Tilden Nebraska 68781
Tilden, Nebraska
Tilden, Nebraska is a vibrant community located along Nebraska Highway 275 and the Cowboy Trail Corridor.
Situated on the Antelope–Madison county line, Tilden serves as a regional hub between Oakdale, Meadow Grove, and Norfolk, offering trail access, strong schools, and a well‑established local business community.
Location
- Counties:
Antelope County &
Madison County - Region: Northeast Region
- Primary Corridor: NE‑275
- Trails: Cowboy Trail (direct access)
- Nearby Towns:
Oakdale (12 miles west),
Meadow Grove (6 miles east),
Norfolk (20 miles east),
Neligh (16 miles west)
Adjacent Towns
- Oakdale – 12 miles west
- Meadow Grove – 6 miles east
- Norfolk – 20 miles east
- Neligh – 16 miles west
Adjacent Counties
Points of Interest Near Tilden
Outdoor & Recreation
- Cowboy Trail – Direct access to the Cowboy Trail Corridor
- City parks and recreation areas
- Elkhorn River access nearby
Cultural & Historical
- Historic railroad community along the former Chicago & North Western line
- Birthplace of author and humorist George William Norris
- Highway 275 corridor history
Nearby Events
- Community celebrations in Tilden
- Antelope County Fair (Neligh)
- Events in Meadow Grove and Norfolk
Extended Historical Background
Tilden was established in the 1880s as a railroad town along the Chicago & North Western line. Its location on the Antelope–Madison county line made it a natural service point for agriculture, freight, and regional travel.
The development of Highway 275 strengthened Tilden’s role as a corridor community, linking it to Oakdale, Meadow Grove, and Norfolk. The highway brought new commerce and improved regional connectivity.
Tilden also sits along the Cowboy Trail, preserving its railroad heritage while offering modern outdoor access. The trail connects Tilden to Oakdale and Meadow Grove, providing scenic prairie views and a direct link to Nebraska’s longest rail‑to‑trail project.
Education
- Elkhorn Valley Schools serves the Tilden area, providing K–12 education for Tilden and Meadow Grove.
- Learn more at ElkhornValleySchools.org
Health Resources
- Faith Regional Health Services (Norfolk)
- Antelope Memorial Hospital (Neligh)
Cowboy Trail: Tilden Segment
Tilden sits directly along the
Cowboy Trail, offering a scenic and accessible stretch between Oakdale and Meadow Grove.
West Toward Oakdale
- Distance: ~12 miles
- Surface: Crushed limestone
- Scenery: Prairie landscapes and river valley views
- Connections: Oakdale
East Toward Meadow Grove
- Distance: ~6 miles
- Surface: Crushed limestone
- Scenery: Open prairie and quiet rural stretches
- Connections: Meadow Grove
Learn more at the
Cowboy Trail Corridor Page.
Highway 275: Tilden Segment
Tilden sits directly on Highway 275, connecting the town to communities across northern and northeastern Nebraska.
West Toward Oakdale and Neligh
- Oakdale – 8 miles
- Neligh – 16 miles
- Clearwater – 24 miles
East Toward Meadow Grove and Norfolk
- Meadow Grove – 6 miles
- Battle Creek – 14 miles
- Norfolk – 20 miles
