Shawnee Cave, Cave system in Spring Mill State Park, Indiana.
Shawnee Cave is a cave system in Spring Mill State Park featuring multiple underground passages carved through limestone bedrock. The passages connect different sections of the park and contain a stream that flows through parts of the cavern.
The cave system took its name from a Scottish landowner who acquired the surrounding forest in the mid-1800s. The passages formed over millions of years as water dissolved through limestone, creating the underground cavities we see today.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources manages this National Natural Landmark to protect native species, including the Northern blind cavefish and bat populations.
Entry requires authorization from the relevant state agency and should be done with trained guides, as some sections have deep water. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a jacket, since the temperature underground stays cool year-round.
The cave is home to Northern blind cavefish, creatures that have adapted to darkness by losing their eyes over millions of years. These rare fish offer a striking reminder of how life adjusts to extreme underground conditions.
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