Indiana's limestone quarries can be a dangerous place during the warm summer months. Trespassing is not uncommon, and injuries, even deaths, can occur when people jump and swim in the open water in quarries like Rooftop Quarry in southern Monroe County.
But there are some Indiana quarries you can safely (and legally) visit:
1. Old State House Quarry
Stone from this very location was used for the present state capitol building, quarried from about 1878 to 1880. You can see it without a scheduled tour by hiking through McCormick's Creek State Park along trail two, a moderate one mile hike that goes through the McCormick's Cove Nature Preserve.
This weekend is the perfect time to go, since the State Parks are offering admission for just 10 cents per person on June 4 and 5.
2. White Rock Park
This privately-owned park in central Indiana has three quarry pools. Admission is $15 per person per day, but for an extra $10 a night you can camp on the grounds as well.
3. Furst Quarry
Bloomington locals may have visited Furst already, but it's worth the drive even if you're not from around here. The 30-acre site has eight quarries. Take a guided tour on Friday, June 17 at 3:00 p.m. Registration and a $10 fee are required in advance.
Interested in quarries?
We took you behind-the scenes to a quarry preserved as it was used during the 1970s, located just west of Bloomington.
Participate in Limestone Month through the beginning of July! Click here for a list of events that includes limestone carving demonstrations, lecture, tours of stone mills and more.