Chaffee Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Chaffee, North Dakota, featuring a list of places to visit, best things to do, where to stay, and culture & customs tips.


Introduction to Chaffee

Located in the Red River Valley in North Dakota, Chaffee is a small town that offers a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Chaffee boasts stunning natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and plenty of activities for travelers to enjoy. This travel guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan a memorable trip to Chaffee.

List of Places to Visit in Chaffee

Chaffee may be a small town, but it is packed with interesting sights and attractions that cater to all types of travelers. Here are some of the most popular places to visit in Chaffee:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Trail County Historical Society Museum: This museum features exhibits that highlight the history and culture of Trail County, including agricultural exhibits, Native American artifacts, and historical photographs.
  • Pioneer Heritage Center: Located in nearby Valley City, this museum features exhibits and artifacts that document the history of the region’s early settlers.

Natural Attractions of Chaffee: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Valley City National Wildlife Refuge: This 8,700-acre wildlife refuge offers incredible opportunities for wildlife watching and hiking.
  • Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway: This 63-mile scenic drive takes visitors through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chaffee

Chaffee and its surrounding areas offer several hiking and biking routes that allow travelers to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of the region. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway: This scenic drive features several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the valley’s hills and prairies.
  • Lake Ashtabula: This state park offers several trails of varying difficulty levels that take visitors through forests and along the lake shore.

Best Things to Do in Chaffee: Activities and Tours

Chaffee may be a small town, but it offers several fun and exciting activities for travelers to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Chaffee:

  • Fishing: Chaffee is home to many lakes and streams that offer great fishing opportunities for anglers.
  • Hunting: The region surrounding Chaffee is home to several species of game animals, including deer and pheasants.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chaffee

For travelers who want to spend a whole week exploring Chaffee and its surroundings, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Trail County Historical Society Museum
Day 2 Hike the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway
Day 3 Take a fishing trip to one of the nearby lakes
Day 4 Visit the Pioneer Heritage Center in Valley City
Day 5 Explore the Valley City National Wildlife Refuge
Day 6 Go on a hunting trip
Day 7 Take a scenic drive along the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway

Food and Drink Scene of Chaffee

Chaffee may be a small town, but it offers several great dining options for travelers to enjoy. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Walleye: This freshwater fish is a local favorite, and can be found on many local restaurant menus.
  • Knoephla Soup: This creamy German soup features dumplings made from flour and potatoes.
  • Lefse: This Norwegian flatbread is a popular snack in the region, and can often be found at local farmers’ markets.

Local Beverages

  • Chokecherry wine: Made from chokecherries, a fruit that grows abundantly in North Dakota, this wine is a must-try for visitors.
  • Beer: Several microbreweries in the region offer a variety of locally-sourced and produced beers.

Where to Stay in Chaffee: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Chaffee offers several lodging options for travelers of all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in Chaffee:

  • Sheyenne Valley Campground: This campground offers both tent and RV camping, as well as several cabins for rent.
  • Kozy Korner Bed & Breakfast: This charming B&B features comfortable rooms and a delicious homemade breakfast.

What to Buy in Chaffee: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Chaffee offers several local products that make great souvenirs for travelers. Here are some of the best products to buy in Chaffee:

  • Chokecherry preserves: Made from chokecherries, these preserves are a delicious and unique souvenir.
  • Potato flour: This gluten-free flour is made from potatoes, and is widely used in local cuisine.
  • Handmade crafts: Local artisans sell a variety of handmade crafts, such as pottery and jewelry, at the farmers’ markets throughout the region.

Local Culture and Customs of Chaffee

Chaffee’s culture is heavily influenced by its Scandinavian and German immigrant populations. Visitors to the region should be respectful of local customs and traditions, such as attending church on Sundays and being prompt for appointments.

Best Time to Visit Chaffee

The best time to visit Chaffee is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and outdoor activities are plentiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chaffee

Do:

  • Do try the region’s local cuisine, such as knoephla soup and lefse.
  • Do take advantage of the great outdoor activities available in the region, such as hiking and fishing.

Don’t:

  • Don’t be disrespectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Don’t litter or damage the region’s natural resources.

Safety and Health

Safety in Chaffee

Chaffee is generally a safe town, but visitors should still take precautions to ensure their safety. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings, especially when hiking or camping in remote areas.

Health in Chaffee

Chaffee has several medical facilities, including Valley City Hospital in nearby Valley City. Travelers should make sure they have adequate health insurance coverage before visiting Chaffee.

Getting to Chaffee: Transportation Options and Logistics

Chaffee is a small town that can be reached by car or bus. Here are some of the transportation options available to travelers:

Airports Near Chaffee

  • Hector International Airport
  • Fargo Jet Center

Bus Stations Near Chaffee

  • Valley City Bus Station
  • Shuttle Express Fargo

Other Options

  • Rental Car: Several rental car companies operate in the region, including Avis and Hertz.

How to Get Around in Chaffee

Chaffee is a small town that can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle. Rental cars and taxis are also available for travelers who want to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Chaffee: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Chaffee is located in a region that offers several nearby destinations and excursions for travelers to enjoy. Here are some of the best options:

  • Fargo: This vibrant city is located just over an hour’s drive from Chaffee, and offers plenty of cultural attractions, including the Fargo Theatre and the Plains Art Museum.
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park: This stunning national park is located just over three hours’ drive from Chaffee, and offers incredible hiking and wildlife watching opportunities.

Conclusion

Chaffee may be a small town, but it offers plenty of activities and attractions for travelers to enjoy. From hiking and fishing to exploring museums and cultural attractions, Chaffee is a great destination for travelers who want to experience the natural beauty and rich culture of North Dakota.