It may come as a surprise, but Indiana is home to some of the best rock formations in the nation. From caves to waterfalls to valleys, there is more to the Hoosier State than fields and plains. If you think Indiana is just a corn state filled with flat land, you’ve got a lot to learn. Check out this list of the most fascinating rock formations in Indiana:

1. Marengo Cave

Flickr/David Fulmer
Marengo Cave U.S. National Landmark, 400 East State Rd 64, Marengo, IN 47140, USA
Wikimeida Commons/Sarah Ewart
A U.S. National Landmark, this giant cavern was discovered in 1883 and is host to many tours throughout the year. There are all sorts of carvings and forms that are mostly formed by water. The Marengo Cave is one of the most fascinating geological formations in Indiana.

Take a look at this video by @AdventureswithRoger:

2. Turkey Run State Park

Flickr/David Wilson
Turkey Run State Park, 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859, USA
Flickr/wplynn
One of the most beautiful places in the state, this state park is known for many of its wonderful features. One of the best is its rock formations which can be found throughout. There are deep rock-cut valleys as well as bluffs along the creek. You will love exploring Turkey Run State Park.

Take a look at this video by @lifererouted:

3. Seven Pillars Nature Preserve

Google/Joe Haworth

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Seven Pillars Nature Preserve - ACRES Land Trust, 3985 Mississinewa Rd, Peru, IN 46970, USA
Trevor Whited/Google Reviews
Named for its rock formations, this unique place features 25-foot limestone pillars situated on the Mississinewa River. Not many people know about this fabulous attraction that deserves to be seen by all. Wind and water eroded the rock that formed these pillars. Visiting Seven Pillars Nature Preserve is a wonderful day trip in Indiana.

Take a look at this video by @dayhikingduo:

4. Clifty Falls State Park

Wikimeida Commons/Chris Light
Clifty Falls State Park, 2221 Clifty Dr, Madison, IN 47250, USA
Shannon Lamb/Google Reviews
This southern Indiana nature area is a fossil. It contains rocks cut by water and wind. The waterfalls are seasonal and change with the weather, and there are many historic artifacts around. For some of the most interesting Indiana rock formations, you must explore Clifty Falls State Park.

5. Jug Rock Nature Preserve

Steve Mills/Google Reviews
Jug Rock Nature Preserve, 722 Albright Ln, Shoals, IN 47581, USA
Wikipedia/Figmig
Typically unseen in the Midwest, this table rock is the largest of its kind in this part of the country. Designed by wind and water, it is named after what some thought it looked like. It is tucked away in the Hoosier National Forest with much scenery to enjoy all around. One of the most incredible geological formations in Indiana has to be Jug Rock.

What other rock formations in Indiana do you enjoy? Share your favorite ones with us below in the comments.

For more like this, check out these nine most amazing natural wonders in Indiana.

Ready to hit the trails to discover some of the most amazing geological wonders in Indiana? Check out Backcountry for all your outdoor needs.

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More to Explore

Natural Wonders In Indiana

Melissa M. | November 30, 2023

What are some of the most extraordinary natural wonders in Indiana?

Among the most extraordinary natural wonders in Indiana are the following:

  • Jug Rock in Shoals which you learned about in the above article. But I think it’s certainly worth mentioning again!
  • The Portland Arch in Covington is a natural stone bridge.
  • Williamsport Falls in Williamsport is the second-tallest waterfall in Indiana and is stunning!

Check out these natural wonders in Indiana that you can see for free.

Is there a Natural Wonders road trip I can take in Indiana?

Yes, there is. Here is the itinerary for a natural wonders road trip you can take in Indiana:

  • Stop 1: Dunes Nature Preserve in Chesterton, home to the Indiana Dunes.
  • Stop 2: Rocky Hollow Falls Canyon Nature Preserve in Bloomingdale which is located within Turkey Run State Park.
  • Stop 3: Cataract Falls in Cloverdale
  • Stop 4: Bluespring Caverns in Bedford
  • Stop 5: Marengo Caves in Marengo
  • Stop 6: Falls of the Ohio in Clarksville
  • Stop 7: Brown County State Park in Nashville
  • Stop 8: Mounds State Park in Anderson
  • Stop 9: The Seven Pillars in Peru

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