Just more than a three-hour drive from Dayton, and west of Louisville, Harrison County and the surrounding area offer visitors a variety of things to see and do, from exploring caves to getting up close and personal with alpacas and wine tasting to ice cream tasting.
Spelunking 101
Cool air envelopes you and awe-inspiring natural formations surround you as you descend into the caves. This area is home to two unique underground attractions — Marengo Cave and Squire Boone Caverns.
Marengo Cave, which was discovered by two adventurous school children in 1883, has been designated as a United States National Natural Landmark. Rookie spelunkers will quickly learn the difference between stalactites and stalagmites and discover that soda straws aren’t just for slurping down an ice-cold beverage.
Daniel Boone wasn’t the only adventurous one in his family. It was his younger brother Squire Boone who is credited with discovering another well-known Southern Indiana cave in 1790 — now known as Squire Boone Caverns.
As legend has it, Boone escaped a band of hostile Indians by hiding out in the cave and, later, settling on the nearby land with his family. Upon his death in 1815 he was even laid to rest on the property.
A winding river flows through the cave’s massive underground formations and a roaring waterfall forces the guide to raise his voice a bit to share his stories with visitors. If you’re lucky you might even spot an albino crayfish in one of the cavern pools.
History 101
Corydon has been an integral part of Indiana’s history. The Indiana Territory’s capital was moved to Corydon in May 1813 and three years later, 43 delegates met in Corydon to draft the first state constitution. That delegation frequently worked under the shade of a huge elm tree. The trunk of that tree still stands in the historic town and is known as the Constitutional Elm. The first General Assembly met in the Capitol building in November 1816 and Indiana was admitted as the 19th state on Dec. 11, 1816.
While the Capitol moved to Indianapolis in 1825, the historical importance of Corydon remains and is highlighted during the tour of the Capitol and Governor’s Headquarters. Corydon’s downtown area itself is a National Historic District, complete with shopping and dining.
Just minutes from downtown is the site of the Battle of Corydon, the only Civil War battle fought on Indiana soil. The Battle of Corydon Memorial Park marks the site where members of the Harrison County Home Guard attempted to delay General John Hunt Morgan’s Confederate soldiers on July 9, 1863.
Unique dining
Owner Desiree Thayer has made The Green Door a Corydon dinner destination. Using as many locally grown and raised ingredients as possible, Thayer and her specialty chefs blend traditional with trendy.
Stephenson’s General Store has been a mainstay in nearby Leavenworth, Ind., for more than a century. Tucked in the back of the general store, which is packed with everything from candy to handmade candles, you will find a small seating area and tasty comfort foods.
If you just need to satisfy your sweet tooth, make a trip to Emery’s Premium Ice Cream in downtown Corydon. Emery’s has been scooping up smiles since the 1950s and the ice cream shop is a blast from the past with a soda fountain, vintage decor and nostalgic candy. Emery’s claims to have the largest display of salt water taffy west of Virginia Beach.
Something for everybody
Animal adventure: Close to 99 percent of the world's approximately three million alpacas are found in Peru, Bolivia and Chile, but you don't need to travel out of the country to see one up close. Alpacas at Flatwood Farms is home to 25 alpacas and their llama "bodyguard" Zack.
Willie Ems once raised cattle, corn and soybeans on the 230-acre farm that has been in his family since the 1850s. When health issues made farming difficult, he decided to raise alpacas. He brought eight alpacas to his New Salisbury farm in 2001. Ems welcomes visitors free of charge by appointment to meet the gentle creatures known for their cashmere-like fleece.
Art class: Zimmerman Art Glass has been a mainstay in Corydon for more than four decades. Kerry Zimmerman is a fourth-generation glass artist who learned the trade from his father, Joe Zimmerman. All the pieces are handmade using the techniques Kerry learned from his father and grandfather. Visitors can watch the glass artist in action at his studio near downtown Corydon.
Fruit of the vine: Mom and dad might want to schedule a side trip to one or more of the areas four wineries — Grateful Goat, Indian Creek, Scout Mountain and Turtle Run. Most offer tours and free tastings. There are also special events, music, picnic areas and shops.
Play time: The kids might like to try their hand at getting a hole-in-one at Golf Shores Fun Center, which sports both an outdoor course and an indoor Blacklight course as well as an arcade.
The region is also home to hiking, canoeing and a pick-your-own blueberry farm.
Area accommodations include everything from cabins and campgrounds to historic inns and contemporary hotels, so, after a day of exploration and adventure, the family can settle in for some rest and relaxation.
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