Indiana Cave Trail, Southern Indiana

Free t-shirt for exploring all three caves

Just like the fall season, the Indiana Cave Trail entices adventurers and fans of the outdoors alike. Visitors get a true sense of exploration and kids reap the benefits of learning without realizing it.  

Start your exploration deep in southern Indiana at Marengo Cave, a U.S. National Natural Landmark. The cave has two walking tours available. The first, Crystal Palace is an easy, 40-minute walk. The Dripstone Trail is a 1-mile 70-minute trail. Extra activities are available for curious kids, like mining for gems or crawling through a cave simulator. Hours and directions are available here. Prices vary.

Next, visit Squire Boone Caverns to follow in the footsteps of Daniel Boone, the explorer who discovered these caverns two centuries ago. The caverns are best known for their amazing waterfalls. Guided walking tours last an hour and depart every 30 minutes at the beginning of the season. While at the caverns, be sure to stop in the village, see the grist mill, browse the rock shop and participate in other activities such as candle dipping and gold panning.

Give your feet a rest at Bluespring Caverns. Tour the caves by boat and let the guide explain the unique history of how the caverns were formed and discovered. The caverns are open daily at the start of the season. The cost of a one-hour guided boat ride is $14 for adults and $8 for kids.

Together, these caves make up the Indiana Cave Trail. If you plan to visit all three, be sure to pick up a passport at your first stop, have it stamped along the way and get a free t-shirt at completion. The caves are within about an hour drive of each other.