Autumn never seems to last long enough here in Nebraska. It seems like those colorful fall leaves are on the ground just a few days after they appear. Don't miss the chance to see our spectacular foliage - take some time to get out there and bask in the beauty of the season before it’s gone. Indian Cave State Park offers some of the most striking fall foliage and an overlook with absolutely stunning views.
Indian State Park is one of the prettiest jewels in the Nebraska state park system and it's particularly lovely during autumn months.
During your exploration of the park, keep an eye out for wildlife. You're likely to see deer here, as well as wild turkeys, woodchucks, beavers, and a host of birds.
Venture to the scenic overlook on Loop Road to get a good overall view of the park. It goes without saying that you'll want to have your camera along for this excursion!
What do you think - will you be heading to Indian Cave State Park this year to view the foliage? Let us know in the comments! While you're in this area of the state, be sure to stop by Brownville, one of Nebraska's most beautiful small towns, which is right up the road.
Long before non-Native settlers came to the land that is now Nebraska, Indigenous peoples lived and explored here. Indian Cave State Park is one place where you can see evidence of those first residents, and it's a beautiful park that has plenty to offer, including a trail system that's surrounded by natural beauty. You'll definitely want to hike Indian Cave Trail in Nebraska, which we think is one of the best hikes in the Cornhusker State.
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Indian Cave State Park is one of Nebraska's true gems. Nestled on the banks of the Missouri River, it's located just eight miles from Shubert, and it features a shallow cave that once served as shelter to Native Americans thousands of years ago.
...they're all beautiful! The Rockbluff Run, Hardwood, and Indian Cave Trails all take you through shady, forested areas, along pleasant paths. Some sections may be steep, so make sure you're wearing sturdy hiking shoes, and bring along some water.
Enjoy some spectacular views of the Missouri River along the way. Lewis and Clark passed through this area around 1804, and they surely must have been impressed by the view.
Wildflowers, butterflies, and birds are just a few of the sights you'll want to soak in along the trails. The park encompasses 3,052 acres, and honestly, every inch of it is stunning.
The trail leading directly to the cave is made up of a long boardwalk with several short staircases. There's information about what to expect at the bottom of the staircase.
A 3.1-mile loop, the Indian Cave Trail difficulty rating is "moderate," according to AllTrails
You can see why this lush little oasis would have been a welcome shelter for Native Americans. While the cave is very shallow, it is well-sheltered from the elements. Watch for the interpretive signage along the way that will point you to some of the features of this spot.
Some of the petroglyphs and carvings in the cave likely date back several thousand years, but not much is known about the people who lived here, or how many different tribes may have inhabited the area over time.
Before the area became a state park and the boardwalk was built, visitors were able to get close up to the soft, sandstone overhangs and carve their own initials and names into the rock, obscuring some of the ancient carvings. You may have to look closely to see the native carvings amongst those of more recent visitors.
After you've explored all the cave has to offer, you'll want to step out to the lookout area for another picturesque view of the valley below. Here, you'll find some more information about the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Missouri River.
While you'll definitely enjoy Indian Cave State Park as a day trip, you might want to consider spending the night! The park offers both RV and primitive camping sites, which include picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, hot showers, and hookups.
For more information about Indian Cave State Park, visit its website. You can preview the hike, download offline maps, see Indian Cave Trail photos and read Indian Cave Trail reviews on AllTrails Plus. Have you hiked Indian Cave Trail in Nebraska? If so, we'd love to read about your trip and see your photos in the comments!
We have some gorgeous places tucked away in our lovely state. State parks in Nebraska are wonderful places for getting some time out in nature with the family and doing some fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, and more. While we don’t have a coastline, we actually do have a pretty magnificent beach at the little-known Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area in Nebraska. It's hidden gems like this that make our state such a sweet place to live.
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The Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area is surrounded by lovely farmland and resides just south of the tiny town of Sutherland, Nebraska. It has a wonderful feature you’ll want to visit.
Locals love coming here to relax on this beautiful sandy beach right in the heart of the Cornhusker State and cool off by taking a swim in the placid waters.
Bring a kayak to paddle around in or an innertube or raft to float on and enjoy a lovely afternoon on the water with no worries of waves crashing into you.
There are shady copses of trees along the shoreline that are great to sit under if the day is a bit too hot. Whether you wish to get a tan or read a book under the trees, you’ll have an enjoyable time.
Even coming here for just a drive around the reservoir is a great way to find some peace and natural beauty as well as spot some local wildlife. Rabbits, doves, pheasant, and various waterfowl frequent this place.
Pull up an RV or pitch a tent and enjoy a night or two of camping, taking in the sunsets, gazing at the stars, and roasting marshmallows around the campfire with the people you love. There are several campgrounds around the reservoir to choose from.
If you have a boat or jet ski or want to do some waterskiing, there are two boat ramps, one on the western edge and one on the eastern edge so you can make the most of your time on the water and at the beach.
If you love fishing or hunting in Nebraska, you'll love the new camo collection from our friends at Wear Your Roots and Realtree. These cozy t-shirts and sweatshirts are the perfect complement to life outdoors – and we always love having a hoodie with us for those chilly mornings and evenings spent waiting for the fish to bite. Use code Nebraska10 for 10% off your order!
Have you ever enjoyed a weekend out at Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area in Nebraska? Do you have any other favorite state parks in Nebraska? Let us know about them in the comments. If you’re looking for more state parks to explore, check out these lovely gems:
