Continuing our look at Indiana’s must-see attractions, this blog spotlights the state’s natural wonders.
Wolf Park
Calling all city slickers who are nature lovers at heart—if you have always dreamed of getting up close and personal with some wild residents of Indiana—-Wolf Park is the place to be. The popular non-profit educational center is home to packs of gray wolves, a herd of bison, red foxes and coyotes. It is located near Lafayette, about 50 miles north of Indianapolis. If you are taking the kids you may want to consider sticking around for Saturday Howl nights — where you learn how one wolf howl differs from another. The event takes place year-round at 7:30 p.m. The park is open Tuesday through Sunday from May 1 through November 30. A word of warning: picnicking, camping, and dogs are not allowed.
Marengo Cave
Located about 125 miles south of Indianapolis, Marengo Cave is one of Indiana’s most popular natural attractions. The cave was discovered in 1883 by two schoolchildren and was designated a U.S. National Landmark in 1984. The hikes to the caves vary according to skill level. There’s a 40-minute walk to the Crystal Palace cave room and a more challenging 70-minute Dripstone Trail tour that includes spectacular views of impressive stalagmite formations. If you go don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes and a jacket as the temperature in the cave hovers around 52 degrees year round. If you are feeling lucky you can also take advantage of the gemstone mining; 10-minute sessions cost $4.99 to $8.99.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
You and your children have read about him, but there’s nothing like seeing history come alive by visiting the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, the site where Abraham Lincoln grew up. The grounds are home to a Memorial Visitor Center (where you can view films about our former president) and a small museum. The complex is located on the grounds of Lincoln State Park, a wooded, 1,747-acre preserve dedicated to Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln. The park is an ideal escape for families who enjoy outdoor activities. There are boat rentals, a nature center, cabins, shelters and trails. And the best part: since the park is part of Indiana’s state park system it is open year-round and admission is free.
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