Like the rest of our natural resources, caves have a unique beauty all their own. Visiting Illinois Caverns will further the understanding and appreciation of the underground wilderness, and provide an exciting recreational activity. Illinois Caverns offers many different types of formations, wildlife and cave characteristics in one cave. Some of the passages are lofty canyonways with a stream meandering along the bottom, like the Mushroom Passage. Stream passage tributaries like Cascade Canyon and Rimstone River feed the main cave stream.
Wildlife abounds, including several species of bats, salamanders, cave fish and insects.
Notably, an endangered species of amphipod exists in the Illinois Caverns streams. The Illinois Cave Amphipod, gammerus acherondytes, is the subject of an ongoing three-year study to research its existence and survival. The animal resembles a tiny white shrimp, just a couple millimeters long. To obtain a permit to enter Illinois Caverns, each individual must have proper caving equipment, including at the least, three sources of light, hard hats and sturdy footwear. More equipment recommendations can be found below.