Chadron State Park

Chadron State Park is a public recreation area located within the Nebraska National Forest, nine miles (14 km) south of Chadron, Nebraska, in the northwestern portion of the state.[3] The park's 974 acres (394 ha) include a portion of the Pine Ridge escarpment and Chadron Creek. The park is wooded with ponderosa pine throughout and cottonwood trees near the creek and lagoon.

Chadron State Park
Chadron State Park, October 2017
Map showing the location of Chadron State Park
Map showing the location of Chadron State Park
Location in Nebraska
LocationDawes County, Nebraska, United States
Nearest cityChadron, Nebraska
Coordinates42°42′32″N 103°1′3″W[1]
Area974.26 acres (394.27 ha)[2]
Elevation3,999 ft (1,219 m)[1]
DesignationNebraska state park
Established1921
AdministratorNebraska Game and Parks Commission
WebsiteChadron State Park

History

Chadron State Park was established in 1921, making it Nebraska's oldest state park.[3] The Civilian Conservation Corps was active in the park in the 1930s:

Under the work program guest cabins were constructed and improvements made at the swimming pool and picnic and recreation area. Roads and trails were improved and drainage structures built. Brush dams were built to control soil and stream bank erosion, and the water supply system at the headquarters area was improved.[4]

In August 2012, with the park threatened by the 58,000+ acre West Ash Wildfire, crews set backfires in the park to deprive the fire of fuel. The controlled burns worked and saved all structures and equipment. The park reopened to visitors in September 2012.[5] Although 90% of the park burned, no infrastructure was lost and its forest survived intact, with most of the fire having stayed on the ground as an understory grass fire.[6]

Activities and amenities

Activities include swimming in a regulation-sized pool, horseback riding, archery, disc golf, hiking, tennis, sand volleyball, and fishing. The park has rental paddleboats, hiking trails, campground, and cabins.[3]

References
  1. "Chadron State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. "Chadron State Park". NGPC Map and Data Portal. March 1, 2017. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  3. "Chadron State Park". Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  4. Humberger, Charles H. (1994). "The Civilian Conservation Corps in Nebraska: Memoirs of Company 762" (PDF). Nebraska History. 7: 292–300. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  5. Gaarder, Nancy (September 7, 2012). "Chadron State Park reopening after fire". Kearney Hub. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  6. "Forest management helps save Chadron State Park from fire" (PDF). Annual Report. Nebraska Forest Service. 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
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