Southern Indiana Living magazine is the exclusive publication of the region, offering readers a wide range of coverage on the people, places and events that make our area unlike any other. In SIL readers will find beautiful photography, encouraging s
Issue link: https://silivingmag.epubxp.com/i/110824
I f you have never been spelunking, the various cave systems along the Indiana Cave Trail are an excellent place to start. Between the waterfall in Squire Boone Caverns, the sparkling Crystal Palace of Marengo Cave, and the underground boat tours through Bluespring Caverns, there is something to pique everyone���s interests. With each location hosting multiple tours, you could enjoy casual walks weaving through a maze of dazzling stalactites and stalagmites or even go on a unique explorer���s trail that actively uncovers new passages and hidden rooms within the caves. Regardless of the trail you choose, once you enter the caves the wow factor kicks in and you will be treated to breathtaking formations and mesmerizing sights of some of the most stunning natural wonders in the country. Squire Boone Caverns is located near Corydon and features a rushing river and waterfall, highlights rarely seen in caves. The cavern is also home to the largest functioning rim stone dam on a commercial tour in this country. With a lit pathway, the tour walks you directly over the river so you can witness the power of the water that helped carve this underground wonder. Squire Boone Caverns was discovered by its namesake, Squire Boone, and his brother Daniel Boone in 1790. Legend holds that Squire Boone actually escaped capture by hostile natives by hiding in this very cavern. Among his last wishes was to be laid to rest in the cavern, and upon entering the cavern you will shu e past Squire Boone���s ��nal resting place to pay your respects to one of the original southern Indiana spelunkers. Another area cave that has earned national recognition is Marengo Cave in Marengo. The cave was discovered by two small boys in 1883 when they noticed what they thought was a sinkhole and went exploring with only their lit candles. They quickly realized what a gem they had discovered and brought more people back with them for a second look. In less than a month Marengo Cave was being actively explored and toured. This cave system is signi��cantly more spacious than some of its neighboring caves and with such large, open rooms it has previously served as an ideal location for major town events like weddings, school plays and the annual square dancing competition. In more recent years the cave has played the role of movie set to the 2001 ��lm Madison, and Fire Down Below in 2008. Below the rolling hills of Bedford rests a third unique cave system, Bluespring Caverns, which prominently features Myst���ry River on which you will cruise e��ortlessly on a guided boat tour. From the illuminated vessel you will be treated to schools of rare blind ��sh and cray��sh that spend their lives in total darkness below the surface. Bluespring Caverns also o��ers overnight adventures in the winter for the true explorers to venture into undeveloped parts of the cavern and seek out new passages. Opening in Spring 2013, Indiana Caverns in Corydon will be the newest stop along the Indiana Cave Trail. In addition to being one of the longest show caves in the country, the cave also features newly discovered animal bones dating back to the Ice Age. While viewing the ancient bones, claw marks and animal tracks, visitors will also be treated to a boat ride and waterfall along the trail. This cave truly holds something for everyone. Each of the cave systems in the region has its own identity and unique story to tell. Whether you are looking to spend the day taking in the serene sights of underground rivers, lakes and waterfalls, or you are more interested in getting your hands dirty on the crawl tours exploring unseen passages, the southern Indiana cave trail will not disappoint. ��� March/April 2013 ��� 24