Information
Landmark: Wahkpa Chu’gn Archaeological SiteCity: Havre
Country: USA Montana
Continent: North America
Wahkpa Chu’gn Archaeological Site, Havre, USA Montana, North America
Veterans Memorial Park is a public green space located in Chadron, Nebraska, USA.
Visual Characteristics
The park features a central memorial monument constructed from granite. Surrounding the monument are manicured lawns, mature deciduous trees providing canopy cover, and paved walking paths. The park's layout is rectangular, measuring approximately 10 acres.
Location & Access Logistics
Veterans Memorial Park is situated at 1400 W 10th St, Chadron, NE 69337, approximately 1.5 miles west of the Chadron city center. Access is via West 10th Street. A dedicated parking lot with capacity for 50 vehicles is available on the north side of the park. The Chadron Area Transit bus route #2 stops at the intersection of West 10th Street and Maple Avenue, a 0.2-mile walk to the park entrance.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The park was established in 1955 as a tribute to local veterans of all U.S. military conflicts. The land was acquired by the City of Chadron through a municipal land grant. The ecological setting is characteristic of the Nebraska Sandhills prairie, with native grasses and wind-sculpted terrain.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can observe the granite memorial monument, which includes engraved names of local service members. Walking the paved perimeter path is a common activity. The park provides open lawn areas suitable for passive recreation.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are located in the park's main pavilion. Several picnic tables are available, some situated under natural tree shade. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally reliable within the park. No on-site food vendors operate within the park; nearest options are located 0.5 miles east on West 10th Street.
Best Time to Visit
For optimal lighting on the memorial monument, visit between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM or 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The months of May through October offer the most pleasant weather conditions for outdoor activities.
Facts & Legends
A specific detail of the memorial is the inclusion of a small, unadorned section dedicated to unknown soldiers from local families. Local lore suggests that on clear nights, the stars above the park appear exceptionally bright due to the minimal light pollution from Chadron.
Nearby Landmarks
- Chadron State Park (3.5km Southwest)
- Museum of the Fur Trade (7.2km Northeast)
- Dawes County Historical Society Museum (1.8km East)
- Chadron Public Library (1.6km East)