Life in Minden

Minden has been called Mayberry USA for good reason. That's because Minden is a great place to raise a family. In the summer, you can expect to see a group of coffee drinkers at the coffee shop, or catch a family show at the Opera House, or see a child riding down the street to the swimming pool with a swim towel around their neck. Turn the corner into fall and you will see the high school band marching down the street getting ready for the next home football game. The winter finds families adorning their homes with strings of Christmas lights that compliment the town’s “Christmas City” designation. And come springtime, get out your binoculars as the seasonal visitation of the hundreds of thousands of sand hill cranes diverge along the banks of the Platte River.

Whether you are new to the area, planning to move here, or looking for a vacation destination, use our site to discover why Minden is the place you are looking for. Come visit us now and experience our great city. We look forward to meeting you.

Download a map of Minden

Area Organizations

Minden is home to a variety of different clubs and organizations. With such a variety of clubs, there is surely one that will tailor to your interests. New members are welcome. Please call the Chamber of Commerce at 308.832.1811 for a personal contact name for any club listed or unlisted that you may be interested in.

  • Gun Club
  • Girl Scouts
  • Boy Scouts
  • Minden Optimists
  • Minden Rotary Club
  • Kearney County Community Foundation
  • Kearney County Horticulture Society
  • Kearney County Ag Society
  • Kearney County Fair Board
  • Kearney 4-H Clubs
  • Kearney County Historical Society
  • Kearney/Franklin County Cattlemen
  • Kearney County Ministerial Association
  • American Red Cross
  • Classic Car Club
  • Danish Brotherhood
  • Tom Osborne Teammate Program
  • American Legion and Auxiliary
  • SCN Genealogical Society
  • Knights of Columbus
  • Minden Lions Club

Minden Optimists
Do you like to coach? Here is your opportunity. The Minden Optimist Club, a voluntary organization of civic-minded men and women, exists to promote wholesome activities for the youth in our area. Some activities include, “Just Say No” Skating Party, Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, OI Junior Golf, Tri-Star Sports, Bike-A-Thon, Bicycle Safety, Oratorical Contest, Essay Contest, plus lots more. Membership is not mandatory for your child to participate in any of these activities. Member status gives you the opportunity to attend a monthly meeting, to participate in service projects and to serve in Club Committees or Boards.

Minden Area Sports Commission
The Minden Area Sports Commission (MASC) runs the summer baseball and softball programs. For information about these programs, watch for details in the Minden newspaper. Also available for summer ball is the Lion’s Club sponsored Legion Baseball and the T-ball program for children in the lower elementary grades.

Chamber of Commerce
The Minden Chamber of Commerce works from within the heart of the city. That work is accomplished with the guidance of a volunteer board and a Chamber Director and one assistant; as well as many committee members gleaned from the membership of 175 plus. The Chamber maintains an active and progressive organization by promoting business openings and coordinating special events. A monthly newsletter informs the community as to what events are taking place. More information about the Minden Chamber of Commerce can be found on their web site or by calling 308.832.1811.

Kearney County Community Foundation
Since 1992, area residents have been turning to the Kearney County Community Foundation to make their charitable giving as effective as possible. They have given more than $26,000 to support projects and programs within Kearney County and have awarded over $24,000 in scholarships.

Kearney County Extension Office
The Kearney County Extension Office brings you reliable, research-based information in agriculture and natural resources, consumer and family economics, community and economic development and 4-H / youth development. Plug your family in and become part of the 4-H family. You can e-mail the extension office at kearney-county@unl.edu or you can call them at 308.832.1748 or 308.832.0645.

Minden Community Players
The Minden Community Players is a non-profit corporation governed by an all-volunteer board of directors. They constantly strive to provide high quality entertainment at a reasonable cost. To aid in this effort they solicit the support of many patrons who champion their efforts with donations of money, materials, and equipment. In turn, the Minden Community Players provide support and equipment for school productions and community events. Another result of community support and hard work is their scholarship program that touches graduating seniors with an interest in the arts. On Valentine’s Day, some of the members can be seen delivering a flower and a “Valentune.” They also host a children’s theater every summer for the local children. If you are interested in being a part of the Community Players or in finding out what productions are coming up, check out the Community Players’ website or call 308-832-0588.

Education

The Minden Public Schools, District R-3, encompass approximately 300 square miles in south central Nebraska. Over 250 students from Kearney, Franklin, and Adams counties ride our buses each day. Our district consists of three schools: East Elementary, Grades K-3; C. L. Jones Middle School, Grades 4-8; and Minden High School, Grades 9-12. We are proud of the fact that 93% of our high school students complete high school from a freshman on and consistently rank higher than the average state or national testing percentages. There are many active school groups that your child will want to participate in. Athletics, fine arts, agriculture, and consumer science have clubs such as The Art Club, M Club, W Club, FBLA, FCCLA, drama team, speech team, the swing choir, concert and jazz band, drum line, dance team, cheerleaders, and the Rowdy Club. Parents can get involved in Band Parents and the Booster Club to show their support.

For more information on the following schools, visit their individual websites by clicking on their links below.

Superintendent’s Office (web site)
520 West 3rd Minden, NE
308.832.2440

Minden East Elementary School (web site)
Public School Grades K-3
123 N. Minden Avenue Box 301, Minden, NE 68959
308.832.2460

CL Jones Middle School (web site)
Public School Grades 4-8
520 W. 3rd Box 301, Minden, NE 68959
308.832.2338

Minden High School (web site)
Public school • Grades 9-12l
325 N Yates P.O. Box 301, Minden, NE 68959
308.832.2254

Minden Public School Success Center
Public school • Grades 9-12
North Hwy 10 Fairgrounds, Minden, NE 68959
308.832.1992

Colleges and Universities
Several opportunities exist for higher education to Minden residents. Whether your interest is in the agriculture sector, business administration, or professional training, there is an institution of higher learning nearby. In addition, many of the institutions offer satellite courses via the Internet and community education classes.

Other colleges and universities:
Central Community College (www.cccneb.edu)
University of Nebraska – Kearney (www.unk.edu)
Hastings College (www.hastings.edu)
University of Nebraska – Lincoln (www.unl.edu)
Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (www.ncta.unl.edu)

Minden Preschools and Daycares

Our primary goal at our Minden Preschools and Daycares is for your child to feel safe and secure. Prior to being independent a child must know that he or she can depend on adults and a predictable environment. Children are treated with respect and kindness. We recognize that children develop at different rates and have different interests and our small group size and appropriate teacher-child ratios allow for meeting the individual needs of each child.

Your child is given the opportunity to explore materials and participate in a variety of experiences. Activities are carefully planned and implemented in open-classroom settings. Children are free to choose from age-appropriate activities including art, music, language development, pre-math skills, science and nature, and dramatic play. We help your child develop self-esteem, independence, and problem-solving skills as they make choices and assist in planning the environment and the activities.

Creative Care (Preschool/Daycare)
Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
448 E Hawthorne, Minden, NE 68959
308.832.0174

Discovery Preschool
Ages: 3 to Pre-Kindergarten
505 N Colorado Minden, NE 68959
308.832.0324 or 308.832.0944

Headstart (Preschool)
Ages: 3 to 5 years
506 Nance Street, Minden, NE 68959
308.832.1054

Minden Public School Pre-School
Ages: 3 to 4 years
427 N Park Street, Minden, NE 68959
308.832.1666

Daycare Providers
Please call the Minden Chamber of Commerce at 308.832.1811 for our large listing of excellent daycare providers.

Health Care

Minden provides just the right percentage of medical technicians for the size of the town. There are three physicians practicing in Minden and physical therapy is available. These doctors specialize in family practice, pediatrics and sports medicine.

Minden Medical Clinic
727 East First Street
Minden Medical Clinic is a part of the Kearney County Health Services and provides patients a choice in their healthcare provider. Our family practice healthcare providers can be seen by an appointment with little to no wait time or walk-ins are always welcome. To make an appointment, please call 308.832.1911.

Kearney County Community Hospital
727 East First Street
Kearney County Hospital is a 25 bed Critical Access Hospital which offers services in labor and delivery, 24/7 emergency room, laboratory, radiology, including ultrasound, mammography, CT, mobile MRI and bone density testing, and nuclear medicine. Swing bed services are also available to those that qualify under Medicare or Insurance guidelines. Specialty clinics are held in cardiology, urology, ophthalmology, and podiatry. Please call 308.832.1440 for more information.

Special Needs

HinterLong Living
846 East Hawthorne
HinterLong Living is a 20 bed assisted living facility, that bridges the gap between independent living and nursing homes. As a resident you will have the freedom to perform your day to day activities as you wish but the HinterLong Living staff will be there to help you with other responsibilities such as housekeeping or assistance with medications. Most important HinterLong Living shares its campus with Kearney County Health Services providing you easy access to outpatient treatments, specialty clinics, emergency room and inpatient hospitalization. For more information about HinterLong Living, call 308.832.1387.

Long Term Care
727 East First Street
Long Term Care is a 34 bed nursing home (non skilled) that makes sure the residents are comfortable and content as well as provides them quality medical care by sharing the campus of the hospital and clinic. The activities program offers an opportunity for all residents to enjoy themselves in a variety of programs including bingo, sing-a-longs, and Bible studies. The rehabilitation program offers residents an opportunity to increase, restore, or maintain range of motion, physical strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and endurance. Whether helping new residents to comfortably adjust to nursing home life, administering medical treatments or performing clinical assessments, the Long Term Care staff members are always mindful of residents' welfare. You can reach Long Term Care at 308.832.1919.

Minden Senior Center
403 N Colorado
The Minden Senior Center provides public transportation and daily meals, five days a week. The Center has a pool table, bingo and decks of cards ready for a fun time. The facility is available to be rented for events or functions. Please call 308.832.2139 for more information or email them at mindenseniorcenter@mnca.net.


Bethany Home
515 West First Street
Bethany Home is an affiliated social ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America serving residents of all denominations. They are an EOE, equal opportunity employer. The Nursing Facility has 53 nursing beds and features 24 hour staffed nurses. The assisted living portion of Bethany Home currently has 55 assisted living units. They provide apartment-like suites for both singles and couples and private single room suites. Bethany Home also offers part-time assistance to people requiring supervision and personal assistance. This allows the family time for work, shopping, business, or well-deserved time off from the task of being a full-time care giver. For more information about Bethany Home call 308.832.1594 or visit their web site.

Churches

Fredericksburg Lutheran Church
616 33 Road
Minden, NE 68959
Phone: 308.832.2705
Email: wu85119@alltel.net

Bethany Lutheran Church
437 E 4th Street
PO Box 209
Minden, NE 68959-0209
Phone: 308.832.1886
Email: bethanyminden@gtmc.net

First Christian Church
444 N Brown Ave
Minden, NE 68959
Phone: 308.832.2693
Email: fccminden@swnebr.net

St. Paul Lutheran Church
206 N Colorado Ave.
Minden, Nebraska 68959
308.832.1343
Website: www.stpaulserving.com
E-mail: stpaulminden@gtmc.net

Minden Evangelical Free Church
1310 W 1st St.
Minden, Ne 68959
308.832.1574
www.mindenefc.org
E-mail: efcm-office@rcom-ne.com

Westminster United Presbyterian Church
109 N Colorado
Minden, NE 68959
308.832.2170
Email: umchurchum@msn.com

St. John's Catholic Church
624 N Garber Ave.
Minden, NE 68959
Phone: 308.832.1245
Email: stjohnbaptist@charter.net

United Methodist Church
340 N Newell
Minden, NE 68959
308.832.1995

Housing

Looking for a house to call home or a building in which to locate your business? Here is a listing of the available local real estate agents in our area. You will find quality housing at affordable prices.

McBride Realty, Central Plains Living, LLC
308.832.1800
303 E. Fourth Minden, NE

Rhynalds Auction & Realty, LLC
308.832.2444
439 N. Colorado Minden, NE

Agri Affiliates, Inc.
308.234.4969

Garrett Agency
308.832.1532
501 N Colorado Minden, NE

Century 21
308.293.1259
3423 2nd Ave. Kearney, NE

Coldwell Banker
308.991.0165
4503 2nd Avenue Kearney, NE

Media

Minden Courier
429 N Colorado
Minden, NE 68959
Phone: 308.832.2220
E-mail: mindencourier@gtmc.net

The local newspaper, the Minden Courier, is published weekly every Wednesday. The newspaper is a great resource for job opportunities, available housing, garage sales, events and local news articles pertaining to Minden and the surrounding area.

Regional Media

State Media

Lodging

Minden boasts two independently owned Bed and Breakfasts and the Pioneer Village Motel where you receive a complimentary ticket to the World Renown Pioneer Village. You will be treated like a good friend at our accommodations and will want to make plans to come back again and stay longer. Downtown Minden is within walking distance as well as several dining facilities, the local bowling alley, spirit shop and laundry mat.

Pioneer Village Motel
Intersection of Hwy 6/34 & Hwy 10
Phone: 308.832.2750

Pioneer Village Motel offers 24 ground level rooms and the Heritage Hall, the two-story addition offers 44 rooms. No king size beds are available. All rooms in the two-story are pet-free, smoke-free, offer cable TV and coffee.

Grace Elizabeth’s B & B
1523 N Brown Avenue

Grace Elizabeth’s offers a private two-bedroom cottage while having all your needs met. Call for reservations at 308.832.1213 or 1.866.809.1972.

Burchell’s White Hill Farmhouse Inn
1578 30 Road

Burchell’s White Hill Farmhouse Inn offers family style dining. Click here to access a map to the Farmhouse or call them at 308.832.1323.

RV Camping

Pioneer Village RV Park
308.832.2750

The RV Park, located directly behind Heritage Hall, provides RV parking with electrical hook-ups. There is also dry camping available. Downtown Minden is within walking distance as well as several dining facilities, the local bowling alley, spirit shop and laundry mat. Please call for reservations.

Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
308.865.5305

Enjoy a hike/bike trail that crosses two channels of the Platte River and covers 1.8 miles to just north of Interstate 80 at the Fort Kearny State Recreation Area. A state park permit is required. It can be purchased at the campsite for $4 daily or $20 annually. Camping is $11 per night and $4 for electric hookup. Contact the Park Superintendent at 308.865.5305 for more information.

Dining

Whether you are looking for just a hot cup of coffee or a sit down meal, the hospitality that you will find at our restaurants and coffee shops will keep you coming back for more.

Coffee Shops

Brewers Coffee House
317 N Minden Ave.
308.832.BREW (2739)
(Free Wireless Internet Access)

Minden Coffee House
441 N Colorado Ave.
308.832.1312
(Free Wireless Internet Access)

Fast Food

Subway
North Hwy 10
308.832.0608

Pizza Hut
1226 N Brown Ave.
308.832.0380

DayLight Donuts
324 E 5th St.
308.832.0368

Ice Cream & Grill

Southfork Drive-In
South Hwy 10
308.832.0168

Bar & Grill

Belt Busters BBQ
413 N Colorado Ave.
308.832.1404

Red River Lounge
548 N Minden Ave.
308.832.2898

Pioneer Village Restaurant
246 E Hwy 6
308.832.1550

Breakaway
305 N Minden Ave.
308.832.1633

Burchell’s White Hill Farmhouse Inn
1578 30 Road
308.832.1323

Deli

Mason’s Deli
736 N Brown Ave.
308.832.1522

5th Street IGA
125 E 5th Street
308.832.0608

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