Donaldson Cave — Attraction in Indiana

Donaldson Cave (also known as Shawnee Cave, or Donaldson-Bronson Cave) is the last cave of the Shawnee drainage system. The water, which begins in the southeast of the park, travels through the cave system. When it enters Bronson Cave, the stream flows through 8,000 feet of underground passage before discharging out the entrance of Donaldson Cave. Donaldson Cave isn’t open for spelunking without authorization and training. More to the point, do not enter the cave unless you are with a guide, have experience, have registered in advance, have followed all state training, and have received authorization from the Indiana DNR. The IDNR has specific restrictions for those wanting to enter the cave. Visitors in the cave are also in water the entire time, and in some sections, the water is so deep that swimming is required. If you’re interested in this kind of experience, contact the IDNR well before your trip. The cave is also prone to flooding, so access is routinely denied in inclement weather. Finally, the IDNR has closed the cave on occasion in an attempt to protect bats from white nose syndrome. Decontamination procedures are still in place. On a side note caves like this one are good places to shelter...

Peaceful Hike to a Hidden Gem

Now that my kids are grown and out of the house, I’ve been taking time to explore places that offer both quiet reflection and natural beauty — and Donaldson Cave at Spring Mill State Park checked all the boxes.

The hike in on Trail 4 was just the right mix of scenic and peaceful. The woods are dense and calming, with birdsong and the occasional squirrel rustling through the underbrush. The trail isn’t too difficult, making it perfect for a solo outing or a relaxed stroll with a friend or partner.

When you reach the cave, it’s like stepping into another world. Water flows gently from the entrance, creating a cool, tranquil atmosphere that invites you to pause and take it all in. I didn’t go inside the cave itself (you need special permission and gear to explore deeper), but just standing at the mouth, listening to the sound of the stream and feeling the cool air pouring out, was a peaceful experience I didn’t expect to be so powerful.

If you’re looking for a quiet retreat into nature with a bit of Indiana history and wonder, Donaldson Cave is well worth the visit. I’d recommend bringing a camera and a journal — and leaving your to-do...

A free cave you can explore unattended while in the park. Super cool. The stream running out of it is a nice 54F all year around. Kids can't keep away from it. You can follow the cave back a ways. Bring lights, walking poles, and covered slip resistant shoes. Flips flops won't work well here. It's slick inside the cave, and we saw many people slip. A nice way to bonk your head. The pathway down to the cave is not for the lighthearted. There are a lot of stairs. The stairs are old, uneven in height, and some are weak. So watch your step and keep your hand on the rail! Great pictures are waiting for those who make it. There are some being cave fish in the waters for those who are patient and have a sharp eye out. If you have kids or a young-at-heart partner/friend/sibling, make sure they have a change of clothes. They'll get...