Hugged up against the banks of the Missouri River in the southeast corner of Nebraska, Indian Cave State Park is named after the large sandstone cave within the park, dotted with ancient petroglyphs and carvings.
The park also has a living history area, where visitors can learn about the area’s history and enjoy blacksmithing demonstrations, candle making, and other traditional crafts.
Covering over 3,400 acres, it offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, disc golf, and even horseback riding. Apart from the caves, this park is a dream hiking territory. There are over 22 miles of hiking trails, including a trail that leads to the top of a scenic overlook with views of the Missouri River valley.
All in all, it’s a grand day out. It’s a popular destination for families, nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is open year-round and has over 60 RV and camping sites for overnight stays. But there are other options not too far away if you want to stick around but don’t have an RV or feel like sleeping under canvas.
Where to Stay Near Indian Cave State Park
There aren’t many big chain hotels near Indian Cave State Park, but there are a number of smaller hotels, motels, niche resorts, and short-term rental options. Check out some of these lodging options in nearby Nebraska and Missouri and see for yourself.
1. Audrey’s Motel
Address: 1211 State Street, Mound City, MO 64470
On the Missouri side of the river in nearby Mound City is Audrey’s, a well-known, comfortable, independent motel with friendly owners. They’re very popular with bikers and visitors to Indian Cave State Park.
All guest rooms are air-conditioned and have Wi-Fi. They also offer free parking and a daily buffet breakfast.
2. Super 8 by Wyndham Mound City
Image by Booking.com
Address: 109 West 8th Street, Mound City, MO 64470
A few blocks from Audreys is a Super 8, where you can find a comfy bed for less than $100 a night. This motel is in a great location and offers an indoor pool and whirlpool.
All guest rooms have a flat-screen TV, refrigerators, and a microwave. A daily grab-and-go breakfast is also available, and the property is close to golf and Casino White Cloud if you’re looking for entertainment.
3. Loess Hills Lodge
Address: 404 State St, Mound City, MO 64470
Another popular accommodation option in Mound City is Loess Hills Lodge. Offering short-term rental and lodging, this privately run, family-owned, and operated location posits itself as the perfect mid-point between the hotel and vacation rental experience. They’re great for families and group vacations and offer their cheapest rate if you book directly through their website.
4. Super 8 by Wyndham Rock Port
Address: US 1301 Hwy 136 West, 1301 US Hwy 136, Rock Port, MO 64482
Another Super 8 property worthy of consideration is the one in Rock Port, Missouri, just over a 20-minute drive from Indian Cave State Park. As well as being reasonably priced, close to the park, and replete with all the standard Super 8 amenities, it’s one of the better accommodations on this list for road trippers due to its convenient access to major highways.
5. Rock Port Cabins Motel
Address: 210 W 4th St, Rock Port, MO 64482
This privately run facility is ideal for families or groups seeking a more rustic vibe without having to adopt the rustic lifestyle completely. Rock Port Cabins has modern electrics, different cabins, rooms, suites, and apartments, and easy park access.
The facility is pet-friendly and has outdoor amenities such as grilling areas and firepits. Overall, it’s a great place to unplug and connect with nature.
6. Aunt Martha’s House Bed & Breakfast
Address: 715 E Main St, Fairfax, MO 64446
Aunt Martha’s House BnB is your friendly home away from home when visiting Indian Cave State Park. This beautiful old farmhouse in Fairfax, Missouri, just a short drive from the park, was built in 1910 and has three rooms available.
This makes it an excellent choice for couples, but Aunt Martha’s is also extremely popular with bikers as well as hunters. It’s also worth noting that the breakfasts at Aunt Martha’s are to die for.
See Related: Places to Stay in Lincoln, Nebraska
7. Grand Weaver Hotel
Address: 1800 Stone St, Falls City, NE 68355
If you want to stay inside Nebraska, consider taking a short drive south to Falls City. There, you’ll find the Grand Weaver Hotel, a historic hotel that has been in operation since the 1920s.
It’s currently undergoing a glow-up, and it’s in a great part of town. Located near some great retail and food options, it’s only about a 20-minute drive from Indian Cave State Park.
8. Vision Inn Motel
Address: 2621 Harlan St, Falls City, NE 68355
Vision Inn Motel is another Falls City accommodation that’s favored by folks on the road and visitors to Indian Cave State Park. While a little smaller than other accommodations on this list they offer comfortable rooms and a complimentary continental breakfast to help fuel you up for a day out at the park. They also have picnic and grilling areas outside.
9. Check In Motel
Address: 2824 North Old Hwy 73, Falls City, NE 68355
The Check In Motel is exactly what it says on the can. A simple, clean, no-nonsense roadside motel in Falls City, not far from Vision Inn Motel.
It’s also pet-friendly, ideal for road trippers bringing their dogs with them. Many reviews on multiple travel platforms also speak highly of the management and staff.
See Related: Best Weekend Trips from Omaha, Nebraska
10. River Inn Resort
Address: 72898 648A Ave, Brownville, NE 68321
Probably the most unique place to stay near Indian Cave State Park is the River Inn Resort. This is a one-of-a-kind micro resort meets boutique BnB in nearby Brownville. What makes it so special is that it’s essentially one big houseboat moored on the Missouri River.
As well as being just a short hop from the park, a surprising number of amenities are on board. Not only that, but guests can also make reservations for a dinner cruise on her “sister ship” the Spirit of Brownville, a historic paddleboat.
11. Auburn Inn Motel & Longs Creek RV Park
Address: 517 J St, Auburn, NE 68305
Auburn Inn Motel & Longs Creek RV Park is a great option for those looking for an RV site or a cheap room near Indian Cave State Park. There are rooms of different sizes available at different rates, all with modern amenities as standard.
There are a number of other facilities, such as on-site storage, and pets are also allowed for a small additional fee. You can find this place northwest of the park in Auburn.
12. Arbor Manor Steakhouse and Motel
Address: 1617 Central Ave, Auburn, NE 68305
Also located in Auburn is the Arbor Manor Steakhouse and Motel, which, yep, you guessed it, has some serious onsite dining. Enjoying juicy steaks and drinks from their full-service bar is a big draw as is the building housing this motel itself.
It’s definitely more “manor” than it is “motel” – that is, until you see just how reasonable the room rates are here. They also provide a range of rooms and suites.
See Related: Places to Stay Near Platte River State Park
13. Hamburg Inn & Suites
Address: 1215 Main St, Hamburg, IA 51640
If you don’t feel like staying in Nebraska or Missouri, consider Iowa, a few ways up north from Indian Caves State Park. The Hamburg Inn & Suites is a cool, converted farm that perfectly blends modern conveniences with luxury touches amid some simply stunning countryside.
There’s free parking and free breakfast, and despite what you might guess from just looking at this place, it’s sensibly priced, too.
14. R U LOST RV LOTS
Address: 506 Washington St, Nemaha, NE 68414
One of the best RV sites outside Indian Caves State Park is just a hop-ski-and-a-jump away north in nearby Nemaha. It’s a pretty small site with only seven sites available, but they are all full hook-up sites, and the rates are exceptional.
The owners and operators of the site, Jim and Colleen, are also a real hoot. They are very responsive, helpful, and always ready to recommend what to see and where to eat nearby.
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