mari sandoz high plains heritage center

I was on a mission in Chadron to research my heritage; my grandmother was born in Chadron while her father was Quartermaster Sargent at Fort Robinson during the camp expansion, 1887 - 1891. The ladies behind the desk could not have been more helpful or educational in their tireless quest to help me. I have since bought 3 of Mari Sandoz's books and will be continuing my research with a former curator of the Ft. Robinson State Park Museum. Psyched!

I was impressed with all of the exhibits in the building...especially the wildlife artist. The Mari Sandoz exhibit was interesting and informative. It held my interest.

This is a small museum, but it is nicely set up. It covers some of the life of the Author. Downstairs covers ranching history. Not a bad place.

I was not aware of the work of Mari Sandoz until I researched museums in the area for a vacation. Knowing nothing of her life or of high plains area, I was fascinated by and thoroughly enjoyed this small but informative museum. Staff was able to answer my questions. I was happy to find her books for sale in the gift shop. I purchased Old Jules and could not put it down. After driving through the area in a terrible rain storm that had knocked out power to the museum while I was there, I had a great appreciation for the perseverance and endurance the early settlers needed to succeed in this area. The sculpture out front and the native gardens just added to the experience. The museum is off the beaten path, but I was glad I took the time to visit the area and the museum.

The Mari Sandoz Center is located in the old historic library on the campus of Chadron State College. There is an interesting collection of the works and artifacts depicting the life and work of the late Mari Sandoz. The grounds are planted with the native grasses and plants of her home in the sandhills

I only had a half hour, and I really enjoyed the section on Mari's life and especially her letter to the President about the plight of Native Americans.

I am a huge Mari Sandoz fan and love all her books. I would highly recommend to any tourist visiting western Nebraska to read either her novel Cheyenne Autumn or Old Jules. That said, I would not recommend a visit to this 'museum.' The landscaping is nice, but the museum interior is amateurish and bare of interesting displays. It seems Chadron State College uses this space more as a conference room than an actual museum. If you have the time in Chadron, I would recommend visiting the Fur Trade Museum any day over the Mari Sandoz Heritage Center. It will give you a much better context and 'feel' for Mari's novels.

The Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center is an absolute delight. I could go there time and time again. Even the landscaping is planted with native High Plains plants and grasses. Take the time to talk to the folks who work there- they are wonderfully helpful.