Welcome to Springfield, Nebraska

The same green rolling hills, springs, the railroad and peaceful valleys that attracted Capt. J.D. Spearman to Springfield in 1871 are the same attractions that have drawn others to the area.

But today, there’s much more. The scenic Mo-Pac bike trail (and parallel equestrian trail) plus an international award-winning winery, an artistically landscaped sculpture garden and the popular Sarpy County Fair, people are learning there’s a lot more to Springfield than a pastoral setting and peaceful life.

Spearman settled on a farm south of Springfield in 1871. After he learned the Missouri Pacific railroad would be built in the area, he purchased 160 acres for $822 in 1873. He platted the village and named it Springfield because of the numerous springs. The new town began on Oct. 1, 1881, and by 1900, a number of businesses had sprung up.

In recent years, Springfield Drug, boasting one of the area’s last old-fashioned soda fountains, and the annual Sarpy County Fair have been popular destinations in Springfield.
In recent years, new attractions are drawing folks to the area.

The City is currently working on Springfield Trail Phase 3, which is part of Mo-Pac biking and hiking trail from the metro area to Lincoln. For its portion, the City was recently awarded grant funds totaling $451,505 from the Nebraska Department of Roads Transportation Enhancement Program. The total estimated project cost is $564,382, said City Clerk Kathleen Fauver. A projected completion date has not yet been set.

“The trail head is located in our nature center, right across from the soccer fields,” Powell said. “It’s a perfect marriage of the two.”

When Jim Shaw opened Soaring Wings Winery and Vineyard at 17111 S. 138th St., he said, “Our main mission is to produce high quality wine that competes on an international level.”
The winery has won many international awards.

“(We) won over 60 medals in the first three years of international competition,” he said.
With sales up 40 percent every year, the winery’s growth continues.

The winery features a party room complete with a multimedia center, ideal for business meetings and end-of-the year parties.

“The equipment is here,” Shaw said. “All they have to do is plug and play.”

A quarter-mile down the hill sits Weiss Studios and Gardens on two acres of award-winning gardens where their custom art pieces, copper birdbaths and feeders are displayed.