As part of an ongoing series on staycationing in Southern Indiana, this week we shall explore beneath the surface...literally. Sure, there's a giant city just across the river, but sometimes people just need to escape civilization and reconnect with nature. And go underground. To the caves.
Southern Indiana is home to an huge network of limestone caves. Have you explored them yet? If you and your family are interested in venturing out to see this underground wonderland for yourself, here are the top four places to go:
- Bluespring Caverns Myst'ry River Voyage - Take a guided boat tour through the Bluespring Caverns. See blind fish within Myst'ry River, and learn about the history of the caverns. From Memorial Day thru Labor Day, the park is open 7 days a week, 9AM to 5 PM, with the last tour at 5:00 PM. Tours leave every 40 minutes or more often.
- Squire Boone Caverns - This cave features underground rivers and waterfalls.
Memorial Day thru Labor Day the caverns can be toured daily. The Guided 1-hour tours leave every 30 minutes 9:00 – 5:00 EDT.
Boone's Mill, Rock Shop, Bakery, Gem Mining, Soap and Candle Making are open in season only.
- Marengo Cave - Options here include two different walking tours of caves. The first, Crystal Palace, is a 40-minute tour of a cave filled with formations and limestone deposits. The second, Dripstone Cavern, is a 70-minute tour featuring soda straws, stalagmites, and a penny ceiling. Camping is also available, but the site is small so plan ahead. At Marengo Cave, you can also canoe on the Blue River through
- Spring Mill State Park - This park features a guided boat tour through Twin Caves. This 20-minute tour is open daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm in season (May – October). Spring Mill State park also features a pioneer village, a grist mill, and lodging at the Spring Mill Inn.
For other ideas on Staycationing in Southern Indiana, see past features or stay tuned next Wednesday for the final installment:
[photo by Clayton Sieg]
