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Robber’s Cave: The Hidden Gem Of Lincoln

Tucked away in Lincoln, Nebraska, there’s a cave that’s been part of a brewery, brothel, shooting range, and daycare – not at the same time. Robber’s Cave has a rowdy past. Take a tour to learn all about it.

What’s Robber’s Cave?

Robber’s Cave is a mostly man-made sandstone cave that opened in 1864. I’ve heard of it when there was a brewery there in recent years, but I never visited. It’s WILD that I’ve never visited it, though, because it’s fascinating. It’s for the “Goonies” generation ( A cave under a bar…what?! ).

As a side note : Yes, it’s man-made, but I rate a visit to this cave is way better cave than the other well-known Nebraska cave, Indian Cave .

It’s had many names, but the one that has stuck is Robber’s Cave. It got the name because the darkened tunnels were known to be sites for gamblers and horse thieves.

Over the years, it’s been used as a storage space for Lincoln’s first brewery, The Pioneer Brewery; a concert venue with a dance floor; a gun shooting range; and a site for keggers held be University of Nebraska-Lincoln students.

My favorite story, though, is how an older lady once had a daycare down there. And she’s not just a regular old lady. This one had pet coyotes. Presumably, they were not in the caves with the kids.

It’s now on the National Register of Historic Places. It gained attention with travelers passing through Nebraska when it was published in “Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders.”

You’ll learn all about the colorful history on the tour, or you can buy the book “Robber’s Cave: Truths, Legends, Recollections.”

Before you go – things to know about the tour

Robber’s Cave is privately owned, so it’s not a drop-in-whenever kinda of place. The first thing you should do is reserve a tour day and time.

While there is a website, you’ll need to call to make a reservation. Don’t try to show up without one because the tour capacity is limited to 30 people.

There’s no need to show up extra early for your tour. The door will not be unlocked until 5 minutes before the tour. Once inside, you can order a drink at the bar and take a restroom break before the tour begins.

You’ll pay for your tour at the end. Cards are accepted. Admission is $16 per adult, $8 for kids (ages 6-12), and $4 for kids 1-5.

First-timer cave tips

• The cave is 55 degrees year-round, making it absolutely wonderful to visit in the summer. Wear layers, because it gets cold.
• Wear close-toed shoes. First, it’s dusty and rocky and uneven terrain. Second, it’s 55 degrees down there.
• Your tour concludes with a short tale of a paranormal experience. If you or your kiddo gets spooked by that sort of thing, just head upstairs. He’ll give you warnings beforehand.
• You’re asked to not touch the cave walls, though it’s oh so tempting. There are names and dates and drawings all over the walls.
• There is one place you can touch the wall, and that will be pointed out to you. It’s made of ore, which will interest any kid who’s ever played Minecraft. I can vouch for this.

Is the cave tour kid-friendly?

Absolutely. But…

There is nothing scary about the cave, nor dangerous holes to fall into. The ground is uneven in some parts, so perhaps there’s a chance of tripping.

The tour guide, Joel Green, is a middle school teacher, so he has a great way to keep a crowd’s attention with interesting facts, quirky stories, and knowing went move on.

There’s one caveat: Tours aren’t for everyone, especially active kids. You know your kid best. Will he or she get bored on an hour-long tour? Will they want to touch the walls?

Where’s Robber’s Cave?

It’s forgivable if you’ve never noticed the entrance to Robber’s Cave. It’s definitely not on a main road. Robber’s Cave is located at 925 Robbers Cave Road in Lincoln. There is a paved parking lot there.

The building above the cave doubles as an event venue.

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Tuesday 30th of May 2023

So it was a sandstone quarry. Would be nice to know some of that history. Was the sandstone used for a specific project? How long was it specifically a sandstone quarry? How long was the quarry closed down before it was bought, and who bought it, for how much $, and then how long did it sit before it was turned into a tourist site?

I agree with you. It's a lengthy history. The tour guide, Joel Green, has written a book all about it.

Robber’s Cave Tours

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Review Highlights

“ The time flies by as Joel takes you on an hour tour filled with fascinating stories of these caves. ” in 8 reviews

“ We had an amazing private tour without any interruptions . ” in 2 reviews

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925 Robbers Cave Rd

Lincoln, NE 68502

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2022 Nebraska Outstanding Tourist Attraction award-winner! A Nationally Registered Historic Landmark. Featured for Atlas Obscura. For years, access has been denied to the infamous and notorious Robber’s Cave. You will enjoy discovering all aspects of the cave’s fascinating past on a cave tour with Joel Green, author of ROBBER’S CAVE: Truths, Legends, Recollections, winner of the 2019 Nebraska Book Award (nonfiction). …

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I'm in town for a graduation, and we decided to do this. I'm glad we did! Who would've known that this exists?!? You drive through a neighborhood, and then go down a long driveway in a commercial area where the cave is located. Joel does all the tours I believe, and it's clear that it's a labor of love for him. He knows the history of the cave down cold. So many fascinating stories! The tours are offered every hour, and last about an hour. You do have to call ahead to make reservations. If you're in Lincoln, this is definitely has to be on the list of things to do.

This is a "must see" in Lincoln. I can't believe I hadn't experienced Robbers Cave as much time as I've spent in Lincoln. My adult son and I visited and took the tour. VERY interesting history and truly a unique environment. Hard to believe it's in Nebraska. Joel does a great job telling the story of the cave. Really an entertaining experience and I intend to take my grandkids in the future. I encourage visitors to Lincoln to take in this attraction...and be sure to tip the guide.

This was a very fun and super memorable tour! We had a private tour with our guide Joel. He was awesome! He told us a lot of interesting and funny facts about the cave to go alongside the material in his book. Best of all, he made this tour pretty interactive with the hidden gem spaces in the cave. I don't want to add more detail, because I don't want to spoil it for you. He's a ROCKSTAR CAVEMAN!

Joel was amazing. It was awesome and a must stop and see. It's only takes an hour but it's worth it. It's history and it's was a fun pictures to see flash backs in time.

The time flies by as Joel takes you on an hour tour filled with fascinating stories of these caves. The tours are booking up due to word of mouth so you need to make reservations for a tour. That said, we didn't have a problem getting in calling the day before.

This is such an intriguing tourist destination in Lincoln. I have lived in Lincoln for almost 10 years and hadn't gone on this tour until yesterday. Joel, who wrote a book on the history of the cave is a gem in this city. His curiosity as a child has led him to being the resident expert on the cave. It is truly an amazing cave. I have been on many cave tours and this is one of my favorites. It is a situation of "if the walls could talk" and Joel has done an excellent job of packaging the highlights of this unique cave. If you choose to go, it is well lit and there are handles with a few steps and some tight quarters. If you bring grandma wear good shoes as it is sandy and open shoes will get a little sand in them. It is clean and very thought provoking. Additionally, this place is also a venue for hosting events. I would vote this as one of the coolest tourist attractions in Lincoln.

One of the many tunnels to hike through

A photo of a historic story that I will let Joel tell you about.

What a great tour by Joel Green. Price is right too. Your is less than an hour but one gets a lot of historical cave info from Joel who wrote a detailed book on Robbers Cave. To set up the tour we had quick and good communication with Joel. Love the cave experience!!!

Great tour from Joel. Awesome place to visit -- for the ambiance, the stories, the history. And the thousands of inscriptions on the cave walls are an amazing sight to see. If you live in Lincoln, or are just visiting, please set up a tour and go.

Well lit, but still mysterious.

Incredible tour! I was expecting this tour to be like any other tour of old mines or caves with a mostly boring history but the stories and pictures shared were so interesting. I highly recommend. The tour guide Joel is my favorite person on Earth and everyone should come to Lincoln to take a tour and buy his book.

My family and I such an amazing time . The undeniable knowledge that Joel Green ( the award winning author/ teacher) had was mind blowing. The history of this place was astounding as well very informative. I would most definitely recommend visiting this place . We had an amazing private tour without any interruptions . Thx again Joel for your amazing stories , your book will be passed around to the kids to read and they will never forget this experience!!!

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Robber's Cave Tours / Robber's Cave Book

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• 925 Robbers Cave Road Lincoln NE 68502
• (402) 975-0598
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Tours are year-round, any day of the week. They must be booked in advance! robberscavetours.com

Driving Directions:

925 Robbers Cave Rd is just south of downtown Lincoln. Take 9th Street south past Van Dorn Park, turn right onto Robbers Cave Road after the Subway.

2019 Nebraska Book Award Winner Robber’s Cave: Truths, Legends, Recollections is on its 45h printing since 2018. It describes the infamous and mysterious landmark cave beneath Lincoln, Nebraska, that has been recently named to the National Register of Historic Places. Author Joel Green is the cave’s only tour guide and leads guests from all over the world through the tunnels year-round. $14 adults, $7 kids 6-12, $3 kids 1-5. Tours sell out quickly and must be booked in advance by contacting Joel at [email protected] or 402-975-0598. Robber's Cave also hosts weddings and special events.

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Green has traveled the Midwest promoting his book and the Robber's Cave Tours.

Look for a copy of the Award-Winning Robber's Cave Book or a retro 1986 T-shirt!

Robber's Cave won a 2019 Nebraska Book Award (nonfiction)

Green, and at times his daughter Brooklyn, give tours of Robber's Cave year-round, seven days a week!

Photo By Ron Quick

Robber's Cave Tours

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How to Visit Nebraska’s Indian Cave State Park

Indian Cave State Park is a popular tourist destination in Nebraska, USA. A beautiful wilderness location, this site is perfect for camping, hiking, trekking, picnics, and exploring nature.

Indian Cave is 10 miles south of Brownville and 5 miles east on S64E. It’s home to numerous species of hardwood trees, bushes, and other vegetation.

The park’s path system spans a whopping 22 miles, including land on both sides of the Missouri River. Recreational opportunities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and boating are all available to park guests.

Indian Cave is the name of the natural limestone cave that native Americans utilized as a refuge and a burial site for thousands of years. It is one of the main attractions of Indian Cave State Park.

We will talk more about this cave in this article, as well as some of the other attractions here. A hiking track along the bluff’s edge is where tourists can look at the cave from a distance.

The park also features miles of trails perfect for hiking and riding, with options for all skill levels. The trails take you through forests, plains, and along the river, where you can take in the breathtaking scenery and possibly even glimpse some wildlife.

Camping in RVs, tents, and cabins is all possible in Indian Cave State Park’s many campgrounds. The park has a marina and a boat launch so guests can go out on the Missouri River. Now lets take an in-depth look at Indian Cave State Park in Nebraska.

Indian Cave State Park Attractions

The numerous caves inside the park’s boundaries gave it its name, as the indigenous people used them for habitation, storage, and burial. Hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, and boating are just some of the activities visitors may enjoy at this park, spanning over 3,000 acres.

Indian Cave State Park’s Massive Sandstone Cave

The Indian Cave is a massive sandstone cavern over 200 meters in length and 50 meters in width and is one of the park’s most popular attractions. The cave’s interior is adorned with Native American carvings that date back thousands of years, and tourists can take guided tours to learn more about the site.

Ancient petroglyphs of unknown Native American provenance decorate the walls. The entrance stairs to the cave are frequently closed owing to excessive rainfall, so if you’re planning a trip there, check the website first to ensure you can look inside.

The park features a wide variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages to enjoy. These include 22 miles of trails for biking or hiking, 16 miles of equestrian trails with guided rides, living history demonstrations, sleigh rides at Christmas, hayrides in the spring and fall, and river access for canoeing and kayaking.

You can go rustic tent camping amid their beautiful hills or take your RV if you have one. Tent campers feeling bold can do it adjacent to the old St. Deroin cemetery, which boasts one of the park’s most stunning horizon vistas in addition to its suspected hauntings.

Hiking Trails at the Park

Hiking routes of varying difficulty wind through the park’s wooded hills and provide breathtaking vistas of the Missouri River. Some campgrounds within the park are suitable for tent camping, RV parking, and the rental of cabins and lodges.

Indian Cave State Park is stunning in appearance and culturally significant. The park features a visitor center and museum where guests may learn about the area’s Native American and pioneer history.

Outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs will find Indian Cave State Park a fantastic travel destination due to its remarkable combination of scenic landscapes, historical relevance, and fun activities.

The scenery in the autumn is stunning. With the right weather, you can also go on a trail ride on horseback. Those interested in history can visit the restored St. Deroin schoolhouse and general shop on weekends from May through October to see demonstrations of traditional crafts.

A picnic shelter is available for booking by large groups. Boaters can launch their vessels at the neighboring Brownville SRA, with a ramp for easy river access.

The first is how diligent and concerned the manager and team must be about maintaining such a high standard. It’s heartening to know there are still people who put other people’s happiness and the doing of the right before their own. America is still a fantastic nation.

The exceptional environment and solitude are the second-best features of this area. Gorgeous forests, with expert attention paid to the surrounding grasslands, plains, and wetlands. Amazing habitat for birds and other wildlife due to the naturalized vegetation.

Indian Cave State Park Hiking Paths

Indian cave pathway.

High bluffs and rolling hills filled with wood and small meadows characterize Indian Cave State Park, located next to the Missouri River. The length of the paths varies from 0.5 miles up to 7 miles. Several paths connect, allowing hikers to cover significant distances without returning to their starting points.

You can set up a makeshift tent throughout the park’s many hiking routes and spend the night. We have nine fire rings and Adirondack chairs to use. There are group campsites and even a campground for people who like to ride horses. There is an approved trail of 13.5 miles for equestrian use.

Spring, summer, and fall weekends are reserved for supervised equestrian rides. Take a hike on this 5.0-kilometer loop in the Shubert area of Nebraska. It takes about 1 hour and eighteen minutes to complete, making it a moderately difficult route.

Rock Bluff Run Trail

Take a hike on this loop trail that travels about 15.6 miles (25 kilometers) around Falls City, Nebraska. It takes 2 hours and 52 minutes to complete, making it a moderately difficult route.

Hardwood Trail

Indian Cave is a massive sandstone hole on the cliffs overlooking the Missouri river, and the Hardwood Trail is a strenuous point-to-point track that takes you through multiple wet weather creeks and over the forested Loess hills to get there. Many petroglyphs, some thousands of years old, have survived in the cave’s humid environment.

Find this 1.6-kilometer loop route close to Falls City, Nebraska. The typical time to finish this course, rated as “moderately demanding,” is 28 minutes.

Indian Caves State Park Loop

You should check out this trail loop that’s around 8 kilometers long and close to Falls City, Nebraska. Traverse this path takes 2 hours and 5 minutes, which is considered moderate difficulty. Although many people use this path for exercise, you can find peace here on less busy days.

Indian Cave: Trail 2, Trail 7, and Trail 3

This is a 7.6-kilometer loop path you can hike near Nemaha, Nebraska. It takes 2 hours and 12 minutes to accomplish this course, which is moderate difficulty.

It’s doubtful that you’ll run into many other people on this trail, making it ideal for camping, hiking, and walking. You may hike this stunning track at any time of year. All dogs must be kept on a leash.

The Campground Notes (Camping Ground)

Located on the Missouri River’s western bank lies the Indian Cave State Park camping ground. Most visitors come to see the spectacular hardwood forest and hills that gaze out over the broad, flowing river.

The Campground capacity is 134 RVs, and each site has a 30-amp plug (22 also have 50-amp.). Modern camping is available from May 1st through October 31st or later if the weather holds. The primitive camping area is available all year.

Tent camping is available throughout a wide area of beautiful hills. The tent campers have their showers, a hydrant, and electrical hookups. Fire pits and grills are available for use. Adirondack shelters welcome hikers and campers along the paths. Campers who bring their horses to Indian Cave can do so in a designated area.

Camping at Indian Cave State Park

It might become busy, but plenty of campsites are spread out, so you won’t be right on top of your neighbors. The park is immaculate, and restrooms are conveniently located near most sites. There are only a few places to eat or shop near the park, so bring everything you need.

The park has a long and interesting history, beginning with its town and extending back to Native American and Lewis and Clark eras. Weekends in the summer and fall are set aside for “living history.”

Keep in mind that there is a variety of native plants and animals in the area if you plan on doing any family hiking. Keep your kids and pets on the trails at all times, and have them wear pants and shoes with closed toes. Binoculars and cameras are required due to the abundance of gorgeous birds and wildflowers throughout the park.

Look up to see leaves of different hues; you know it’s autumn. You can listen to the coyotes howl and the owls hoot at night, or watch the stars on clear nights.

Indian Cave State Park is a fantastic destination if you and your family need to get away but don’t have the time or money to take a lengthy trip.

You and your loved ones can spend a day in nature while learning about the region’s rich history. When it comes to the caves in Nebraska, this is likely to be your top choice.

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Going Into These 4 Caves In Nebraska Is Like Entering Another World

Delana Lefevers

As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.

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Nebraska is definitely not known for its spelunking opportunities, but there are a few caves hiding out in this prairie state.

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There are also said to be plenty of small caves on private property in Southwest Nebraska. These caves were used as temporary shelters by ancient Native Americans and as hideouts by bootleggers during Prohibition. The caves aren’t open for exploration, but it’s kind of fun to know they’re out there. Let us know, Nebraska explorers: are there any other caves out there?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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