MARENGO, Ind. (WDRB) -- It is one business that does not mind the upcoming extreme hot weather. It offers customers relief from the heat as well as a little education.
Marengo Cave, about 35 miles west of Louisville on State Road 64, is a place that attracts about 75,000 visitors each year.
Fifty feet underground they can explore the natural wonders of stalactites and stalagmites. No one knows for sure the true age of these stunning formations. There are also underground pools and waterfalls, and the cave temperature is always a comfortable 52 degrees -- so a light jacket is recommended.
When the thermometer goes up outside, attendance at Marengo Cave also rises.
"I cannot really say we love the heat," said Carol Groves, vice-president of marketing and public relations. "But it is very good for business, a lot of people when they hear the weather forecast for hot weather they think about going into a cave to cool off."
Groves says during the first part of June, attendance was up 20 percent from a year ago.
During the summer, visitors as you would expect dress for the heat in short sleeves. So they often have to visit the gift shop to pick up extra clothing to stay comfortable underground.
"We keep a lot of long sleeves and jackets and hoodies in stock," Groves says, "for people who forgot to get a coat so they will pick up one here -- and that too is good for our business.
With the July 4th holiday only days away and the weather forecast for brutally hot weather, that is a combination for continued strong business at Marengo Cave.
It is one of only four show caves in the state of Indiana. Public tours have been given here since 1883 when the cave was first discovered.
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