20 Northwest Nebraska Favorites
The saying goes that Nebraska’s Not For Everyone, but Northwest Nebraska is for the outdoor adventurer, the frontier history buff, the photographer, the star-gazer, and the one who just wants to get away from it all. Northwest Nebraska defies expectations and just might be for you. To inspire your next Northwest Nebraska visit, we’ve compiled a list of 20 of our favorite things to do here.
- Hunt – Northwest Nebraska is home to elk, deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain lion and a wide variety of small game and waterfowl. Work on your Upland Slam or stalk the highly-sought after Merriam turkey. For information on seasons, zones and permitting, visit the Nebraska Game and Parks.To explore public lands that are accessible in Northwest Nebraska, visit the G&P Public Access Guide, the G&P Public Hunting map, or the G&P Waterfowl Map and check out our Parks & Wildlands page for more ideas. Looking for a private hunting spot, check out local outfitters at Northwest Nebraska High Country.
2. Fish – Nebraska anglers can complete their entire Trout Slamin Northwest Nebraska Fish the local streams for brook, brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout (Note: Cutthroat populations can vary from year-to-year). Some of the populations are self-sustaining, while others are stocked. Other species available in Northwest Nebraska include blue catfish, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike, rock bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch and white bass. Visit the G&P Interactive Fishing map to find fishing access points and visit our Parks & Wildlands page for more ideas.
3. Boat – Northwest Nebraska offers several options for some fun on the water. Box Butte State Recreation Areaand Whitney Lake each offer boat ramps, while ponds at Chadron State Park and Fort Robinson State Park, as well as the Chadron City Reservoirs provide restricted boating access. If you’re more interested in kayaking or tubing, consider trips to Box Butte SRA and Fort Robinson State Park. Visit the G&P’s Public Boating Access map or visit our Parks and Wildlands page for more ideas.
4. Birdwatch – Northwest Nebraska is a birdwatcher’s paradise. With more than 180,000 acres of public lands, access to wildlife viewing of any kind is readily available. Some of the most noted birdwatching sites in the region are Gilbert-Baker Wildlife Management Area and the nearby Sowbelly Canyon. Visitors may see Pinyon Jays, White-throated swifts, Swainson’s Thrushes, Cordilleran Fly-catchers, Plumbeous Vireos and Violet-green Swallows. More than 200 species have been sighted at Box Butte State Recreation Area, and sightings of hawks, owls and bald eagles are possible in the region.
5. Explore the Trails – Nearly 200 miles of trail wind through Northwest Nebraska, encompassing a variety of terrain for an array of skill levels whether you’re hiking, biking or on horseback. In the winter, the trails can be used for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing when conditions are right. Views include buttes, cold water streams, pine forests, grasslands and badlands, across elevations ranging from 3,000 feet to over 5,000 feet with an abundance of wildlife along the way. Download the Northwest Nebraska Trails Guideto start planning your adventure on the trail.
6. Take a Road Trip – They say it’s all about the journey, and in Northwest Nebraska that’s certainly true. As you seek out many of our destination attractions, enjoy the open spaces, the backcountry roads, and the lack of traffic jams. Give our Roads Less Traveledand Gravel Grinding Adventures a try on two wheels or four. The curated trips include a MAP link to access our Google Maps driving or riding routes, complete with notes of interest and photos. The road trips are a great way to spend the day, but also offer spots for hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, picnicking and more if you want to explore a little longer.
7. Visit Our Attractions – From the Chadron Art Alley to the Fossil Freeway, Northwest Nebraska offers unique attractions. Learn more about Mari Sandoz, ancient mammals, or unique geological formations. Take in a performance at Post Playhouse, view historic architecture or learn about the unique friendship between pioneer James Cook and Red Cloud.
8. Connect With History – The Museum of the Fur Tradetells the story of fur-trading in North America, local museums chronicle pioneer history in the region, while others are dedicated to the fossil record in Northwest Nebraska. State Historical Markers immortalize moments like the Cheyenne Outbreak and the historic meeting of the Allison Commission.
9. Explore Our Events – From rock auctions to patriotic celebrations, when you visit Northwest Nebraska you’ll discover events full of small-town charm. Toss a buffalo chip. Explore a primitive camp. Dance the night away or immerse yourself in Native American history through film. Whatever you choose, a good time and good memories are guaranteed.
10. Camp & Picnic – Whether you’re looking for a rustic cabin, dispersed camping or a nice spot for a day picnic, it’s available in Northwest Nebraska. Pitch a tent in the Pine Ridge Ranger Districtof the Nebraska National Forest or at one of the WMAs, or book a cabin or RV site at Fort Robinson State Park or Chadron State Park or one of our privately-owned lodging opportunities. Visit our Parks & Wildlands page for more ideas.
11. Rockhound – The Oglala National Grasslandof Northwest Nebraska is a dream destination for those interested in rocks, fossils, minerals and gemstones. Rockhounding is allowed on the Oglala National Grassland, with some restrictions. Information on permits and regulations can be found here. True rockhounds will want to visit the Prairie Agate Rock Shop in Crawford and plan a trip over Labor Day weekend for the Crawford Rock Swap, the largest outdoor rock show in Nebraska.
12. OHV Road Riding – The Coffee Mill Trailhead and Strong Canyon Trailhead in Northwest Nebraska provide opportunities for OHV Road Riding. Please note that all motorized travel in the Nebraska National Forest and Oglala National Grassland is restricted to certain areas. Visit the USFS for info on regulations and motor vehicle use maps.
13. Play Disc Golf – Hit the links – the disc golf links, that is! Northwest Nebraska offers three courses for disc golf fans. The Chadron State Park 18-hole course is one of the most challenging courses in the state, while Chadron’s Memorial Park and Crawford’s City Park offer easy 9-hole courses for a relaxed game.
14. Hit the Links – Hit the (traditional) links! Northwest Nebraska is home to two 9-hole golf courses. Play in the shadow of the buttes at Crawford’s Legend Hills Golf Course along the banks of the White River or challenge yourself on Chadron’s Ridgeview course, featuring several traps and two ponds.
15. Take a Swim – The Chadron Area Aquatic & Wellness Centeris an indoor facility featuring two slides, a splash pad and a zero-depth entry to entertain the family. Fort Robinson State Park also has an indoor pool, while Chadron State Park and the communities of Crawford and Harrison offer outdoor pools to take a dip.
16. Explore on Foot – Northwest Nebraska has a rich cultural and historical context. From a downtown business district listed on the National Register of Historic Places to its Art Alley murals worthy of selfie backgrounds, make tracks with our Sole to Soul walking tours. Each one includes a MAP link to access our Google Map walking routes, complete with notes of interest and photos.
17. Walk The Labyrinth – Labyrinths have been well-documented throughout history. Chadron State College’s labyrinth is a recent addition to campus, built through student and staff volunteer efforts in an abandoned water cistern used by the City of Chadron in the early 1900s. Whether you view it as a piece of land art, a quiet walk among native grasses, the ideal spot for a panoramic view or a place to refocus your mind and reduce your stress, the labyrinth is a unique spot.
18. Hit the Stores – One of the best things about going on vacation is heading to the places locals love. Explore our Main Streets and Downtown Districts for the best places to eat, play and shop. Make new friends and grab some souvenirs to remember your trip after you’ve returned home. Visit Shop NW Nebraskato see some of our favorite stops across the region.
19. Admire the Night Sky – Northwest Nebraska’s rural location comes with a big advantage – big, beautiful night skies. Limited light pollution and more than 100,000 acres of public land equals unobstructed views of the heavens on clear nights.
20. Be a Shutterbug – Whether you’re admiring our scenery, our stars, or our wildlife, keep those memories forever by capturing them on camera. Northwest Nebraska is the perfect spot for amateur and professional photographers and artists to be inspired – again and again!
I am a quilter, could you provide any information on Quilt show or quilt shops in area..We will be at the Chadron Campground. April 30 / May 2nd.. Anyplace with that wonderful Nebraska beef ? We love your community and always schedule Denver to Black Hills trip to visit Chadron and your great RV state campground.
The Chadron Festival of Quilts is scheduled for April 28-30 this year at the Dawes County Fairgrounds. They haven’t posted their complete schedule yet but the website is https://www.chadronfestivalofquilts.com/ so you can check back! They have vendors, trunk shows and more! Be sure to stop by Madison Quilting & Yarns in Chadron during your visit, too (https://madisonquiltingandyarns.com/). Give Wild’s Bar & Grill in Chadron a try for burgers and steaks!
I love that area of Nebraska
I loved that area of Nebraska, my mom was born in Bridgeport
can i fly my drone there i like taking videos with my drone
Drones are not allowed in the State Parks, WMA and SRA properties unless you obtain a special use permit. Visit https://magazine.outdoornebraska.gov/2018/03/drone-operators-advised-to-know-and-abide-by-wildlife-park-rules/ for more information. For info on flying a drone in the National Forest areas visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/home/?cid=FSEPRD612121.