2026 NSS Convention
Hundreds of Caves, Hundreds of Miles
Corydon, IN - July 6 - July 10, 2026
Caving and Activities
Field Trips:
Description:
The all-day Geology Field Trip on Sunday July 5 will begin and end at the Fairgrounds Campground in Corydon and visit multiple local sites in the larger Corydon/Wyandotte vicinity, including going east to New Albany to Falls of the Ohio State Park and then travelling south to Brandenburg, Kentucky. Departure time will be 9:00 AM. Lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring food and drinks in a small cooler that can fit under their seat. We will use modern air-conditioned buses with an on-board restroom. Each bus will have a locally knowledgeable caver geologist as a tour guide. The trip is suitable for teenage children. While a support car will follow each bus, we encourage those with medical or mobility issues to plan for an all-day trip to some remote areas, with travel on both mostly-paved and several unpaved pathways. There is also some modest vertical relief with shorter but sloped pathways.
We will start at the Campground with a trip overview and where the regional base level stream Indian Creek is adjacent to the bus loading area and a stream resurgence of the Binkley Cave system is located. We will then visit the Corydon Crushed Stone Company quarry located a few miles north to see the local stratigraphy and a panoramic view of the heavily karsted Mitchell Plateau, the Chester Escarpment and the Crawford Upland. We will then travel east via I-64 to the Falls of The Ohio State Park to see globally significant Devonian age fossils and the Falls themselves across from downtown Louisville, which are an important navigational challenge now and 250 years ago, with a large lock and dam operation. In route, we will travel up and down the Knobstone Escarpment, a significant regional physiological and stratigraphic feature. We will then travel west to see the panoramic view of the Ohio River valley at Leavenworth and a discussion of the formation of the Ohio River on our way to a short in-cave visit to Wyandotte Cave where we will discuss the geological and historical significance of the cave and the immediate heavily karsted vicinity. The trip then heads west back to Corydon and then south across the Crawford Upland and the Mitchell plain, crossing over the large Binkley Cave system and related sinkhole plain, stopping near an abandoned quarry for a discussion on the vicinity. We will then continue to the south to the Buck Creek/Mauckport Overlook Park for a panoramic view of the ancient deeply incised oxbow and a continued discussion of the formation of the Ohio River valley. Our last stop will be in the riverfront park at Brandenburg, Kentucky to see more of the Ohio River and to visit the Buttermilk Falls, a series of rainfall fed springs at the base of the valley wall and fed by the adjacent sinkhole plain along about a half mile-plus rolling walk on a closed county road. Slated return back to Corydon by about 6:00 PM.
Trip max: 200
Date: Sunday July 5
Fee: $85
Description:
The karst valley in which Wyandotte Cave is located has the richest obligate subterranean fauna in Indiana, with over 30 species of animals recorded. During the field trip we will discuss the work of biologists in the cave, starting with Cope’s 1871 visit, then Blatchley, in 1896 and Bolivar and Jeannel in 1928. Today, Wyandotte Cave is the focus of important conservation management of bats, particularly the endangered Indiana bat. An approximately 2-3 hour cave trip along tourist trails with electric lights will be conducted, no equipment needed (helmets and lights are optional). Upon exiting, other biologically significant caves and other sites will be discussed.
Hosted by: Julian J. Lewis and Wyatt Williams
Trip Max: 25
Date: Tuesday, July 7th
Fee: $14 per person*
*Transportation and food will not be provided for this field trip.
(There are food options in nearby Corydon and Leavenworth
Description:
Join us for a guided trip into Wyandotte Cave located about 15 minutes west of the convention site in Crawford County. This commercial cave is owned by the Indiana DNR and they offer limited trips to the public on weekends. The NSS Convention staff has arranged special tours at discounted rates during the week. The number of trips and group size will be limited. This cave has significant history, Native American use, biology, and geology. It also has huge rooms, narrow passage, and impressive formations and the tour has a very rustic feel. It is a real "caver's cave". The tour typically takes 2+ hours and is all walking but can be strenuous with stairs. Helmets and lights are optional. Reserve your spot now (a total of only 80 spots is being offered initially). You will be able to select a preferred tour day at a later date.
Fee: $14 per person*
*Transportation and food are not provided.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday mornings
Once your day/time are known, directions and carpooling information will be available.
There are food options in nearby Corydon and Leavenworth.
Hosted by Cave Country Canoes and the Louisville Astronomical Society
Description: Get ready for an unforgettable night under the stars with Cave Country Canoes and the Louisville Astronomical Society! Celebrate Indiana’s dark skies with amazing telescopes for viewing, following a relaxing 7 mile paddle (3-5 hrs) on the scenic Blue River. This is a one-of-a-kind experience offering a stunning sunset paddle and views of the Milky Way and beyond!
Guests should bring a headlamp, bug spray, snacks, and something to drink.
Date/Departure Time: Wednesday, July 8th - 5:00- 7:00 pm EDT
(Rain date: Thursday, July 9th - 5:00-7:00 pm EDT)
Location: Meet at 112 W Main St, Milltown, IN 47145 (parking is free)112 West Main St, Milltown, IN 47145, US
Cost: Float + Stargazing (Ages 10+): $35 per person (includes kayak/canoe rental, paddles, life vests)
Stargazing Only (All ages): $15 per person and free for kids under 10 yrs old (sunset around 9:00)
*NOTE: Please RSVP by calling Cave Country Canoes directly (info below). Payment will be collected upon arrival at Cave Country Canoes.
To RSVP or as questions about trip particulars:
(812) 633-4806
https://cavecountrycanoes.com/
Coordinated by Sherri Nail, Manager - Guest Services
Description: The Lost River is one of the finest expressions of karst hydrology in southern Indiana: a base level stream that abandons the surface, travels through a hidden maze of limestone conduits beneath the Mitchell Plain, and returns to daylight near the Indiana Karst Conservancy’s Orangeville Rise. In doing so, it has helped shape an intricate drainage basin within one of the Ohio Valley Region’s iconic karst landscapes.
This tour invites participants to follow that hidden journey from sink to spring, with stops at features such as the sinks of the Lost River, Wesley Chapel Gulf and other significant cave features. We will examine the geologic and hydrologic processes that have shaped the basin, see how those forces remain active today, and discuss the conservation pressures facing this vulnerable watershed.
Bus transportation (non-airconditioned) and sack lunch/drinks will be provided (veg/non-veg options)
Guests should dress comfortably and prepare to do some light hiking ~1 mile and use bug spray to prevent ticks.
Date: Thursday, July 9th
Departure Time: 9:00 am departure - return to High School by 3:00 pm
Departure Location: Meet in front of the High School building near Registration - bus starts loading at 8:30 am and will leave promptly at 9:00 am
Cost: $35/person
*NOTE: Rain or shine - dress accordingly
Coordinated by Matt Selig, Indiana Karst Conservancy President
Special thanks to Cave Country Canoes for providing discounted transportation!
Workshops:
Description:
Discover Vertical Caving is a condensed overview of the equipment and methods required for Single Rope Techniques commonly used for vertical caving. The course begins with a brief powerpoint introducing the student to the terminology, equipment and systems. In the practical portion of this program, experienced vertical caving instructors provide the students with an exciting vertical experience. Students will learn how to rappel with 2 of the most popular descenders. They will also learn how to climb rope with at least 2 different climbing systems. This is a great introductory course to learn or relearn the basics of vertical caving. The course may also help students decide which equipment they might prefer before visiting the vendors and buying their own.
Students need to provide their own helmet, gloves and secure closed toe footwear.
Questions about the workshop can be sent to:
Carl Heitmeyer
Vertical Section chair 2025/2026
cavercarl@aol.com
Max: 24
Dates:
1st Session-Tuesday, July 7th 09:00-12:30
2nd Session-Wednesday, July 8th 09:00-12:30
Fee: $30
Description:
Instructed by Mike Mansur, NSS #26393CL FE CO
2022 Recipient of the NSS Victor A. Schmidt Conservation Award
There are untold numbers of broken cave formations in the world’s caves. The majority of these were caused by human impact, with a small amount resulting from natural causes. We, as cavers and scientists, want to do as much as possible to repair, restore and conserve these damaged resources. The Cave Formation Repair and Restoration Workshop will help train and educate people on techniques and tools that we use to make formation repairs. Day one will be a three-hour classroom training session, with workstations set up to prepare the participants on the use of the tools and techniques that we use to make repairs to broken cave formations. Day two will be a Field Trip to a local cave where the Speleothem Repair Workshop participants will get hands on training repairing broken formations.
Mike Mansur’s book, The Cave Formation Repair Project: Restoring the Beauty of America’s Great Caves, will be used as the textbook for the class. The $30 registration fee includes a signed copy of his book.
Michael C. Mansur
NSS 26393CL FE CO; Director 2025-2028
mmansur@caves.org
Sandia Grotto of the NSS Chair 2020-2025
Cave Formation Repair Project Leader and Founder
Trip Max: 30
Date: Tuesday July 7th, Wednesday July 8th
Fee: $40
Description:
Are you an aspiring cave photographer? Or an avid photographer looking to expand and improve your skills? Then this workshop is for you! We will be visiting a nearby cave that is well decorated that offers a variety of subjects, lighting conditions. World-renowned professional photographer, Dave Bunnell, will lead this workshop and show you some of the techniques he uses. Group will depart from the Harrison County Fairgrounds at 9am on Thursday morning, and be back approximately 3-4 hours later. Sack lunch will be provided.
This workshop will focus on photography using static LED lighting rather than flash units. You can use a cell phone or a standard digital camera but a monopod or tripod are recommended if using the latter. We'll assess color temperature of our sources with a meter. I should have room for up to 4 passengers.
*Note* Carpooling to the cave site is recommended due to somewhat limited parking. There is a short hike through a wooded area to the cave entrance and a minimal amount of crawling/stooping before reaching a large multi-level chamber. Entering the main chamber of the cave generally requires the use of a handline to navigate down a flowstone slope, and cavers who wish to have additional protection on the slope may opt to wear a simple harness with a handled ascender (QAS).
Trip Max: 10 participants
Date: Thursday, July 9th, 2026
Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Fee: $25
Sketching Workshop (Analog and Digital Sketching)
Monday, July 6th
- Classroom Portion: 9:00-Noon (limit 25 participants for each format)
- In-Cave: 1:00-5:00 pm (limited to first 10 people who sign up at 8am for digital and analog formats)
Description: Join us 9AM Monday morning and get an introduction to sketching. The class will be split between digital sketching using Topodroid, and analog sketching using paper and protractor. You can choose to do one or the other. Topodroid students must bring their own device with a stylus running Topodroid 6.3.63-36 or later. If you have prepaid for the Analog class, all tools will be provided. If you have not prepaid, bring a Rite in the Rain All Weather 6 ring binder (No200) and a Roberson Cave Compass V2 (available at cavecompass.com) and 3 pencils. Paper will be provided.
Cost: $0 for Digital and $25 for Analog
Taught by Jason Richards and Jon Zetterberg
Description:
Speleology for Cavers is a full, one-day course. Come learn the difference between strike and the dip, vadose and phreatic, and the birds and the bats. Bring home with you the geologic differences between caves in the Appalachians, the meaning to cavers of Bogli's mixing corrosion, and the difference between the lifestyles of Riparia riparia and Perimyotis subflavus. Experts in Speleology will lecture on Geology, Geochemistry, Karst Hydrology, Biology, and Paleontology. The course will go the full day, cost $55, and includes extensive course notes on a USB drive and lunch. Registration is limited to 40 people.
Steve Stokowski, PG, CPG
NSS#14425 FE
Organizer, Speleology for Cavers
sstokowski@yahoo.com
Trip Max: 40
Date: Monday July 6th
Fee: $55
Description:
Even the most experienced caving teams can encounter unexpected mishaps. Sharpen your technical skills and learn to prevent and overcome problems underground. This hands-on clinic covers a variety of topics including contingency rigging, improvised vertical systems, traveling haul systems, converting a loaded line to lower a person who is stuck on rope, and basic medical considerations. These techniques are all possible with a small caving party using minimal gear that can be carried on caving trips. By preventing and preparing for common caving-related problems, students are empowered to solve common issues they may encounter while caving.
What to expect: After a short introduction, the class will work through SRT system optimization then break into 5 groups to rotate through each of 5 stations, These stations will cover various self-rescue topics including contingency rigging, improvised vertical systems, traveling haul systems, converting a loaded line to lower a person who is stuck on rope, and basic medical considerations.
Prerequisites: Basic vertical competency
Equipment needed: Personal SRT system, helmet, and gloves. Wear clothes that you are comfortable climbing rope in, and closed toed shoes.
Pre-Registration is required and available on our "Register" link
Organized by Stephanie Suen
Contact ssuen@caves.org
Proceeds to benefit NCRC and VTC gear caches
Trip Max: 25
Date: HALF DAY Thursday, July 9, 2026 8AM-12PM
Fee: $26
Other:
Caving During Convention:
The Junior Speleological Society (JSS) is for youth 7 to 17 years old. Chris Landis and his team will facilitate fun adventures all week for the kids.
See his Letter to the Parents here
Adult volunteers are needed and appreciated! Please email mudandogs@gmail.com if you have a few hours or a day to chaperone and/or assist.
Adult family members of JSS participants are encouraged to participate in all JSS events
Description:
For all sketchers that want a fun activity where you can practice your skills, learn something (really!!), meet and chat with other sketchers, AND compete to have your sketch be part of a NEW map of a great Indiana Cave, this contest is for you!!
RULES:
5-8 stations will be marked for you in the cave. The last station will be flagged as “the last station”. The goal will be to draw a detailed sketch on standard grid paper. You will also be required to fill out a title sheet. Please SIGN IN to the sign up sheet in the Cartography Salon area (catwalk above the Vendor area), and take ONE bag of paper sheets. The data will already be written on the back of the title sheet. After you survey and you have finished your sketch with all the labels and symbols and title sheet, please place the notes back in the bag, and drop it off in the “SKETCHING CONTEST BOX” in the Cartography Salon area, then SIGN OUT with the time. Digital sketching equipment may be used – Entrant is responsible for printing sketches and turning in hard copies to the contest.
CAVE LOCATION/INFORMATION:
The cave is about 20 minutes from the convention site, and is titled, Wolf Cave. Directions and other pertinent information will be provided at the sign-up station in the Cartography Area. Please choose a time from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM that you will be at the cave, beginning your survey. The sign-up sheet will prevent a bottleneck inside the cave. Please be considerate if you cross paths with another team. Chatter can be distracting
JUDGING:
Judging will begin Wednesday morning, so all sketches need to be in the SKETCHING CONTEST BOX by Tuesday night, or Wednesday by 9:00 AM. Judging and display will be complete by Wednesday afternoon.
SKETCH CONTEST WINNERS AND DISCUSSION
A meeting will be held Thursday afternoon from 3:00-4:00 pm, in the Cartography Salon area. Everyone’s sketches will be hanging on the wall. Winners will have ribbons next to their sketches! The judges will be present to give their critiques and discuss the results! There are 3 prizes, and everyone gets a Certificate of Participation!
Contest Days:
Monday + Tuesday self-guided in-cave (TBD location) + Thursday 3:00-4:00 pm for judging/discussion/awards
Participant Limit and Cost:
None
Questions? Would like to join but forgot your book?
Contact Marion Ziemons 740-604-0075 or carlotacaver@gmail.com
Sponsored by the Kentucky Speleological Survey, Inc.
Description:
Sign up at Registration - first come, first served
Sessions are free but you must sign up at Registration – deadline is the evening before the class. Limit of 20 people per session. Please bring your own props (mats, etc.)
Max: 20 per session
Dates: Tuesday 8-9, Thursday 8-9
Fee: $0
What is the Caver Co-Op?
The Caver Co-Op provides an opportunity for NSS Convention attendees to buy and sell caving related items. You'll find the Caver Co-Op in the vendor area, and it's open to check in items on Sunday from 12-5 with regular hours beginning Monday for sales and to check in additional merchandise. The Caver Co-Op charges fees on sales with any profit going to the NSS. The fee structure is set to encourage sellers to volunteer at the Caver Co-Op.
*NEW* Caver Co-Op management is undergoing some changes this year, including a shift to online tools for seller applications, volunteering for Co-Op shifts, and more!
Check out https://www.eventeny.com/events/nssconventioncoop-31241/ for more information.
Volunteering
Sign up to volunteer
We encourage you to volunteer. It is fun and you get to hang out with cavers! The Caver Co-Op is only open when there are volunteers to staff it. Any NSS member can volunteer. and you don't need to be buying or selling anything to do so. If you volunteer and sell items then your payout is higher as the commission is lowered for your time. https://www.eventeny.com/events/volunteer/application/?id=15476
What volunteers do
Keep merchandise neat, check that price tags are attached and secure, assist sellers, monitor for pilferage, and report sales on the provided documents.
Volunteer incentives
Sellers who volunteer for 4 or more hours will receive a greater percentage of their sales (see "Commission" below), and 8 or more hours makes a volunteer also eligible for the daily Convention volunteer raffle and a free t-shirt while supplies last.
Selling
CONSIGNOR
You, as a seller, are acting as a consignor, providing items to the CAVER CO-OP to be sold on your behalf.
Seller Form
Check out the online Co-Op Seller application at: https://www.eventeny.com/events/applications/application/?id=9084
Printable Seller Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fASpx1NUxLv4ztmVs7JliOr9YYG52c_N/view
PRICING & LABELING
Sellers are responsible for setting prices, which must be in whole dollars. Prices with cents will be rounded up to the whole dollar when the item is sold. Every item must be labeled with a seller code unique to you and the price (readable and securely attached). Use the seller code of "NSS" to donate the full sales price to the NSS
MERCHANDISE LIST
List the individual items being sold on the Merchandise List (starts on page 2 of the Seller Form).
PAYMENT and COMMISSION
Payment will be made by check to the name provided on this form and mailed to the address indicated on the provided envelope. A commission, which goes to the NSS, is deducted from each sale.
UNSOLD ITEMS & PICKUP
All unsold items must be collected before the posted closing time on Friday. Arrangements for someone else to do the pickup must be made before Friday. Unclaimed items will be considered a donation.
LIABILITY & SECURITY
Volunteers, the NSS, and representatives of the NSS are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
ALLOWED MERCHANDISE
Items must be caving related. No large knives, weapons, and similar dangerous merchandise. Staff may, at their discretion, not accept an item and not sell an item.
Buying
Who can buy?
To make a purchase at the Co-Op, you need to have a Convention registration number.
Payment
Payment is accepted by credit/debit card, check, and cash. Prices are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
Tax and Fees
Sales tax in Indiana is 7% and will be automatically added to each sale. Processing fees apply for card transactions.
Return policy
All sales are final.
Commission
The Caver Co-Op charges fees on sales with any profit going to the NSS. The fee structure is set to encourage sellers to volunteer at the Caver Co-Op. Sellers who volunteer four or more hours receive a reduced 10% commission; otherwise, commission is 20%.
The Caver Storytelling Contest, hosted by Bill Steele, will take place at the campground following the Photo Salons on Thursday evening. The rules are simple: true stories only and there will be a timed five-minute limit. One entry per contestant. A nice prize for the winner.
True, caving-related stories only.
Fellows & New Members Reception - Tuesday, July 7th @ the Harrison Co. Discovery Center (233 N Capitol Avenue Corydon, IN 47112) from 6:30-8:30 pm. NSS Fellows and any new members (NSS# 75240 or higher) are invited to attend. Light refreshments will be provided. Since parking is limited, a free trolley will be running from 6:00-8:30 from the campgrounds to the Discovery Center (or it is half-mile walk on flat terrain).
Keynote Speaker, Genevieve Von Petzinger, will be scheduled to follow at the High School Auditorium at 9:00 pm (open to all Convention attendees)
Monday July 6 and Tuesday July 7 - 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Jr. High Gym at the High School
Description:
The NSS Vertical Rope Climbing Contest is a long-running tradition held annually at the NSS Convention, organized by the NSS Vertical Section. Climbers of every age group can test their skills and equipment for ascending a caving rope using Single Rope Techniques.
Participants can climb in any of the three systems: Knots, Sit-Stand, Mechanical
AGE GROUPS - Male and Female - (12 Years and Under) (13-16) (17-19) (20-29) (30-39)
(40-49) (50-59) (60-69) (70-79) (80-89).
Contestants need to have their own complete systems that will need to meet Vertical Section safety standards. Cost
Free! Walk ins welcome.
Link to Rules & Existing Speed Records: https://verticalsection.caves.org/nh/44/contrule.html
Located in front of the High School (and open for public visitation!)
Come explore CaveSim, a mobile cave cave activity that is free and open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday from 9am to Noon.
CaveSim is a one-of-a-kind hands-on educational cave designed to teach careful caving, cave science, and cave and karst conservation. Developed in 2008 as a training tool for cave search and rescue personnel, CaveSim now features 117 feet of passage on two levels, with more than 90 speleothems, artifacts, cave paintings, and artificial cave biota.
There are no VR goggles or screens; everything inside is physical and interactive. As you crawl through, the CaveSim system tracks how carefully you avoid fragile cave features. Touch a stalactite, artifact, or cave critter, and you may see red
LEDs and hear a buzz. After your trip, you can review your careful-caver score on the computer.
Loaner helmets, lights, and pads are available, or you may bring your own. Stop by to explore, watch others, or learn about CaveSim’s conservation education work.
Want to donate to support CaveSim at this year's NSS Convention? https://www.cavesim.com/support/
Walk the World's Longest Cave!
On display from Tuesday July 7 to Thursday July 9, 2026 in Windell Ag Building
Cave Research Foundation's giant floor map of the425+ mile long Mammoth Cave System will be on display at this year's convention. Assembled from dozens of individual map sheets, this 60 ft x 60 ft (18m x 18m) display, scaled at one inch per 100 feet, represents nearly 70 years of CRF survey work laid out in one place. Find the passages you've explored, trace the connections that made history, and get a perspective on the world's longest cave that no wall map can give you.
SHOW CAVE DISCOUNTS & MORE!
Did you know that several amazing show caves in the area are offering discounted tours and other opportunities for convention attendees who can show their badge?!?
Home of the Monday night Howdy Party Open House! Located in Corydon, IN about 15 minutes away from Convention, Indiana Caverns will offer the following for convention attendees (Monday, July 6th-Sat. July 11th only):
- “Early Bird” Discounted Tours
- $15/adult and $9/children (ages 4-12 yrs)
- Arrive at 8 am to register - tours leave at 8:30 am
- “Regular Hours” Discounted Tours
- $20/adult and $12/children (ages 4-12 yrs)
- The Bat Chaser ride = $11
- The Plunge = $11
Full of interesting history, beautiful formations, and only about 20 min. from the Convention.
Half price tickets for Convention attendees (show your badge!)
A U.S. National Natural Landmark, about 30 minutes drive from the Convention.
Half price tickets for Convention attendees (show your badge!)
Enjoy a peaceful cruise on a large underground river, see blindfish, and mine for gems (about 1 hr 20 minutes north of Convention)
Tour Tickets = $10/adult and $5 youth (up to age 15) - show your badge
POST-CONVENTION OPEN HOUSE: NATIONAL CAVE MUSEUM + DIAMOND CAVERNS
https://cavemuseum.org/
https://www.diamondcaverns.com/
Saturday July 11 and Sunday July 12 - 9:00-5:00 (central time)
Situated near Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky and approximately an hour and 40 minute drive south of Corydon, this one-of-a-kind museum is home of the rock that became Floyd Collins’ demise and many other amazing pieces of cave history and memorabilia. This is the largest and most complete library of cave-related material in the world. There will be guided tours of the museum, research opportunities, and tours of beautiful Diamond Caverns for convention registrants.
