Indiana Caves and Caverns
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Indiana is a popular area for those who like caving and there are a number of caves to choose from. For those who are not familiar with caving and the safety equipment that is required, there are guided trips that allow you to explore caverns from the comfort of a boat. Those familiar with caving, or spelunking, as it is sometimes known, find that there are many excellent supply stores that provide all the equipment necessary to have a safe and enjoyable caving experience. Caving is not for everyone since many people suffer from claustrophobia. Being underground in a closed environment that can have tight spaces should be avoided by those who panic in these situations since it can cause injury or endanger the safety of others.

Popular Caves with Guided Tours

Several caves, such as Bluespring Caverns, offer guided tours. Bluespring Caverns has tour guides that pilot custom-made boats through a subterranean river tunnel that is over a mile long. The guide points out interesting creatures such a crayfish and the rare blind fish which is native to Indiana. Natural forces and how they are still creating great chambers under the ground are explained in fascinating detail.

Marengo Cave features walking tours and gemstone mining, as well as canoeing. This cave provides a visitor center that contains an area called The Crawl. This is a dry simulation of what it feels like to explore caves and gives people a good idea what to expect. Children love using The Crawl, but it can be used by adults as well. Walking tours are easy and can take from 40 to 60 minutes. There is no need to get wet since the trails are well-tended and kept in good shape for visitors. The visitor center has a gift shop that allows visitors to take home gem samples and other souvenirs of the area.

The Squire Boone Caverns were discovered two centuries ago by Daniel Boone and Squire. The cave formations can only be described as dazzling with their columns of stalagmites stalactites as well as underground waterfalls. The walkways in the cave are lighted and there are guided tours that let you observe millions of years of cavern evolution. These passages and caverns were formed as dinosaurs still roamed the earth.

Equipment Needed for Safe Caving

Those who like to go caving and exploring should make sure that they have the recommended safety equipment. Another important point to remember is to never go caving alone and to go with a minimum of four people. One of the essentials of caving is to wear a helmet. This hard hat should be equipped with a chin strap so it cannot fall off. It should have a light mounted in the front to allow you to see where you are going. Back-up lights should always be brought along in case the primary light fails.

At least 2 sources of backup light are recommended along with the required spare parts. Waterproof flashlights are a good choice for this. Shoes should be comfortable and sturdy and should cover the ankles to help prevent twisted ankles. Any good hiking boot should do for this purpose. Clothes should be warm since caves can have cold temperatures. Bringing an extra layer is a good idea. People interested in Immigration may wish to visit one of the websites available for help on this subject.

Caves and Caverns in Southern Indiana

Marengo Cave
National landmark, gemstone mining, hiking, crawling tours
Marengo

Squire Boone Caverns
1 hour guided cavern tours
Mauckport