Ultimate Guide to Robbers Cave in Lincoln, Nebraska (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Robbers Cave is a 5,000-square-foot, man-made cave located in Lincoln, Nebraska. Despite popular belief, these caves, are not yet national parks.
Robbers Cave is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, and has been a popular tourist destination for many years. The cave was even discovered by Jesse James in the late 1800s and used as a hideout! Robbers Cave is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bats and other creatures that only come out at night.
Ultimate Guide to Robbers Cave
While Lincoln, Nebraska is a fun place to visit, a stop at Robbers Cave can make your trip.
What’s the difference between a cavern and a cave?
Many times, cave and cavern are used synonymously, but this isn’t technically right. A cave is defined as any cavity in the ground that has a section that does not receive direct sunlight. A cavern is just one type of cave that is formed naturally in soluble rock and grows speleothems, the general term for cave formations like stalagmites, stalactites, cave draperies, and cave popcorn. So, a cavern can be called a cave, but not all caves are caverns.
History of Robbers Cave
Robbers Cave was originally discovered and created in the 1800s by German immigrants who dug through the soft sandstone near Salt Creek.
This cave was created for these immigrants to survive, made with separate chambers to store their grain, and barrels they stored for their local brewery. These immigrants did everything they could to survive under the radar.
In their stay there, they engraved different images into the caves, that are still somewhat intact. Now, archaeologists are using newly developed technology to define the images and point out what the immigrants were trying to communicate either to each other or to whoever came in next.
Robber’s Cave in Nebraska is gone and it’s mostly forgotten — by the living. The cave was used for several centuries by the Pawnee Indians and was considered “sacred ground.” Settlers moved the Pawnees to reservations as they conquered the land, and the capitol building was constructed over the cave site.
Rumor has it that Jesse James hid out in Robber’s Cave after he robbed the bank in 1876. There’s a secret room that has a fire pit at one end with a natural chimney. Behind the fire pit is a stone wall was filled in with bricks.
Beyond the wall, it’s said, lies a labyrinth of tunnels that twist and turn. One of them is said to connect the penitentiary and the state hospital for the insane. There’s a story told that says that this tunnel was used as an escape route for some prisoners before it was finally sealed off.
It’s claimed that Robber’s Cave was a way station on the Underground Railroad for escaped slaves. We know that it was once used by a brewery to store beer. Robber’s Cave has been a meeting place for horse thieves, robbers, and gamblers.
Over the years, Robber’s Cave has been partially destroyed and dug out several times. It’s also been opened and closed to the public several times. After it was closed the last time, in 1985 it was filled in and businesses were built on top of where the cave once was.
The living has mostly forgotten that Robber’s Cave ever existed, but we’re not certain that’s the case for those no longer living. There were always stories of strange sounds coming from the cave. There were tales of ghosts that walked the tunnels. The cave was filled in, but the section behind the stone and brick wasn’t filled in. Do lost souls still roam those underground tunnels? We don’t know; maybe you can find out.
A Bandit Favorite Hideout
After the Civil War, these caves became known for harboring fugitives, and outlaws. This cave was the perfect hideout for these outlaws. Not only is it hard to see, but the cave also has a back entrance.
During one of the biggest heists, Jessie James staged a robbery, that would go down in history as one of the biggest heists. James and his men attacked six guardsmen driving 18 burros transporting gold bullion, the currency at the time.
On Jessie’s way from the Wichita mountains, going towards what would be Robbers Cave, the gang decided to bury their loot to come back to when they were out of danger. They chose to dig deep holes in these mountains where many don’t think to travel. Each man had their section with their share of the loot.
After leaving and finding Robbers Cave, Jessie James, and his gang fear being caught taking back the money that they stole. No time seemed right and they feared the repercussions.
Before the gang had a chance to find their loot and be what would be the richest group of men in their time, Jessie ended up being shot and killed and none of the bandits were able to recover their loot.
No one has ever found the gold Bullion Jessie James and his gang left behind.
Jessie James, one of the most famous outlaws to ever live, found this hideout in hopes of gaining this hideout for his entire gang. This cave had everything they would need in a hideout.
A discrete cave where no one would expect, a cliff nearby that was perfect for storing horses, not to mention the already made crevices, a natural spring in the cave, and of course, the back entrance which is perfect for a last-minute getaway.
Robbers Cave Geological Formations
Robbers Cave is not your usual cave setting as seeing it was designed by manpower, the levels of stalactite and stalagmite experienced in others might not be present here. However, the soft sandstone material that makes up the cave gives it the edge in being graffitied, as you may notice from many of the pictures posted online.
Even though there are select species of bats living here, it does not have the formations of the average cave or cavern. However, some areas might be a little bumpy to traverse as the ground is not as level in those areas, nor is the ceiling on one level.
Robbers Cave Wildlife
Robbers Cave has seen many bats and other crawlers along its walls daily, and this is relatively not new for most caves. There are special species of bats found in the cave to include tri-colored bats and northern long-eared bats. They are protected animals as the cave owners believe in preserving the animals seeing they are unique and live in settings not open to outdoor life.
The wildlife existing in the caves has done a lot related to altering the plans around building a brewery in the area. But, with the added details to the region, there might be a few limitations to where one can visit – to help protect these animals. The bats are quite powerful and influential in what happens in the cave initially designed by man.
Robbers Cave Tours
On-Site Brewery
Once the local brewery closed down, the Scarborough family purchased the land around the brewery, along with the building itself. This family purchased the land in the early 1900s, but the land held no function until the late 1980s.
At this point, the family began utilizing the cave for a variety of different activities.
Robbers Cave was utilized as a dance hall, a game room, a community center, a concert venue, and a movie theater.
When this cave was a community center they even had an activity allowing visitors to engrave writing on the wall.
The cave itself is currently located underneath Blue Bloods Brewery.
The Blue Bloods Brewery is an outlaw-themed restaurant to support the history of the cave. They made themed cocktails that went with the history of the brewery, featuring drinks such as outlaw and convict. Three former police officers started the brewery after Podwinski, one of the owners injured his shoulder in the line of duty.
Originally, Blue Blood was across the street. However, they quickly grabbed the attention of many travelers and residents in the area as well. The owners took this opportunity to move their location, and it worked to their benefit.
Twice a week, the brewery is closed to allow for the owners to focus on the history of the caves, and give tours for $10 a person. Over the past 2 years, they have taken about 40,000 people on a tour through this historical cave, and they have made a book on the history of the cave.
The brewery owners currently only show a select few rooms in the cave to the public, however, they are planning to open it up further so more individuals can get the whole idea of how Jessie James and his gang were able to stay there for some time.
They recently opened up the Bat Cave, Fat Mans Misery, and a few other sections in the cave to the public.
The owners of the Brewery are currently working hard on getting the cave on the National Registries of Historic Places.
Brewery Temporarily Closed
In May 2019, the Blue Blood Brewery had to temporarily close due to the high amount of rent they were back due. The Blue Bloods Brewery owed over $25,000 to the owner of the building.
After the doors were closed many people feared what would happen to the cave, and the cave tours. Luckily, the property manager permitted the owners to continue giving tours in hopes that it would help them with their debt.
Within a few months, the owners of the brewery were able to pay back the money to the owner of the building and are on track to reopen.
Ministers in the Cave
As odd as it sounds, a group of 12 priests have been invited to take a trip to Robbers Cave and bless the cave. The ministry goes around and blesses various homes and different locations.
The ministry is not against drinking, they just think it’s all about drinking in moderation. It’s about the smiles and laughs that are brought to life by a group of family or friends enjoying each other’s company.
The group of ministers did bless the cave, as well as the brewery and the beer. Beer was not left off the table due to the background of its production in the Buddhist religion, and the joy it does bring.
Robbers Cave Prices and Discounts
The cost of visiting may vary depending on the time of year, but the average costs are as follows.
- Adults: $14
- Children 6-12 years: $7
- Children 5 years and under: $5
How to Get to Robbers Cave
Just hit Google Maps and bring up 925 Robbers Cave Road, and you will see all the info you need!
Where to Stay Near Robbers Cave
If you plan your vacation in Nebraska and want to visit some of the most intriguing places, such as Robber’s Cave, here are a few places you might want to consider.
Travelers Inn Motel
The hotel is quite exclusive to provide you with efficient and memorable service like no other. Some coolest amenities and features include a 24-hour front desk service, air-conditioned rooms, daily housekeeping, free wifi, and much more.
You can also enjoy a chill spot with friends and family as you enjoy some great food sizzling on the barbecue grill outback. Travelers Inn Motel is situated roughly 6km away from Robbers Cave.
HiWay Inn & Suites Wilburton
You will enjoy the benefits of staying at this amazing motel as it provides some cool amenities. You will be graced with the likes of large air-conditioned rooms, free wifi in your rooms and outdoor chill spots, free onsite parking, and so much more. They are located roughly 8.1km away from Robbers Cave, so you are a short reach from loads of adventure.
Robbers Cave Fun Facts
- Robber’s Cave existed from as far back as the 1860s under the city’s capital grounds.
- The cave was once a mysterious ground, and since its remodeling by an established company, one can now overlook the dangers associated with it and go for exciting tours.
- The cave was originally dug out with human resources and turned into a brewery which eventually didn’t last long. It was mainly soft sandstone.
- The name Robber’s Cave is attributed to a history of criminals who usually hide in these areas as they try to elude the police and military.
- Jesse James said he was trapped in the cave at one point when robbers poured in on one of their missions.
- The cave was initially closed in 2000 out of fear of traversing the dark and mysterious surroundings.
Robbers Cave Details
- Length: 600 Meters
- Time recommended: 45 Minutes to an Hour
- Trail Type: Trafficked Loop Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a leash
- Accessibility: Parking Lot
- Fee/Permit: Varies
- Hours:
Weekdays…4 pm to 10 pm
Weekends…10 am to 10 pm (Subject to change)
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