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Museum of the Fur Trade

Learn the History of Fur in Chadron, Nebraska

The Museum of the Fur Trade is located at the site of a trading post operated by the American Fur Company from 1837 to 1876. The building has been reconstructed on the original foundation. But the museum’s three galleries go far beyond local history – they interpret the fur trade from the Arctic to the American Southwest, from early colonial days to the 20th century.

Exhibits trace the everyday lives of British, French and Spanish traders, voyageurs, mountain men, buffalo hunters, and plains and woodland Indians. Among the museum’s rare artifacts are trade goods from the 18th and 19th centuries – such as “Northwest” muskets made for Native Americans (including one that belonged to the famous Shawnee chief, Tecumseh), trade silver, textiles, beads, costumes and paints.

The museum is three miles east of Chadron on Highway 20. Open May 1-Oct. 31 or by appointment. (308) 432-3843.

For more information about Chadron, contact the Chadron Chamber of Commerce at (800) 603-2937 or visit www.chadron.com.