Mari Sandoz Heritage Society : Events & Activities : Story Catcher Workshop : Additional Information

Directions & Parking

Chadron State College is located about 290 miles north of Denver, CO and 100 miles south of Rapid City, SD Highways 20 and 385 intersect in Chadron. For driving directions and regional and campus maps, please visit CSC Page for Visitors: (http://www.csc.edu/visitors/location.csc)

Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center

The Monday morning ADVANCED WORKSHOP will take place in the Atrium of the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center on the CSC CAMPUS. Parking lots around the Sandoz Center and Old Administration are OPEN PARKING during the summer.

Chadron State Park

Chadron State Park is about 9 miles directly South of CSC campus, on Highway 385. For more information, visit the Chadron State Park Website: http://outdoornebraska.gov/chadron/

Parking

NOTE: that you will need an Entry Permit in order to enter and park at Chadron State Park. You can purchase your permit at the main entrance (kiosk or in the office building) or through the NGCP website: https://ngpc-home.ne.gov/ps/faces/index.xhtml

Resident Permits are $6 per day, or $31 annual
Nonresident Permits are $8 per day, or $46 annual

Climate & Clothing

Chadron is approximately 3,369 feet above sea level with a fairly arid climate and a lot of sun during the summer months. Temperatures during our workshop will typically be in the 70s to low 80s (occasionally warmer) with lows around 50. Of course weather can be unpredictable, with a chance for a cool or damp days or hot afternoons into the 90s, so bring appropriate attire. We usually have fairly low humidity.

Most of our facilities will be air-conditioned. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT SOME BUILDINGS CAN GET CHILLY. You may want to bring a jacket to wear indoors for these sessions.

In any of the outdoor excursions during your stay, be sure to bring plenty of sun screen and bug-repellant (ticks and other pests can be present in portions of our recreation areas). Be prepared for rapid changes in the weather as afternoon and evening thunderstorms can come up quickly. There are SWIMMING facilities at Chadron State Park, so you may want to pack a suit!

Field Trips & Other Activities

There is much to do in our region, and a lot of history. In addition to the post-workshop excursions and field trips which we will arrange and publicize when you arrive, we will include materials in your registration packet about other recreation, sight-seeing and historical attractions that might be of interest in our region.

You might also want to visit the Chadron City Webpage for some excellent suggestions about what to do in the area: http://www.chadron-nebraska.com.

The CSC Visitors Webpage also has a good listing of resources: http://www.csc.edu/visitors/resources

Chadron State Park has some great amenities—hiking/biking trails, fishing pond, paddle boats, swimming pool, horse riding/trails, tennis courts, playground equipment and an excellent disc-golf course throughout the park. Find out more by visiting the CSP page: http://outdoornebraska.gov/chadron

Dining

Your program lists when meals will be on your own. Here is a list of dining options:

Chadron State Park

The park “Trading Post” has a snack bar and a small selection of grocery items, and is open from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.

In CHADRON

Arby’s 440 W 3rd
Bean Broker Coffee House (full lunch menu) 202 W 2nd
China House Restaurant 1240 Hwy 20
Country Kitchen 1250 W. 10th
Daily Grind Coffee House (sandwiches and baked goods) 219 Main
Daylight Donuts/Bakery (Lunch items as well) 231 E. 3rd
Dominos Pizza 1519 W. 6th (next to WalMart)
Far West (Thai/Asian/Mexican) 410 W. 3rd
EJ’s BBQ & Take-Out 273 Main St.
Fryday’s 120 Bar and Grill 120 W. 2nd
Just Love Coffee (waffles and more) 302 Main Street
Helen’s Pancake & Steak House & The Grove Bar & Grill 950 W Highway 20
McDonald’s 1180 W Highway 20
Pizza Hut 500 W 3rd St.
Runza 1426 West Hwy 20
Safeway (Deli Counter) 230 Morehead
Subway 1250 W. Highway 20
Taco Johns 1310 U.S. 20
Wilds (Bar and Grill) 216 West 2nd
The Ridge (Bar and Grill) 164 Main Street

Lodging

Those traveling from afar may want a place to stay in the region on Sunday night before the retreat, and Friday night afterwards. Here are some options:

Chadron State Park

Cabins may be available at the State Park (about $90 to $100 per night—these fill up fast) as well as camping facilities (RV Sites with various hook-up options, $30 to $40 per day, and primitive/tent camping). Note that half of the RV slots are set aside for “walk-up” registration in the park, therefore not eligible to be reserved ahead of time.

Nine miles south of Chadron (308) 432-6167

http://outdoornebraska.gov/chadron & nebraskastateparks.reserveamerica.com

In CHADRON:

Best Western West Hills Inn 1100 W 10th St -- Phone: (308) 432-3305

http://bestwesternnebraska.com/hotels/best-western-west-hills-inn

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 227 Ash St -- Phone: (308) 747-2223

https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/chadron/cdrcd/hoteldetail

Super 8 840 W. HWY 20 -- Phone: (308) 432-4471

https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/chadron-nebraska/super-8-chadron-ne/overview

Westerner Motel 300 Oak St -- Phone: (308) 432-5577 or 5595

http://www.westernerinns.net

Grand Westerner Motel 1050 W. Highway 20 -- Phone: (308) 432-5595