Indian Cave State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Indian Cave State Park
Indian Cave rock shelter and petroglyphs
Indian Cave State Park Location in Nebraska
Location	Missouri River, Southeastern Nebraska, United States
Nearest town	Shubert, Nebraska
Area	3,399.7 acres (1,375.8 ha)
Elevation	1,115 ft (340 m)
Designation	Nebraska state park
Established	1962
Administrator	Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Website	Indian Cave State Park

Indian Cave State Park is a cool place to visit in southeast Nebraska. It's a large park, covering almost 3,400 acres, right along the Missouri River. This special park protects an ancient cave with mysterious rock carvings. It also has parts of an old village called St. Deroin. The park is about 10 miles south of Brownville. It's also 8 miles east of Shubert. The park is located in both Nemaha and Richardson counties.

Discover Indian Cave State Park

Indian Cave State Park is a public area for fun and history. It was created in 1962 to protect important natural and historical sites. The park is managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. It offers many ways to explore nature and learn about the past.

Ancient Art in the Cave

The park is named after its famous cave. Inside this cave, you can find ancient petroglyphs. These are pictures or symbols carved into rock. Some people think these carvings are thousands of years old. We don't know exactly when they were made. We also don't know which specific groups of people created them. These carvings give us a peek into the lives of early people. They are a mystery waiting to be fully understood.

The Historic Village of St. Deroin

Another important part of the park is the village of St. Deroin. This village was started in 1853. It was part of the old Nemaha Half-Breed Reservation. The park has worked to rebuild parts of this historic village. You can see what life might have been like long ago. It helps visitors understand the history of the area.

Fun Things to Do at the Park

Indian Cave State Park offers many activities for visitors. It's a great place for outdoor adventures. You can spend a day or even camp overnight.

Exploring the Trails

The park has many miles of trails. There are 22 miles for hiking and biking. You can walk or ride through beautiful forests. There are also 16 miles of trails just for horses. These trails let you see different parts of the park. They offer great views of the Missouri River valley.

Camping and Picnics

If you want to stay longer, the park has camping areas. You can set up a tent or bring an RV. There are also picnic spots available. These are perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors. It's a great way to relax with family and friends.

Fishing and Boating

The park also has access to the Missouri River. You can go fishing in the river. It's a good spot to try and catch some fish. There are also places to launch boats. This lets you explore the river by water.