If you need to get out of the house and into the forest this summer, check out the Indian Cave Trail in Shubert, Nebraska. This stunning trail takes you through thousands of acres of beauty situated right by the Missouri River. Bring the whole family to enjoy some of the state’s prettiest scenery and one of the best Nebraska hiking trails! Let’s explore Indian Cave  State Park in Nebraska:

There are 3,052 acres of gorgeous wilderness in Nebraska named the Indian Cave State Park.
Amy Cramer/AllTrails
This park is named after a sandstone cave located within it. The area boasts 22 miles of hiking and biking trails that you will love to explore.
Perhaps the most popular trail in the area is the Indian Cave Trail.
Perry Steines / AllTrails
This out-and-back trail winds its way through the forest, with peekaboo views of the mighty Missouri River below.
There’s a wooden boardwalk that you travel that follows the entire length of the cave wall.
Jonathan Zimmerman / Google Maps
The wall is famous for its prehistoric Native American petroglyphs. These petroglyphs haven’t been dated, and the artists are currently unknown.
Even though there are many steps on the boardwalk to climb, the total elevation gain is only 393 feet.
Mary McAferty / AllTrails
The entire trail is well-maintained and clearly marked. It’s only 3.1 miles total to hike.
You can also spot tons of local wildlife along the trail.
Doug Neidholdt / AllTrails
Keep your eyes peeled for deer, raccoons, beavers, and more. There are also many interesting species of birds to watch for, like the barred owls and the whippoorwills.
If you don’t want to turn around and head back, there’s actually a series of trails you can hop onto without finding a new trailhead.
David Kull / AllTrails
This allows you to pair a couple of trails together for a longer excursion. It’s the perfect way to add on a couple of extra miles to take in more sights!
You need to put this hike on your summer to-do list.
Nate Betz / Google Maps
The entire area begs to be explored. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the weekend learning and traveling through the beautiful Indian Cave State Park area.

Learn the history of Indian Cave State Park:

Have you ever hiked the Indian Cave Trail in Nebraska before? What did you think? Would you recommend it? Let us know in the comments!

If you want to hike more this summer, check out these beautiful hiking trails in Nebraska.

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More to Explore

Natural Places in Nebraska

William Suphan | April 26, 2023

What are the most beautiful places in Nebraska? 

The most beautiful places in Nebraska include:

  • Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. This beautiful area is full of Wildlife and gorgeous waterfalls including the largest waterfall in the state.
  • Fontenelle Forest. This stunning spot has several hiking trails and also includes a Raptor Recovery Center.
  • Scotts Bluff National Monument. The rocky bluffs here are awe-inspiring and well worth a visit. Parts of it resemble a natural castle.
  • Oglala National Grassland. These prairies stretch for as far as the eye can see and are largely unchanged from the pioneer days.

Find out more about the most beautiful places in Nebraska. 

What are the most incredible natural attractions in Nebraska?

The most incredible natural attractions in Nebraska include:

  • Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. This area is full of fossils and intriguing archaeological finds as well as natural beauty.
  • Chimney Rock. This was a landmark along the Oregon Trail and it is one of the state’s most iconic natural wonders.
  • Toadstool Geologic Park. This park has otherworldly rock formations that make it look as though you're on Mars or the Moon.
  • Indian Cave State Park. This beautiful cave was once inhabited by Native Americans who left their petroglyphs on the walls.

Learn more about the most incredible natural attractions in Nebraska. 

What are the most relaxing places in Nebraska?

The most relaxing places in Nebraska include:

  • Chadron State Park. This is a gorgeous area with multiple hiking trails where you were here nothing but birdsong and the wind in the trees.
  • Fort Robinson State Park. Locals love this place for trout fishing, hiking, historic tours, and horseback riding. 
  • The Nebraska Sandhills. This eerily beautiful area is a great place to get some respite from City living.
  • Snake River Falls. These lovely Falls are a great place for fishing and swimming, especially during the summer months.

Discover more about the most relaxing places in Nebraska.  

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Indian Cave State Park, 720 Road, Shubert, NE, USA