Virtual Roadtrip: Museum of the Fur Trade

The Most Comprehensive Collection of American Fur Trade Period Artifacts

The next stop on our Virtual U.S. Road Trip is the Museum of the Fur Trade in Chadron, Nebraska! The Museum is located on the James Bordeaux Trading Post, a former site of the American Fur Company. The trading post was established in 1837, managed by Bordeaux, and used to conduct business with the American Indians. Today, the museum houses over 6,000 primary pieces, considered the most comprehensive collection of historical artifacts related to the fur trade period.

Expect to spend at least a few hours in the main museum, which features collections of items that were common in the lives of fur traders, trappers, and Native Americans. While you’re exploring the exhibits, make sure to find the DuPont gun powder that was manufactured in Wilmington, Delaware. We were amazed by the historic firearms display, in awe of the craftsmanship, quality and significance of the examples.

Tour Tip: Once you’ve seen all the exhibits and artifacts inside the main museum, don’t forget to walk outside and see the Bordeaux Trading Post. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been painstakingly reconstructed using archaeological information and the original post-holes. The museum also has a wonderful gift shop with Native American jewelry, antique fabrics, and ironwood figures.

Following the Connection

This is certainly a museum that makes you think about life in Old West, and it’s easy to associate the artifacts with the heroes and legends that have been memorialized in years of Hollywood movies. The one that stood out most to us was Kit Carson, specifically after seeing one of his firearms. His story is fascinating— from his exploits as a fur trader to his life as a wilderness guide and famous American frontiersman.

Next Stop: Kit Carson Museum & Home, Taos, New Mexico

Detour: Get more of your Old West fix with a visit to Custer State Park, arguably the best place in the United States to observe the American Bison in a natural setting. When you visit, drive the scenic Wildlife Loop for the best chances to see bison and dozens of other species native to the Black Hills. There are also tour options if you want to focus more on pictures and less on driving. Either way, you’ll have an up close and personal encounter with bison, possibly feeling like you are part of the herd!

Plan Your Trip

The Museum of the Fur Trade is three miles east of Chadron, Nebraska, which once was the homeland of Crazy Horse, Spotted Tail, and Red Cloud. Chadron is located in Northwest Nebraska, and we recommend including the museum on your road trip through Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Other popular destinations in those states are Badlands National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Oglala National Grasslands. There are many other points of interests in the area, including Fort Laramie and Scotts Bluff National Monument. Here are some recommendations from the travel desk at Check-it-Off Travel to consider while planning your trip to the museum.

Photo: Courtesy of Museum of the Fur Trade