The Nebraska Northwestern Railroad (reporting mark NNW) is a Class III railroad that began operations in April 2010 after it purchased 7.22 miles (11.62 km) of former Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern (DME), now Rapid City, Pierre and Eastern Railroad, previously Chicago and North Western Railway Cowboy Line track between Dakota Junction and the rail yard to the east at Chadron, Nebraska.
To the east of Chadron, the railroad had connected with the 4.5 miles of remaining track owned by the Nebkota Railway which serviced a small grain auger loading facility that had been built in 2010.
Nebraska Northwestern intends to use the roundhouse for the repair and refurbishing of large railroad equipment.
According to the filing, operations of the Nebkota will be coordinated with those of Nebraska Northwestern, and potential shippers will benefit from greater efficiencies while receiving better service.
On November 20, 2013 the Surface Transportation Board authorized John Nielsen to gain control of the Nebkota as of December 15, 2013.