On Friday, June 18, 2010 ( 9:00am – 1:00),  the Lady A’s will drive to Marengo Cave, tour the cave, have lunch, and return to French Lick. Southern Indiana is noted for its spectacular limestone caverns, and Marengo is one of its loveliest commercial ones. The Marengo cave complex was discovered by two children in 1883 and has been delighting visitors for decades.

We will drive about 35 miles on winding back country paved roads through hilly terrain and arrive at Marengo Cave Park. The complex is a designated U.S. National Landmark. We will take the 40 minute tour of Crystal Cave.  “This easy tour winds its way through formation-filled rooms and past huge flowstone deposits. You'll take a seat in our Crystal Palace room and enjoy a video presentation of the cave's discovery.” You do have to descend and ascend stairs to get into the cave. However, once in the cavern the pathway is reasonably flat. The cave is 58 degrees so bring a sweater and appropriate shoes for damp paths. Marengo Cave has an interesting gift shop with cave related and southern Indiana items.

Once we finish the cave tour, we have a very short drive to Van’s Country Table restaurant in Marengo. Luncheon prices range from $6.00 to $12.00. After lunch we will drive back to French Lick over other back country roads. The cave tour is about $14, but if we can pre-arrange for a group of 12 or more it will be cheaper. Men are invited to ride with the women drivers and to tour the cave.