Elm Creek is located in Buffalo County between Lexington and Kearney along Highway 30 near Union Pacific State Recreation Area.

North of Interstate 80 in central Nebraska.

The village of Elm Creek came into existence in August 1866 when the Union Pacific built their tracks through Buffalo County. The railroad crew named the creek "Elm" and the siding "Elm Creek Siding." Later, when a station was built, it was called "Elmcreek" Station, spelled as one word. It has not been determined exactly when it was officially divided into two words, however the Elm Creek newspapers used it as one word from 1886 until 1947.

Chevyland U.S.A. Auto Museum is a popular attraction in Elm Creek.