Explore Marengo Cave

On September 6, 1883, 15-year-old Marengo Academy cook, Blanche Hiestand, overheard some of the schoolboys discussing exploring a deep sinkhole right by the school. Eager to beat them to it, Blanche ran home and recruited her 11-year-old brother Orris. Together, they hiked up a hill and climbed to the bottom of the sinkhole, nothing but the soft glow of their candlesticks illuminating their path. Despite the total darkness, Blanche and Orris could hear the gentle flow of water and could see formations surrounding them, prompting them to run and tell the landowner of their discovery.

Marengo Cave immediately opened for residents of Bloomington, Columbus, and Ellettsville, Indiana, to tour and has remained open to the public ever since. Explore the excitement of the underground and natural beauty slowly built over millions of years at Marengo Cave. While this attraction has changed significantly over the years, it still provokes the same sense of wonder and exhilaration Blanche and Orris felt all those years ago. 

Take a Walk Underground

Marengo Cave is Indiana’s most visited natural attraction for a reason. This massive cave offers two tour options: Crystal Palace and Dripstone Trail. Crystal Palace is the smaller of the tours, lasting forty minutes and offering stunning formations at every turn. Spend some more time taking in this unique ecosystem on the 60-minute Dripstone Trail, which boasts delicate soda straws, totem pole stalagmites, and Penny Ceiling. True cave lovers can do both tours and not miss out on a single unforgettable formation.

Want to get a true taste of what Blanche and Orris felt that summer day when they discovered the cave? Marengo Cave offers cave explorations as well! You’ll be crawling through mud and exploring areas of the cave where few have braved to explore before. You and your small group can also book a night in the cave for a completely unforgettable camping experience.

There’s just as much excitement above ground as there is below with pedal karting, gemstone mining, a mega maze, and a cave simulator.

Get Ready for a Cave Adventure

There’s unlimited adventure and excitement at Marengo Cave, so connect with them on Facebook today to learn more and start planning your next visit. With so many activities and different formations to explore, you stalag-might just find your new favorite Indiana attraction!