Bluespring Caverns
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bluespring Caverns are a cave system stretching 21.5 miles located in Lawrence County, Indiana, approximately 80 miles (128 km) south of Indianapolis. The cave system is a karst and river type cave formation and drains a 15 miles² (38.8 km²) sinkhole plain. The cave is most notable for having the longest known subterranean river in the United States with approximately 3 miles of navigatable river, and more than 21 miles of stream and river passages.
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[edit] Discovery
The cave system was discovered as early as the 1800's. Up until 1913, the entrance used was the exodus of a spring which drained into the White River. However, a dam completed in 1913 on the White River closed off this entrance. In 1940, a second entrance was created after a severe storm passed through the area. A small pond on the farm of George Colglazier vanished overnight, becoming a sinkhole, and the present day entrance into the cave system.
[edit] Geology and temperature
The cave was formed in two types of limestone, separated by a thin layer of shale. The two types of limestone are:
The cave remains a constant 54°F (14°C) temperature throughout the year.
[edit] Inhabitants
The cave is host to a number of species, including crayfish, salamanders, crickets, spiders, and beetles. Most notable among these is the rare sightless Northern Cavefish, which is abundant in this cave system. A small number of bats make this cave their home, especially during winter. However, the frequent flooding of this cave system discourages bat habitation year-round.
[edit] Visitation
Visitation to the cave is controlled by Bluespring Caverns Park, a commercial corporation. The featured activity is an hour long boat ride on the subterranean river in a 17 person boat equipped with lighting. This ride is offered seasonally in the months of April through October. The park also offers overnight adventures for organized youth groups from October through April.
Bluespring Caverns are one of four show caves in Indiana. The other three are Marengo Cave, Wyandotte Caves, and Squire Boone Caverns. Twin Caves, located in Spring Mill State Park, about 15 minutes south of Bluespring Caverns, near Mitchell, Indiana offers a 20 minute boat tour into the cave which goes back about 600 feet. Twin Caves is owned and operated by the state of Indiana and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
[edit] Facts
- The cave is the 65th longest in the world.
- The cave is the 8th longest in the United States.
