Nebraska’s first state park, Chadron State Park was founded in 1921 and is nestled among the distinctive buttes and canyons of Nebraska’s Pine Ridge. Since its founding a century ago, it’s remained a popular spot for camping, family reunions and old-fashioned vacations where guests can escape and enjoy spending time in one of the state’s most famous landscapes. Chadron State Park is an especially great destination for hikers and mountain bikers. Hike-bike trails for all skill levels lace the park and adjoining Forest Service lands. Between the trails in the park and on the adjacent Nebraska National Forest, a hiker or biker will find more than 100 miles of beautiful trails and old roads suitable for a variety of experience levels.

Attractions

Trails

Chadron State Park offers six miles of hiking trails, and another four miles of mountain biking trails. The Park is adjacent to the Nebraska National forest, which offers more than 100 miles of trails and old roads suitable for a variety of experience levels.

Swimming

Chadron State Park’s swimming pool offers visitors a beautiful view overlooking the pines. The pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with reduced hours beginning in mid-August. Lifeguards are on duty.

Fishing

Anglers will find trout both in Chadron Creek and in the park lagoon.

Other activities

The park offers paddle boats, archery, tennis and sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, softball field, playgrounds, historical programs, disc golf course, winter sledding hill, evening programs, trail rides, and a trading post. The horseback trail rides are for visitors age 6 or older. These are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with reduced hours beginning in mid-August. The trading post has a craft center, snack bar, hatchet throwing, gift shop and more. It is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with reduced hours beginning in mid-August Additionally, the park has picnic shelters that can be reserved.

Camping

Chadron State Park has 70 camping pads with 30-amp electrical hookups, as well as 18 primitive sites. Amenities for campers include showers, dump station, laundry, picnic tables, grills and a playground for the kids.