska, which is higher than the national risk. While flood risk is statistically minor in Fremont, according to First Street Technologies, the city experienced a flood in 2019 that put much of downtown underwater and closed the city for several days. Twenty-eight properties were total losses, and 246 structures needed extensive repairs. Since 2020, Fremont's rates of violent and property crimes have been lower than state and national averages.
Residents of Fremont can take a drive down highway 275 and visit nearby Omaha in 30 minutes.
Fremont is surrounded by smaller communities and farmland.
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Getting around Fremont
Major highways serving Fremont include U.S. Route 30 and U.S. Route 77. In 2023, the city launched the Fremont Transit Program, which provides wheelchair-accessible transport vans that provide door-to-door service to jobs, doctor’s offices and grocery stores. Eppley Airfield in Omaha is 45 miles east of Fremont, while Lincoln Airport is 53 miles south.
Highway 77 is one of Fremont's major highways.
Roundabouts are common near Fremont.
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Main Street is the event center for the city
Year-round events draw families and tourists to restaurants, art galleries and retailers. The Spring Gallery Walk welcomes local artists and warmer weather simultaneously. Concert in the Park is a series of Thursday night concerts in June, held at John C. Fremont City Park. Crazy Days/Chalk Art Festival in July brings artists of all ages while retailers offer sidewalk sales.
There are several historical markers located in Fremont.
There is a statue honoring the namesake at John C. Fremont Park.
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