Nebraska's oldest state park, est 1921, might well be the best kept secret of the state park system. With the majestic beauty of the Pine Ridge as its backdrop, Chadron State Park covers 974 acres of natural beauty sure to awe any visitor. Located off U.S. Highway 385 about nine miles south of the town of Chadron, the park is surrounded by the Pine Ridge Division of the Nebraska National Forest.

Chadron State Park offers many of the amenities found at other state parks, but pains are taken to retain the pristine integrity of the area. Modern housekeeping cabins are nestled on the hillsides, blending into the natural landscape. A new, modern RV campground was built in 1991.

Dominating the scene are towering ponderosa pines that have adapted well to the Pine Ridge soils and generally dry climate. The altitude approaches 5,000 feet in places, which means visitors "can keep their cool" even on warm summer days.

Miles of hiking/nature trails meander through the park, connecting with more miles of trails that lace forest lands. There are short segments for a brief stroll, or rugged distances and climbs for the dedicated wilderness buff. All offer a chance to absorb the splendor of the area. Park-goers can also walk or drive to the scenic observation point on National Forest land by taking the spur off the main park road in the southwest corner of the park. For those who truly want to escape the hectic pace of everyday life, Chadron State Park is the ideal locale. Here, one can literately retreat to the leisure of a bygone age.

Chadron State Park has lodging accommodations to fit your needs, with 22 housekeeping cabins; 16 have two double beds, while 6 have two twin beds in one room, and one queen bed in the other. Each cabin is furnished with bed linens, blankets, and towels. Kitchenettes have stoves, refrigerators, cooking utensils, and towels. Cribs or rollaways are available for a small additional fee, while extra linens are available for the asking. For those who want to stay with a group or schedule a full-blown family reunion, the park offers a multi-use facility perfect for group camp.

Lodging reservations are accepted up to one year in advance and are taken by mail, telephone, or in person during regular park office hours. An advance must be paid within 10 days of reservation confirmation. Deposits can not be refunded for cancellations or failure to appear. Cabins may be rented on a first-come, first-serve basis, if available.

Campers, too, will enjoy their stay at Chadron at the new, modern campground, complete with 30 amp electrical hookups, showers, laundry, picnic tables, grills, a playground for the kids and a dump station. Primitive camping is also available for tenters. All off-season camping is primitive. Rate vary depending on facilities. No camping is permitted in the cabin area, only in the designated campground.

Activities are diverse, too, ranging from swimming in the regulation-sized pool to trout fishing to pedaling around the park lagoon in a paddleboat. Horseback trail rides and Jeep rides provide more spectacular views of the area. Various crafts are on tap at the Chartran Trading Post, along with snacks and souvenirs. Visitors can savor the history of the region with demonstrations of old-time fur trader activities and black powder presentations. You can even try your hand at archery, play tennis, or sand volley ball. Groups of 20 or more can also arrange for a buffalo stew cookout. Most activities are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

For more information on any Nebraska state park area inquire at the Park Office:
Parks Division, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, P.O. Box 30370 Lincoln, NE 68503, or call toll-free 1-800-826-PARK to leave your name and address for a 48-page, color brochure.