Major city · United States
Chadron
Give Chadron one night, two if you hike: the fur-trade museum, a state park and Pine Ridge are the trip; the town itself is a base.
Chadron is a small town of about 5,400 in the Nebraska Panhandle, at the junction of US-20 and US-385, 39 km east of Crawford and 89 km north of Alliance. It works as a one-night stop on a Black Hills–to–Denver drive, or a two-night base for Chadron State Park and the Pine Ridge. Sights close in winter, so the season decides the trip.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Mar (museum and park hours cut back, cold)
- Airports
- CDR · DEN
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Chadron911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Chadron Police (non-emergency)308-432-0510
- Poison Control1-800-222-1222
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Chadron, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime small town; the real risks are highway driving, winter storms and long empty stretches of the Pine Ridge.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 308-432-0510 Chadron Police (non-emergency) · 1-800-222-1222 Poison Control
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckCDR Chadron Municipal Airport (About 8 km (5 mi) west of town off US-20; small regional field, check current service before booking.).CDR Chadron Municipal Airport (About 5 mi (8 km) west of town off US-20; small regional field, check current service before booking.).
- Getting aroundA car is close to essential: sights sit 6–16 km (3.7–9.9 mi) apart on US-20 and US-385, and there is no useful local bus.A car is close to essential: sights sit 3.7–9.9 mi (6–16 km) apart on US-20 and US-385, and there is no useful local bus.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–5
- Sit-down mealSteak dinner$25–45
- Street or quick mealDiner breakfast$10–16
- BeerDraught beer$5–8
- Budget bedRV full hook-up, a night, per roomUS$30
- Mid-range bedChain motel double room, a night, per roomUS$140
- High-end bedChain motel double room, a night, per roomUS$220
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$150 · High US$260
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CDR Chadron Municipal Airport (About 8 km (5 mi) west of town off US-20; small regional field, check current service before booking.) · DEN Denver International (The practical gateway: about 5.5–6 h by car via I-25 and US-20/385 (check).)CDR Chadron Municipal Airport (About 5 mi (8 km) west of town off US-20; small regional field, check current service before booking.) · DEN Denver International (The practical gateway: about 5.5–6 h by car via I-25 and US-20/385 (check).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Feb
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Mar
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C) low), wettest May (10 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Chadron: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
5 rd
Feb
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
5 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
7 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
8 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
6 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
5 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
5 rd
Dec
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is close to essential: sights sit 6–16 km apart on US-20 and US-385, and there is no useful local bus. Fill up in town before heading south into the Pine Ridge.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30 min
US-20 west, 39 km (24 mi)US-20 west, 24 mi (39 km)
Fort Robinson and the fur-trade-era history; pair with the museum drive.
Alliance, Nebraska
goDoor to door: About 1 h
US-385 south, 89 km (55 mi)US-385 south, 55 mi (89 km)
Carhenge and a bigger town for supplies.
Scottsbluff and Gering
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
US-20 west then NE-71 south, about 160 km (99 mi)US-20 west then NE-71 south, about 99 mi (160 km)
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep over.
Sidney, Nebraska
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h 15 min
US-385 south then I-80 west, about 190 km (118 mi)US-385 south then I-80 west, about 118 mi (190 km)
A full day of driving for one stop; better as a through-route.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
US-20 strip (west end)
Chain motels with parking, breakfast and pools; easiest with a car.
Downtown Main St
Walkable to the Sandoz center, coffee and quilts; few beds, book ahead.
Chadron State Park
Cabins and camping 16 km (9.9 mi) south on US-385; the reason to stay a second night.Cabins and camping 9.9 mi (16 km) south on US-385; the reason to stay a second night.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $110–180 excl. bed
- High
- $180+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain motel double room1 × 1 night × US$140 | US$140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$150 | US$300 |
| Chadron State Park day pass, non-resident1 × US$8 | US$8 |
| Museum of the Fur Trade adult entry2 × US$5 | US$10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$50 |
| Trip total≈ US$274 per person per day, bed included | US$548 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–5 |
| Diner breakfast | $10–16 |
| Steak dinner | $25–45 |
| Draught beer | $5–8 |
| Gallon of petrol | $3.00–3.60 (check) |
| Motel room, summer weekend | $120–220 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Museum of the Fur Trade and the state park run seasonal hours: May–Oct and Memorial Day–Labor Day; check before you drive.
- Distances between towns are long and phone signal thins out in the Pine Ridge.
- Winter storms close US-385 and US-20 with little warning; carry water and a blanket.
- Small-town kitchens close early; eat before 20:00 or cook.Small-town kitchens close early; eat before 8:00 PM or cook.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Chadron Police (non-emergency)
- 308-432-0510
- Poison Control
- 1-800-222-1222
Pocket card
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ChadronChadron
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Chadron Police (non-emergency)308-432-0510
- Poison Control1-800-222-1222
Embassy
No embassies here; nearest consulates are in Denver. US travellers: your own country's services are not applicable — use 911 and local services.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Chadron State Park day pass: $8 non-resident, $6 Nebraska resident
- Museum of the Fur Trade entry: $5 adults, May–Oct
- Drive to Denver International: about 5.5–6 h, 480 km (298 mi) (check)about 5.5–6 h, 298 mi (480 km) (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is it far? — Is it far?
Tipping: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Chadron. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Mar (museum and park hours cut back, cold) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CDR and the DEN drive: last arrival, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters: downtown Main St, the US-20 strip, Chadron State College.
- Place pages with verified seasonal cutoffs (Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron State Park, Sandoz center, geology museum).
- Winter and storm arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.