The Dawes County Historical Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the history of the Northwest portion of Nebraska it calls home. The Museum Grounds include the log house and barn, 1890s schoolhouse, pioneer church and C & NW caboose. The 9,000 square foot Museum houses an impressive collection of area antiques including displays of a general store, a hospital room, blacksmith tools, farm machinery, vintage quilts, a railroad room, and more. These exhibits provide insight into a simpler time
The Museum is located on the site of the original 160 acre farm of Nellie and Lee Card three miles southwest of Chadron. The farm was bequeathed to the Dawes County Historical Society in 1970 by Newman Card, the last surviving son of his parents. The Dawes County Historical Society has operated since 1964. The Dawes County Historical Museum is staffed entirely by volunteers, most of whom are members of the Society. No Admission is charged to visit the Museum, but donations are accepted.
