I love how all your videos feel kinda like worldbuilding. Just calm little slice of life documentaries about places in Indiana I wouldn’t know existed otherwise.
My son and daughter in law had their wedding in Marengo Cave. I was skeptical when they told us of the venue. But it was absolutely gorgeous!! Crystal Palace.
I know it intrigues me completely! The Binkley and Lost River cave systems could go hundreds of miles, might even be attached. There’s talk that northern Indiana caves could rival those in southern Indiana, but the layer is so solid and deep that no one can get to it.
Thank you for posting this. As someone who can't walk the harder caves, this was great to get a glimpse into them. Would love to see you showcase the different tours Mammoth has.
My pleasure, Chris! I know a lot of people who enjoyed them with their families, many decades ago, but no longer have the mobility. Hopefully this shows the best of each cave, for those that can’t make the trip! 🙂
Another great video, Roger! So helpful to people that you give schedules, trail difficulty, and much more as well as the aesthetic beauty. Hopefully people are inspired to go/take the kids or grandchildren for the memorable experiences to these caves and caverns. 👏
Yes! I've been watching your videos for years and this is my new favorite! Thank you for all your hard work putting these together for us. I moved to Indiana a couple years ago and your videos are the best for finding new places to explore. This morning I went to Cataract Falls after being inspired by your Waterfalls video. Can't wait to check out some more cool caves!
Swimming out of the end of Donaldson while people are walking the metal trail to the "dry" room above, that'll get you some weird looks for sure! One of my favorites!
Dad LOVED these show caves. One year we hit every one that was open in Indiana, then Mammoth and Meramec. Indiana Caverns wasn’t open at the time, but I know he would’ve loved it.
Marengo is truly one of the best showcaves in the Midwest. Squire Boone Caverns now has much more to see, since they expanded the tour. I think it rivals Marengo in beautiful formations, they just need to install an elevator! 😂
Thank you for giving information about the number of stairs and walking difficulty. The only one we’ve been to is Bluespring and it was such a disappointment that we’ve not tried any of the rest. I wish we would have seen this video first.
Marengo is a truly beautiful cave, and the least difficult on the list. Squire Boone Caverns is a very beautiful cave as well, in some ways better, but that spiral staircase at the end, is really something! If they could ever install an elevator, it would double their business, as it’s an exceptionally beautiful cave with great lighting.
Excellent video! Caves are fascinating places and I’m a bit obsessed with what truly lies beneath our feet. The Archivist channel has done some interesting research on caves and underground ancient sites from across the country.
Very cool caves, each of them unique. Big Wyandotte wins as the one, that feels most like a wild adventure. While there is no crawling, there are some low places that will challenge your level of claustrophobia! 😂 Then, it opens up into amazing rooms. Though it’s much smaller than Indiana Caverns, it feels like a tour of Mammoth.
Big Wyandotte has some somewhat low, narrow tunnels. None more than a few minutes, but I’m 5’8” and had to duck a little. The rooms that open up are exceptional, and worth it.
My hope is that I both bring back good memories, and create ideas for new adventures. Someday, I won’t be able to visit these places, but I’ll be able to virtually tour them with the videos I’ve posted. 🙂
O my Roger this is the best work you have done. Fantastic I didn’t think I could make it but I think I can. I really think I can walk this cave. The Moranga
@papap.8006 Hopefully you’ll feel better and better by the day. I haven’t had any major surgeries, but I hear the next day is the biggest hurdle, lots of soreness. You get passed that, you’re on your way! 🙂
I was glad to get my third visit of Big Wyandotte, late last year. Did it in the 70’s, in the late 90’s, and then last spring. It gets tougher each time! 🙂
Very similar cave type to Ohio Caverns tour. Of course, we are neighboring States, and neighboring geology. I never knew before that Indiana had SIX of these show caves---thanks for the video! Might have to come visit one day soon.
My dad loved the show caves, took us to all that were then open, back in the 1970’s. I always assumed that everyone in the region knew about them, but they are virtually unknown, just a few hours in any direction. The state tourism agency tends to only promote sports and wineries. 😂
I went for “Caroling in the cave” one year. It was an amazing experience, especially at the end, when 200 people sang silent night, without accompaniment. At each break in verses, the words would reverberate through the cave. Simply a beautiful event, one I’ll never forget!
I took an obscene amount of time to develop this segment! Showcaves are not only the #1 tourist attraction in Southern Indiana, but have been a part of my life for over 40 years. I’m sure that’s true for many people, that have visited with their families, and made lifetime memories. My hope is that it will bring back good memories, and inspire others to visit these amazing places. 🙂
I grew up caving with family in Tennessee, now my sons cave with me here in indiana. Hopefully they do the same with their kids. When you stepped off into that big room in Indiana Cavers, that is Big Bone Mountain. It was found by two friends of mine, Tim McClain(deceased) and Shane Myles after they crawled a wet belly crawl for over 100yrds before they popped out at the top of the waterfall. It's been a fun caving life.
I really struggled with how to present these great places. I know I love them, but how to share them with people, that have never set foot in a cave? Each cave has a unique, wonderful history, with so many brave people pushing boundaries. Each of them hoping to find that next amazing passage. I decided to show highlights enough to encourage a visit, knowing the cave guides will tell the history, when people visit. This was a segment I wanted to do for a long time! 🙂
That is a haul! My longest Indiana road trip, was when I did the “Monster Stories of Indiana ” movie. I needed footage way up there in Churubusco, as far west as West Washington, and then back to the Louisville area. Like 730 miles! But I absolutely loved seeing all the different places and talking with local people.
@AdventureswithRoger I enjoyed that episode! I'll be driving through Churubusco daily for about 6 months. Gonna build a drive and shine carwash in Fort Wayne later this month. An hour and fity-one minute drive from my house.
You said in one of your fave videos “They mined Gunpowder here in the cave”. I’m sure you probably have realized you ment to say Salt Peter that is used to make gunpowder/black powder. If not I thought you should know.
@@scottnussbaum339Most people don’t know what sodium nitrate is. They might not even know what gun powder is, but a better chance. But as a genX kid, I took black powder and did all kinds of fun stuff. 😂
The cave guides always have a flashlight, to highlight things in the cave, and use in an emergency. Having been in wild caves, I always bring my own flashlight, it’s never a bad idea! In many of these caves, you could practically use the safety rails to find your way out, if the lights went out. Not sure I’ve ever seen a first aid kit in any cave. I have seen communication stations, wired to the surface, and guides tell they’ve passed a waypoint.
In that portion of the cave, the limestone ceiling has a layer of clay. The humidity in the cave keeps it moist and sticky, about anything will stick to it.
