Illinois Caverns Field Trip

Objective: The objective of this course is to allow the participant to experience the geology of a limestone cave with many cave features present. The cave tour is self guided.

Illinois Caverns

Illinois Caverns is a small cavern formed in the Lt. Louis Limestone (Paleozoic in age) nearWaterloo, Illinois. The rock was deposited in a marine environment 340 mya. The Columbia-Waterloo area has about 10,000 sinkholes and is often referred to as the ‘Illinoissinkhole plain.’ Below the sinkholes of the area is limestone with many miles of underground pathways and caves dissolved by flowing groundwater.

Illinois Caverns is the second largest cave in Illinois. It contains stalactites, stalagmites, rim stone dams, flowstone and soda straws; most of which are still developing. There is an underground stream which flows through the cave. Year round the temperature of the cave remains at a relatively constant 58 F. There are approximately 3 miles of the passages that can be explored. Bats and salamanders may be found in the cave.

Karst topography with structural features of sinkhole plane around Waterloo, Illinois (figure from Frankie, Grimley, Jacobson, Norby, Panno, and Phillips, ISGS, and Hofmann and Jeffords, Illinois Natural History Survey, 1997)

Column of Illinois Stratigraphy

Instructor notes: (all information subject to change without notice)

IllinoisState Natural Area

4369 G Road, Waterloo, IL 62298, 618-458-6699

.

  • Group leaders are required to read and sign a cave exploration permit before entering the cave. Permits are available at the cave or by contacting the Site Interpreter.
  • Illinois Caverns hours: 4/16-10/14 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; 10/15-4/15 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Leader - call ahead to the park office before you make your trip to verify it is open).
  • Groups must be out of the cave two hours before closing.
  • Groups larger than 25 are required to register in advance.
  • Participants will probably get wet and muddy. There is a changing room to change into dry clothes after caving.
  • There is no lighting in the cave. The trip in the cave takes about 2 hours for middle school students and longer for college students.
  • Middle school children have participated on this field trip with no safety issues known.
  • Instructors should check out the cave for suitability before taking a group.

Park rules:

  • Hard hats with chin straps are required on EVERY spelunker. Bicycle helmets are acceptable.
  • Three working flashlights (REQUIRED), easily carried.
  • You may not disturb or remove any natural, geological, or biological material from the cave or its surroundings. This is IllinoisState law.
  • DO NOT GO past park barricades or past where you can easily fit on main channel of cave stream.

Safety issues.

  • This is a semi dangerous activity (like hiking in difficulty level). The cave is dark and wet. You will be climbing over and under rocks. Some of the surfaces are slippery. Watch where you put your feet; watch what may hit your head.
  • Very rarely, the cave water level rises high rapidly. It also historically goes down rapidly. If you cannot make it out due to rapidly rising water, wait for the water to drain and then hike out. (cave closes when high water is expected).
  • Plan to walk in cool water anywhere from ankle to chest high. Do not swim in water over chest high. Do not swim into previously unexplored areas because you do not know what is ahead of you. Do not drink the water or expose open wounds to the water.
  • Watch for cave features as you walk. You have to correctly find your way back. A correct signal system is to pile three rocks in the correct tunnel marking your way back. Don't disturb anyone else's signals. Do not shine a flashlight into the eyes of approaching groups.
  • You must have three buddies. It is for your protection and theirs. One buddy will stay with you in case of accident and two will go for help. If you want to move in larger groups, it is okay, but never be without your three buddies. Do not switch buddies during the cave exploration.
  • Don't enter any part of the cave that the instructor would not fit into. He/she could not come in if help is necessary.
  • Pack out anything you bring in. Be back at the meeting place at the appointed time. No one wants to come looking for you.
  • Carry water in plastic containers and drink it to prevent dehydration.
  • The cave and water are at about 58 F. Wear enough clothing to prevent hypothermia.