
Historical Attractions
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Dakota City is home to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, which is the first Lutheran Church building built in Nebraska. The church is a Greek Revival-style structure built in 1860. Since 1969 it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The first pastor was the Reverend Henry W. Kuhns, who was a missionary sent by the Allegheny Synod to the Nebraska Territory. Rev. Kuhns first preached in the front room of Bates House, a hotel, in November 1850. The church was formally organized on July 22, 1859.
Plans for a church building originally consisted of a store from the abandoned town of Pacific City; however, this plan came to an end when a prairie fire destroyed the building as it was being moved to Dakota City. The church structure then was designed and built by Augustus T. Haase, a local carpenter and member of the Emmanuel Lutheran congregation, for a total cost of $2,000. The building also served periodically as the Territorial Courthouse. The church stands today as a proud monument to the tenacity and strength of purpose of the early Dakota County settlers.
Train Depot
The former Dakota City Chicago and Northwestern (C&NW) Railroad Depot was constructed in 1922. This one-story, brick depot building is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Known as a “Class B Depot” this facility was a key link in the Omaha to Minnesota rail corridor from 1922 until 1957 when it was abandoned. Passengers would travel to Norfolk, where they could connect for travel west or to Omaha for service east. The rails and ties are still located immediately north of the building.


Our Business Community
Dakota City has a unique business community. Our community is home to long-standing family businesses like ATV Research, and Broyhill Co. We are also home to Tyson’s largest beef production plant.
Dakota City is within the South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce’s service area. Several Dakota City businesses are members of the Chamber.
For more information about the Chamber of Commerce, please visit their website.
Churches

Dakota City United Methodist Church
The Dakota City United Methodist Church has been in Dakota City since 1857.
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Salem Lutheran Church
Salem Lutheran Church is located just outside of Dakota City.
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Education

South Sioux City Community School
Dakota City is within the South Sioux City Community Schools District. Dakota City Elementary is a K-5 elementary school that is part of this district. The average enrollment is 225 students.
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Pathways Preschool
Pathways Preschool is located at 109 N. 23rd Street in Dakota City. This program is for students ages three and four.
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Our History
As one of Nebraska’s oldest communities, Dakota City has a storied and rich history. The site of Dakota City was first visited by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which reached the mouth of Omaha Creek on August 16, 1804. A town was not advanced until the location was designated as a county seat shortly after Dakota County was established in 1855.
The Dakota City Land Company was organized in 1856 by Augustus Kountze to promote the growth and development of Dakota City. The founder of Dakota City was J. D. M. Crockwell, who, as an agent of the Dakota City Land Company, filed a plat of the town for record on September 20, 1856. The name “Dakota City” was given in honor of the Dakota (Sioux) people.
The original plat called for a town two miles wide from east to west, with its eastern end abutting the Missouri River. Broadway, the town’s main street, was to be 150 feet wide with plans for the construction of a “center canal” which could bring barges directly into town. Showing remarkable growth, Dakota City was incorporated on April 5, 1858.
Though the town grew quickly, the Missouri River expanded into the town site not long after Dakota City’s establishment. In the early 1900s, the river took one-third of the original town. In fact, the Sioux Gateway Airport now sits on the original Dakota City plant.
Community Resources
COVID-19 Mortgage Assistance Program in Nebraska
NEDA- School Readiness Tax Credit
National Alliance for Hispanic Health
SBA Launches New, Free Online Digital Learning Platform
Ascent, built to assist nearly 13 million women-owned small businesses
A Joint Initiative to Support Women- Owned Businesses
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza, today announced the launch of Ascent, a first-of-its-kind, free digital e-learning platform geared to help women entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses. Ascent has valuable content such as tips on preparing and recovering from disasters, strategic marketing and business financial strategy development.
Administrator Carranza Unveils New Learning Tool
Ascent is a joint initiative between the White House, the SBA, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Designed to support women entrepreneurs looking to remain resilient in their operations, Ascent is packed with content and resources from each agency and backed by academic research.
Ascent Provides Key Resources for Business Growth
“I am pleased to announce the launch of our ground-breaking interactive-virtual learning platform to guide women-owned businesses through the journey of growing their business. Throughout this year alone, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they evaluate, retoo, l and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
SBA Expands Support for Women Entrepreneurs
Ascent includes valuable and timely resources to help women business owners navigate and prepare their business models from potential impacts. I want to thank former SBA Administrator and business owner, Linda McMahon, who planted the seed for this endeavor,” said Administrator Carranza. “It is an incredible privilege to assist women-owned businesses – a key pillar of our nation’s economic firepower –to thrive and achieve success.
Women-Owned Businesses Fuel Economic Growth
This initiative, along with the recent announcement of opening 20 new Women’s Business Centers in 2021, is the SBA’s largest single expansion of resources specifically tailored for women in more than 30 years and furthers our nation’s commitment to nearly 13 million women-owned businesses. I look forward to working with our partners nationwide to shine a light on American women business owners and their journey to success, job creation, and economic independence.”
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Nationwide
Women entrepreneurs start and own nearly half of all businesses in the United States, employ 9.4 million workers, generate $1.9 trillion in revenue, and represent all industries. Ascent offers several key journeys to assist women business owners with strategies towards growth and success, including Disaster & Economic Recovery, Strategic Marketing, Your People, Your Business Financial Strategy, and Access to Capital. Each journey contains content and tools needed to grow your business. Additional topics will be added over time.
A One-Stop Learning Hub
“The Ascent digital learning platform is a practical, user-friendly tool and a one-stop-shop for female entrepreneurs to gain knowledge on how to elevate their business goals, overcome burdensome challenges, and grow their existing business,” said Allen Gutierrez, Associate Administrator, Office of Entrepreneurial Development.
SBA Launches Free Digital Platform for Women Entrepreneurs
“The launch of this useful and timely platform will provide women-owned small businesses the resources they need to start, grow, and expand their business. We hope that you enjoy your journey with Ascent.”
Visit Ascent.SBA.gov and register for your free access today. For additional opportunities on how women entrepreneurs can start, grow and recover, visit SBA.gov or contact your local SBA District Office.
Cottonwood Days
11th Annual Cottonwood Days
2024 Cottonwood Days will be August 9th -11th. We are excited to bring a fun-filled weekend to the community. If you have any questions, please contact City Hall at (402) 987-3448 or [email protected]