If I were to tell you that America’s longest navigable underground river was in Indiana, would you believe me? It’s hard to believe that’s something you find in the Hoosier State. The Bluespring Caverns is a cave system located in Lawrence County, Indiana, approximately 80 miles south of Indianapolis. This hidden gem isn’t for the claustrophobic or those scared of the dark but for those willing to seek out nature's unique beauty found underground.
A Unique Ecosystem
Bluespring Cavern is the 29th longest cave system in the United States. The caverns are always 54 degrees Fahrenheit because of the natural underground conditions of a cave system. The temperature remains constant year-round due to the insulating effect of the earth. Whether your trip is in March or July, you need a light jacket to be comfortable in the cave.
The cave is home to many species, including crayfish, salamanders, crickets, spiders, and beetles. You may be lucky enough to spot the rare sightless Northern Cavefish, which is abundant in this cave system. The cave is formed by Indiana and St. Louis limestone separated by a thin layer of shale and contains 21 miles of surveyed passages.
A Trip For Your Bucket List
For $24 for an adult, you get a 1-hour tour of the caves on the underground river. You will have to descend 400 feet to reach the river; then, you will be loaded into a custom electric boat and begin your tour. Passages are illuminated by a small light that follows your tour boat through darkness. Keep your eyes open for some of the unique cave life. Looking for a little bit more adventure? You can book a private kayak tour of the caves. As you explore high, wide, narrow, and lower passages, you will see lots of unique dripstone formations and enjoy the unusually clear water. Private tours last 3 hours and require reservations to be made ahead of time.
Other Activities
Not everyone in your group may have the urge to explore a deep, dark cave, and that’s okay! The park has other activities to keep you busy. Enjoy the nature trail in the Ruth & Emery Bolton Natural Area. Experience the land above to the great caverns hidden below and walk around Indiana’s largest karst plain sinkhole, over 90 feet deep and covering ten acres. You can prospect for fossils and gemstones at the park's Myst’ry River Gemstone Mine. The Colgazier Visitor Center has lots of cool souvenirs to remember your adventure.
Conquer Your Fears and the Caverns
The Bluespring Caverns are the perfect way to dip your toes into spelunking (the exploration of caves). If you find that you love it, Indiana has four other incredible cave systems you can explore: Marengo Cave, Squire Boon Caverns, Wyandotte Caves, and Donaldson Cave.
