10/07/11 The Indiana Dept. of Child Services (DCS) recently announced a partnership with Marengo Cave that will provide a wonderful family learning opportunity for Indiana’s foster families. Effective immediately, foster parents, their foster children and their biological and stepchildren will receive free admission to either or both of the caves’s guided walking tours. In addition, children will receive free admission to the “Crawl,” a winding maze cave simulation.
“We’re thrilled to partner with one of Indiana’s finest natural attractions to offer this unique opportunity to those families who work tirelessly to help us protect the children and families we serve,” said James Payne, DCS Director. “It’s collaborations like this that allow us to provide children in our care, as well as our foster families, the chance to enjoy some educational, yet fun-filled quality time away from their daily routines. We thank the folks at Marengo Cave for their support of these children and families and their generosity in creating this chance to explore an Indiana cave.”
Located in southern Indiana, Marengo Cave was discovered in 1883 and was designated a U.S. National Landmark in 1984. A popular destination for nature lovers and school groups, the cave boasts almost five miles of known passageways and has the largest cave room in the state.
“Our entire staff is excited to work with DCS and offer guided tours of Marengo Cave free for foster families,” noted Carol Groves, VP of Marketing for Marengo Cave. “We have a deep appreciation for the extraordinary service foster families provide, in part, because one of our own staff was raised by wonderful foster parents.”
Foster families can enjoy either or both guided walking tours at no charge. The Dripstone Trail Tour showcases a potpourri of rock formations created by mineral-rich waters dripping from the ground above. It typically lasts 70 minutes and has a retail value of $15 for adults and $7.50 for children 3 and older. The 40-minute Crystal Palace tour ends in one of the most beautiful cave rooms in the country. The regular price of $13.50 for adults and $7.00 for children 3 and older will be waived for foster families.
In addition to the free tours of the cave, foster children at least 7 years old can experience the “Crawl” free. A twisty, winding maze, it’s a popular cave exploring simulator ($3.00 value). Free use of shelter houses, picnic areas and nature trails are also available to foster families. For foster families that want to spend a little more time in Marengo Cave Country, “get wet and muddy” cave spelunker packages are available. Overnight accommodations are available, too, with cabins and tent-camping sites. Canoeing on the Blue River is only five minutes away.
About Marengo Cave:
Discovered by two school children in 1883 and designated a U.S. National Landmark in 1984, Marengo Cave offers a variety of underground splendor rarely seen in a single cave. Besides guided walking tours, there’s the chance to get wet and muddy with a cave exploring adventure option. Overnight accommodations, cabins and camping sites, are available. Canoeing on the Blue River is only five minutes away. Located in the town of Marengo in southern Indiana, the cave is about 45 miles west of Louisville and 120 miles south of Indianapolis. www.marengocave.com or 812.365.2705.
