Near Madison in Jefferson County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Bats of Brough’s Tunnel
Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 13, 2026
1. The Bats of Brough’s Tunnel Marker
This tunnel was originally constructed as a railroad tunnel. Today, it provides a location for vulnerable bats to spend the winter.
Brough’s tunnel was abandoned in the 1850s. Over time, bats used the tunnel for hibernation. Several bat species spend the winter in the tunnel.
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease that affects cave-hibernating bats. It was first found in Indiana in 2011.
WND irritates a bat’s skin. The irritation causes them to wake from hibernation and become active when food sources are limited. Bats are dying of starvation in record numbers.
Did You Know?
Bats feed on insects that are agricultural pests. Scientists have estimated that the loss of bats in North America would cost the agricultural industry more than 3.7 BILLION dollars a year in lost crops.
Erected by Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is April 30, 2011.
Location. 38° 45.648′ N, 85° 25.751′ W. Marker is near Madison, Indiana, in Jefferson County. It is on Trail #5, on the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Ohio River Valley, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Indiana State Parks: the First 100 Years 1916-2016 (approx. half a mile away); Indiana State Parks (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Indiana State Parks (approx. 0.8 miles away); Where are the Deer? (approx. 0.9 miles away); "Works of a Public Nature" (approx. 1.3 miles away); Clifty Inn (approx. 1.4 miles away); IKE Clifty Creek Plant (approx. 1.4 miles away); Stacks of Power (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers
Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 13, 2026
2. The Bats of Brough’s Tunnel Marker
Also see . . . Brough's Folly brochure. (Submitted on June 27, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 13, 2026
3. Brough’s Tunnel Entrance
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 27, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
