Recreate. Rejuvenate.

From hunting and fishing to birdwatching or horseback riding, there are plenty of ways to Discover Northwest Nebraska. Along the way, relax and recharge - by yourself or with friends and family. Get started with few suggestions from us on things to do in the area.

Hunting

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. Don’t want to hunt? Simply enjoy watching and photographing our wildlife.

Fishing

Nebraska anglers can complete their entire Trout Slam in Northwest Nebraska. Fish the local streams for brook, brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout. 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.

Boating

Northwest Nebraska offers several options for some fun on the water. Box Butte State Recreation Area and Whitney Lake each offer boat ramps, while the Chadron City Reservoirs provide restricted boating access. If you’re more interested in kayaking or tubing, those activities are also possible at 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.

Birdwatching

Northwest Nebraska is a birdwatcher’s paradise. With more than 100,000 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.

Explore Our Trails

More than 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, coldwater 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 Guide to start planning your adventure on the trail.

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 Traveled and Gravel Grinding Adventures a try. 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.

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 pioneer architecture. Take in a performance at Post Playhouse, hit the links at two golf courses or go for a swim at one of several pools, including the Chadron Area Aquatic & Wellness Center.

Connect With History

The Museum of the Fur Trade tells 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.

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.

Camping & Picnicking

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 District of 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. Visit our Parks & Wildlands page for more ideas.

Rockhounding

The Oglala National Grassland of 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.

OHV 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.

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 highest rated courses in the state, while Chadron’s Memorial Park and Crawford’s City Park offer easy 9-hole courses for a relaxed game.

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.

Take a Swim

The Chadron Area Aquatic & Wellness Center is 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.

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.

Reflect & Relax

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.

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 Nebraska to see some of our favorite stops across the region.

Admire Our Night Skies

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.

And remember, 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 get inspired – again and again!

Discover Arts & Culture

Northwest Nebraska is rich in arts and culture, from historic architecture, art collections and shows, museums, lectures and musical performances, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fine arts. There are many opportunities throughout the region, including art galleries and museums. Be sure to visit Chadron’s Open Frontier Creative District for the chance to explore several arts and culture offerings in a 10-block radius.

Plan Your Trip

Start planning your trip to Northwest Nebraska today. Explore our lodging and dining options, and determine your route here on one of our scenic byways or through access at the Chadron Municipal Airport. Download or request a Northwest Nebraska Travel Guide today.

What are you waiting for?