Located in northwest Nebraska, Chadron is south of the Black Hills and west of the Sandhills, in the beautiful Pine Ridge region. The area is noted for its western history and unique natural beauty. The town's close proximity to Nebraska National Forest, Pine Ridge Recreation Area and Chadron State Park affords a wealth of recreational opportunities including camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, cross country skiing, and golf. Chadron is also the home of Chadron State College, which in addition to its academics, provides a complete program of cultural events throughout the year. Best Western Chadron Nebraska.
Things to do in Chadron
Chadron State Park
Nebraska's oldest state park, Chadron State Park covers 974 acres of spectacular natural beauty with the majestic Pine Ridge as a backdrop and surrounded by the Pine Ridge Division of the Nebraska National Forest. The park offers a swimming pool, horseback trail rides, tennis and sand volleyball courts, craft center, snack bar, souvenirs, mountain bike rentals, lagoon paddle boats, fishing, hiking, evening programs, picnic tables, shelters, campsites, cabins, water, dump station, showers and modern restrooms. Located off U.S. Highway 385 about nine miles south of the town of Chadron. Call 308-432-6167 for more information.
Dawes County Historical Society Museum
Dawes County Historical Society Museum is committed to preserving the history of northwestern Nebraska. The museum is located on the site of the original 160 acre farm of Nellie and Lee Card. Exhibits include a log house and barn, 1890s schoolhouse, pioneer church, and a C&NW caboose. The museum also houses a genealogy and history research library. Open Memorial Day through September. Located 3 miles south of Chadron at 341 Country Club Road. Call 308-432-4999 for more information.
Eleanor Barbour Cook Museum of Geoscience
Located at Chadron State College, the Eleanor Barbour Cook Museum of Geoscience exhibits rocks, minerals, and fossils from the Nebraska Panhandle Region. Call 308-432-6377 for more information.
High Plains Herbarium
Located at Chadron State College, the High Plains Herbarium houses Nebraska's largest ethno-botanical, medicinal plant and historic pharmaceutical collections. Archives are devoted to Claude Barr's native plants, regional ethno-botany, George Morgan, botanical illustrations and Bellamy Parks Jansen. Call 308-432-6385 for more information.
Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed
Located with the Nebraska National Forest, the Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed is a modern archeologic excavation in progress. Interpretive materials and guided tours help visitors understand the significance of the discovery, and encourage consideration of various theories regarding the fate of the bison. The site is located in the shadow of Nebraska's picturesque Pine Ridge, overlooking the Oglala and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands and on north to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Call 308-665-3900 for more information.
Legend Buttes
Legend Buttes Municipal Golf Course is a nine-hole golf course offering beautiful views of the area's rugged bluffs. A driving range, pro shop, cart & club rentals, and instruction available are also available. Located on the west end of Crawford on Highway 20. Call 308-665-2431 for more information.
Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center
Located on the campus at Chadron State College, the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center was established to preserve the legacy of Nebraska Hall of Fame author Mari Sandoz. The center features memorabilia, photographs and archives relating to the author and her father, Jules Sandoz. Tour by appointment. Call 308-432-6066 for more information.
Museum of the Fur Trade
The Museum of the Fur Trade is dedicated to the preservation of the North American fur trade, the first business in the New World. The non-profit museum is located on the site of an original trading post established by the American Fur Company in 1837. The three galleries discuss the fur trade from early colonial days to the present century. Exhibits explore the everyday lives of British, French and Spanish traders, and include the entire range of trade goods, including munitions, cutlery, axes, firearms, textiles, costumes, paints, and beads. Located 3 miles east of Chadron on Highway 20. Call 308-432-3843 for more information.
Nebraska National Forest (Pine Ridge District)
Nearly 1.1 million acres of the Nebraska National Forest extend across a large arc from central Nebraska west to the northern Panhandle, into southwestern South Dakota, and on east to the state's center. The forest is an unusual combination of forest and grasslands, and is comprised of two national forests, three national grasslands and a tree nursery. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, camping, and off highway vehicle recreation in designated areas. Attractions in the forest include Toadstool Park, Soldier Creek Wilderness, Pine Ridge National Recreation Area, and the Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed archeological site. The forest is open year round. Call 308-432-4475 for more information.
Pine Ridge National Recreation Area
Pine Ridge National Recreation Area covers 6,600 acres designed to provide primitive/semi-primitive recreational opportunities in a natural environment. The area is managed for non-motorized recreation. Hiking, horses, and mountain bikes are allowed. The area offers horse corrals, a fully accessible rider ramp, modern vault toilet, hand water pump, and picnic tables. The trail leading south from the trailhead connects to the Pine Ridge Trail, which traverses east-west through the Pine Ridge. The primary access point is from Roberts Trailhead, located eight miles west of Chadron on U.S. Highway 20 and seven miles south on Eleson Road, then 1 1/2 miles east on Bethel Road. Call 308-432-4475 for more information.
Ridgeview Country Club
Overlooking the rolling plains southwest of Chadron, Ridgeview Country Club is a beautiful nine-hole golf course. The facility hosts the annual Don Beebe Chadron State College Golf Classic in late spring / early summer. A driving range, pro shop, cart & club rentals, and instruction are available. Located one mile south of Chadron on Highway 385. Call 308-432-4468 for more information.