An IKC nature preserve east of Mitchell (near Spring Mill) protecting Upper Twin Cave and the smaller, dry Whittaker Cave. Upper Twin is largely a single stream passage with swimming required in places — not for novices. World-famous for IU ichthyologist Dr. Carl Eigenmann's 1890s cavefish studies; home to the Hoosier cavefish and Northern cave crayfish. ~2 miles of public surface trails.
- Type
- Wild cave
- Orientation
- Horizontal
- Passage
- Moderate
- County
- Lawrence County
Location
Entrance
On the Shawnee Karst Preserve (IKC). Surface trails are open; cave access is restricted.
Hazards
- Stream passage with cold-water swims in places
- Not for novices
- Total darkness — carry three light sources
Gear
Wetsuit/thermal layers for the swims, helmet, headlamp plus backups. Experienced cavers only.
Geology
Classic karst — sinkholes, swallow holes, and a stream cave; part of the Spring Mill karst.
Access
Surface trails open. Upper Twin Cave access by arrangement with the IKC Cave Patron (experienced cavers only); Whittaker Cave by permission of the Property Manager.
- OwnershipPublic-land
- Permit requiredNo
- Permission requiredYes
Conservation
Habitat for the Hoosier cavefish and Northern cave crayfish. Cave access is restricted to experienced cavers by arrangement (IKC Cave Patron); surface trails are open. Follow WNS decontamination.
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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