Indian Cave State Park
Missouri River bluffs, Nebraska · 944 ft
Typical peak
Oct 12 – Oct 20
moderate confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Three thousand acres of loess bluff forest above the Missouri, steep enough to surprise anyone who expects Nebraska to be flat. The park carries flora of southern affinities, so bur oak and hickory hold the dry ridges while basswood fills the draws and the color arrives in layers rather than all at once.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
Getting there
Park entrance at 65296 720 Rd near Shubert in Nemaha County; the scenic overlook sits on the park's Loop Road, and 22 miles of trail run the bluffs above the river. A Nebraska park entry permit is required.
What turns here
- bur oak
- bitternut hickory
- basswood
- green ash
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 16Typical color progression for Indian Cave State Park. No change from Sep 8 to Sep 25. First color from Sep 25 to Oct 4. Approaching peak from Oct 4 to Oct 12. Peak from Oct 12 to Oct 20. Past peak from Oct 20 to Oct 30. Bare from Oct 30 to Nov 13.
Indian Cave State Park is typically at bare on Nov 1, 2026.
This season so far
First frost
None yet
No night at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
74°F / 53°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Indian Cave State Park on October 16, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:06 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 101° | 7:34 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 37 min of low, warm light | 8:11 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:08 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 37 min before sunset | 6:04 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 259° | 6:41 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:09 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 11h 8m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.