If you were to ask any Nebraskan about the smallest incorporated town in our state, most would be able to name Monowi right away. The town with a population of just one is hard to forget. But how about the smallest incorporated city? That one’s a bit more difficult – do you know it?

It's Long Pine, the beloved Sandhills oasis.
Google Maps
Often named as one of the most beautiful places in Nebraska, Long Pine reported a population of just 305 in the 2010 census.
A population that size usually puts a settlement firmly into "village" territory, but Long Pine is officially designated a city.
Wikimedia Commons/Ammodramus
It was once a hub for the Cowboy Line of the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company. It was an important place for steam locomotives to stop for servicing, but the rise of diesel locomotives made the facilities obsolete.
The last train passed through town in 1992, but that couldn't keep the plucky little town down.
Wikimedia Commons/Ammodramus
(This building, the Miller Hotel, was built in 1895. It now houses the Heritage House Museum.)

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The railroad was far from the only thing Long Pine had going for it. Since the 1880s, the city has been a haven for leisure seekers and outdoorsy types.
Facebook/Hidden Paradise, Long Pine Nebraska
The clear, clean waters and lush pine-covered hills create some of the loveliest views in Nebraska. In 1912, Nebraska's Hidden Paradise resort opened; it provided a heated bath house, a dance pavilion, cabins, and the perfect setting to simply relax and enjoy life.
The resort no longer exists in the same form, but vacationers still flock to Long Pine.
City of Long Pine
There are plenty of cabins to stay in, and Long Pine State Recreation Area offers primitive camping spots. No matter where you stay, the surroundings are nothing short of magical.
One of the favorite activities in Long Pine is tubing down Long Pine Creek.
City of Long Pine
Its clear, cool, shallow waters are perfect for spending a lazy afternoon watching the gorgeous scenery pass by. The city is also on the Cowboy Trail, the longest rails-to-trails recreational trail in the country.
This tiny city doesn't have much to offer in the way of big-city conveniences; you'll only find a handful of businesses here.
Nebraska Tourism
But what Long Pine does have is much better. Its beautiful vistas, abundant recreational opportunities, and friendly, happy residents make this tiny city well worth a visit.

There are a million reasons to love Long Pine, and knowing that it holds the honor of being the state’s smallest official city makes it even more endearing. For more information on the history of this unique place, check out this article.

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