Campfires: Buckner Cave (Bloomington)

Event Details

On this Indiana Humanities Campfire, we’ll explore a trail with the Richard Blenz Nature Conservancy near Bloomington. Our journey will take us down a rocky incline and into Buckner Cave, a system of passageways approximately three miles long through the karst topography of Monroe County. We’ll visit the entry room of the cave and learn about the cave’s history and natural features as well as the interaction between musical compositions and the cave’s structure.

The trek will be co-led by University of Indianapolis scholar Kevin McKelvey and a naturalist from the Richard Blenz Nature Conservancy. Along the trail and in the cave, we’ll stop to read short works by nature writers. The trek will conclude with a shared meal and discussion around a campfire.

Your ticket price includes a campfire meal, Upland Brewing Company beers and snacks for the trail, in addition to any entrance or rental fees associated with the trek.

WHERE: Buckner Cave

WHEN: April 27, 2024, 12–4 p.m. EDT

SCHOLAR-FACILITATOR: Kevin McKelvey

TRAIL DIFFICULTY: This will be one of the more rigorous hiking experiences we offer. Attendees will have to fill out waivers beforehand and should sign up for this trek only if they can confidently navigate significantly rocky inclines and uneven surfaces. Safety equipment will be provided.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Because of limited parking spaces on-site, we strongly encourage carpooling. If you can, travel to our trek with a friend!
• A limited number of free tickets are available based on need; please contact Sam Opsahl at sopsahl@indianahumanities.org.
• Depending on the weather, some trails may be wet, so wear shoes that can handle the mud.
• Please bring a reuseable water bottle to take with you on the outing.
• We’ll send a final confirmation two days before the event with driving and parking instructions and any other updates.
• In case of inclement weather, Indiana Humanities will cancel the event and alert you via email at least two hours prior to the event start time. If the event is canceled, we’ll offer a refund or a ticket to another Campfires event of your choice.
• This event is designed for ages 12 and older.
• Upland Brewing Company beer will be available to attendees 21 and older.
• Refunds are not available after 72 hours in advance (unless Indiana Humanities cancels the event).

ABOUT CAMPFIRES

Indiana Humanities’ award-winning Campfires program pairs nature and literature to spark conversations about Indiana’s future. Something about the combination of wild places, great writing, a warm campfire and cold beer gets Hoosiers talking in fresh and surprising ways about the world around us and our place in it.

ABOUT INDIANA HUMANITIES

Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage Hoosiers to think, read and talk.

Indiana Humanities will make reasonable modifications to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy our programs. If you need an accommodation or have questions about accessibility, please email Sam Opsahl at sopsahl@indianahumanities.org.

Indiana Humanities takes photos and video at its events. These photos and video may appear on the Indiana Humanities website and in promotional materials. Your attendance at this event indicates your consent to have your image photographed and/or videotaped, as well as your permission to be interviewed, if appropriate.