Explore & Stay Awhile
Explore Norfolk, where the dynamic pulse of urban life meets the rich history of our settlement along the North Fork River. In 1866, pioneers from a German Lutheran settlement near Ixonia, Wisconsin, sought productive farmland under the Homestead Act. Their journey led them to the junction of the Elkhorn and its North Fork, where they established Norfolk’s roots. Today, our downtown beckons with vibrant shops and cozy cafes, while outdoor adventures await along the banks of the North Fork River. Whether you’re drawn to our urban energy or the tranquility of nature, Norfolk invites you to make time to explore and make time to stay awhile.
NORFOLK IS THE PROUD HOME OF
Johnny Carson
Johnny was born on October 23, 1925 in Corning, Iowa. Although born in Iowa, Johnny moved to Norfolk, NE at age 8 and always considered it his hometown. He graduated from Norfolk Senior High and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. In 1946, he joined the Navy where he entertained many people including the Secretary of the Navy.
