Peru, Nebraska: Sandstone Cliff Carvings
Before Roland Sherman died in 2007, he spent about 20 years making odd sculptures on a sandstone cliff near his home. He didn't talk about it, and now he isn't around to explain it.
- Address:
- 5th St., Peru, NE
- Directions:
- Enter Peru from Hwy 67. Drive north through town on 5th St. The trailhead and parking area are at the far north end of 5th St. From the trailhead, walk south towards the Missouri River, about 15 minutes, and look for sculptures on the bluffs.
- Hours:
- 24/7 Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Results 1 to 2 of 2...
Visitor Tips and News About Sandstone Cliff Carvings
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
Walk opposite of the corn fields and you'll eventually see a small brown sign stating the Rowland Sherman area is beginning. We didn't get to see many of the carvings due to the fact that a majority of the area is overgrown at this time. Good luck!
[Ashley Precup, 09/10/2023]
Corn fields are the norm in Nebraska, so when we locals find a sandstone cliff we like to carve our initials and make sculptures on them as evidenced by the Roland Sherman Memorial Area, a part of the Steamboat Trace Trail for hikers and bikers in Peru, Nebraska.
The sandstone sculptures were created over 20 years ago by resident Roland Sherman and in 2007 finished in 2nd place in a vote for the Seven Wonders of Southeastern Nebraska. (Losing only to a dog shelter near Auburn!).
The sculptures are all within a 15 minute walk of the trail head in Peru. The trailhead has free parking and modern restrooms.
The sculptures are on a cliff facing east, so visiting before noon makes for the best viewing, but the trail and sculptures are accessible 24/7 and there is no charge. The area opposite the cliffs and the trail is lowland and susceptible to flooding. Mosquitoes and frogs were very abundant when my family last visited in spring of 2008.
[Bob DiPaolo, 01/19/2010]Nearby Offbeat Places
Stoner Drug Store and Soda Fountain, Hamburg, IA - 9 mi.
Dairy Sweet Papa Burger, Auburn, NE - 8 mi.
Climb Aboard Lewis & Clark's Boat, Nebraska City, NE - 13 mi.Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.
