Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is a U.S. National Park in central Kentucky, encompassing portions of Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system known in the world. The official name of the system is the Mammoth-Flint Ridge Cave System for the ridge under which the cave has formed. The park was established as a national park on July 1, 1941. It became a World Heritage Site on October 27, 1981, and an international Biosphere Reserve on September 26, 1990.

The park's 52,835 acres (21,382 ha) are located primarily in Edmonson County, Kentucky, with small areas extending eastward into Hart County and Barren County. It is centered around the Green River, with atributary, the Nolin River, feeding into the Green just inside the park. With over 390 miles (630 km) of passageways it is by far the world's longest known cave system, being well over twice as long as the second-longest cave system, which is South Dakota's Jewel Cave with just over 150 miles (240 km) of known passageways.

Lost River Cave
KENTUCKY'S ONLY UNDERGROUND BOAT TOUR

Lost River Cave has one of the largest cave openings in the Eastern United States. This feature was utilized for shelter by Native Americans as early as 8,000 BC and by early United States settlers in the 19th century as a place for milling using water power of the river. In the 20th century an "Underground Nite Club" was created and operated until the early 1960's. Electricity for this establishment was generated by a turbine driven dynamo. This "Nite Club" dance floor has been restored and steps are underway to renovate the turbine and generator for "green power" demonstration.

A Tour of the Cave and Valley includes a 20-minute Historical River Walk to the Cave opening emphasizing history, geology/hydrology, and folklore; followed by a 20-to-25 minute Boat Tour into the cave. The boat tour enables the visitor to view the large rooms of the cave and its other interesting features. This boat tour uses three boats acquired from Mammoth Cave National Park which were previously used for the Echo River boat ride in Mammoth Cave. 

Kentucky Caverns
KENTUCKY DOWN UNDER 

Visitors will marvel at the beautiful onyx formations found in the underground chambers of Kentucky Caverns. The leisurely cave tour features stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations created by water and time to effect an incredibly beautiful underworld scene. Included as a part of Kentucky Down Under – an Australian themed Animal Park, Kentucky Caverns (formerly Mammoth Onyx Cave) is one of the gems of Kentucky’s "Cave Country."

Although the cave contains some steps, a small group size and leisurely pace accommodates most people. Guides welcome questions and conversation during a 45-minute tour in a comfortable and constant 60°F setting. Kentucky Caverns is open daily, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Please note: Kentucky Caverns is not handicapped accessible.

American Cave Museum
& Hidden River Cave

"A little bit of Smithsonian in rural Kentucky."

The American Cave Museum is a self-guided museum with two floors of exhibits dealing with caves, groundwater and pollution. Guided tours descend 150' underground. Hear the history of Hidden River Cave, why it was closed for 50 years and it's phenomenal recovery. View the remains of a turn of the century hydroelectric system, walk above the Hidden River and witness awe-inspiring chambers

Cave tours last 45-60 minutes and are scheduled upon visitation; roughly 45 minutes apart. Reservations not required. Visitors descend and climb 230 stairs and navigate an outside trail. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

Outlaw Cave
AT KENTUCKY ACTION PARK, CAVE CITY

OUTLAW CAVE offers a 35-minute non-strenuous, guided tour filled with beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and other breath taking formations. Area legend has it that famous outlaws such as Jesse James who roamed this part of the country in 1880, robbing stagecoaches and banks, hid out in OUTLAW CAVE and as well as other area caves. Jesse and his gang would have found this cave ideal as a “hideout” because the natural opening is large enough to ride a horse in. A tour in OUTLAW CAVE is perfect for the whole family, where its short length, few stairs, and affordability makes it easily accessible to all. OUTLAW CAVE offers a lantern tour daily as well as normal tours.

Outlaw Cave is part of Kentucky Action Park and Jesse James Riding Stables, located just minutes off of I-65, Exit 53 on the way to Mammoth Cave National Park. 

Onyx Cave

AT GUNTOWN MOUNTAIN

Onyx Cave is a colorful cave nearly everyone can enjoy. Guided tours are about 30 minutes long, with few steps. The Cave is a cool, comfortable 60 degree temperature, year-round. Beautiful onyx formations can be seen throughout. Tours of Onyx Cave are not strenuous and may be enjoyed by young and old alike, but unfortunately we are not handicapped accessible. Cave tours start often (on demand) and are conducted by very efficient, knowledgeable guides. Bring your camera and save the special memories of your Onyx Cave tour