Marengo Cave
Marengo, IN, 52°F inside, from $22.95
Caves in an Indiana state park: a $3 summer boat tour into Twin Caves, and the dry side of Donaldson Cave that you can explore on your own from Trail 4.
The story
The water flowing from several cave springs led to the founding of an industrial village in the early 1800s. Pioneer entrepreneurs used the constant water source to power gristmills, a wool mill, a sawmill, and a distillery. The restored Pioneer Village was founded in 1814 and contains 20 historic buildings. The centerpiece is a 3-story limestone gristmill, built in 1817, that still grinds cornmeal today. Heritage interpreters portray the year 1863 and demonstrate period crafts.
History source: in.gov.
What you'll see
- Cave formations
- Endangered blind cavefish
Tickets and timing
- Adults
- $3 per person (Twin Caves boat tour)
- Hours
- Twin Caves boat tours daily Memorial Day weekend–August 1, 9am–5pm, then weekends to Labor Day. Tours every half hour.
- Booking
- Same-day sign-up only, in person at the Twin Caves building.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Dogs
- Not allowed on the boat tour.
Good to know
- Minimum age
- Children under age 3 are not allowed on the tour.
- Food and drink
- Food and drinks are not allowed on boats.
- Wildlife
- The endangered blind cavefish is a common sighting. Groups must complete online training on decontamination procedures to prevent the spread of White-Nose Syndrome, a fungus that is killing bats in large numbers.
- On site
- Pioneer Village and Grist Mill, Lakeview Activity Center, Grissom Memorial, Twin Caves Boat Tour, Spring Mill Inn, campground, camp store, picnic area, playground
Getting there
3333 State Road 60 E., Mitchell, IN 47446
- Louisvilleabout 51 miles
- Indianapolisabout 74 miles
- Cincinnatiabout 109 miles
Distances are straight-line from each city center.
Before you go
- No children under 3 on the boat tour.
- Other caves are for registered groups only, through the Indiana Karst Conservancy.
Questions people ask
Are dogs allowed at Spring Mill State Park Caves?
Not allowed on the boat tour.
Do you need to book Spring Mill State Park Caves in advance?
Same-day sign-up only, in person at the Twin Caves building.
Is there a minimum age for Spring Mill State Park Caves?
Children under age 3 are not allowed on the tour.
Where is Spring Mill State Park Caves?
3333 State Road 60 E., Mitchell, IN 47446
Listed in: cave boat tours, self-guided caves, caves with camping or lodging
Checked on 2026-10-22 against in.gov/dnr (Spring Mill State Park page). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.