The 5 Best Caves to Visit in Indiana

Indiana is known for many things, but its caves are not usually one of them. Even some residents who have lived in Indiana all their lives are unaware of the state's fascinating cave systems. Fortunately, the caves are there, for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. Visiting Indiana caves is a perfect family or individual activity year round - the caves maintain a temperature of around 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether you're looking for something to do in poor weather, or simply love spelunking, be sure to visit one or all of these amazing caves.

Marengo Cave - Marengo, Indiana

Like the beginning of a fairy tale, Marengo Cave was discovered in 1883 by two children, who slid into it through a muddy sinkhole and explored by candlelight. It was immediately opened to the public, and has been amazing Indiana cave enthusiasts ever since. Marengo Cave offers a wide range of cave exploration activities that really to suit everyone, from families with small children and seniors to hard-core spelunkers.

The two walking tours offered are well-lit and easy for almost anyone to manage - a 40-minute tour to Marengo's Crystal Palace, and a 70-minute tour which includes the cave's Penny Ceiling. The more hands-on, down and dirty cave tours, like the Underground Adventure or Waterfall Crawl - last about two hours and cost between $25 and $29 per person. These more in-depth cave adventures allow children as young as age 10 to join the fun. Although the walking tours don't usually require a reservation, you'll need to book a cave adventure no less than two weeks in advance.

Wyandotte Caves - Wyandotte, Indiana

Wyandotte caves are actually two main caves - Big Wyandotte and Little Wyandotte. These caves offer something interesting that you won't find in many other cave systems: helictites (uncommon, twisted cave formations) and, in Big Wyandotte, one of the largest known underground caves in the United States. Visitors can enjoy one or more of five tours offered at Wyandotte caves, depending upon length and just how dirty you want to get. The first two tours are for anyone, being 30-minutes and 2-hours in length. The longer tours require maneuvering through tunnels, using lighted helmets and generally getting dirty. These tours are an impressive 3, 5 or 7 hours in length.

Bluespring Caverns - Bedford, Indiana

If you're looking for an absolutely unique adventure in Indiana caves, Bluespring Caverns is the best place to go. Once there, you can grab a tour and explore a subterranean river by lighted boat. The pure quiet of the cave, combined with the quiet, reflective surfaces of the cave river, make this an experience you and your family will never forget. And you'll want to pay close attention - many blind fish, crayfish and sometimes bats call this cave home. Bluespring Caverns also offers an overnight adventure in the cave for youth groups aged 9 to 16, which is an exciting activity for schools, churches and scouting groups.

Squire Boone Caverns - Mauckport, Indiana

Squire Boone Caverns offers a beautiful and comprehensive view into everything Indiana caves have to offer. Apart from the beautiful cave formations created by nature, this cave system offers visitors a chance to view something truly rare - rushing underground rivers and waterfalls. During the summer months, visitors can also check out Squire Boone Cavern's Village, which offers a rock shop, grist mill, candlemaking, candy shop and petting zoo.

Spring Mill State Park Caves - Mitchell, Indiana

Aside from all of the other activities available at Spring Mill State Park, you can enjoy a guided boat tour of the park's Twin Caves. The tour is available all summer and then from Labor Day through the end of October on weekends. It's surprisingly inexpensive, at only $3.00 per adult and $1.00 per child. This trip also offers the opportunity to see the endangered Northern cave fish, as well as other examples of cave life.

Information obtained on September 1, 2010 via:

http://www.marengocave.com/individuals/

http://www.ohwy.com/in/w/wyancave.htm

http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2968.htm

http://www.squireboonecaverns.com/

http://www.bluespringcaverns.com/