First discovered in 1883 by siblings Orris and Blanche Hiestand, Marengo Cave is approximately five miles in length and consists of upper passages and two underground rivers. Marengo was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1984 and is Indiana's most visited show cave. Marengo Cave is located in the Eastern Time Zone and is open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Beginning Labor Day, hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. through Memorial Day.
Must see and must do at Marengo Cave
The Dripstone Trail tour is a one mile, one hour tour that retraces the route of the underground river that helped to shape the cave's passage. A visitor favorite on this tour is the Penny Ceiling. The thick mud on the ceiling of the cave, made mostly of silt, makes it possible to toss a penny at the ceiling, which holds it in place. This upside down wishing well was recently cleaned to make room for new wishes, and almost 500 pounds of pennies were removed. Midway through the Dripstone Trail tour, the lights are momentarily turned off to allow visitors to experience the cave in total darkness.
The 40-minute Crystal Palace tour allows visitors to view the cave by candlelight, as it was seen when it was discovered by the Hiestand children.
Best and worst time to go to Marengo Cave
Canoeing is available at the nearby Blue River, with June and July being the most popular months due to moderate water levels and calmer waters. Weekends can get busy on the river, so if you wish to add canoeing to your Marengo experience, a weekday trip is advisable.
Admission to Marengo Cave
Ages three and under are admitted at no charge. A variety of cave tours and tour packages is available, with costs for children 4-12 ranging from $8.50-14.00 and tickets for those 13 and older ranging from $15.00-25.00.
Wildlife at Marengo Cave
Crayfish, sculpin fish, bats, and a variety of cave-dwelling insects can be seen during tours within the cave. Turtles, blue herons, and ducks make their home at the nearby Blue River.
Insider Tip for Marengo Cave
For an additional fee, children five and older can participate in the gemstone mining activity located at the park.
When visiting, remember that cave interiors are cool. Temperatures inside Marengo Cave are typically in the low 50s. In addition, cave interiors are often wet and slippery. A light jacket and acceptable hiking shoes are recommended.
Author's Bio: Heather Hurley is a publishing professional and freelance writer living in Carmel, Indiana. While she does enjoy exploring caves, she is not a fan of bats.