Additional Info
Press Releases
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Wyandotte Caves U.S. National Landmark
Fact Sheet
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Media Contact: Carol Groves - (888) 70-CAVES
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History
Both caverns within the Wyandotte Caves system are formed in the Mississippian Limestone, deposited at the bottom of a shallow inland sea over 1 million years ago. The Historic Cave was used by native Americans over a period of several thousand years. These early explorers used bundles of hickory bark secured with grapevine twists for lighting as they mined several minerals including the desirable Wyandotte or Harrison County chert found in the cave in several areas. Saltpeter was mined from the cave during the War of 1812. Peter Rothrock settled near the cave in 1819. His descendents offered tours for a fee from 1850 until 1966, when the cavern, along with 1174 wooded acres, was sold to the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry. Tours were offered by the Division of Forestry until May 23, 2002. Faced with closing the cave due to the state budget restrictions, the IDNR contracted with a show cave management company to conduct tours and manage the facility.
Size
The caves are located in the 24,000+ acre Harrison Crawford/Wyandotte Woods
State Forest. The total length of the cave is currently 9.2 miles. It consists of primarily dry upper levels, with rooms large enough to hold a football field. The Monument Mountain Room is one such example with a ceiling 140 feet high.
Significance
- Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1972 (Department Of Interior)
- Type locality for Myotis Sodalis (Indiana Bat), also used by the endangered Grey Bat
- Major bat hibernacula
Many species of bats known in Indiana use Wyandotte Caves at some time during the year
- Helictite Garden featuring thousands of rare "gravity defying" formations along a 1300 foot long passage.
- Visited by William Henry Harrison and Edwin Hubble
- 3rd oldest show cave in the United States
- Known for the immense passageways, large rooms created by breakdown, and rich history
Other Attractions
- Picnic area located in wooded area adjacent to office
- Large, covered veranda available for lunches and relaxing
- Hiking trail with interpretive markers
- Cave exploring (Natural trips) available by reservation for 2-4 hour trips with helmet mounted lights available
- Vending area with snacks available
- Nearby: Camping at Harrison Crawford/Wyandotte Woods, Blue River canoeing, Leavenworth Inn, Overlook Restaurant, shopping in Leavenworth, Marengo Cave
Hours
Wyandotte Caves are open 9-6 daily Memorial Day to Labor Day. Tours of Siberts Cave are available from March 1st through October 31st, 9-5 daily. Guided tours leave on a regular basis.
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