Indian Cave State Park in Shubert - in the southeastern corner of Nebraska - sits right on the banks of the Missouri River. Its history extends back thousands of years to when Native Americans carved petroglyphs into the soft sandstone walls of the cave.
You can choose to park at a trail head and hike to the cave...
Or you can park nearby and just take the stairs up to it.
Unfortunately, the cave is not wheelchair accessible.
You won't regret the hike or the trek up/down the stairs once you get to the cave.
Native Americans used this recess in the sandstone cliff as shelter thousands of years ago.
They left behind petroglyphs carved into the stone, though no one is sure now of which tribes may have used the cave - or even exactly how old the carvings are.
Sadly, before the cave was protected by the wooden stairs and barriers, many modern people carved their own pictures and initials into the rock, making it difficult to see the original carvings.
Look closely enough, though, and you'll see some of the ancient graffiti still etched on the cave walls.
The park is also known for its incredible natural beauty. It's no wonder ancient people found this to be a favorable shelter.
It's right on the river, and the huge wooded area is rich with wildlife.
The park has extensive hiking trails, including some that accommodate horses.
Camping is another favorite activity at Indian Cave State Park; there are spots for primitive camping, a few basic wooden shelters for roughing it, and modern pads for RVs. Bathrooms and other facilities are readily accessible.
On summer weekends, you can even see living history demonstrations at the ruins of the ghost town St. Deroin on the park grounds. The park museum is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
But really, do we need to convince you to visit? This is what autumn looks like at Indian Cave State Park - if this isn't enough to make you want to visit, nothing is.
While the cave itself is definitely worth the walking it takes to get there, it is far from the only thing to see in this pristine state park. For more information, including fees and available activities, visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission's site.
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