On February 14, 2025, Lincoln South Rotary Club heard from Joel Green on the History of Robber's Cave.
Many of us have read some of the history of Robber's Cave. And, many of us have explored the caves. But, Joel Green gives the cave life. There is rich history and entertaining stories that have emerged due to Joel's interest and research.
Joel shared that Robber's Cave actually older than the City of Lincoln. It's name came about when it was believed that Jesse James used the caves as one of his hde-outs. Joel mentioned that legend includes other notorious uses may have been the Underground Railroad and Ku Klux Klan. It was also mentioned that, while searching for Charlie Starkweather, they searched the caves.
The original entrance was an opening in the side of a sandstone bluff. The cave was formed as a result of running salt water from creeks or rivers in the area - you can see iron ore ribbons in the walls today. The cave once had an entrance complete with a wooden structure with a door. It was rumored that one of the tunnels, now sealed off, may have led to the State of Nebraska penitentiary. Due to vandalism and concerns for safety, the entrance was boarded up for years.
Joel stated that the cave was discovered in 1869. It has served as a brewery and many events were hosted there including concerts, dances and college parties. It even was a daycare for a while.
There are stories that the caves are infested with bats and the entrance guarded by coyotes. It is true that there are bats - but they have their own tunnel that is not included in the tour. And, as far as the coyotes - we learned that the Sarborough's son domesticated coyotes and treated them like dogs. Bit they remained on leashes by the house not at the cave entrance.
Cave tours are year round. The temperature in the cave is 60-65 degrees - comfortable in summer and warm in winter. He said most visitors are from out of state - even out of the country. Because Robber's Cave is on the National Registry and rated as one of the most interesting locates in Nebraska, it comes up on travel apps. So, as travelers get near to Lincoln they may see an alert and be drawn to visit Robber's Cave.
Joel said, known as a hang out in collect, Joel was a little frustrated that there was little written about Robber's Cave. He studied the Guide To The Ghosts of Lincoln which was intended to freak people out. He started researching in 2005 and by 2007 had enough to start writing the book.
He said photos were rare - there were only 6 available through the historical society. But, as people heard of his research he started to get photos and information in the mail and ended up with 542 photos. He found documentation that the land was deeded to a War of 1812 Veteran as a Land Grant in 1864.
Land around the cave was purchased and a brewery was built. They used the cave to store malt and beer. During that time the caves were expanded. John Sarborough purchased the property early in the 1960s with the intention of making it into a mushroom farm. While clearing the cave he discovered coins and other memorabilia which led to the stories of outlaws using the caves. The name Robber's Cave was born, the stories drew many tourists, so the idea of creating a mushroom farm was abandoned.
The Sarboroughs expanded and developed the caves into a destination including the addition of picnic tables and a dance floor. The caves were closed due to the destruction caused by party-goers. The walls were covered in graffiti and there was broken glass throughout. The wooden entrance was in disrepair and boarded up.
A few years later the caves were reopened - but again subject to vandalism. The entrance was boarded up again and even blocked by cinder blocks. However, people found ways into the caves. Once taken over for Blue Blood Brewery much work was done and an event space added. Even after the brewery closed, Robber's Cave offers event spaces - hosting parties, weddings and other events year round.
BIO
Joel Green, a Lincoln High grad, recently won the Tom Lorenz Tourism Development Award, the Visit Nebraska Frontline Employee of the Year Award, and put Robber's Cave Tours on the map by winning Nebraska's Outstanding Tourism Destination of the Year (2022).
His book, Robber's Cave: Truths, Legends, Recollections won a Nebraska Book Award in 2019.
He worked for an NBA Hall of Famer with the Philadelphia 76ers, and he also worked in Public Relations for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s been a mentor for Lincoln Public Schools for 19 years, and continues to give tours of Robber’s Cave year round.