Population24,452 (July 1, 2025 estimate)
Art and Local Stories Along the Valley
Dawson County, NebraskaLexington is Dawson County’s seat, while Cozad offers another starting point for discovering the county. The Robert Henri Museum, public art and Wilson Public Library’s sculpture garden give a Cozad visit a creative focus. Build an outing around a few nearby stops, then use the local dining directory to plan a break. County services remain centered in Lexington, making this guide useful for both a day trip and everyday errands.
Dawson County at a Glance
Population24,452 (July 1, 2025 estimate)
County SeatLexington
Largest CommunityLexington
EstablishedAuthorized 1860; organized 1871
ZIP Codes12 wholly or partly within county
Total Area1,019.43 square miles (land and water; 2024 Gazetteer)
Major RoutesI-80; US 30; US 283; NE 21; NE 23; NE 40; NE 47
Area Codes308
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Meet Local Businesses
Explore featured businesses from the county and surrounding region. These paid advertisements link residents with local services; confirm location and service availability directly with each business.
Explore Your County
Discover Dawson County
Dawson County is more than a single stop in Lexington. Its local guide should help you connect a place you want to explore with the information you need to get there. Begin with Robert Henri Museum, then look at the surrounding communities and official visitor resources before adding another destination. A short, well-planned route leaves room for a meal, a conversation or an unexpected discovery without turning the day into a race between attractions.
For people who call Dawson County home, the useful details are often the everyday ones: which office handles a question, where to find a library, or how to check transportation options. Keep the official county website close at hand and use the resource links below to reach the organization responsible for each service. Visitor information and government information serve different purposes; together, they offer a more useful picture of life around Lexington and beyond.
What Shapes This Place
A Local Starting Point
Begin with Robert Henri Museum and check its current information before setting out. Build your route around the stops that suit your interests and the time you have.
Everyday Connections
Use Dawson County government and provider links to find the right office or organization. Confirm the details of your visit directly, especially when traveling from another community.
Explore With Context
Keep Lexington and the surrounding county in view as you plan. Check destination locations carefully, and give nearby regional attractions their own place on your itinerary.
Local places, useful connections, and time to explore
A Closer Look
Dawson County in Pictures
Places and perspectives from Dawson County
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Meet Local Businesses
Explore featured businesses from the county and surrounding region. These paid advertisements link residents with local services; confirm location and service availability directly with each business.
Everyday Essentials
Find the Right Local Resource
Start with official offices and service providers. Statewide directories are identified so you can select your local community.
Government
Schools
Hospitals & Health
Public Safety
Emergency Management
State Parks
Trails & Recreation
Utilities
Service boundaries can differ within Dawson County. Use these official tools to identify service at your address; contact your city or village for municipal water and sewer.
Find your electric supplier — Nebraska Power Review Board service-area map
Locate natural gas service territories — Nebraska Public Service Commission
Check broadband providers by street address — FCC National Broadband Map
Request underground utility locations before digging — Nebraska 811
Natural gas utility information — Nebraska Public Service Commission
Libraries
Courts
DMV
Transportation
Postal Services
Veterans Services
Employment
Dawson County Questions, Answered
Useful starting points for residents and visitors
Before You Go
Plan With Local Information
Check the source for hours, availability and visit details.
Lexington is the county seat. Start with the Dawson County government website to find the right office for your visit.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates 24,452 residents as of July 1, 2025. This is a population estimate, not a new census count. Census population source.
The county covers approximately 1,019.43 square miles including land and water, calculated from the Census Bureau’s 2024 Gazetteer. Gazetteer source.
The Nebraska Association of County Officials lists authorization in 1860 and organization in 1871. These describe different stages of establishing county government. County history and profile.
Begin with Robert Henri Museum and Wilson Public Library Sculpture Garden. Use the local information source to plan your stops and check current visitor arrangements.
Dawson County government is the official starting point. Select the office responsible for your task and confirm its hours and required documents before traveling to Lexington.
Use the Nebraska DMV location directory and select Dawson County. Check the service type and schedule; a county treasurer’s vehicle service is not automatically a driver examination appointment.
Use the Nebraska county veteran service officer directory to locate the entry for Dawson County. Contact the listed office to discuss services and arrange a visit.
Search the Nebraska Library Commission directory by community, beginning with Lexington. Ask the individual library about current hours, card eligibility and visitor access.
Start with the Nebraska public transit provider directory and confirm coverage for your pickup and destination. Availability, advance booking and fares depend on the provider; a nearby agency does not establish county-wide service.
Use USPS ZIP Code Lookup for the complete street address. ZIP delivery areas do not necessarily follow county boundaries, so the ZIP for Lexington should not be used for every address in Dawson County.
The at-a-glance count includes 12 ZIP codes wholly or partly within Dawson County, including PO Box and unique codes where listed. Source: ZIP Data Maps county coverage list, checked October 9, 2026. Postal areas can cross county boundaries.
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Meet Local Businesses
Explore featured businesses from the county and surrounding region. These paid advertisements link residents with local services; confirm location and service availability directly with each business.
My Local Guide
Explore Dawson County
Find Your Next Local StopBrowse places to eat, shop and spend time together. Nearby and regional options are labeled where included. Check destinations for current hours, admission and seasonal access.
Kids’ Fun
- Robert Henri Museum & Art Gallery — Cozad. Explore art and the Nebraska childhood of painter Robert Henri.
- Wilson Public Library — Cozad. Books and family reading on Meridian Avenue.
- Ehmen Park — Gothenburg. Tree-shaded park and playground surrounding the Pony Express Station.
Restaurants
- Meridian Tap House — Cozad. A downtown restaurant and gathering spot on Meridian Avenue.
- Mickies Restaurant — Cozad. Local dining at 420 South Meridian Avenue.
- The Green Apple Café — Cozad. A café stop on East Eighth Street.
Shopping & Retail
- Prairie Point Junction — Cozad. Fabrics, quilting supplies and project inspiration.
- Rustic & Red — Cozad. Home décor, gifts and women’s apparel.
- Everything Chocolate and Confections — Cozad. Chocolate treats and sweet gifts on Meridian Avenue.
Clothing & Boutiques
- Rustic & Red — Cozad. Home décor, gifts and women’s apparel.
- Change Clothing — Lexington. Local school apparel and custom clothing at 911 North Adams Street.
- Walmart Clothing & Accessories — Lexington. Family clothing, footwear and accessories at the Frontier Street store.
Outdoor Fun
- Ehmen Park — Gothenburg. Tree-shaded park and playground surrounding the Pony Express Station.
- Lake Helen Recreation Area — Gothenburg. Lakeside paths and open-air recreation.
- Lafayette Park — Gothenburg. Park grounds beside Lake Helen; campground fees are separate.
Free Things To Do
- Ehmen Park Grounds — Gothenburg. Enjoy a shaded walk and the public playground.
- Lake Helen Paths — Gothenburg. Walk beside the lake; equipment and camping are separate.
- Wilson Public Library — Cozad. Browse and read on site; check separate policies for borrowing and services.
Make time for a local discovery.Keep Exploring Dawson County