Happy Jack Peak & Chalk Mine
Curious Nebraska
Air Date: 07/18/2026
Just outside the small town of Scotia is one of Nebraska's most curious attractions. It's home to sweeping valley views as well as an underground wonder.
Nebraska Public Media producer Andy Hermann explores the history above and below the surface.
Guests, in order of appearance:
- Katie Davis, interim manager, Happy Jack Peak & Chalk Mine;
- Matt Joeckel, State Geologist of Nebraska at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Music: "The Ballad of 'Happy Jack' Swearingen" by Lawrence Molczyk.
Happy Jack Peak & Chalk Mine Nebraska Historical Marker
Scotia Chalk Building (circa 1887)
Happy Jack Peak & Chalk Mine interim manager Katie Davis and volunteer tour guide Karter Thompson (courtesy Lisa Fischer)
Matt Joeckel, State Geologist of Nebraska at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jimmy the tricolored bat in the Happy Jack Chalk Mine
Happy Jack Peak & Chalk Mine
Andy Hermann overlooking the North Loup River Valley
Happy Jack Peak view of the North Loup River Valley
Happy Jack Peak view of the North Loup River Valley
Happy Jack Peak & Chalk Mine
Happy Jack Peak & Chalk Mine interim manager Katie Davis and Curious Nebraska producer Andy Hermann (courtesy Lisa Fischer)
Happy Jack Peak & Chalk Mine
Happy Jack Peak & Chalk Mine
Happy Jack Chalk Mine
Happy Jack Chalk Mine
Happy Jack Chalk Mine
Happy Jack Chalk Mine
Happy Jack Chalk Mine
Happy Jack Chalk Mine
Happy Jack Chalk Mine
Happy Jack Chalk Mine
Happy Jack Chalk Mine
Happy Jack Chalk Mine
Happy Jack Chalk Mine
Scotia Chalk Building (circa 1887)