How do you carve limestone? Where are the best places to hike in the stone belt? How do caves form? Why are so many things built with limestone, and how important is that industry to this region?

If you want to know more about Indiana’s official state stone than you already think you do, local experts will fill you in at the Limestone Fest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 17.

Hosted by the Indiana Geological and Water Survey, this free, family-friendly event is bringing together geologists and representatives from other science- and outdoor-related entities to celebrate Limestone Month in Indiana.

Activities will be set up mostly behind the Indiana Geological and Water Survey office, 1001 E. 10th St., in the grassy Northwest Quad on Cottage Grove Avenue. Free parking is available in the neighboring Forrest Avenue garage.

The Indiana Geological and Water Survey’s Learning Lab, celebrating its one-year anniversary in June, also will be open on the first floor of the building. There, visitors can pull open drawers and handle thousands of rock, mineral and fossil specimens that had been mostly inaccessible to the public before the Learning Lab was created.

Outside booths and activities at Limestone Fest will include:

• Indiana Geological and Water Survey scientists teaching about the fossils that make up limestone and the geology of Indiana’s stone belt; pointing out hiking attractions on topographic maps; and offering children’s crafts and games.
• Bloomington Parks and Recreation displaying a karst water model and a 3D-printed cave.
• Sycamore Land Trust teaching about the geology of Monroe County nature preserves and unique flora that favor calcareous soils.
• The Indiana Limestone Institute of America discussing how Indiana limestone is used in buildings.
• Artisan Experience demonstrating basic carving techniques and tools and offering 6-by-6-inch limestone pieces to carve yourself ($25).
• Other presenters.

Visitors who stop by each booth will be eligible to win a prize.