Stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone, oh my! Plan your family's next staycation at Squire Boone Caverns! Located just 14 miles south of Corydon, the cave is one of 4 listed on the Indiana Cave Trail.
My family recently spent the day at Squire Boone Caverns - and we did far more than just explore a cave! Our first stop was Historic Boone's Mill. Joseph, an Army Veteran and passionate volunteer, greeted us with a huge smile and a wealth of information. Listed on the Indiana State Register of Historic Sites and Structures, the restored mill still grinds grain as it did when it was originally built in the 1800s. Joseph demonstrated how the 18-foot mill wheel, powered by water flowing from the caverns, turns 1,000-pound stones and grounds corn into cornmeal. My daughters were even given the opportunity to hand grind corn - a task that would take pioneers several hours to complete!
Next on our agenda - the cave tour! Olivia did an amazing job leading us through the underground stretch (about 1/3 of a mile) of lighted, paved pathways and steel bridges while educating us on the growing ecosystem that took millions of years to form. We were treated to the sights and sounds of rushing streams, rimstone dams, and waterfalls - and we even laid eyes on a blind crayfish! The caverns stay a pleasant 54° F year-round, so I would recommend wearing a light jacket or sweater for the tour. It was definitely a pleasant break from the outdoor heat! We viewed Squire Boone's coffin and headstone - located right in the caverns - and ended the tour by climbing up a 73-step spiral staircase. The entire experience was breathtaking (especially the stairs)!
We quickly worked up an appetite on our tour, and decided to stop in at Boone's Kitchen and Candy Shop for a snack! The Kitchen offers homemade pies, fudge, brownies, cookies, and muffins. You can also purchase hotdogs, salads, or sandwiches for lunch. The Candy Shop features novelty candies, lollipops, and old-fashioned favorites. Their most popular item, Rock Crystal Candy, has been manufactured by Squire Boone Village since 1985. Be sure to participate in the attraction's scavenger hunt for a chance to score free rock candy at the end of your visit!
Next, we made our way around Squire Boone Village, stopping in the Soap Shop, Hannah Boone's Candle Cabin, and the Rock Shop. It was fascinating to learn what pioneers used to make soap and candles. We were even treated to a candle-making demonstration! Our girls also mined for gemstones and said hello to the friendly animals (you can even feed them!) at Squire's Barnyard.
My family plans to return to Squire Boone Caverns very soon! We want to explore the nature trail, enjoy lunch in the picnic/playground area, visit Squire Boone's Original Burial Site, and soar above the trees on the Zipline Adventure!
For more information on Squire Boone Caverns and Village, tour schedules, special events, pricing, and more, visit www.squireboonecaverns.com. You can also find Squire Boone Caverns on Facebook and Instagram!
***The writer was hosted for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed are her own.
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