Bluespring Caverns Invites Visitors to Stroll in the Deep

Nic Kaufman, Bluespring Caverns manager, overlooks the naturally maintained cave in southern Indiana near Bedford. Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

Deep within the heart of southern Indiana lies Bluespring Caverns, an enchanting underground world that promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a spelunker, history buff or simply looking to escape city life, this breathtaking natural wonder has something for everyone.

Located near Bedford, only a short drive from Indianapolis, Bluespring Caverns is best known for having the longest navigable subterranean river in the United States, spanning an impressive 3 miles, with only a small portion accessible to the public.

Advertisement

Unlike other caves, Bluespring Caverns is minimally commercialized and doesn’t contain concrete paths, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural ambiance of the cave.

“When I give tours, I love to show people that what they’re seeing is the same experience as what they would have seen in the 1960s when it was first explored,” says Nic Kaufman, Bluespring Caverns manager.

Upon entering the caverns, the temperature drops to a cool 53 degrees, an ideal oasis for visitors escaping the scorching summer sun above.

“When it’s overly hot outside, nothing is better than 53 degrees,” Kaufman says.

See more: 8 Things to Do In Middlebury, Indiana

Visitors can mine for gems in the gemstone mining sluice located outside the cavern. Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

Adventure Awaits

A highlight of Bluespring Caverns is the hourlong Myst’ry River Boat Tour, which glides serenely along the tranquil waters of the underground river. The humid environment and dark atmosphere create a perfect habitat for animal species such as blind crayfish and cavefish, as well as other small creatures including salamanders, bugs, beetles, spiders, crickets and the occasional bat, with more wildlife visible earlier in the day.

Adventure seekers in groups of four to eight also can take a guided kayak tour downstream of the Myst’ry River, where experienced tour guides navigate along the underground river exploring the cave’s impressive formations and wildlife.

Tour participants learn a rich historical narrative of the cave dating back to the 1940s when heavy rain created a sinkhole on the property, which was later discovered in the 1960s by Jim Richards, Bluespring’s owner, who opened the cave to visitors in 1974.

“When people come here, we’d like them to learn information they’ve never learned before, especially the conservation of caves, the importance of drainage and wildlife while explaining to people that there’s a lot more going on below their feet than they realize,” Kaufman says.

Bluespring Caverns is best known for having the longest navigable subterranean river in the U.S., spanning 3 miles. Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

A special Overnight Adventure program for organized youth groups ages 9 to 16 is available with advance reservations on Friday and Saturday nights from October through April. Youth groups enjoy sleeping in camp bunks and exploring parts of the cave 100 feet underground that aren’t seen on standard tours.

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

Bluespring Caverns is a reasonably accessible cave, much more accessible than other area caves, allowing people with certain mobility challenges to participate in the boat tour. However, wheelchairs and walkers are not recommended due to the steep access ramp.

“Our cave tours involve sitting on a boat, so we’re more accessible than other caves,” Kaufman says. “We have a small hill but can help people get up and down with no time restrictions. It’s a laid-back operation where people shouldn’t feel rushed, and the area is pretty easy to navigate.”

Preserving the cave is a primary focus at Bluespring Caverns. Visitors learn how the limestone dissolves slowly each year by the river’s flowing water, and they hear about the steps taken to keep the cave walls and waterways clean and intact.

See more: Eiteljorg Museum Shares Amazing Stories of American Indians and Western Art

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

Celebrations and More Fun

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer, Bluespring Caverns will have different programs and features available.

“We’re also planning a big reunion party for employees to commemorate the cave being opened for 50 years,” Kaufman says.

Other fun activities at Bluespring Caverns include the half-mile nature trail in the Ruth & Emery Bolton Natural Area, mining for fossils, arrowheads and gems at the Myst’ry River Gemstone Mine, and exploring gifts and souvenirs at the Colglazier Visitor Center. Visitors also can enjoy clean picnic and shelter areas, free parking and spacious restrooms.

From March 16 to Oct. 31, the caverns are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with tours leaving on the hour. Boat tours cost $24 for adults and $12 for children 15 and under, with children under 4 not recommended.

See more: All in a Day’s Drive: Jackson County Agricultural Self-Guided Driving Tour