Bluespring Caverns: A Unique System of Hoosier Caves (GM-03)
Beneath the limestone terrain of south-central Indiana are thousand of subterranean systems. Slightly acidic rainwater flowing downward into joints and fractures of soluble limestone eventually carves cavern passageways. Ultimately, these streams emerge as springs and flow as normal surface streams.

Southwest of Bedford I Lawrence County are nearly 15 square miles of sinkhole plain. There all drainage is through a single cave system known as Bluespring Caverns. The surface of the ground over most of this cave system is dotted with thousands of sinkholes, a scenic countryside of farmland, rolling pastures, and woodlands. Most of the more than 20 miles of explored passageways contain flowing streams that converge to form a large underground river.

While traveling the river in Bluespring Caverns, visitors can view many forms of wildlife that have never seen the light of day. Through numerous generations, fish, crayfish, salamanders, crickets, spiders, beetles, and other forms of animal life have adapted to never-ending darkness and nearly constant temperatures.

Our Hoosier State Beneath Us: Geomorphology