The Incredibly Enchanting Spot in Nebraska Most People Have Never Heard Of

Finding a hidden treasure, something you never would have imagined exists, is maybe one of the sweetest feelings in life. On the Steamboat Trace Trail near Peru, carvings and sculptures in the sandstone cliffs take many visitors by surprise. The collection is the work of one man, and it took decades to create.

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

Roland Sherman began his unusual art project sometime in the late '60s or early '70s.

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All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

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All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

As Sherman walked through the area that would later become the Steamboat Trace Trail, he saw a half-finished carving of a woman in the sandstone cliff.

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

There were plenty of other carvings along the rocks already - mostly names and initials carved by lovers to commemorate their undying affection.

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

Sherman didn't know who had begun the carving of the woman, but he decided to finish it. And from that day until his death, adorning the sandstone with his own unique markings became a favorite hobby.

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All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

Sometimes, the artwork was simple and created with the use of a putty knife.

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

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All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

Other pieces are far more intricate, involving sculpted cement built right onto the cliff face.

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

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All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

Later in his life, after he had been blessed with 11 grandchildren, he created works to entertain them. One of these is the once brightly-colored Genie sculpture, located in an area that has now been dubbed "Genie Hollow."

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

Unlike most other artists who want their work to last a lifetime, Sherman enjoyed watching the way his pieces eroded, changed, and slowly disappeared over time. Many have already been permanently erased by nature.

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

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All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

The humble artist didn't talk much about his sculptures in the early years, though he did sit down a few times to discuss his unusual hobby.

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

Retirement was the catalyst that drove Roland Sherman to revitalize his carving and sculpting. He often took his grandchildren on long walks in the area while he added new pieces to his collection.

All photos © Bill Clemente. Used with permission.

In 2007, one year after Sherman died, a 1,000-foot section of the Trace Trail was dedicated to his memory. The little works of art are a wonderful surprise for trail travelers, and signs ask visitors to respect the carvings.

Plenty of interested people have kept the Roland Sherman legend alive by documenting the carvings and the stories that accompany them. One such person is Peru State College professor Bill Clemente, who kindly granted me permission to feature his photographs here. Above is a video he made featuring his own photographs along with some given to him by Roland Sherman’s family.

You can visit the carvings on the Trace Trail just south of Peru. Traversing the entire Roland Sherman Memorial Area will only take you around 15 minutes on foot. You can view the carvings and sculptures from the trails, but there are barriers to prevent visitors from getting too close to them. According to TrailLink, the trail is closed from mid-November to early January because it is located in a popular hunting area. Plan your visit for after the beginning of the new year, and be sure to come back to share your experience with us!