Marengo Cave
Marengo Cave
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Amazing visitors since its discovery in 1883, Marengo Cave offers a wide variety of fun activities! Take a leisurely tour through our spectacular Crystal Palace or Dripstone Trail, pan for gemstones, twist and crawl through our cave simulator, or explore an undeveloped natural cave. You're certain to enjoy your stay!
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- Amber11 contributionsAwe inspiringHadn’t been since I was a child. Decided to take my older kids (20 & 15) for a staycation activity. I forgot how truly amazing this cave is. Guide Taylor did a great job. Can be appreciated at any age.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 16, 2024
- Cecile PRockville, Maryland20 contributionsShort stop to explore on the way back to LouisvilleI saw the eclipse in Indiana and was on the way back to the Louisville airport, but I had time to visit another Indiana attraction. I decided to take the short Crystal Palace walking tour at Marengo Cave. Our tour guide Kody (sp?) showed us the Mirror Lake, Rock of Ages and plaques commemorating the discoverers of the Cave, among other attractions in the walk. The site also had a couple of gift shops, attractions for children and a pizza place.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 11, 2024
- Adam BChicago, Illinois8 contributionsCalm CaveLike many others, this a beautiful cave and forest of unique formations, careful footsteps, and great history. I've seen many caves, but there's always something I haven't seen or experienced. Thanks, Christina, for being where you clearly loved to be that day. Your tour was personable, informative, and in tune with your audience (large or small). Glad I didn't poop on the cow patty;) Thanks for an absolutely unique and memorable day...you, too, Kristin. AdamVisited April 2024Traveled soloWritten May 1, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
472 reviews
Excellent
329
Very good
122
Average
17
Poor
1
Terrible
3
SoftJacket
Guiping, China15 contributions
Jun 2020 • Solo
Before my tour I mentioned my concerns with social distancing and was told only 10 ppl were scheduled. That seemed reasonable in a big cave! But on the tour the guide asked me to stand right next to the other ppl 3 times because she wanted to direct our attention in the most dramatic way and didn’t care about our safety. The employees didn’t wear masks. It’s upsetting to see all the local businesses and restaurants reducing capacity for public safety while Marengo Caves treats health like a joke and bullies/singles out patrons trying to be careful. Do your part, Marengo Caves.
Written June 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
motkeen
Edmonds, WA16 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Caves were very interesting and our guide was great. Our group of 8, four parents and four teens did great on and enjoyed both tours offered- BUT I will say this- if a person has difficulty being on their feet for 40 plus minutes (no resting or sitting inside the caves at all) or poor balance, I do not recommend this cave attraction. The floors are concrete but uneven and not lit for ease of walking. Lighting would ruin the cave experience of course and everyone on our tour did fine.
Written June 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris M
2 contributions
Sep 2021
I've been on cave tours in many states and several other countries. Marengo Cave ranks right up there with the best. It's a very accessible cave, not in terms of handicapped access, but in the original meaning of the word; friendly, easy to reach, and able to be close to. It's not at all like state or federal government operated cave tours where you are treated like an undisciplined animal unable to control yourself. In Marengo cave you are intimate with the cave formations, passing right between them, right under them, and in one case on the long tour, right over the top of one. We took both tours, and our tour guides were excellent, friendly as you'd expect in southern Indiana, and extremely knowledgeable without being arrogant in the slightest. The pace of the tours wasn't rushed, and there was plenty of time for the casual photography we did. Paths are good, smooth, but either damp, or outright wet, and we were there in one of the drier times of year. The lighting in this cave is extremely well done, While it might be handy to have a flashlight to see some details here or there, the installed cave lighting is plenty bright and adequate for most photography. We especially enjoyed the large rooms on the long tour where they used to hold concerts, Christmas caroling, and sermons.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam W
1 contribution
May 2022
My husband and I made a reservation to spend a night recently in one of Marengo Cave’s cabins in Indiana, and were very disappointed when we saw it. The double bedroom was dark, cramped, and dismal. I would not recommend this to anyone unless they were a cub scout leader looking for a cabin to house six kids in. We arrived within the hour of having spoken to the office, and found that the staff had already left for the day, so following the information posted on the cabin, we called Carla, who did not answer, then tried Larry, a second contact, but his mailbox was full. Carla never called us back. Three hours later, I reached her, telling her that the cabin was not to our liking, and that we had chosen to camp outside in our tent. Since they have a campground in addition to cabins, I thought they would be willing to credit us the difference. They did not. Apparently they don’t believe that customer satisfaction is important.
Their website misrepresents the cabins when it states: “Glamp Your Stay.” Glamping is a term that refers to glamorous camping. I assure you that if anyone rented these cabins with the thought they would be glamping, they would be shocked when they saw it. Secondly, to not have reliable staff available to speak with, is unacceptable for a responsible business. I don’t think anyone would be too happy if they misplaced their gate code, and found themselves stuck outside the premises for 3 hours.
Their website misrepresents the cabins when it states: “Glamp Your Stay.” Glamping is a term that refers to glamorous camping. I assure you that if anyone rented these cabins with the thought they would be glamping, they would be shocked when they saw it. Secondly, to not have reliable staff available to speak with, is unacceptable for a responsible business. I don’t think anyone would be too happy if they misplaced their gate code, and found themselves stuck outside the premises for 3 hours.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K_Jordan0
United States130 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
The Sky Climber and Gemstone Mining were huge hits for my kids. We love rocks and there are plenty of rocks to gaze at. I will be going back to the gift shop for some stocking stuffers! Staff was very friendly and helpful. I recommend the $20 day pass for unlimited activities (some restrictions).
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your 5 star review, these are new activities at Marengo Cave, glad you enjoyed your day. Look forward to your next visit.
Written September 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
J Dabster Etch
Fort Wayne, IN433 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Can not describe the feeling of being under that cave. They have two walking tours , nature trail, some kids activities for 5 dollar each or 20 for pass .
Just beautiful and really cool formations
Please do not miss this if you are in southern indiana
Just beautiful and really cool formations
Please do not miss this if you are in southern indiana
Written October 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MzKittyG
Sun City, AZ589 contributions
Sep 2020 • Solo
This was my 3 stop on the Indiana Cave Trail. If you complete all 4 stops in no particular order you earn a t-shirt.
When entering it was the largest open area I’d ever seen in a cave. I took the Crystal tour (there are 2 different tours Crystal and Dripstone).
It was an easy tour. There were a few places it was a very narrow passage.
When entering it was the largest open area I’d ever seen in a cave. I took the Crystal tour (there are 2 different tours Crystal and Dripstone).
It was an easy tour. There were a few places it was a very narrow passage.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the Indiana Cave Trail each of us has something special for you to see. The Crystal Palace is very beautiful with the large formations. Look forward to you coming and seeing the Dripstone Trail tour.
Written September 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ashley S
North Manchester, IN62 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
There are 2 tours you can get one for $17ish the other $22 or both for $28.99. We opted for both.
The crystal cave tour seemed shorter and "safer" for the elderly.
The dripstone tour was my favorite buy there are more narrow passages, I'm 5"4" and hit my head at one spot. But it's so much better than the other tour imho.
The only negative I really saw was the activites. There is a giant maze, small cave crawl which is a box basically, and a slide you climb up. I added a picture. Also peddle karts but they weren't open for us. Each activity costs $5 which is insane IMO. Or a bracelet for $20 to do events unlimited times. I have one child so that was fine but people with more children their kids can't enjoy these things at that outrageous pricing.
We paid $96 for 2 adults and 1 child to.do both tours and 1 bracelet for my son.
The crystal cave tour seemed shorter and "safer" for the elderly.
The dripstone tour was my favorite buy there are more narrow passages, I'm 5"4" and hit my head at one spot. But it's so much better than the other tour imho.
The only negative I really saw was the activites. There is a giant maze, small cave crawl which is a box basically, and a slide you climb up. I added a picture. Also peddle karts but they weren't open for us. Each activity costs $5 which is insane IMO. Or a bracelet for $20 to do events unlimited times. I have one child so that was fine but people with more children their kids can't enjoy these things at that outrageous pricing.
We paid $96 for 2 adults and 1 child to.do both tours and 1 bracelet for my son.
Written March 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
regina b
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Friends
Cleanliness=10
Safety =10
Adventure =10
Customer Service=0
Marengo Caves no refund, no rescheduling policy is the worst of Customer service. Spoke with them this morning about rescheduling an upcoming trip, as there are severe thunderstorms for the entire 5 days we were coming. Their reasoning, was "then everyone would it." My question to you Marengo, is why wouldn't you care enough for your customers to allow it?
I am in the restaurant business, my policy is "I will male sure you have everything you want and need, even if it means, going to Walmart in the middle of a rush because we ran out of cabbage, and a gentleman was in from out of town and really wanted our cabbage dish. Not only did he get his cabbage dish,we gave him a free dessert to boot! Nothing is out of the realm of possibilities, for my customers! It is sad to see such a power grab for money, from a company as wealthy as Marengo!
Safety =10
Adventure =10
Customer Service=0
Marengo Caves no refund, no rescheduling policy is the worst of Customer service. Spoke with them this morning about rescheduling an upcoming trip, as there are severe thunderstorms for the entire 5 days we were coming. Their reasoning, was "then everyone would it." My question to you Marengo, is why wouldn't you care enough for your customers to allow it?
I am in the restaurant business, my policy is "I will male sure you have everything you want and need, even if it means, going to Walmart in the middle of a rush because we ran out of cabbage, and a gentleman was in from out of town and really wanted our cabbage dish. Not only did he get his cabbage dish,we gave him a free dessert to boot! Nothing is out of the realm of possibilities, for my customers! It is sad to see such a power grab for money, from a company as wealthy as Marengo!
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,478 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Indiana is a state devoted to basketball and covered bridges, not caves. But one cave deserves some recognition. Marengo Cave isn't as celebrated as Mammoth Cave in Kentucky or Carlsbad Cavern in New Mexico or Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, Tennessee. But it deserves some props. Discovered in 1883 and located off Highway 64 near the town of Marengo in Crawford County, 36 miles west of Louisville, Kentucky, 33 miles southeast of French Lick, Indiana, Marengo Cave is one of the largest caves in Indiana and one of only four show caves in the state. Public tours commenced only days after its discovery and the cave was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1984. Described as one of the most beautiful caves in the world, Marengo Cave contains almost five miles of known passageways. Unlike other caves, it is not muddy or slippery. It is open all year around and offers two different walking tours. The Discipline Trail covers one mile and takes 60 to 70 minutes to complete. The Crystal Palace tour covers one-third mile and takes 35 to 40 minutes to navigate.
Written April 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We don't allow alcohol in our campground.
Written June 1, 2020
Hello: We were a group of three, so a group discount did not apply to us. I would definitely check their website or call them. When we called they were very helpful and informative.
Enjoy the caves, we loved them.
Written March 12, 2019
How many stairs are there? I'm good walking, but stairs are slow going for me. Thinking of doing both tours.
Written June 18, 2018
Hi there is 22 stairs into the and back out of the cave. The tours are easy walking.
Written June 21, 2018
guzman2929
Pasadena, California
Are the fossils sold in the gift shop actually from the Marengo Caves?
We had a great visit to the caves. Wonderous experience!
Written December 8, 2017
Marengo Cave chooses not to remove or sell any of the fossils, minerals, or formations from our cave in order to preserve its natural beauty.
In our gift shop we do sell gemstones, fossils, and minerals from mines and fossil beds from all over the world. Many of the fossils we offer are from the U.S. well as Africa and the Middle East. Our gemstones and minerals come mostly from Spain, South America and from deposits in Western United States.
We also offer finer specimens of museum quality.
Thanks for coming to visit us.
Written December 12, 2017
Can we get a cabin for just 2 adults and 1 toddler (15mo)? And how much would it be for 3 nights.
Written May 29, 2017
Check out their website for exact rates and book your resv ahead of time. Def bring blankets/pillows/ home comforts as you will have a simple bed and mattress only in cabin.
Written May 30, 2017
This is from their web site:
Pricing
40 mins Crystal Palace $16 per adult, $9 per child.
1 hour Dripstone Trail $19 per adult, $11 per child.
2 hours Combo Ticket $27 per adult, $16 per child Save 25% when you see both tours.
I believe (not positive) they offer AAA discount.
Written April 23, 2017
Is it safe for people with back problems to walk in the caves. My day cannot bend too much while walking.
Written April 23, 2017
Hi, I'm 6'1' and I had to stoop a little bit.....not for extended periods of time. Maybe 10 to 20 seconds to get to a place where one could stand straight up. My wife is 5' 8" and she remembers hardly ever bending. Hope that helps!
Written April 24, 2017
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