Essential AdviceSince this was our first time caving, we had a lot to learn. Indiana Limestone
- 95 percent of all caves are limestone, like the caves in Marengo.
- Marengo's caves maintain a constant 52 degree temperature year-round.
- Marengo offers two walk-through tours of the developed parts of the cave and several "adventure" tours through the undeveloped areas.
- Nearby Wyandotte Cave also offers cavers an authentic spelunking experience.
You Say Stalagmite, I Say Stalactite
- Human touch on a stalactite or stalagmite will permanently stunt the formation's growth.
- A stalactite in the early stages of formation is called a "soda straw" because it is thin and hollow, just like a straw.
- The easy way to remember the difference between stalactites and stalagmites — stalactites have a "c" for "ceiling" or "t" for "top" and stalagmites have a "g" for ground.
Bringing Home the Bacon
- Thin, translucent, drapery-like formations are sometimes called "cave bacon."
To Spelunk or not to Spelunk
- Spelunking is another word for caving.
- The Speliogical Society is an international group of cavers with chapters worldwide.
- Essential caving equipment includes sturdy boots, helmet, headlamp, kneepads and backup lanterns.
Contact Information:
Marengo Cave
United States National Landmark
PO Box 217
Marengo, IN 47140
812-365-2705
www.marengocave.com
Resources:
National Speleological Society
2813 Cave Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35810-4413 USA
256-852-1300
www.caves.org
Wyandotte Caves
7315 S. Wyandotte Cave Rd.
Leavenworth, IN 47137
Phone: 812-738-2782
Fax: 812-738-8255
www.wyandottecaves.com | 
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