During the 2nd weekend of July, the little town of Chadron in the Pine Ridge area of Nebraska goes back to its western roots. Chadron was named after fur trader Louis Baptiste Chartran, and celebrates its western heritage in a 3-day festival, (2011 festival is July 8 and through July 10). Some of the events included are: barbeque cook off, costume contest, flea market, carnival, sidewalk sales, art shows and festivals, parade, barbershop quartet, ice cream social, music, a Fur Trade Days Raft Regatta, muzzleloader shoot, Queen of Fur Trade Days contest, 'World Famous Buffalo Chip Throw', fireworks, and a buckskinner's camp (a living history place where visitors can see how Americans lived 150 years ago). Some activities take place in town and some at Chadron State Park (about 15 minutes south of town. The few bars and lounges in town also join in on the Fur Trade Days spirit.
Just east of town a few miles is the Museum of the Fur Trade, located on the site of an original trading post that was established by the American Fur Co. in 1837 and operated until 1876. Chadron is also home of Chadron State College.