Next up in our series highlighting the unique communities we serve is Exeter.
Sustained by two major avenues of commerce, Exeter sits along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway main line and U.S. Highway 6, just eight miles east of U.S. Highway 81. Exeter officially became a customer in late 1999 during a realignment between the Nebraska Public Power District and what was then the York County Rural Public Power District (now Perennial).
Rich Roots and Historic Charm
The Homestead Act of 1862 brought the first settlers to the area in 1870 with the promise of 160 acres of free land. Incorporated in 1879, the Village of Exeter owes its site and name to the westward advancement of the Burlington Railroad from Lincoln.
Today, that history lives on through local architecture. The historic St. Stephen’s Catholic Church dates back to 1902 and has undergone several careful renovations and restorations. The interior still features its original altars, stained-glass windows, and the historic bells in the church tower. Throughout the village, many turn-ofthe-century homes offer a beautiful glimpse into the architectural craftsmanship of the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Parks and Recreation
There are three parks in Exeter covering about 15 acres. Gilbert Park is the location of the city’s Aquatic Center, ball fields, picnic facilities, and two camper pads for rent. The Edgar Recreation Center offers both tennis and basketball courts. While the Storybook Park, located behind the Exeter Public Library, is a park for preschool children.
Small Town Pride, Big Traditions
Exeter loves to celebrate its community spirit during Exeter Days, held annually during the last weekend in July. Sponsored by the Exeter Community Club, Sons of the American Legion, and the Exeter Fire Department, the festival runs Friday evening through Sunday evening with activities for all ages.
The community also holds a proud legacy in local sports. In 1986, Exeter High School became the first town in Nebraska history to win both the Girls and Boys State Basketball Tournaments in the same year. Following a series of school consolidations—first with Milligan in the early 2000s and later with Friend—the village is now a proud part of the Exeter-Milligan-Friend (EMF) Public Schools system, which serves around 350 students.
A Thriving Local Economy
Around 30 businesses call Exeter home, alongside the many dedicated farmers who cultivate the surrounding land. Some of the major employers driving the local economy include Horizontal Boring and Tunneling, the Farmers Cooperative, Greg’s Market, and Exeter Lumber.
Whether you are visiting for Exeter Days or just passing through, it is easy to see why Exeter is more than just a spot on the map—it’s a place people are proud to call home.
“Exeter is an agricultural-based community that takes care of each other and is always willing to lend a hand to those in need.” Becky Erdkamp, Exeter Village Clerk
