Southern Indiana is full of underground caves to explore and contains some of the best in the country. During my road trip in October of 2018, I realized that not everyone grew up within miles of multiple huge cave systems. Not having been since I was a kid, and having the ability to appreciate the natural beauty as an adult, I ventured to Marengo Cave in Crawford County, Indiana.
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Indiana, Indiana
Indiana is full of natural beauty: from farmlands to underground caverns. The drive up to Marengo Cave from Evansville, Indiana was absolutely breathtaking. Following the Ohio River, the serene countryside took my breath away. I began to appreciate the beauty of my home state that I took for granted as a kid.
History of Marengo Cave
Marengo Cave is a National Natural Landmark, and for good reason. Nestled in a lush forest, the cave was discovered in 1883 by two school children. The cave has been privately owned and allowing tours ever since.
The Cave’s Beauty
The cave is carefully protected by experts now, but that was not always the case. A large part of the cave’s interesting history is stuck to the cave walls, floors, and ceiling. Torch art, graffiti-like art made from the ash of torches, color parts of the low hanging walls. Cups and silverware from the 1800s have been claimed by the cave and are now immovable from the living floor.
The natural beauty of stalagmites, stalactites, columns, and other naturally growing formations surrounds visitors as they are guided by expert tour guides. The formations are seemingly endless in reflections from glass still underground lakes.
Why You Should Visit Marengo
The cave is at a constant 52 degrees F (11 degrees C) and never changes. This makes the cave cool compared to the steamy Indiana summers, and warm compared to the freezing winters. Various tours are offered, including 2 leisurely walking tours and multiple crawling tours through tight crawlspaces that lead to various parts of the cave. During my visit, I did both walking tours, but definitely plan to come back for a crawling tour!
The natural beauty of the cave formations should be enough to visit. However, if you need more convincing, the various wildlife found in the cave cannot be or is rarely found, outside of the cave systems. During my tour, I saw various species of salamander and frogs, but other cave species can be found deeper in the cave accessible by crawl tours. The cave itself is surrounded by an incredible park with cabins, ziplining, and canoeing available.
Marengo cave also offers group special events such as private tours and crawls, as well as the opportunity to spend the night in the cave’s natural amphitheater. All of the guides definitely know their history and geology and will teach you more than you can imagine about the cave system.
Ready to visit? Marengo Cave is just a day trip away from Evansville, Indiana, where the annual West Side Nut Club Fall Festival is held: the second largest street festival in the country! Check out flights and accommodation in Evansville.
Need a rental car? Check out Skyscanner’s rentals here!
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