A Travel Guide to the Middle of Nowhere

Why Chadron, Nebraska Might Be the Best Vacation You’ve Never Considered

Everyone goes to Europe.

So much so that on June 15, 2025, citizens in major European cities blasted water guns at tourists and greeted cruise ships with banners that read, “Tourists, Go Home.”

Tourism to EU countries has surpassed even pre-COVID levels. Housing shortages, price inflation, and environmental impacts top the list of concerns for residents.

But the news isn’t great for travelers either. That perfect Instagram shot of “holding up” the Leaning Tower of Pisa? You’ll be sharing the moment with three million other tourists angling for the exact same pose.

Why not take a trip off the beaten path? Visit a place few have ever heard of—and fewer will visit.

Why not visit Chadron, Nebraska?

Called the “Florence of Nebraska” by absolutely no one, Chadron boasts French fur-trading roots, two historical museums, hometown goodness, and a canvas of scenery that stretches all the way to the sky. An occasional Angus cow may wander into your camera lens, but you won’t be fighting off other tourists.

Your food won’t necessarily be plated to entice likes on social media, but it’ll be delicious—and affordable enough to make you double-check the bill. Locals won’t take aim at you with a water pistol (unless you’re attending the annual Fur Trade Days Parade). Instead, you’ll feel so welcomed you’ll soon be waving at passing cars and greeting strangers at Wal-Mart with a friendly “hi” and “how are you?” Don’t be surprised if someone stops to answer.

Getting There and Where to Stay

You can fly directly into Chadron, but I recommend flying into Rapid City Airport and renting a car for the one-and-a-half-hour drive south. The drive takes you through the Black Hills, rugged cattle country, and prairies that crest and swell like ocean waves.

For accommodations, you have several choices. Holiday Inn Express and Best Western West Hills Inn offer comfort and convenience. For a homey stay, try Victorian Inn Bed and Breakfast. If you want something historic, the Olde Main Street Inn is a restored 1890s building with a reputation for being haunted. Nature lovers will appreciate the rustic cabins at Chadron State Park, just eight miles south of town.

When to Visit

The second weekend of July is Fur Trade Days, the town’s biggest event, and one of the top times to visit. You’ll want to book your room well in advance to enjoy:

• Buckskinner’s Reenactment Camps
• Carnival rides for kids
• Live downtown music and bars
• The parade (watch out for those water pistols!)
• Craft fairs, Indian tacos, ice cream socials, cemetery tours, community BBQs
• Sports events like the Colter Run 5K/10K and the World Championship Buffalo Chip Competition, where competitors throw dried buffalo dung down Main Street

Where to Eat

While in town, stop by Bean Broker Coffee House & Pub. It’s a local favorite for coffee, sandwiches, pizza, and live music. Wild’s Bar & Grill offers classic American fare with burgers, steaks, and comfort food in a casual atmosphere. Other notable options include China House and Molcajete's Mexican Restaurant. No visit would be complete without a stop at Daylight Donuts—hands down the best donut place in the entire world. Locals know to get there early, because the most popular flavors often sell out by 10 a.m. Favorites include the indulgent Peanut Butter Cups, perfectly crisp Apple Fritters, flaky Bear Claws, and the heavenly filled Long Johns. It’s a sweet spot you won’t want to miss. If fast food is more your vibe, there are plenty of options, but be sure to try a Nebraska specialty—Runzas. 

Shopping

Coco Shack is a must-visit cozy shop for souvenirs, locally sourced gifts, and tasty treats. It has the kind of small-town charm that locals rave about. While you're there, be sure to browse their book selection, which includes titles by Chadron local and Had to Be There podcast guest, Donald Osborn. You'll find Where We Land: A Boy, A Plane, and A Dream, a beautifully illustrated children's book based on a true story set right here in town. You can also pick up Where We Land: A Pilot’s Reflections at Altitude, Donald’s memoir filled with sky-high insight and Nebraska soul. And if you’re in the mood for something a little offbeat and hilarious, check out The Ding Dong Altar Boy, a collection of short stories—many of them featuring Chadron—that captures the quirks and comedy of small-town life.

Downtown’s Historic District invites you to stroll Main and 2nd Streets for antique shops, local boutiques, galleries, and historic buildings dating back to the 1880s.

Things to Do and Places to See

Climb C-Hill for a panoramic view of the town and enjoy the nearby hiking trails. The Museum of the Fur Trade offers a deep dive into 17th to 19th-century frontier life through fascinating artifacts and exhibits. And don’t miss Chadron State Park, Nebraska’s oldest state park. Set in pine-covered ridges, it offers hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, paddleboats, volleyball, disc golf, a pool, and cabins.

Day Trip: Fort Robinson, Toadstool Geologic Park, and the Post Playhouse. If you're up for exploring beyond the city limits, one of the best day trips from Chadron includes a scenic loop through Fort Robinson State Park, Toadstool Geologic Park, and a stop for live theater at the Post Playhouse. Just thirty minutes west of town, Fort Robinson offers a full morning of adventure. Once a working military post, the park is now home to nearly 100 preserved buildings from the 1800s, including original cavalry barracks and a blacksmith shop. You can tour the grounds at your own pace or opt for activities like hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or even horseback riding. The Trailside Museum is also worth a stop, featuring local fossils and natural history exhibits. When hunger hits, grab lunch at one of the park’s on-site restaurants or pop into the Sutler’s Store for a quick bite.

In the afternoon, make your way about thirty minutes north to Toadstool Geologic Park, a stretch of rugged badlands filled with surreal, mushroom-shaped rock formations. A short one-mile interpretive loop offers an easy hike and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s remote, quiet, and a completely different kind of beauty from the pine-covered ridges back in Chadron. Bring water and prepare for gravel roads, but don’t be surprised if you feel like you’ve stumbled onto another planet. After your hike, return to Fort Robinson for an evening performance at the Post Playhouse. Performances start at 7:00 p.m., and tickets are reasonably priced. Just don’t forget you’ll need a Nebraska State Park permit, which can be purchased on-site.

The Return Trip is Part of the Journey

When it’s time to head back toward Rapid City for your flight home, consider taking a leisurely drive through the Black Hills. You might want to detour to see Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, two iconic monuments that draw crowds from around the world. Bear Country USA offers a chance to see wildlife up close, and there are plenty of other attractions like Custer State Park and the charming town of Keystone.

But fair warning: this part of the trip is where you’ll likely run into the throngs of tourists you left behind in Europe. Parking lots full, selfie sticks at the ready, souvenir shops packed to the brim. Before long, you might find yourself daydreaming about the quiet streets of Chadron, the friendly faces at the local café, and skies that stretch on forever.

In other words, enjoy the sights and excitement of the Black Hills—but don’t be surprised if you’re secretly counting the minutes until you can get back to the peaceful charm of Nebraska’s best-kept secret.

After all, sometimes the best travel stories come from the places that don’t make the usual itinerary. And Chadron is one of those places.

Pics: My daughters hiking Toadstool National Park in December 2018.