The Midwest is full of beauty and wonder — just step outside and look around! But you might be surprised to learn that there are also spectacular sights hidden beneath your feet, which you’ll find in the many caves that are located across the Midwest.
A world of stalactites and stalagmites, tunnels and waterfalls await you underground. The next time you’re looking for a cool and easy day trip, check out these six caves and caverns to explore with your family.
Ohio Caverns
Location: 2210 East State Route 245, West Liberty, OH
Ohio’s largest cavern is also its most beautiful. Known as “America’s Most Colorful Caverns,” families will find crystal and rock formations in multiple colors of the rainbow. Visitors to the Natural Wonder Tour will see The Crystal King, the largest freestanding stalactite in Ohio, that’s estimated to be more than 200,000 years old.
Seneca Caverns
Location: 15248 E. Township Road 178, Bellevue, OH
Seneca Caverns is one of America’s most fascinating geological wonders. During the one-hour guided tour, visitors can walk and climb stone steps and pathways through “The Earth Crack” and view “Ole Mist’ry River,” a crystal clear flowing stream 110 feet below the surface. Pan for gemstone, crystals and fossils while you are there. There are also shaded picnic areas and a gift shop to grab a memento from your trip.
Indiana Caverns
Location: 1267 Green Acres Drive SW, Corydon, IN
At Indiana’s longest cave, families can enjoy a walking tour that takes visitors 110 feet underground, or a boat ride along the underground river (or both!). After the tour, kids can mine for gemstones, conquer the Cavern of The Sabertooth, fly on the zip-lining Bat Chaser coaster, and immerse themselves in an escape room adventure.
Related Article: Family Fun in Hocking Hills, Ohio
Mammoth Cave
Location: 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY
One of the most massive cave systems in the world, Mammoth Cave sprawls over 400 miles, and is home to thousands of years of human history. Families will find not only several different cave tours to choose from, but also opportunities for kayaking, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and camping. Cave tours are very popular and sell out, so purchasing your tickets in advance is a must.
Squire Boone Caverns
Location: 100 Squire Boone Road, Mauckport, IN
Walk in the footsteps of Squire Boone and his brother, Daniel, who discovered these underground caverns in the late 1700s. Families can view everything from stalactites to underground waterfalls, and learn about the living ecosystem that lies deep below Earth’s surface. When you’ve emerged from the depths, explore Squire’s Barnyard, where you’ll meet and feed the resident goats and pigs.
Louisville Mega Cavern
Location: 1841 Taylor Ave., Louisville, KY
A former limestone mine, Louisville Mega Cavern features six underground zip lines and 17 miles of underground passageways beneath the City of Louisville, which stretches under parts of the Watterson Expressway and the Louisville Zoo. Visitors can also choose to explore the cave by foot or via a tram ride.