Our Communities
Discover the diverse and welcoming communities that make Dawes County a remarkable place to live, work, and grow. From the county seat of Chadron, a bustling hub for business and education, to the historic charm of Crawford, each town offers unique characteristics and opportunities. Our communities are closely-knit, where neighbors support each other, businesses flourish, and traditions are cherished. Brittany Helmbrecht of the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association & CSC describes the area as “very different from the rest of Nebraska—really part of the Black Hills region.
You can fish, hike, camp, and hunt in Chadron State Park and once the Cowboy Trail is complete cyclist can travel from Chadron and Crawford to the rest of the state.” April Grant, a local business owner, and Crawford City Council member, described the benefits of living so close to nature, "The hunting opportunities are amazing, and our views are outstanding. Fort Robinson State Park is in Crawford where you'll find bison and longhorn herds and Old West forts, in addition to boating, fishing, hiking, hunting and riding trails. Plus, we're on the road that goes straight up to the Black Hills and endless adventures."
Chadron State College's presence provides residents with access to college sports, performances, and cultural events as well. "We love being in a college town. We go to the football games and listen to musical performances at the college or the Bean Broker," said Brown.
Easy access to healthcare is another benefit to living in Dawes County. Chadron Community Hospital is a critical access hospital with a broad vision for patient care. The facility offers a wide range of services, from delivering babies, to providing assisted living and hospice care. "People travel as far as 100 miles to receive preventative healthcare, dialysis, surgical, and obstetrics care here in Chadron and from our rural clinic in Crawford," said CCH representative Jennifer Brown.
Within Dawes County, Chadron is known for its educational institutions, cultural attractions, and robust commercial sectors. Crawford and Whitney complement the county's economic diversity, offering unique opportunities and charm for businesses, residents, and visitors alike. Jake Stewart, Executive Director of the Solid Waste Agency of Northwest Nebraska, summed up why people love living here by saying, “With the Oglala National Grasslands and Nebraska National Forest surrounding our communities, Dawes County is an absolutely gorgeous place. We're close to Pine Ridge and just 10 minutes from hiking through the hills. It's been the place that I've always found myself coming back to.” Visit Discover Northwest Nebraska to learn more about life in Dawes County.
