There’s nothing quite like experiencing the natural marvel of a cave for the first time. If you haven’t had the pleasure of exploring one of these underground wonders, take a day and go exploring. Unbeknownst to many, you have multiple options within a couple hours of Indianapolis. We’ve compiled the five caves you have to check out.
1. Bluespring Caverns
Being just a short drive from the city, Bluespring is your best bet for a quick and easy journey to explore some caves. The caverns include the longest subterranean river in the United States, which allows you to take a boat voyage as a means of exploration. During your journey, you’re likely to find bats, crayfish, and other creatures along the way.
Bluespring Caverns is located at 1459 Blue Springs Cavern Rd., Bedford, IN 47421.
2. Indiana Caverns
Known for being the 7th largest cave in the United States, the Indiana Caverns can be found in Corydon, Indiana. If you’re from Indy originally, there’s a good chance that you took a field trip here as a kid. If not, you should take the opportunity to explore these caverns, which let you go as far as 110 feet underground. There is a very informative walking tour as well as a boat ride.
Indiana Caverns is located at 1267 Green Acres Dr. SW., Corydon, IN 47112.
3. Marengo Cave
One of Indiana’s most popular attractions, Marengo Cave has offered tours since two days after its discovery by school children back in 1883. It was designated a U.S. National Landmark nearly 100 years later in 1984, and has been a must-see attraction for anyone in Indiana. Here, you’ll find two walking tours — Dripstone Trail and Crystal Palace — which feature many unique cave formations. Also on the Dripstone Trail, you’ll find the famous Penny Ceiling, which is exactly what it sounds like: a ceiling lined with actual pennies.
Marengo Cave is located at 400 East State Rd. 64, Marengo, IN 47140.
4. Squire Boone Caverns
If you want to see caverns featuring waterfalls, brilliant rock formations, and the tomb of its founder, Squire Boone Caverns is the perfect exploration spot for you. Yes, the founder of the caverns, Squire Boone — brother of Daniel Boone — requested to be buried here because of his adoration for his discovery. You’ll find a tombstone and everything. Besides this fascinating (or morbid, depending on how you feel about it) site, you’ll find that these caverns are full of natural beauty that should be seen by all.
Squire Boone Caverns is located at 100 Squire Boone Rd. SW., Mauckport, IN 47142.
5. Wyandotte Caves
A major attraction of O’Bannon Woods State Park, these caves feature two fabulous walking tours. One is made for cave explorers of all levels, while the other is meant for your more adventurous and experienced explorer. You’re likely to encounter a large bat population, as well as rare cave formations along the way.
How many of these caves have you explored? Do you have any others that we didn’t include on this list? Let us know in the comments below.
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