Illinois Caverns

Amazing experience anybody that does exploring should check this place out Make sure you bring an extra set of clothes

Very cool. Lots of great formations. You are going to be wet and dirty but it’s very doable for most. Self guided, minimum of 4 ppl, 3 sources of light each and a helmet (it’s a must). We went in about 1.5 miles (back out 1.5 miles) plus exploring in about 5 hours.

After being closed for 10 years or more the cave is finally open again to the public. To access you'll need to sign a permit and waiver which requires you to have a party of a minimum of four, three sources of light, and appropriate footwear. This cave has a lot of formations and you don't have to get very muddy. The stairs going down the sinkhole to the cave are very steep so use caution. You will be walking through water most of the cave so be prepared for that. I recommend wearing neoprene socks. It is a game changer. I would also bring a dry clean pair of clothes that change into afterwards. Once in the cave for the most part you follow the river and there are some offshoot rooms to explore.

The cave was super cool for what we saw . We are going back as we weren't prepared for the water. Definitely bring extra clothes and shoes ! Changing area is available.

This is a great place to go for a wild caving experience. You must be in groups of at least 4 people and have 3 sources of light and backup batteries for each. There is a building to check in at and a waiver to sign. We spent about 4 hours underground. Most of the walking is in about knee deep water. The cave is around 58 degrees year round so it is a rather chilly hike. Some of the passages are pretty tight, but not too bad. We had a great time exploring this natural wonder.

So much fun!! Perfect temperature in the cave with some chilly water but highly recommend everyone to put this on their to-do-list. Don't forget a change of clothes because you will more than likely be muddy and/or wet!

This is a very unique experience. It's moderately difficult, lots of climbing, in the dark on slippery rocks. Totally worth it!
Make sure you understand the rules before making the trip!

Amazing!!
Definitely bring sturdy shoes/boots with good treads. Water level was occasionally up to our knees. Kids had a blast.

More awesome than I expected. IMHO, this gives a good approximation of the caving experience. We took a scout troop and they went in twice to explore. Not a bad workout either. You can make it relatively low impact or you can make it moderate impact with some traversals.

Amazing experience. Strenuous but very rewarding. We saw salamanders and a variety of fish/shrimp. You will get wet and muddy, I mean wet to your waist at least, some times higher. 10/10 recommend if you like adventuring. We brought glow sticks which was so fun! Bring a change of clothes for when you are done

Great natural cave! Love being able to explore, learn and preserve these beautiful natural wonders. You will get muddy and wet! Enjoy!

Amazing fun. Highly recommended. Be ready for mud and bring a change of clothes.

I still remember our trip to the caverns in 2004 and 2005. Don’t recommend going after a lot of rain because the entry stairs are covered in muck and the mud is so much worse when you get down there. It’s got a lot of man made ladders and bridges and such but it’s a real cave with real dangers. I had to get stitches and still deal with the pain when it rains lol but it’s a memorable experience I recommend to everyone. Take wintermint lifesavers and watch the sparks fly

What an experience! Make sure you have your hardhat, lights, and a knee high waterproof boots and you will travel with ease. Truly an incredible experience.

Beautiful cave . Temperature inside of the cave is perfect. Water wasn’t high . It was fun .

Great family experience. The kids loved it. Bring extra clothes to change into afterwards.

An unforgettable adventure. Can be strenuous. Lots of hiking and climbing. You will get muddy and wet.

Amazing sights and just An amazing experience I recommended bringing old clothing and coming in the dry weeks

Great place to try actual spelunking. Not a good place if someone has any problems walking, knee or foot problems, or not in good shape.

Only open Friday thru Sunday not open on weekdays