Not a cave you enter, but a dramatic karst spring — the second-largest in Indiana and a rise of the Lost River, one of the nation's largest underground streams. A National Natural Landmark (1972) and state nature preserve, openly accessible with a public viewing area and parking. Managed by the Indiana Karst Conservancy.
- Type
- Show cave
- Orientation
- Horizontal
- Passage
- Spacious
- County
- Orange County
Location
Entrance
Public viewing area with parking on the northeast side of the preserve at Orangeville.
Hazards
- Water — stay back from the spring pool and banks
Gear
None — it's a viewing area. Wear sturdy shoes.
Geology
The Lost River resurges here after miles underground through the karst — a classic rise spring.
Access
Openly accessible year-round with public parking. Managed by the Indiana Karst Conservancy.
- OwnershipPublic-land
- Permit requiredNo
- Permission requiredNo
Conservation
An IKC-managed nature preserve and National Natural Landmark feeding a sensitive aquatic system. Stay on the viewing area and don't disturb the water.
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.
Comments (0)
No comments yet — be the first to leave a tip.