Location: Chadron
Top Things to do in Chadron
The 5 Best Things to Do in Chadron, United States
Chadron (/ˈʃædrən/ SHAD-rən) is a city in Dawes County, in the state of Nebraska in the Great Plains region of the United States. The population was 5,851 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Dawes County, and the location of Chadron State College.
Restaurants in Chadron
1. Museum of the Fur Trade
Overall Ratings
5 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By simpleyme - Washington
This was a very nice museum ,we have a special interest in the people of the fur trade ,and were excited to see this. It was a very nice collection and lots of great artifacts. They have a nice gift shop.
2. Chadron State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By Carol A S - Marietta, Georgia
Chadron State Park is about 9 miles south of Chadron, NE on the west side of US 385. The park offers amenities such as cabins, camping, picnic tables, ball fields and a swimming pool. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. After crossing the prairies and sandhills of Nebraska it was refreshing to get into hill country with rocky outcrops mantled with ponderosa pines. I enjoyed the hiking trails which ramble over the hills and traverse stream valleys. The Black Hills Lookout trail offered sweeping views to the north. Between the park and adjacent Nebraska National Forest, there are over 100 miles of trails with various degrees of difficulties. I camped overnight in one of the 18 primitive sites (picnic table, fire ring and nearby bathroom). I appreciated not having to listen to generator noise from the more developed part of the campground which has 70 sites with electric hookups, water, flush toilets, showers, and laundry. Sixteen cabins are available for those who like to enjoy spectacular scenery with all the comforts of home. The park is a popular place for family gatherings, as the wide range of activities appeals to all ages. The daily park fee is $6 per vehicle for Nebraska residents and $8 for vehicles from other states.
3. Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By EVGR - Petersburg PA
We visited this before in 2009 and wanted to see it again. She is a favorite author of ours. We also visited her home and took the ayto loop in Sheridan County. Be advised that 448 is not for the faint-hearted
4. Dawes County Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By kerma1950 - Jewell, Kansas
The Dawes County Historical Society has a well organized museum that shows the history of the county. There are two exhibits that I especially enjoyed. One was about the 1,000 mile Chadron to Chicago horse race that occurred in 1893 and the other a large display of toys. The museum received the large toy collection and developed a roomy addition to display the items so they could be enjoyed. Many other historical items detail information about the people, places, and events of Dawes County. A new item in 2013, a "square piano" which dates from the 1870's but really isn't square. Stop and enjoy.
5. Pine Ridge National Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Carol A S - Marietta, Georgia
After crossing hundreds of miles of grasslands, it was refreshing to encounter rolling hills and Ponderosa pine forest in the Pine Ridge unit of Nebraska National Forest. Pine Ridge is a series of exposed bluffs and ridges formed by local rivers nibbling away at the edge of the Ogallala tableland (Miocene, about 10 million years old). The scenery is rugged and the variety of habitats in the dissected landscape makes it a good place to see wildlife. I camped at the Red Cloud Campground, about ten miles south of Chadron, NE on US 385 (romantically named Gold Rush Byway). The campground was similar to others run by the US Forest Service: each site had a picnic table, fire ring and grill. There was a pit toilet, but alas, no potable water. Of the 13 sites, only three were occupied. Within half an hour of my setting up camp, I spotted 9 turkeys, a white-tailed deer and a rabbit. The wind sighing through the tall pines was soothing, although there was some traffic noise from US 385. Camping fees are $5 per night (Golden Age passport half price). If you just want to picnic at a site during the day, there is no charge. Two trailheads are close by: the Strong Canyon hiking trail and the Outrider trail (hiking and horseback riding). For those who want more luxurious amenities, nearby Chadron State Park offers a swimming pool, cabins and camping with electrical hookups, showers and water). The town of Chadron has motels and restaurants.
