Happy Jack Chalk Mine Association

Nick Schonlau

2023-05

Interesting point of interest for central Nebraska. It’s about a 50 minute drive north/northwest of Grand Island. It is dog friendly and the guided tour of the mine was interesting. Volunteers were friendly and had some fun historical knowledge of the site. Entry was $10 per adult. Cash or check only.

Robert Hopkins

2021-05

Pretty neat. Not your typical underground experience. The cave itself is wide, with an easy flat floor, and the temperature is cool but not cold. The two ladies running the place were very friendly and fun. The parking is a bit odd, as signage is not real obvious once in the parking lot, but the walk down to the entrance is pretty and nicely shaded. The history of the place was interesting. The price did not seem outrageous to us. $15 for a couple.The cave itself was interesting to explore. Most of it has been closed off, due to the history of the place, but there were still 1,500 feet of cave to see. There were a couple of cute bats on the ceiling, but most have migrated elsewhere over the past two years.If you are a fan of history and underground places, this is a worthwhile stop when journeying through the area.

Carrie Chambers

2021-05

Its a flippin' cave how can this not be awesome! Interesting history too.. & its an breath taking view from the top of hill as well, but do take caution its a steep hike. Tip for the treck down hill is less steep if u follow fence line to stairs instead of taking the worn path.

Shawn Burkhardt

2023-07

It was a difficult climb to the lookout. The steps are overgrown & in bad shape. Just a warning that it shouldn't be attempted unless you're in good shape and able to do a difficult climb.

Heather Winchester

2023-11

Joann was amazing!! She grew up playing in this salt mine and has loved it her whole life! She enjoys sharing this mine with others and knows so much about it! She tells entertaining story's from her personal life as well as the history of the mine. We are a homeschool group and Slshe was wonderful with our children too! If you come here, make sure you ask for Joann to do your tour! You won't regret it!!

Heather Haynes

2023-09

Beautiful view from the top of the hill, great tour in the mines!

Austin Sarka

2023-09

Went here as a small boy and came back as a adult. I tell you what...this place is still awesome no matter what age you are. Climbed the hill to the top, definitely out of breath once you get up there but absolutely stunning views. Exceptional Tour Guides as well. Thank You, Happy Jack Chalk Mine! This was really special!!!

Kathy Osbon

2023-08

We had a group of 11 adults and two children and the total price was $110. We were quite disappointed in the tour and the amount of information (or lack of it) that was given. The two young girls that were giving the tour didn’t seem very interested in being there and gave only a few facts about the history of the mine. We were literally on the tour for 15 minutes. One of our group had been on the tour at another time and said it was much better with her guide. So I guess we just had terrible guides that didn’t know much about their job. It definitely wasn’t worth the drive or money spent.

Matthew Groom

2021-05

A nice, quiet, shady spot to have a picnic, with a very tall hill to climb in order to get a bird's eye view of Valley County.

Bernardo Viscarra

2019-05

Had a fun time visiting the chalk mine. The entrance fee is reasonable, and a guide goes along with you to let you know what you are looking at.

gage mars

2022-05

Been visiting the chalk mine since I was a kid. Great views from the peak and nice little workout getting to the top as well

Jill Kreikemeier

2021-05

What a hidden gem! We had a tour and it was so interesting. We had a group ages 4 through adult. We all loved it. Take the path to Happy Jack's lookout. It is worth the hike!

Jacob Kizer

2020-05

Probably would have been a lot cooling during the summer when everything was opened up, but still worth the stop. They need to update their website, it's been a few years since the last update.

Robert Hursh

2022-05

This place was just a very relaxing afternoon. It is old and seemingly run down but the mine tour was fun. The climb to the observation point was a bit challenging but not prohibitive. The guides were very nice and our three grandkids, ages eight, five and two had a ball! They got to touch the walls, pick up chalk pieces and wander a bit without worry. The mine is in the side of a large hill so no drop in elevation or steps. No large crowds. No souvenir shop. So no extra money needed. Admission prices are cheap!

Jeremy Profitt

2022-05

Worth a stop, especially on a warm day, would have been fun to see this back through time, but they have a good history on the tour. Climb the hill for a scenic view (free)

Jacinda Gerdes

2022-05

Very interesting and unique hidden gem in Nebraska! Very friendly workers there and beautiful park surrounding the cave. The cave is a COOL place, pun intended. Good price. Cash only. Must visit! Didn't do the hike up as we were just passing through and tired from our camping trip but it's on our list to do next!

Michael Clay

2022-05

This experience is unique and a Nebraska gem. It's not as great as the Black Hills caves in SD but the tour was very informative. It showed the importance of the chalk mine in the development of many business and how local history impacted the cave. You will see fossilized creatures in the rock formations. Be prepared to pay in cash or check. Wished they had a gift shop or T-shirt's for sale!

Milton McNeeLee

2022-05

When you stand at the mouth of the cave, you can feel it’s cool breath upon you. The cave’s aroma tells of deep earth and rivers of chalk mud and flowing waters 💦The park area is pleasant and well shaded in the summertime. Just when we want it.Jack is Happy too; wherever he is 😃

Lois Butler

2019-05

Great tour and tour guide. The chalk mine was interesting but I enjoyed hearing the history about NE being under water 14 million years ago and seeing some of the remnants of fossils in the walls of jellyfish, sand dollars and the giant earthworms, as well as the ceiling with opals still forming.

Tim Nelms

2020-05

This is a neat little stop but don't go out of your way to see it. the mines go back 6,000 feet but we only get to see a couple hundred. The tour are would be a lot better if the entry didn't smell like an ashtray.

Fair and Reasonable

2022-05

If you haven't been there, you need to go. It's about 55 degrees in the mine so bring a jacket. There are also some fun trails and great views of the Loup River.

kevin tranmer

2020-05

What a delightful surprise! I have driven by the mine since i was a kid and never stopped. Glad we did this time. Wonderful lady gave the tour. People from all over the world come to see the mine. Another Nebraska treasure!!

Jason Eggleston

2023-05

This was the second time that I took my family here. We love this place! Such fascinating history and in such a beautiful area.

Ronald Malandrini

2023-05

I'm sorry to day that I expected more! I would like to thank the young lady who gave us the tour. But, the chalk mines overall were not worth a two hour drive.

Kari Thornton

2020-05

We enjoyed the tour - it was very interesting! Also had a nice hiking path with a very pretty view. Great for a road trip weekend!

Tyler Seidel

2020-05

Hidden gem in middle of Nebraska worth the trip. Great for the family with wonderful tour guides, and easy on the wallet. They give discounts on large groups.

Vicki Hull

2022-05

Bring cash, there's no ATM. Great tours, and friendly people. The mine is cool. The hike up to the cross is short but steep.

Mike Meyer

2022-05

Fun place to realize Nebraska was once mostly ocean! Great tour guides on the history and showing us all the cool fossils in the mine walls!

Amber Francisco

2019-05

Such an amazing place to visit. The tour is great and informative history on the location. Been there 2 times now with our kids and will be back!!!

Erin Lasiter

2018-05

Great history here. The people who run this now certainly care about the visitors and the history. This area is still undergoing some clean up from when the state owned, but worth the tour anyway. It's a shame that this will never be fully restored.