Neligh, Nebraska: Elkhorn River Whitetail and Upland Birds

Neligh is the Antelope County seat with a population around 1,500, located along the Elkhorn River in northeast Nebraska. The town has a rich history anchored by the Neligh Mills, a National Historic Site that preserves one of the oldest operating flour mills on the Great Plains. For hunters, Neligh offers quiet small-town lodging with easy access to the Elkhorn River corridor and Grove Lake WMA.

The Town

Neligh has a tidy downtown centered around its historic mill and courthouse. The community takes pride in its heritage, and the well-maintained parks and public spaces reflect that. The pace of life here is slow and deliberate. Visitors will find a welcoming atmosphere and a community that appreciates the economic boost that hunting season brings.

Where to Eat

A few local restaurants and cafes in Neligh serve breakfast and lunch, with some staying open for dinner. The food is straightforward heartland fare: hot sandwiches, burgers, daily specials, and pie. For more options, Norfolk is about 30 minutes south on Highway 275.

Where to Stay

Neligh has a small motel or two that accommodate hunters during season. The rooms are basic and affordable. Booking ahead during rifle deer season is wise, as inventory is limited. Some hunters choose to base out of Norfolk for its larger hotel selection and drive to their hunting areas near Neligh.

Where to Hunt

Grove Lake WMA is the crown jewel of the area. Located northwest of Neligh, this WMA covers over 2,000 acres of diverse habitat including a 50-acre lake, timbered draws, grassland ridges, and agricultural edges. Whitetail deer use the timber draws for bedding and travel, and the lake and surrounding wetlands attract waterfowl. Turkey populations are strong, and upland birds including pheasant and quail inhabit the grassland sections.

The Elkhorn River corridor running through Neligh and Antelope County provides additional hunting opportunity. The river-bottom timber holds whitetail, and the sandbars and backwater areas attract waterfowl. Public access points along the river allow hunters to reach productive habitat without crossing private land.

Antelope County overall is solid deer country. The mix of crop fields, CRP grassland, and timber corridors creates the edge habitat that whitetails prefer. The county also sees less hunting pressure than the more populated counties closer to Omaha and Lincoln.

Why Neligh Is a Solid Pick

Neligh is not a flashy destination, and that is precisely its appeal. The hunting around Neligh is consistently good without being famous enough to attract crowds. Grove Lake WMA alone justifies the trip for deer and turkey hunters, and the broader Antelope County landscape offers plenty of additional opportunity. If you value quiet, productive hunting and a genuine small-town experience, Neligh fits the bill.