Established in 1888 by the Union Pacific Railroad as a depot along a newly constructed line, Palco was named after railroad officials Palmer and Cole. Early challenges tested the town’s strength, including a devastating prairie fire in 1893 that swept across multiple counties and a 1923 fire that damaged several Main Street businesses.
Despite these hardships, Palco persevered, officially incorporating in 1906 and continuing to grow into the close-knit community it is today.
Located at 508 Main Street, the City of Palco provides reliable essential services, including water, sewer, and trash collection, supporting both residents and local businesses.
Residents and visitors have access to a variety of local amenities that make daily life convenient, including a grocery and deli, bank, post office, daycare, automotive services, and a 24-hour gas station.
Palco is proud to be a part of USD #269, with a combined junior and senior high school facility in town, and the Northwest Agriculture Education Center located directly across the street from the school, along with elementary education available nearby in Damar.
As one of the first facilities of its kind in the area, the Northwest Agriculture Education Center is a point of pride for the community and provides hands-on, agriculture-based learning with practical skills integrated into the curriculum at every level from elementary through high school.
