Cherney Maribel Caves County Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cherney Maribel Caves County Park is a beautiful attraction located in Manitowoc County, Indiana.


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Summary

The park is known for its unique caves and is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and camping. There are several good reasons to visit the park, including the chance to explore the caves and take in the beautiful natural scenery.

Some of the specific points of interest to see in the park include the Ice Cave, which stays cool year-round, and the Pancake Cave, which features a unique rock formation that resembles a stack of pancakes. The park also offers several hiking trails, including the Ice Age Trail and the Caves Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and allow visitors to explore the area's rich geological history.

One interesting fact about the park is that it is home to over 7 miles of underground cave systems, making it a popular spot for spelunkers and cave enthusiasts. Additionally, the park is situated on the Niagara Escarpment, a geological formation that stretches from New York to Wisconsin and is designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

The best time of year to visit Cherney Maribel Caves County Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park offers a variety of outdoor activities. However, visitors should be aware that the caves can be quite chilly, even in the summer, so it is recommended to bring warm clothing and appropriate footwear.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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