Part of the Shawnee Cave system inside Spring Mill State Park. A stream flows roughly 8,000 feet underground from Bronson Cave's swallet to the mouth of Donaldson Cave. Donaldson's dry upper level is a walk-in cave reached from Trail 3; Bronson offers wild, water-filled spelunking, and nearby Twin Cave runs guided boat tours.
- Type
- Show cave
- Orientation
- Horizontal
- Passage
- Moderate
- County
- Lawrence County
Location
Entrance
Donaldson has a large, scenic walk-in entrance from Trail 3. The wild Bronson route is in water for its entire length - ankle to knee deep, with a couple of short sections deep enough to require swimming or floating.
Hazards
- You're in water the whole way on the wild route; two short sections require swimming
- Cold water - hypothermia risk
- Home to the endangered blind cavefish - do not disturb wildlife
Gear
For the wild Bronson route: helmet, headlamp with backups, and clothing you can fully submerge. The walk-in Donaldson entrance needs only sturdy shoes and a light.
Geology
A limestone stream cave system of the Mitchell Plain karst, carved by an underground river; habitat for the endangered northern (Hoosier) blind cavefish.
Access
Inside Spring Mill State Park (park entrance fee applies). Donaldson's dry side is open to walk-in visitors from Trail 3; Twin Cave boat tours are seasonal and reservation-based.
- OwnershipPublic-land
- Permit requiredNo
- Permission requiredNo
Conservation
Home to the endangered blind cavefish and other cave fauna, protected within the state park. Stay on designated routes and never disturb the wildlife or water.
More caves in Lawrence County
Caving responsibly
Most wild caves are reached through the local caving community, not by showing up — joining a grotto gets you training, gear advice, a conservation ethic, and, in time, cave locations.
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