Named for the huge sandstone cavity that is the main geologic feature of the area, Indian Cave State Park straddles the Nemaha-Richardson County line in south-eastern Nebraska. The first tract was acquired by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in 1962, and the park now covers some 3,000 acres, including 2,386 acres of timber. The mighty Missouri River edges Indian Cave's irregular eastern border. The unique natural and historic qualities of the area make it an exceptional park area. Athough its actual age has not been determined, it is possible that Indian Cave has existed for several thousand years. It is a natural formation, created by silt and fine-grained sand deposits in a Pennsylvanian rock channel. Petroglyphs, or ancient Indian picture writings, etched on the walls of the cave are the only known example of their kind found in Nebraska. However, their cultural origin and period in history remain a mystery. Approximately 300 feet south of the cave is a coal shaft. It was originally worked by a Mr. Deaver, who lived on the bottom ground and used the coal to heat his house. The coal was very poor quality.

• Visit the mysterious cave, complete with ancient Indian petroglyphs.