Lakeside, Nebraska

Lakeside is a small unincorporated community in southern Sheridan County, Nebraska, along Nebraska Highways 2 and 250 in the Sandhills south of Rushville, the county seat. The community takes its name from a nearby lake, one of the many small lakes that dot this part of the Sandhills.

Lakeside's post office dates back to 1888, and among its early settlers were the Merrill family (John B. and Caroline Talbot Merrill, who came from Michigan and England) and the Nelson family, Danish immigrants who arrived around 1890. A BNSF railroad line crosses Highway 250 in Lakeside, reflecting the community's roots as a small rail-line stop.

History

Lakeside's post office was established in 1888, and the community grew up along the rail line and highway junction in southern Sheridan County. Early settlers included the Merrill family, who arrived from Michigan and England around 1890, and the Nelson family, Danish immigrants whose daughters Lulu and Clara were among the area's early residents. Lakeside has remained unincorporated throughout its history, serving as a small highway and rail crossing point in the Sandhills.

Location & Access

County: Sheridan County
Region: Nebraska Sandhills
Setting: Junction of Nebraska Highways 2 and 250, along a BNSF Railway line
Coordinates: approximately 42.056° N, 102.425° W
Elevation: 3,881 feet
Designation: Unincorporated community

Adjacent Counties

Sheridan County borders Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota (north), Cherry County (east), Grant County (southeast), Garden County (south), Morrill County (southwest), Dawes County (west), and Box Butte County (west).

Nearby Towns

Ellsworth (about 7 miles east) · Antioch (about 8 miles west) · Bingham (about 17 miles east) · Alliance (about 23 miles west) · Rushville (Sheridan County's seat, to the north)

Points of Interest

• The lake for which Lakeside is named: One of the small lakes scattered through this part of the Sandhills.
• BNSF Railway crossing: The rail line through Lakeside still crosses Nebraska Highway 250 in the community.
• Nebraska Sandhills terrain: Lakeside sits amid the rolling, grass-stabilized dunes typical of southern Sheridan County.

Events

Community events for Lakeside are being added to the directory. Browse the Sheridan County directory for current listings.

Education & Health

Schools: Students in the Lakeside area attend school in Rushville or Alliance.
Health: Nearest hospital and clinic services are in Alliance and Rushville.