Squire Boone Caverns have been preparing for your visit … for about a million years! Named in honor and spirit of Squire Boone, a renowned pioneer, explorer, minister and statesman who helped lead the discovery and settlement of Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Although Squire’s life and exploits were not as highly publicized as those of his famous brother, Daniel, they were certainly no less exciting.
The Boone brothers discovered these caverns in 1790 and Squire called the property home throughout the last decade of his life. Exploring the cave was a favorite pastime and, in fact, his knowledge of the land saved his life when he hid in the caverns from a band of pursuing Indians. Squire and his family settled the land around the cave and named it Boone Settlement in 1804. Boone Settlement quickly became a bustling and prosperous place, becoming home to many fellow Kentuckians and serving as the seat for the Territorial Government and it was here that he died in 1815. His sons carried out his final request by laying him to rest in his beloved cave.
A visit to Squire Boone Caverns & Village is equally educational and inspiring as you travel to the past…exploring the cave and learning more about how pioneers lived. With expansive grounds and a multitude of things to discover, you’ll fall in love Squire Boone Caverns & Village on your first trip.
Squire Boone Caverns Tour
The tour begins at the Cave Cabin. A long stairway leads underground to the amazing caverns discovered and beloved by brothers Squire and Daniel Boone. Paved, lighted paths and bridges wind their way over rushing underground streams and waterfalls, and past beautiful formations of all shapes and sizes, some estimated to be more than a million years old — and still growing!
Whether you are one who appreciates the beauty or a hard-core geological enthusiast, you’ll be mesmerized by power of nature that is evident in every inch of the cavern’s stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone adorning the caverns walls, ceilings and floors. Extremely rare rushing streams and underground waterfalls carry more than a million gallons of water through the caverns every day.
The one-hour walking tour is taken at an easy pace, giving you ample time to enjoy the wonders of Underground Indiana. We recommend that you bring along a light jacket and a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
Squire Boone Village
The Village is open seven days a week from Memorial Day Weekend through mid-August, and on weekends through Labor Day. The Village shops are housed in authentic, early 1800s log cabins that have been carefully maintained and preserved. As you stroll through the village, you’re walking in the footsteps of the Boone brothers, two of America’s most prominent pioneers and explorers.
• Boone’s Mill – The heartbeat of the settlement, Squire built the gristmill that still stands today around 1804 that has been carefully restored to working order. Powered by the natural water flow from the original entrance of the cave, the mill is used for grinding grain that is available for purchase to use in your own recipes. Without Boone’s Mill, the settlement Squire built would not have been as prosperous and the sound of rushing water through the mill reminds of us the dedication and vision that led Squire through his adventures.
• Soap Shop – see a live demonstration of the painstaking process of making lye soap. Soaps made on premise, as well as from a few of our favorite local soap makers are available for purchase. In the Soap Shop you’ll learn the benefits and many uses of lye soap from our knowledgeable craftswoman and we guarantee it will be tough to not at least try one bar of her soap!
• Hannah Boone’s Candle Shop – named in honor of Squire’s sister, Hannah, at the Candle Shop you will learn the art of candle making (did you know it takes 45 minutes to make just one small tapered candle by hand!). Along with a live demonstration, guests can try their hand at candle dipping and discover that it’s not as easy as it looks!
• The Rock Shop – Indiana’s largest (and one of the largest in the Midwest)! Our Rock Shop is home to thousands of pounds of mineral, fossil and crystal specimens in small and large sizes, with more than 100 varieties to discover. The Rock Shop also features a large selection of items made from nature’s beauty: bookends, water fountains, figurines and jewelry all made from minerals and gemstones are available for purchase.
• Gem-mining Sluice – Just outside the Rock Shop, our 50 foot sluice gives you the opportunity to mine for minerals and gemstones the way prospectors do. Maybe you’ll get lucky and discover amethyst, citrine, quartz crystal, rose quartz and even gold…the fool’s kind, of course.
• Boone’s Kitchen & Candy Shop – Providing a taste for any appetite, take a break with our homemade sweets and savory lunch options. We’re a little biased, but our special recipe chicken salad (made fresh every day) and fudge using real cream and butter will have you drooling for more. Dine in our air conditioned dining room or find one of the many picnic areas on the grounds.
• Nature Trail & Picnic Areas – after spending a few hours exploring the grounds and filling up at Boone’s Kitchen, stroll our nature trail while the kid’s play at the playground.
• Traveler’s Rest – a sign hanging above Squire’s home declared “Traveler’s Rest” indicating his hospitable and welcoming nature. Take a few minutes to relax in our Traveler’s Rest: challenge someone to a game of checkers and learn more about the Boone family and Indiana history in an air conditioned cabin.
• Gift Shop – A full supply of any souvenir you could desire in our Gift Shop so you can always remember your time at Squire Boone. With so much to see and do, you’ll be planning your next trip before you leave!
Squire Boone Caverns Zipline Adventures – an eco-adventure with an adrenaline rush. The state-of-the-art zipline course traverses from tree to tree through the forested hills above the Village. It spans 2,500 feet and includes six tree-mounted platforms and a 50-foot-long swinging suspension bridge. At speeds up to 35 mph over scenic valleys and ravines, the Squire Boone Caverns Zipline is an exhilarating experience you’ll never forget. For our smaller explorers who don’t meet the height and weight requirements can take advantage of a smaller course with two ziplines and a suspended bridge. The Zipline fills up fast – reservations are recommended.
Squire Boone Caverns & Village Hours and Cost (times EDT):
Hours of Operation/Seasonal Open Dates:
Memorial Day – mid-August:
Weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm; Weekends, 9 am to 6 pm
Guided 1-hour tours leave every 30 – 40 minutes.
Mid-August – Labor Day:
Weekends, 9 am to 6 pm
Weekday tours are at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 4 pm
Labor Day – Memorial Day:
Tours depart at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 4 pm
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Click here to view our Special Events throughout the year.
Prices:
Squire Boone Caverns & Village Entry:
Memorial Day – Labor Day: $5/car
Labor Day – Memorial Day: Free (Village Shops closed)
Caverns Tour Cost:
Adults: $17 for adults | Seniors: $15 | Children 4-11: $9 | Children 4 and under: Free
Zipline Adventures (reservations recommended):
Canopy Tour (2,500 ft. | 6 lines | Swinging Suspension Bridge): $59
Quick Zip (2 fastest lines + Swinging Suspension Bridge): $25
Kid’s Zip (2 lines + Swinging Suspension Bridge): $15
Special rates for groups – please see website or call for details
