As the railroad pushed its way westward from Valentine, the little town of Chadron was created in the 1800s and named after Louis Chartran, a fur trader who set up shop in Bordeaux Creek. Today, Chadron is a college town and home to 5,634 residents.
The town offers a number of interesting attractions including the famous Museum of the Fur Trade on US 20, Wounded Knee Massacre Site, High Plains Herbarium, Eleanor Barbour Cook Museum of Geology, and the Nebkota Dinner Train.
Chadron has much to offer in terms of recreational activities. With a total of 6 parks, there's 30 acres of green space reserved for sheer pleasure. And numerous state parks in the area add significantly to the diversity of outdoor activities.
At an altitude of nearly 5,000 feet, the crisp air and ponderosa pines of Chadron State Park (9 miles south of town) invigorates the soul with a sense of freshness and renewal. The 972-acre park has trails for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. Trout fishing in the cool waters is also a favorite.
Fishing, swimming and paddleboating are also found at beautiful Chadron State Park. Camping is permitted here, as well. There are also a number of camp sites throughout the area. And, there's no better place to appreciate the wonders of nature and the wild critters that call it "home."
Paths for mountain biking are found at the Pine Ridge Trail of Nebraska National Forest, and at the Fort Robinson State Park. Golf is played at the Ridgeview Country Club and at nearby Legend Buttes Golf Course. And Chadron State University ignites the spectator scene with exciting games of basketball and football.
The small, but memorable, town of Chadron is located in the northwestern section of Nebraska at the junction of Highways 20 and 385.
