Fort Calhoun
Approximately eight miles north of Omaha, on the Missouri River, is the town of Fort Calhoun. Its motto, “Gateway to the Past and Pioneers of the Future” perfectly describes the ideals the community represents. Currently the home of the Omaha Public Power District’s nuclear power plant, a new industrial park, as well as several manufacturing companies. Employment, population, and enthusiasm are rapidly growing.
Meanwhile the area continues to celebrate the past. The town itself is home to the Washington County Historical Museum and near by is Fort Atkinson State Park, originally the first fort west of the Missouri River within the Louisiana Purchase. Although the fort was abandoned in 1827, the area was eventually deeded to the state of Nebraska, and a replica of the actual fort was built on the site. Today it is a popular attraction especially during the summer months when there are living history exhibitions as well as military re-enactments. Other recreational sites in the area are the Boyer Chute Wildlife Refuge and the DeSoto Bend Wildlife Refuge.
While Fort Calhoun residents enjoy hiking, bird watching and water sports in these parks and along the river, there are many other recreational activities for all kids and adults in the community. There’s a park with playground equipment and a swimming pool, as well as a nicely maintained baseball facility. The Fort Calhoun Youth Sports Organization sponsors activities all year round, and the Fort Calhoun School System has numerous athletic programs for middle and high school students.
This P-K--12 school system is housed in three new or newly remodeled buildings—the elementary school, the junior-senior high school, and the Pioneer Learning Center (which is used for special education classes). There is also a well-maintained Community Building which is used for athletic events, music concerts, class plays, and other public activities. Small classes, its talented faculty, and varied extracurricular programs attract many students to this school.
Although people appreciate the area’s amenities, friendliness, location and schools, many are drawn by the homes of many styles, price points, and ages. Bungalows, victorians, and "farm homes" sit side by side in the town's interior while more modern ranches, two-stories, and splits are found along its perimeter. In the surrounding area there are numerous acreages, many found in the trees on the bluffs and rolling hills forming the banks of the Missouri River. Although inventory fluctuates, the market may show a moderate home at $100,000 or a ten acre plot with a lovely home and spectacular views for $600,000 to $800,000--with many price points in between.
If you're looking for small town living, near the city of Omaha, Fort Calhoun may be just the place to start your home search.
