Soar above the Missouri River at Indian Cave State Park
Indian Cave State Park, Nebraska
Loess Bluffs rise 300 feet above the river below, while forests and prairie are rich with beauty and wildlife.
Trail Indian Cave State Park trail system
Overview
Indian Cave’s namesake is a rocky overhang (not really a cave) that contains Native American prehistoric petroglyphs. However, in our opinion, the cave is merely a pleasant diversion. The real treasure of this park is its rugged terrain and spectacular bluff-top views. Indian Cave State Park consists of more than 3,000 acres of mostly forested, steep hills that shoot up nearly vertically from the Missouri River. It’s part of a Missouri River valley region known as the Loess Hills.
Loess refers to wind-blown soil. That means these “crumbly” hills are different than others caused by geologic uplift, glacial deposits or erosion. Unlike the Flint Hills of Kansas, there are few rocks to be found in this porous soil. These hills were mostly devoid of trees in their natural state, but with fire suppression and farming came trees, so much of the hills are cloaked in forest.
Hikers have 22 miles of challenging dirt trails in which to explore the hills, forests and plains of the park. There is also a large riverfront marsh area that is a prime viewing area for waterfowl. You can sit on a bank and watch the river go by.
In addition, this park is unique in the plains region of the Midwest in that it offers primitive, backcountry camping. City slickers can have a real-life backpacking adventure here if they want one. You can pitch a tent around a campfire or use one of several Adirondack shelters. You don’t have to “bear bag” your food, as you would in the Appalachians, Mountain West or even the Ozarks. Surprise! There are no bears in Nebraska. Indian Cave State Park a little more than two hours’ drive from Downtown Kansas City.
For history buffs, the restored remains of the ghost town of St. Deroin can also be explored in the park.
Bonus
Nearby hiking and natural attractions include:
Arbor Day Farm is a family-oriented park (paid admission required) in Nebraska City, Neb. Lied Lodge, also in Nebraska City, is a unique, nature-oriented hotel.
Nebraska City is also home to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitors Center (paid admission) and Arbor Lodge State Historical Park (paid admission).
Length There are 22 miles of challenging trails. These are natural surface (dirt) and some are akin to mountain climbing, with steep grades going up nearly 300 feet on a single hill. Of course you don’t have to take the most challenging trails, but if you want the view from the top, there’s no other way.
Address and location Indian Cave State Park, 65296 720 Rd , Shubert, Neb., 68437-9801. The park is about two hours and fifteen minutes from Downtown Kansas City.
Conditions There are some extremely challenging trails amid the 22 miles, but hikers can also find more leveled paths. Trails are well marked and maintained but are natural surface (dirt). There is a level, riverfront area that is accessible to people with disabilities. Most of the trails are suited for walkers who are in reasonable physical health.
Kid friendly? These trails can be challenging for children. Scaling steep inclines can be exhausting. In addition, parents need to be mindful of steep and sometimes sheer vertical drops from the cliffs.
How busy? This area is moderately trafficked and busy on holiday weekends. If you are seeking a quieter experience, visit on a weekday or in the offseason.
Pets Yes, on a leash.
Bikes Yes, except where posted otherise.
