EXPLORE

BY JD DOTSON

CORYDON , INDIANA , a charming town neighboring my childhood home in Lanesville , holds many memories for me growing up . Many of my school field trips were spent exploring Indiana ’ s first state capitol and the fascinating Squire Boone Caverns . Trips to the dentist , grocery store visits , and lazy summers tubing down Indian Creek or Blue River all paint a vivid picture of my connection to this town . Today ’ s adventure began with a delightful stop at KentJava Bar in downtown Corydon . The food , caffeine , and smoothies nourished our bodies , while the live music and local art nourished our souls . It was the perfect start to our day in Corydon !

With some time to spare before our scheduled Squire Boone Caverns tour , we decided to explore the Indiana Caverns Family Adventure Park . This park boasts an array of attractions , including an underground cave boat tour , gemstone mining , pygmy goats , a Plunge adventure , and an escape room . However , the thrill that caught my eye was the Bat Chaser . Indiana ’ s only single rail zip coaster begins with a 50-foot climb , followed by safety checks , strapping in , and a helmet secured tightly . With a firm grip on the handlebars , you ’ re released from the tower for a 600-foot long “ hang glide-like ” zip through the trees . It truly feels like flying through

14 EXTOL | JUNE 2024