Happy Jack Chalk Mine

Explore one of Nebraska’s most unique underground adventures. Experience the spectacular beauty of the North Loup River Valley on top of Happy Jack Peak reached by trails and steps that extend more than 120 feet above the entrance to the mine. Then go underground to visit the 6,000 feet of honeycombed caverns. Happy Jack Chalk Mine is the only place in North America where the public can view examples of “Room and Pillar” mining techniques.

When you walk through the portal entrance of the mine, you are walking back in time, not to the year 1877, but millions of years ago to the time when a giant Inland Sea covered much of Nebraska. The mine walls are the sediments of millions of tiny sea creatures from the Inland Sea. There are also fossils of the large sea creatures imprinted in the walls of chalk. Your tour will amaze you, with fossils plus the posibliity of what is still yet to be found. The miners of the 1920s left us a chance to learn about the history of the area. See the actual hand tools used by the miners in their painstaking efforts and explore this man-made wonder as you walk their footsteps into the past.

Tours run all day accommodating for small and large groups. We take pride in having friendly and helpful tour guides that will do their best to make your visit one to remember.

Hiking, picnicking, wildlife and plant viewing are some of the outdoor experiences you can enjoy around Happy Jack Peak.