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Indiana's Cave Country, More Than You ExpectEver wonder what is under your house? If you live in southern Indiana, there is a really good chance that you have a cave under your property.Currently, there are over 2,600 known cave systems in Indiana. The largest cave system is an undeveloped “wild” cave called “Binkley’s” near Corydon. This cave is 22 miles long, which makes it one of the longest caves in the United States. There are tens of thousands of these undeveloped caves scattered across our country. Until recently, very few people thought of Indiana as a cave state. When asked, "Where are caves located?" people would most likely think of the Shenandoah Valley, Mammoth Cave area, the Ozarks, or even the Black Hills. More and more people are now discovering what has been underground all along in southern Indiana. Families are looking for—and finding, a more natural experience for their mini-vacations. This area has become one of the most popular areas in the United States to come to "cool off" in the summer, or "warm up" in the winter at the caves. Historically, most of the northern and central Indiana landscape was flattened by the glacial ice sheets that slowly advanced south from Canada. As they receded, there were only two areas of the state where the caves escaped destruction. Some of these smaller caves are found in an area north of Madison. The larger ones are found in southcental Indiana, in an area from Bloomington down to the Ohio River, in a pie shaped wedge. Altogether, there are about 75 caves across the United States that are open to the public for tours. Some are government owned, but most of them are run as privately operated businesses. Four of these show caves are just west of Louisville, Kentucky in the hilly region of southern Indiana. Three of the caves are located near Corydon, Indiana. The motels and ample restaurants near I-64 make Corydon a good "hub" to go caving in the area and discover some unbelievable beauty underground. Besides the caves, the Corydon area offers other interesting things to do as well. You can see Indiana’s First State Capitol and other historical buildings, visit the many unique shops on the square, check out the antique malls and even ride a scenic excursion train! The most visited cavern in the area is Marengo Cave National Landmark. It is located northwest of Corydon on State Road 64 in the town of Marengo. This cave system has been open to the public for tours since 1883. There are two very different trips to see, a one-third mile Crystal Palace tour, and the one-mile long Dripstone Trail tour. On the Crystal Palace tour you will find the mysterious Mirror Lake, see a forest of formations and enjoy a new light and music show in the underground theater. The Dripstone Trail section of the cave is the home of the upside down wishing well called "Penny Ceiling". Marengo Cave received the honor of being designated a National Landmark in 1984 by the National Park Service. The recognition plaque reads, "Marengo Cave is the most highly decorated cavern in the Interior Lowlands of the United States". While at Marengo Cave, you and your family may want to consider some of the other activities available at the park. You can go canoeing or kayaking on the Blue River, enjoy hands-on fun at the gemstone mine, hike the trail above the cavern, or just "relax on the porch" enjoying the view. South of Corydon is Squire Boone Caverns and Village. This cave got its name from the fact that Daniel Boone's brother, Squire, originally owned the cave. The cave tour follows walkways over an underground river through part of the cavern. It also has many beautiful formations including several tremendous "rimstone dams". On the surface, visitors can see an operating gristmill, and visit various interesting shops located in a log cabin village. Wyandotte Caves, west of Corydon, is located high on a ridge above the Blue River. These caves are located in the Harrison-Crawford State Forest. The Historic Cave is very different from most Indiana caves, in that is a dry cavern featuring a fascinating history stretching back thousands of years, as well as immense passages and rooms and rare formations. Siberts Cave offers a shorter tour in a wet cave on the property. It contains many formations, or "speleothems". Tours of Siberts Cave are available March through October while the Historic Cave opens May 1st with tours through Labor Day. Natural Trips are also available for the adventurous with advance reservations. The Harrison-Crawford State Forest covers over 25,000 acres of "near wilderness" land. At the forestry there are miles and miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. Also, the forestry maintains one of the largest and cleanest campground facilities in the area. The fourth Indiana show cave is Bluespring Caverns. It is located about 50 miles northwest of Corydon near Bedford. Visiting this cave is very unusual in that you tour the cavern by boat! Visitors glide silently along on the underground river where they often get to see blind cave fish. The differences between the four caves are striking, since they each represent a different state of cavern development. To get more information on bringing your family to Indiana's CAVE COUNTRY, you may call Toll-Free 1-888-70CAVES, or visit the caverns' website at www.indianacaves.com.
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