Have you ever considered taking your family on a canoe trip? Cave Country Canoes with bases in Milltown and Leavenworth suggests you consider taking one of their half-day or full-day trips to make memories with your family. The Milltown base has served the Kentuckiana area for 30 years on the upper section of the Blue River. Now you can also paddle the lower river from their Leavenworth base called Cave Country Outfitters, located just 1-1.5 miles south of exit 92 off I-64.
This region includes 15 counties bordering the Ohio River. The state tourism department has given this area the nametag “Indiana’s River Country” in recognition of its’ outstanding waterways. The most pristine tributary is the Blue River, Indiana’s first scenic river. The Blue is highly regarded by canoe enthusiasts as one of Indiana’s premier paddling destinations. Now with the availability of the lower river as well, you can experience a great canoe trip longer into the summer months.
The canoeing season on our Blue River has been extended since Cave Country Canoes opened a second outfitters location in Leavenworth, just 16 miles downriver from the original base at Milltown. This section of the Blue River has natural springs feeding the waterway, including Harrison Spring, Indiana’s largest natural spring.
The lower section of the Blue River is especially “rural” with few houses, (if any) along the river, plenty of high rock bluffs and, of course, the Blue’s signature “canopy” of trees to paddle and relax without getting burned.
The Blue River drains much of southern Indiana’s extensive cave area. Springs flowing from the high limestone bluffs along the river are now running full. Operators of Marengo Cave National Landmark and Wyandotte Caves report the stalactites are again dripping at normal rates.
This activity in the cave gives the owners a better idea of the saturation level of the springs that feed the river. “Having Harrison Spring on the lower section of the Blue River is a great natural asset for a canoeing experience. The whole purpose of a family vacation is to relax, have fun and make positive family memories. Canoeing is only one of the outdoor adventure activities that we offer for families to enjoy. If your family decides to vacation with us, you have many activities to choose from for all ages!
These activities include: two U.S. National Landmark Cave Tours, canoeing and kayaking, guided cave exploration trips, gemstone mining, and a 300 foot Zipline.
Marengo Cave is open 7 days a week all year long. Summer hours are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (fast time). There are four camping cabins in the park, as well as several AAA rated motels nearby. For more information about family vacations check it out online at www.adventureindiana.com. Be sure to print out your discount coupons!