We chose Chadron State Park as our halfway spot on our way home from the Tetons and it was just right. The distance was manageable and the park had all sorts of amenities, including a pool- whoop! We arrived just before dinner and right as a predicted storm was expected. We parked and unloaded as fast as we could and went into town for dinner. We ate at a Wilds Bar and Grill where a rodeo was on TV. This was a first for the kids and every time a calf was lassoed, they would all empathize with the calf, loud. The bartenders (who likely had been past rodeo participants) got a kick out of their tender hearts. We returned for a campfire fail and early bedtime.
The following day was hot, we explored the campground and its pool with a double diving board(!!!). We went on a scenic drive to a sunset hike that overlooked the Badlands from the Nebraska side. Sunsets never fail to take our breath away. We went back to the campsite for a late dinner followed by a campfire and s’mores lasagna (???) our kids come up with the most random things. They had fun with the creation but it was definitely a fail.
Our final full day was cloudy and cool and rainy so we opted to check out some local scenes. We went to Fort Robinson State Park for a brief history lesson and lunch and then attempted to go to Toadstool Geologic Park but on the 20 minute journey, the truck started fishtailing in the mud. It was unpredictable in the worst way, so we turned around and made our way to Carhenge instead (ha!). Piper ranked it as her favorite hike of the entire trip. We went back to the campsite expecting one final campfire and cookout but the weather called for 100% chance of rain so we rearranged, again, and went for Mexican instead, mom win ;). The irony is that it didn’t rain a drop, oh well. We packed things up for an early return the next morning.
It was an awesome adventure. we had so much fun exploring and spending time as a family. Special mention goes to the HOURS of Taylor Swift we listened to, the Campground Kids book series and The Who Was book series, they provided load of entertainment on our good old fashioned road trip.
The set up. 
Downtown Chadron, change of scenery. 
Campfire attempt with bad wood. 
Afternoon swim. 
Another sunset, another hike. 
Wildflowers 
Silhouettes 
S'mores lasagna.
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