Indiana's Most-Visited Natural And National Landmark Offers A Fun Underground Adventure

If you're looking for an activity that will wow even the most unimpressed teen in your life, or perhaps have simply always wanted to live out your Indiana Jones fantasies, have I got the place for you. Hidden beneath the rolling hills of Indiana lies a natural wonder that's been inspiring awe in visitors for over a century. Discovered in 1883 by two curious children, this underground treasure has since grown into one of the state's premier attractions, and is now recognized as a U.S National Natural Landmark.

Marengo Cave is one of Indiana's few cave systems, and is known for its breathtaking formations, like intricate stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. Unlike caves that are more remote and a challenge to access (for instance, the ATM cave in Belize), Marengo's location in the small town of Marengo makes it easily accessible, and its guided tours allow visitors the chance to experience the underground without special gear or training. 

Marengo Cave is a unique experience blending history, geology, and recreation. Beyond the cave, you'll find an ample selection of family-friendly activities, making it worthy of a full day of exploration rather than a quick pit stop. The cave's constant underground temperature remains 52 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning no matter the season, the cave provides a nice, cool reprieve from the Indiana summer heat. They even have a free event during December called Caroling in the Cave, where Marengo transforms into a winter wonderland complete with live holiday music. Whether you're searching to spark your child's curiosity, marvel at natural wonders, or add something unique to your United States or Indiana itinerary, Marengo Cave offers a memorable journey into the heart of the Earth. 

Marengo Cave offers two different types of regular tours to explore the underground cave system. The first is the Crystal Palace cave tour, which takes visitors on an easy 40-minute discovery of the unique formations as well as the history. Visitors will enter cavernous rooms filled with dripstone deposits. For those who want a longer underground journey, the Dripstone Trail Tour lasts approximately an hour. It features narrower passageways and more delicate formations, making it a great complement to the Crystal Palace route. On this tour, you'll even get to throw coins at the mud-caked ceiling to see them stick, if you're into that kind of thing.

For thrill-seekers, Marengo Cave also offers wild cave tours, which take those brave enough to explore into more undeveloped regions of the cave where participants can crawl, climb, and squeeze through passages to their heart's content. These tours, led by experienced guides, are a favorite among adventurous travelers looking for a much more rugged caving experience. 

Above ground, there's no shortage of family-friendly activities. Kids can pan for gems at the gemstone mining station, test their skills in the exploration maze, enjoy a game of glow in the dark putt putt, enjoy a sweet, or purchase a unique gem. The surrounding area adds to the experience: Patoka Lake, one of Indiana's largest reservoirs, is close by and offers boating, fishing, and hiking, while nearby the Hoosier National Forest provides endless opportunities for outdoor fun. For a touch of history and charm, the resort town of French Lick — known best for its historic hotels and mineral springs — is a short drive away. Whether you're spending a couple hours underground or making Marengo part of a bigger southern Indiana getaway, there's plenty to keep both kids and adults busy.

Marengo Cave is located in the town of Marengo, Indiana, in Crawford County. It's easily accessible by car, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway. From Louisville, Kentucky, the cave is about a 45-minute drive, while Indianapolis is roughly two hours away.  Visitors traveling from St. Louis can expect about a three-and-a-half-hour drive. The cave's central location in the midwest makes it a convenient stop for road-trippers exploring the region.

As for accommodations, you'll find a range of options nearby. For families or those wanting a rustic experience, campgrounds and cabins are available right outside the cave, meaning you can have a full day of fun and continue into the night, without ever having to leave property.  Patoka Lake and Hoosier National Forest are nearby and offer scenic places to stay, with plenty of opportunities for hiking and boating right outside your tent. If you prefer a touch of history and luxury, the French Lick Springs Hotel, located about 20 minutes away, offers excellent accommodations, spas, golf courses, and dining, making it a great place to unwind after a day spent exploring. Budget-friendly motels and hotels can also be found in surrounding towns. 

With its fascinating underground landscapes, family activities, and proximity to some of Indiana's best outdoor and cultural attractions, Marengo Cave is a great place to spend time exploring and enjoying Earth's wonders. Whether you plan a short stop or a weekend getaway, this natural landmark showcases the hidden beauty beneath Indiana's surface and provides an unforgettable adventure for travelers of all ages.