cave river tour

Lost River Cave

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Lost River Cave - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sat 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
• (0.76 mi) Staybridge Suites Bowling Green, an IHG Hotel
• (2.86 mi) Hyatt Place Bowling Green
• (3.20 mi) Drury Inn & Suites Bowling Green, KY
• (2.73 mi) Holiday Inn University Plaza-Bowling Green, an IHG Hotel
• (2.46 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites Bowling Green
• (0.08 mi) Slim Chickens
• (0.16 mi) Sonic Drive-In
• (0.13 mi) Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
• (0.21 mi) Providence Coffee House & Market Place
• (0.21 mi) Great Wall Chinese
• (0.27 mi) Big Country Powersports
• (1.86 mi) Conundrum Workshop
• (0.57 mi) Be Happy Yoga and Salt Cave
• (6.59 mi) NCM Motorsports Park
• (2.66 mi) Western Kentucky University

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Alerts in effect, may 5th - may 18th, 2024, may 19th - june 30th, 2024, july 1st - july 31st, august 1st - august 10th, 2024, tour reservations.

Cave tours often sell out during the summer and early fall seasons, and reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot on a tour is available for your party. Please plan accordingly by visiting Recreation.gov or calling 877-444-6777 to secure your tickets in advance. Availability of walk-up tickets is not guaranteed.

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Contact recreation.gov.

By Phone:  (877) 444-6777 TDD (hearing impaired):  (877) 833-6777 Online:   www.recreation.gov Call Center Hours:  9:00 am - 9:00 pm Central Time

Cave Tour Cancellation Policy

Refunds will be processed if you cancel before your tour time and date. There will be $1 per ticket charge regardless the reason for the cancellation. Customers who cancel any tour after the reservation time and date or no-shows will forfeit the tour fee.  For Wild Cave, Introduction to Caving, and Trog tours:

• Cancellations made 10 or more days prior to the Tour Date will be no charge.
• Wild Cave Tour: $12.00
• Introduction to Caving Tour: $6.00
• Trog Tour: $4.00

Descriptions of Cave Tours

Accessible tour ♿, call the visitor center at 270-758-2180 on the day of your visit for availability..

Utilizing the Elevator Entrance, this tour emerges near the famous Snowball Room. Continuing through historic Cleaveland Avenue, this tour passes through areas of the cave highly decorated with historic signatures and sparkling geological formations. This tour is ideal for people who wish to see the cave and are looking for a tour with no stairs. This is an accessible tour. This tour is designed for persons with a disability, limited physical mobility, or any other reason for a tour with no stairs. If no one in your party needs an accessible tour, please consider selecting another tour unless this is the only tour available at the time of your request. Wheelchairs, scooters and other assistive devices are allowed. Accessible restrooms are on this tour.   Participants meet at the visitor center for a caravan in their personal vehicles to drive approximately 2 miles to the elevator entrance. Assistive devices will need to be decontaminated upon exiting the cave to limit the spread of White Nose Syndrome. Please note that no transportation or mobility assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers or canes are available. NPS employees will not transport or assist visitors or visitor equipment. If visitors need assistance with the Park's accessible features, they must bring a companion with them for aid. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  0.5 miles (0.8 km) Total Stairs:  No stairs Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time: 14 Fees:  $27 Adults, $21 Youth, $13.50 Senior Pass Holder, $13.50 Access Pass Holder.  

Mammoth Passage - Not Always Offered.

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by historic and prehistoric people. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour. Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas. Duration:  1.25 hours Distance:  0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs:  135 Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  70 Fees:  $15 Adults, $13 Youth, $7.50 Senior Pass Holder, $7.50 Access Pass Holder

Discovery Tour (Self-Guided) Not Always Offered

This tour is not always offered. Please call the visitor center at 270-758-2180 on the day of your visit to check its availability. This tour is typically offered Memorial Day to Labor day.

There is a fee for this tour. When tickets are sold, the time on the tickets will be the last time you can enter the cave. This tour has designated multiple hours that you can enter the cave, between the time you bought the ticket and the last time being the one displayed on your ticket. Please do not wait until the last minute to use the ticket. Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour requires a ticket, and proceeds into the Historic Entrance. Focusing on early history and prehistory of the cave, this section of cave houses many great artifacts. This tour is ideal for people wanting to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour. Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes. Please Note:  Advance tickets are not available. Duration:  0.5 hours Distance:  0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs:  135 Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time: Unlimited Fees:  $12 Adults, $9 Youth, $6 Senior Pass Holder, $6 Access Pass Holder.

Frozen Niagara Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones, Grand Avenue, Introduction to Caving and Wild Cave Tours. Duration:  1.25 hours Distance:  0.25 miles (0.4 km) Total Stairs:  64, plus an optional 98 Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  34 Fees:  $26 Adults, $22 Youth, $13 Senior Pass Holder, $13 Access Pass Holder.

Domes & Dripstones Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs:  640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96 Difficulty:  Difficult Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  110 Fees:  $30 Adults, $25 Youth, $15 Senior Pass Holder, $15 Access Pass Holder.

Historic Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.   Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  2 miles (3.2 km) Total Stairs:  540, including 155 at Mammoth Dome Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time:  110 Fees:  $24 Adults, $18 Youth, $12 Senior Pass Holder, $12 Access Pass Holder.

Grand Avenue Tour

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends many tall, incredibly steep hills.  Covering a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those wishing for a lengthy, half-day hike inside of the cave.  This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and all of the Domes and Dripstones Tour except for the 280 stairs descending the vertical shafts at the entrance. Duration:  4 hours Distance:  4 miles (6.4 km) Total Stairs:  1521 pluse an optional 96 Difficulty:  Strenuous Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time:  78 Fees:  $42 Adults, $34 Youth, $21 Senior Pass Holder, $21 Access Pass Holder.

Gothic Avenue Tour

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave, and is ideal for people with a high interest in history. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Star Chamber, Historic and Violet City Lantern Tours. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  1.7 miles (2.7 km) Total Stairs:  170 Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  40 Fees:  $23 Adults, $19 Youth, $11.50 Senior Pass Holder, $11.50 Access Pass Holder.  

Extended Historic Tour - Will Be Offered Beginning March 16th, 2024

Enjoy this Historic Tour with a bonus side trip to one of the sites of the famous 1840s Mammoth Cave experiment to treat consumption. This tour is ideal for people who want a Historic Tour and have a little extra time to spend in the cave. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. Duration:  2.25 hours Distance:  2 miles (3.2 km) Total Stairs:  540, including 155 at Mammoth Dome Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time:  60 Fees:  $27 Adults, $21 Youth, $13.50 Senior Pass Holder, $13.50 Access Pass Holder.

Great Onyx Lantern Tour - Will Be Offered Beginning March 16th, 2024

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the site of very important cultural history in the early days of Kentucky cave tourism. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in cave tourism history and unusual rock formations. Please note: this tour is in Great Onyx Cave, which is separate from Mammoth Cave.   This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. Please Note:  This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System. Duration:  2.25 hours Distance:  1 miles (1.6 km) Total Stairs:  82 Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  38 Fees:  $31 Adults, $26 Youth, $15.50 Senior Pass Holder, $15.50 Access Pass Holder.

Violet City Lantern Tour - Will Be Offered Beginning March 16th, 2024

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredibly steep hills on historic dirt trails as you experience the cave in the light of the earliest explorers. This tour is ideal for visitors who like to hike and are wanting a unique way to experience the cave.   This tour requires a short bus ride back to the visitor center from the cave exit. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Mammoth Passage Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. Be prepared, the rugged nature of this tour possesses steep hills, low lighting, uneven terrain and no handrail or electric lighting infrastructure. To preserve the nostalgic nature of this tour, the use of flashlights is prohibited. Duration:  3 hours Distance:  3 miles (4.8 km) Total Stairs:  200 and numerous hills with no handrails. Difficulty:  Difficult Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  38 Fees:  $32 Adults, $27 Youth, $16 Senior Pass Holder, $16 Access Pass Holder.

Star Chamber Lantern Tour - Will Be Offered Beginning March 16th, 2024

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, emerging from the cave in late evening. Focusing on early history of Mammoth Cave, this tour includes a trip into Gothic Avenue. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a unique way to experience the cave and its history. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Gothic Avenue Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. To preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the activity, there is no flashlight use permitted on this tour. Duration:  2.5 hours Distance:  2 miles (3.2 km) Total Stairs:  170 Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  40 Fees:  $30 Adults, $25 Youth, $15 Senior Pass Holder, $15 Access Pass Holder.

Cleaveland Avenue Tour - Not Currently Offered

For nearly two centuries, Cleaveland Avenue has attracted people from all over the world to see its sparkling walls of gypsum and unique tube-shaped passages. Evidence of early visitors can still be seen on the walls and ceiling as you travel Cleaveland Avenue to the Snowball Room. This tour is ideal for people looking for a unique part of Mammoth Cave and an interest in geology and history.  This tour enters the cave by descending nearly 231 stairs and exits the cave via an elevator. In the event the elevator is not available due to unforeseen circumstances, the tour extends its time 30 minutes, retraces the route, and ascends the near 231 stairs back out of the cave. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. Includes all of the Accessible Tour route. Duration:  2 hours - (2½ hours if the elevator is unavailable) Distance:  1 miles (1.6 km) - (2 miles [3.2 km] if the elevator is unavailable) Total Stairs:  231 - (462 if the elevator is unavailable) Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time: 34 Fees:  $30 Adults, $24 Youth, $15 Senior Pass Holder, $15 Access Pass Holder.  

Wondering Woods Tour - Not Currently Offered

Take a leisurely bus ride with a ranger across the park landscape and learn about the communities and people that were once here. After a short bus ride, enjoy a hike in the Tranquil Valley of Wondering Woods. At the end of the hike, a short cave tour awaits you where you'll be surrounded by beautiful cave formation! This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. Please Note:  This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System. Duration:  1.5 hours Distance:  1 miles (1.6 km) Total Stairs:  194 includes 54 being optional Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All Ages Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  30 Fees:  $26 Adults, $22 Youth, $13 Senior Pass Holder, $13 Access Pass Holder.

River Styx Cave Tour - Not Currently Offered

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology.  Please use extra caution when visiting the river level. To access this section of the cave the tour leaves modern tour trail to uneven terrain that may be wet, muddy, and/or slick. The tour route travels next to bodies of water, some of which can be very deep depending on river levels. Viewing of this area will also be conducted with electric lanterns and not the modern lighting system on the rest of the route. This tour covers the entire Historic Tour route. Limited sections of the Star Chamber, Violet City Lantern and Mammoth Passage are also seen. Duration:  2.5 hours Distance:  2.5 miles (4 km) Total Stairs:  Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome. Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  6 year and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time: 40 Fees:  $26 Adults, $20 Youth, $13 Senior Pass Holder, $13 Access Pass Holder.

Wild Cave Tour -  Not Currently Offered

Introduction to caving - not currently offered, trog tour - not currently offered, wild cave and introduction to caving crawling tour requirements.

Boot tread must be a minimum of 1/4 inch in depth, and boot height must be sturdy and cover the ankle bone completely. You will not be able to participate if your footwear does not meet safety requirements. There will be no refunds or ticket exchanges for not having the proper footwear.

Learn more about the special requirements for crawling tours in the informational video below.

Embed video.

The Willd Cave and Introduction to Caving Tours are the most extreme cave tours offered at Mammoth Cave National Park. Learn what to expect and what to wear for these challenging crawling adventures.

Tour Route Photo Galleries

2 hours | 2 miles (3.2 km) | 540 stairs

2.25 hours | 2 miles (3.2 km) | 540 stairs

2.5 hours | 2.5 miles (4 km) | 600 stairs

2 hours | 1 miles (1.6 km) | 160 stairs

1.25 hours | 0.75 miles (1.2 km) | 135 stairs

0.5 hours | 0.75 miles (1.2 km) | 130 stairs

1.25 hours | 0.25 miles (0.4 km) | 64 stairs, optional 98 stairs

2 hours | 0.75 miles (1.2 km) | 638 stairs

1.5 hours | 1 mile (1.6km) | 140 stairs, optional 54

2.25 hours | 1 mile (1.6 km) | 82 stairs

2 hours | 1/2 mile (0.8 km)

3.5 hours | 1 mile | 300 stairs

2 hours 45 minutes | 1 1/2 miles | 200 stairs

Other Cave Tours

Mammoth Cave offers numerous cave tours throughout the year. The selection of tours changes seasonally and with staffing availability. You can read descriptions and learn more about these other cave tours before planning your trip to the park. Check back with our cave tour schedule or park calendar to see future offerings of these other cave tours.

Last updated: April 25, 2024

Beyond the Cave

Park footer, contact info, mailing address:.

P.O. Box 7 Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007

270 758-2180

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Tour Information & Tickets

Have you ever seen the sun set 150 feet underground?

Once you enter the massive cave mouth, you’ll pass through the drip line and over Thomas Platform. You will walk across the suspension bridge, through gaping passageways, and under high arching ceilings. The guided hour-long tour of Hidden River Cave ends at the climactic Sunset Dome, naturally highlighted in the beautiful orange and yellows of the sunset. Join us to hear how the cave is embedded in the history of the local city and the Kentucky Cave Country as well as see unique wildlife that live in the challenging underground environment.

Reservations are available but are not required for public, guided cave tours and include a tour of the American Cave Museum at no extra charge. The museum is open daily and tours are scheduled each hour.

Our off-trail cave adventure tours require at least 48-hour advance reservation. Sturdy boots and well-fitting, warm clothing are required. Knee pads are strongly advised. Helmets and headlamps are provided free of charge. We hope you don’t mind getting wet or dirty! Our off-trail adventures are not for the faint of heart.

American Cave Museum Tour (self-guided)

Museum Entry (all ages) – FREE

Duration: Self-guided, usually takes less than 1 hour.

About: As you wander this unique museum and take a quick elevator ride to the cave’s observation deck, you’ll learn about the Karst geology, groundwater quality, the history of caving, archeological discoveries, cave wildlife, and cave formations.

Your admission also allows you to explore the nature area down to the cave entrance.Reservations are not necessary.

Click to learn more about our museum .

Guided Cave Tour

• Adult (ages 15+) – $25
• Child (ages 6-14) – $12
• Child (ages 5 and under) – FREE
• Active Military – FREE  (must have a valid ID)

Duration: 1 hour (can run 75 minutes based on group size)

About: Guided walking tour of Hidden River Cave on man-made walkways, stairs*, and the world’s longest in-cave swinging bridge

*Please be aware, t he cave tour travels down approximately 230 stairs to a landing. There are additional stairs to the bridge and up into Sunset Dome for a total of 325 steps (one way). We do take our time so that you can enjoy the tour and take breaks as needed on the way back up. The cave tour is not handicapped accessible.

Reservations are not necessary.

Off-Trail Cave Adventure Tour

2-person minimum per tour (ages 10+)*

$53 per person for groups of 2-19 $43 per person for groups of 20 or more

Duration: 3 – 4 Hours

About: A perfect introduction to wild off-trail caving! Be prepared to get muddy as you explore on your hands and knees. You’ll see our cave as few have seen it before. This is a guided tour and includes, walking, crawling and scrambling over rocks.

Know before you go:

• Boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes are required
• Wear warm clothes, suitable for getting muddy
• Knee pads suggested for crawling over rocks
• Change of clothes suggested

We Provide:

*We may also be able to tailor this tour to fit your specific needs or to suit younger children. Please call us at (270) 786-1466 to discuss.

Reservations Required.

Educational, Group Tours & Special Events

Educational Tours: Hidden River Cave and the American Cave Museum are proud to offer educational programs for students of all ages, scouts, summer camps and youth groups. Please visit our “Teacher Info.” page for program descriptions.

Tours can be tailored to meet your specific needs and can include topics such as karst geology, archaeology, fossils, water quality and cave life.

To schedule or inquire about program availability, please contact Annie Holt, our Education Coordinator at (270) 786-1466 or email: [email protected]

Group Tours: We are also happy to accommodate your group. Group visits include a guided cave tour into Hidden River Cave and admission to the museum. Group rates are extended to parties of 10 or more people. In order to qualify, all tickets must be purchased collectively. The group tour escort and driver receive complimentary admission.

Please call: (270) 786-1466 to schedule your group tour.

Special Events: If you would like to have an event at the museum or cave, please call: (270) 786-1466 to discuss your needs.

Join the American Cave Conservation Association (ACCA)!

Hidden River Cave and the American Cave Museum are operated by the nonprofit American Cave Conservation Association (ACCA). Donations and membership dues help support our educational programs and operations at the American Cave Museum and also allow us to sponsor conservation efforts that directly protect and preserve caves and groundwater resources nationally.

Annual and monthly memberships are available for your convenience.

Clicking the join or donate buttons below will take you to our secure membership portal.

Membership Benefits

ACCA members are part of a special group working to preserve one of the most unusual environments on Earth. Your support truly makes a difference.

* Regular Membership ($25) Benefits Include:

• FREE admission to the American Cave Museum
• 20% discount on Hidden River Cave tours and Gift Shop items for Member & Guests
• Discounted rates for special exhibitions or events through our affiliation with the Southeastern Museums Conference - for more information, please visit: https://www.semcdirect.net/SERM-Participants
• Reciprocal admission to over 60 museums in the Southeast USA
• Subscription to our quarterly newsletter ACCA News
• voting privileges for election of ACCA Board of Directors
• Opportunities to participate in volunteer projects and educational workshops hosted by the ACCA
• More importantly, you will receive the opportunity to help conserve the fragile and irreplaceable natural caverns and karst areas located throughout America.

* Supporter Membership ($50) All Regular Membership benefits plus FREE Hidden River Cave tour admission for 1 Member

* Sustainer Membership ($100) All Regular Membership benefits plus FREE Hidden River Cave tour admission for 1 Member and 1 Guest

* Guarantor Membership ($250), Benefactor Membership ($500), Patron Membership ($1,000), Life Membership All Regular Membership benefits plus FREE Hidden River Cave tour admission for 1 Member and up to 4 Guests

*Our reservation system does not currently provide a way to include member discounts for tour reservations. If you are a member, please call us at (270) 786-1466 to book your tour. Alternately, you can present your membership card when you arrive.

Please visit the American Cave Conservation Association website for additional donation options and gift membership information.

You can also mail a check or money order (U.S. Funds only) payable to: American Cave Conservation Association • P.O. Box 409 • Horse Cave, KY 42749

Hidden River Cave & The American Cave Museum are operated by the American Cave Conservation Association,

A National 501 (c) 3 Nonprofit Organization.

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Lost River Cave, the underground cave boat tour in Kentucky

by Trey Copeland | Last updated Apr 11, 2024

Lost River Cave is a 72 acre park right in the middle of Bowling Green that features a natural cave, hiking trails, river, beautiful rock formations and more. There is a 20 acre prairie that is currently being restored to its natural state including native grasses and flowers to promote natural habitat for our local wildlife.

Living in Kentucky, we’ve seen our fair share of caves, rivers and sink holes. We live on one of the largest karst systems and close to the nearby Mammoth Cave , the worlds longest cave system with 426 miles of known passageways.

If you have a scheduled boat tour, then I suggest you get to Lost River Cave at least 20 minutes early to check in and walk down to the cave. The tour is typically on time and they will begin the tour without you. We were a couple minutes behind and they had already began the tour telling the history of the cave.

Speaking of cave history, this cave is about 700,000 years old and has been used for many different purposes over the years. Jesse James even hid out in the cave while on the run from his Russellville Kentucky bank robbery .

The cave was used by Native Americans in the 1700s for shelter and water. It was also used as a popular night club in the 1900s. A mill was built on site to generate electricity for lights in the club at the cave entrance.

The underground boat tour is a 45 minute tour where you follow along with a guide that provides a history lesson of the cave before entering. They are very knowledgeable about the cave and provide a lot of interesting facts.

The first 20 minutes is the walk along the rivers edge telling about Kentucky’s limestone formations and cave history. The massive entrance to the cave is where you will board the large flat bottom boat underground and take the rest of the 25 minutes to float in the 4-5 foot deep water exploring the natural formations of the cave.

If you have infants and children, you must wear the provided life jackets while on the boat.

Once your loaded on the boat, the tour begins.

The first formation you come to is a large limestone rock right above your head. You actually have to duck your head really far down, otherwise your head will hit it. It’s actually very dangerous and people hit their head often. You don’t want to come out with a bruise on your forehead!

Once you’ve passed the large overhead rock, you can sit up and the tour guide shines a flashlight at all the different stalactites and formations. They have named many of them. Some look like a hot dog and some look like a dinosaur t-rex.

At the back of the cave, the park has dammed it so that the tours can happen. If they did not dam the cave, then the water level would be too low for tours to happen.

This is where the boat parks for a few minutes to let you see the back of the cave and then it turns around and heads back out. It’s a pretty quick but you get to learn so much.

The Lost River Cave park has many other things to do besides the boat including a butterfly habitat where you can see all different species such as the Monarch, Painted Lady and the Red Admiral.

There’s a two mile nature trail that offers a gorgeous hike along the park. You can see Civil War history houses, blue holes and a natural spring. There are plenty of photo taking opportunities on the walk. During the Fall season, they host a Scarecrow Walk where different sponsors and local companies decorate scarecrows.

The Gem Mining is always a favorite with the kids. You can also visit the gift shop before you leave and pick up a wide variety of Lost River apparel that helps support the mission of the organization.

Below is a video of Lost River Cave underground boat tour that I filmed on our visit:

Lost River Cave contact information and pricing

2818 Nashville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101

270-393-0077

Cost – $23.95 for adults, $16.95 for youth, $5.95 for 3 and under

Open 7 days a week

For more information visit https://www.lostrivercave.org/

Tips for visiting Lost River Cave

• The cave is a steady 57 degrees, so bring a light jacket if you get cold easily.
• No pets are allowed on the boat, so leave them at home.
• Tours sell out quickly, so either book online or get there early to purchase tickets.
• If there has been a lot of rain in the area, the boat tour could be cancelled due to water level so check before you leave.
• The hiking trails are free to explore, so if you miss a boat tour, you can still get out and stretch your legs.

We also have lots of other things to do in Bowling Green , so make sure to check out our guide.

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One of the best things to do in Bowling Green. Who doesn’t want to go inside a cave on a boat? Make sure to watch your head though, you might come out with a bruise.

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Trey Copeland

Founder & Editor

Hello folks! I’m Trey Copeland, founder and editor of Stay Bluegrass, along with my wife Kaci. We’ve been fortunate to travel to many countries such as Mexico and Costa Rica, but our true roots remain here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Bluegrass State.

Our goal is to help you live like a local while traveling and exploring the great state of Kentucky. We want to help you find the best places to eat, the must see and do attractions and more.

Hey! I'm Trey

I live in Owensboro, Kentucky and have traveled around the Bluegrass state with my wife Kaci.

Read more about us

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Things To Do In Bowling Green, Kentucky: Tourist Attractions, Places To Eat

Are you traveling to Bowling Green and looking for something to do? There's Mammoth Cave not far away, Lost River Cave, The Corvette Museum and tons of places to eat. If you are coming this way and not sure what to do, here are the things you must do while in Bowling...

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Reservations are REQUIRED. Please call ahead for tour availablity @ 610-838-8767 or book online

• Only $11 for Kids 3-12 Years Old!

Lost River Caverns Tour

Quick Details

• Users Ages: All Ages
• Hour Glass Duration: 30-45 Min
• Tag Type of Tour: Walking Tour

Reservations are REQUIRED!

Nature’s Underground Wonderland

Come with us on an adventure through Lost River Caverns, nature’s underground wonderland. A guided walking tour lasting 30 to 45 minutes covers approximately 1200 feet of paved walkways that are well lighted. Several ramps and eight steps (traversed in both directions) must be negotiated and nature as usual, did not allow us create a handicapped accessible tour. The temperature in the caverns is a constant 52 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius) so a sweater or jacket is advisable and the walkways are often wet so walking shoes are also advised. Bring your camera too! There’s a lot to discover in this underground wonderland where the Lost River flows.

What to Know

Masks are no longer universally recommended. You may choose to wear one based on personal preference, informed by personal risk.

• The cavern and gift shop/visitors’ center are NOT wheelchair or stroller accessible. Front baby carriers are permitted. Back baby carriers are NOT permitted.
• The following items are NOT permitted in the cavern: backpacks, oversized bags, strollers, walking sticks, umbrellas, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, video cameras, food and beverages.
• Pets are NOT allowed in the cavern or gift shop/visitors’ center. Please do NOT leave pets unattended in hot cars.
• Parking is limited. If the parking lot in front of the building is full, please park directly across the street in our Picnic Grove.

River Styx Tour

Mammoth Cave National Park Tours

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology.  (Age limit: 6 years and over)

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

All tours begin at the Visitor Center. Tickets must be picked up 30 minutes prior to tour time. No refunds for no shows or late arrivals.

Low light in river passage. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s Historic Entrance. If you have a fear of heights or suffer from claustrophobia this tour is not recommended. Visitors with known heart or respiratory conditions, poor circulation, difficulty walking long distances, negotiating stairs, or walking in a crouched positioned should carefully consider their limitations. Evacuation from the cave to a hospital for medical attention could take several hours.

Mammoth Cave National Park is located in the central time zone and observes daylight savings time.

Note: Do not rely exclusively on your mobile GPS, Google Maps, or similar automated navigation systems to get to the park Visitor Center in time for your cave tour. Routes can be misleading and incorrect. Directions from the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center. Directions from the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park. Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway; turn left. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.

Age limit for this is 6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older on all tours. Interagency Senior and Interagency Access ticket pricing applies to Interagency Senior and Interagency Access Pass holders only. The Interagency Annual Pass is NOT accepted for tours or camping.

Mammoth Cave may not offer the River Styx Tour year-round. Please check the current program schedule.

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Cave River Valley: The Enchanting Natural Area Located Near This Indiana State Park

How to describe Cave River Valley Natural Area  in one word? ENCHANTING! Glistening streams, dark caves and deep ravines are enrobed in a verdant array of ferns, mosses, trees and plants. A truly unique adventure awaits in this unique area located near  Spring Mill State Park !

Walk downhill from the parking lot into the deep valley opening, alive with light and greenness and dancing butterflies.  The area was a “pioneer Shangri-La” in the 1800’s and into the 1900’s. Dances, picnicking trout fishing and boat tours of River Cave were common activities. Water from River Cave was harnessed to grind cornmeal and make whiskey and apple cider. Remnants of past glory remain, and plans for the property continue to evolve.

The stream from River Cave cascades past ferns, moss-covered boulders and lush hillsides into the valley.  Take the ridge trail between two ravines, past Bear Cave and out to Lover’s Leap for a panoramic view of the area. Then make your way to an adventure in Endless Cave.

Endless Cave, 6903 feet long, is a hibernaculum for the federally and state endangered Indiana bat ( Myotis sodalist ). The exhilarating experience of life in a cave – water lapping against rock formations thousands of years old, bats flying by, the complete darkness – reminds me just how delicate and precious life is on this lush little planet. The delight of the cool 54-degree cave environment after a summer hike is well worth the preparation to gain access to the cave.

DNR partnered with  Indiana Karst Conservancy to develop visitor permits for Endless and River Caves. There is a four day lead time to get a permit. The park also schedules periodic cave tours. Access is closed in winter due to WNS. WNS, a fungus which disturbs the bats’ sleep cycle, awakens bats in winter and depletes fat reserves which kills them.

This region of Indiana, the Mitchell Karst Plain, is “two landscapes – one seen, one unseen” wrote Division of Nature Preserves biologists Michael A. Homoya and Hank Huffman. Sinkholes on the surface funnel water and nutrients into caves and the limestone bedrock below. The 316-acre Cave River Valley Natural Area became part of Spring Mill State Park in 2009 through the work of The Nature Conservancy.

The property is managed by the park in partnership with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’s Division of Nature Preserves and the Indiana Karst Conservancy .  IDNR Division of Fish & Wildlife , the U.S. Fish & Wildlife service and the Indiana Karst Conservancy survey and monitor bat populations in the caves. Spring Mill State Park naturalist Wyatt Williams calls the park “my favorite little spot on the planet.” After a day at Cave River Valley, I’m in love with this park all over again! See more pictures from my adventure below.

Indiana State Nature Passport

There are over 59 destinations on the Indiana State Nature Passport! Check-in and explore participating locations throughout the state to earn great prizes! The more you visit, the more you win.  This program is 100% free, but property entrance fees apply when you visit.  Learn More.

Looking for more fun things to do in Indiana? There is always something new on the Indiana Insider Blog , and make sure you  subscribe to our monthly emails  for Festivals, Events, Things to Do and Discounts around the Hoosier State each month.  Visit here to subscribe.

Marilyn Culler

Marilyn Culler is a nature writer/photographer living in Putnam County, Indiana. She works with the Media Fellows Program at DePauw University, is a member of Hoosier Outdoor Writers and currently serves on the Indiana State Police Board.

[email protected]

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Get Ready to Take an Unforgettable Adventure! Take a Boat Ride Underground!

You have never seen, heard, or done anything like this before…, listed in the guinness book of records.

Your Lost Sea adventure begins with a guided tour of the caverns. This involves a ¾ mile round-trip walk on wide sloping pathways. While touring the caverns and underground lake our guides will tell of the cavern’s exciting and colorful history. They will also explain the fascinating geological development of the immense cavern rooms and rare formations. At the bottom of the cave you will take a boat ride on The Lost Sea, America’s Largest Underground Lake.

We are open every day of the year for tours (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). The tour takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Either before or after your tour you might want to visit the Lost Sea Village where we have several shops.  Or take a walk on our self-guided Nature Trail. The gift shops in the Village are open seasonally.

We also host a Wild Cave Tour for organizations such as Schools, Camps, Churches, and Scouts. Check out our web site, and come visit us soon!

  Hours Of Operation (Lost Sea is located in the Eastern Time Zone)

Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater on Hwy. 68, just seven miles off I-75, exit #60.

Lost Sea 140 Lost Sea Road Sweetwater, TN 37874 (423) 333-2289

Ticket Prices

Adult: $26.95 Child: $15.95 (ages 4-12). Children 3 and under are free.

Buy Tickets! Group rates available for groups of 25 or more:

Click Here Educational rates for school groups of 15 or more:

Click Here Flashlight Tour Rates for groups of 25 or more:

Click Here Wild Cave Tour Hours & Rates:

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Family | Travel | Adventures

Cave Kayaking and Boat Tours in Red River Gorge

• January 20, 2024
• In Kentucky

Are you thinking about cave kayaking in Red River Gorge? We’ve got you covered!

Kayaking is such a fun, family-friendly activity. But cave kayaking is really cool. Literally!

We visited the Gorge Underground when we were in Red River Gorge and had a great time learning about the abandoned mine and exploring the five miles of tunnels. They offer several ways to explore the cave, including kayaking on clear boats and a fun boat tour, where you don’t have to work at all.

The guide below shares everything you can expect about kayaking through the cave at Red River Gorge and also taking a boat tour. We think this unique activity is worth doing. So, let’s jump in! (But not really, because that water is cold!)

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Underground Kayaking in Kentucky

The best place to go cave kayaking in Kentucky is the Gorge Underground in Red River Gorge. This abandoned mine is filled with 5 miles of tunnels filled with water, making it the perfect place to go kayaking, SUPing, or even taking a boat tour.

As one of the best things to do in Red River Gorge , you’ll want to plan a few hours out of your day to explore the mine with a guide, whether on a kayak or a group boat tour. It’s a fun, family-friendly activity and is a unique experience you can’t get anywhere else.

Location of the Gorge Underground Boat and Kayak Tours

Gorge Underground is in the Red River Gorge area of Kentucky. It’s not far from Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the many fun things to do there.

Some of the cave kayaking tours are run by SUP Kentucky. They are also at the same mine, but you’ll drive to another area in the parking lot. Follow the signs.

History of the Mine Cave in Red River Gorge

The Gorge Underground was originally a limestone mine that was first dug out in the 1890s. It was abandoned in the mid-1980s when a miner hit an underground aquifer. You can still see where the water flows into the mine today.

The abandoned mine sat for about 30 years until it opened as a tourist location. Lights were placed throughout the cave so guides could navigate the tunnels. Otherwise, it would be pitch black inside!

Who Can Go Cave Kayaking in Red River Gorge?

As with many boat and kayak tours, there are both age and weight restrictions for safety.

Age minimums:

• Children must be a minimum of 5 years old to participate in cave kayaking.
• Children 5-8 years old cannot paddle their own boat and must sit with an adult in a tandem boat.
• Children over 9 can paddle their own kayaks
• Children must be a minimum of 3 years old to go on the Classic Boat Tour

Weight Limits:

• Classic kayaks require a max weight of 300 lbs in a single kayak and 475 lbs in a double/tandem kayak
• Crystal kayaks require a max of 275 lbs in a single kayak and 400 lbs in a tandem/double kayak

Kayak Cave Tour & Boat Tour Options

At the Gorge Underground in Kentucky, you have a few options for your kayak tour.

Visitor Tip: Every tour takes place at the Gorge Underground mine. However, the Crystal Kayak tours are run by SUP Kentucky and are at a different entrance. The parking lot signs will direct you where to go.

Classic Kayak Tour

The most affordable and shortest kayak tour at Gorge Underground is the Classic Kayak Tour. This one-hour guided tour will take you through the abandoned mine as your guide points out features like fossils, the aquifer, and abandoned equipment. There is a max of 12 people per group.

Crystal Kayak Tour: Guided

The Crystal Kayak Tour is very popular due to the colorful kayaks and clear bottoms. The tour is guided and lasts 1.5 hours. The kayaks are lit by LEDs and give you the opportunity to see into the waters beneath you. There is a max of 8 people per group.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SUP Kentucky (@supkentucky)

Crystal Kayak Tour: Unguided

Do you want the opportunity to explore the underground mine on your own? The Crystal Kayak Unguided Tour is the best option for you. You’ll have two hours to take your time to see the trout, look for bats, and explore the 5 miles of tunnels inside the cave. This is perfect if you’re with a small group, as they only allow a max of 4 people out for each tour.

Classic Boat Tour

This is the best option for those who want to see the mine but don’t want to kayak. It’s also perfect if you are visiting with a young child, as children 3 and up are allowed on the boat tour.

The Classic Boat Tour is a guided, hour-long tour that explains the history of the mine and shows off some of the unique things to see inside.

Best Clothing and Gear For a Cave Kayak and Boat Tour

Clothing you should wear while kayaking in a cave.

The cave is 52° year-round, and with no sun, can feel very cold. The water temp is around 40°, so you’ll want to dress warmly and in clothing that you won’t mind getting wet (due to the occasional cave kiss).

We recommend the following for your cave kayaking tour:

• Long, warm pants
• Long-sleeved shirt and a zip-up hoody or jacket
• Extra socks ( No shoes are allowed on crystal kayaks ) or these neoprene socks are a good option.
• Shoes for the classic kayak tour
• Gloves (winter kayaking gloves are a good option)

For your cave kayaking tour, you will be provided with the following for safety:

• Personal Flotation Device
• Children under 12 will receive a life vest

Clothing You Should Wear For the Underground Boat Tour

Because the cave is 52° year-round, no matter what the weather is outside, you’ll want to dress warmly inside. Long pants, socks, shoes (your toes will get cold in sandals), and a sweatshirt are all recommended.

For your boat tour, you will be provided with the following for safety:

• Personal Flotation Device / Cushion

What To Expect When Cave Kayaking in Red River Gorge

Mine conditions.

Inside the cave, the tunnels are 60 feet in width and about 30 feet in height. The waters are always calm since there is no wind or waves inside. It is also 52° year-round, and the water temperature is around 40°.

They recommend arriving 15- 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time. This will allow the guides to provide you with the equipment you’ll need and go over any safety information.

If you are taking the Classic Kayak Tour, you’ll enter through the Gorge Underground Gift Shop.

The Crystal Kayak Tours start at a different location, towards the back of the parking lot. You will have to walk a short distance with your guide to the water.

On the Kayak Cave Tour

Your guide will take you through the abandoned mine and point out interesting features like abandoned equipment and fossils. You should also see the many trout swimming through the waters and an occasional bat.

What To Expect On a Boat Tour at Gorge Underground

If you opt for a boat tour through the cave versus a kayak tour, your experience will be similar to the Class Kayak Tour.

As with the kayak tours, you want to arrive about 15-30 minutes before the start of your tour. After checking in, take the time to look around the gift shop and pick up a souvenir.

We waited out back on the small covered porch. There, you can feel the cool air from the mine. Many guests waiting with us bought sweatshirts to make sure they were warm while on the tour.

On the Boat Tour

Your guide will take you through a large area of the mine while explaining its history and answering any questions you might have. You’ll see the water streaming in from the aquifer that flooded the mine, as well as rainbow trout and old mine artifacts.

Common Questions About Gorge Underground

How deep is the water in the mine at red river gorge.

The water in Gorge Underground is about 25-30 feet deep at its deepest points. It can be shallow in areas, so you’ll want to follow your guide and avoid those spots.

Can you kayak Red River Gorge on your own?

SUP Kentucky offers self-guided kayak tours in the Gorge Underground mine. they last two hours.

Where can you kayak through caves in Kentucky?

The best place to kayak through a cave in Kentucky is at the Gorge Underground, an abandoned limestone mine that is filled with water, in Red River Gorge.

Other Things to Do in Red River Gorge

There are so many fun things to do in Red River Gorge , especially if you enjoy outdoor activities. We loved all of the hiking available nearby. And there is also kayaking and boating on the river and lakes close by.

Read It Now. Pin It For Later!

Lauren is the visionary behind Where the Wild Kids Wander. She is a travel enthusiast who lives outside of Philadelphia. For more than a decade, she's been hitting the road, exploring the nooks and crannies of the United States alongside her family. Her passions include visiting big cities and small towns and trekking through nature's trails. She loves sharing those adventures with fellow travelers.

DIAMOND CAVERNS

Discovered 1859 – rediscovered daily, cave – gift & rock shoppe – gem mining, 1900 mammoth cave parkway, park city, ky, 270-749-2233.

For over 160 years Historic Diamond Caverns has offered tours of Kentucky’s most beautiful cave. Intricate drapery deposits line the halls with thousands of stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone deposits throughout the entire tour. Knowledgeable guides explain the unique geology and fascinating history of the cave during the one hour long guided tour. The cave is presented by a state-of-the-art lighting system with modern concrete trails and safety hand railings throughout. Browse the caverns gift shop featuring Kentucky Collection crafts, rocks, minerals, fossils, souvenirs, books and more.

Open year-round. I-65 at Exit 48

http://diamondcaverns.com

ONYX CAVE & ROCK SHOP

93 huckleberry knob road, 270-773-2323, seasonal hours: march through december.

Onyx Cave offers 30-minute cave tours, your underground experience includes views of beautiful cave coral, a wall of cave bacon, and a 40′ tall column. Cave tours are led by experienced, knowledgeable guides that will point out the many cave formations. There are few stairs and the cave stays at a cool 60 degrees year-round! Photography is allowed and encouraged. Browse the Onyx Cave Rock Shop for a variety of minerals, rocks, fossils, jewelry, home décor and paintings by local artists. Don’t forget to purchase bag of gems for gem mining in our unique sluice.

www.onyxcave.com

OUTLAW CAVE

Jesse james riding stables & outlaw cave, 3057 mammoth cave rd, 270-773-2560.

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, hid out in OUTLAW CAVE and as well as other area caves. 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  Jesse James Riding Stables and Mini-Golf. Open Seasonally – For rates or reservations please call 270-773-2560.

CRYSTAL ONYX Cave

Show cave, gift/rock shop, gem panning, picnic area, 425 prewitt’s knob rd, 270-773-3377.

Crystal Onyx offers 2 separate 1 hour, 1/2 mile, unscripted guided tours of one of the regions most beautiful formation filled caves. Focusing on family, fun, education & entertainment. Crystal Onyx is family owned and operated with a unique ‘route 66’ above ground theme. Many photo ops are available with statues & oddities nestled in a secluded woodland setting, high atop the knob. The caves meandering trails have recently been renovated with groomed crushed limestone, new stairs, bridges, handrails and are exceptionally well lit. Reservations are available but not necessary. Crystal Onyx Cave is a seasonal attraction, Trip Advisor calls us Cave City’s #1 Tourist Attraction several years in a row!  I-65 exit 53, 3 miles east, come see us at CRYSTAL ONYX Cave, established in 1960. Open Seasonally –  call 270-773-3377.

www.crystalonyxcaveky.com

HIDDEN RIVER CAVE

Cave – american cave museum – gift shop – gem mining, 119 e main st, horse cave, ky, 270-786-1466.

Guided tours descend 150′ underground. View the remains of a turn of the century hydroelectric system, walk above the Hidden River and witness awe-inspiring chambers. Walk across the longest swinging bridge to see Sunset Dome!

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. The American Cave Museum is a self-guided museum with two floors of exhibits dealing with caves, groundwater and pollution. OPEN YEAR-ROUND

www.hiddenrivercave.com

MAMMOTH CAVE

World’s longest cave – over 400 miles, 270-758-2180.

Mammoth Cave National Park was established to preserve the cave system, including Mammoth Cave, the scenic river valleys of the Green and Nolin rivers, and and hilly karst terrain typical of south central Kentucky. Beneath the sandstone-capped ridges of Mammoth Cave National Park lies the most extensive cave system on earth, with over 400 miles of passageway mapped and surveyed. And yet after 5,000 years of intermittent exploration, the full extent of this water-formed labyrinth remains a mystery. Join us on this journey. You do need advance reservations for Cave Tours. Exit 48 off I-65. Open Year-Round.

http://www.nps.gov/maca

LOST RIVER CAVE

Kentucky’s only underground boat tour, 2818 nashville rd, bowling green, ky, 270-393-0077.

Lost River Cave has one of the largest cave openings in the Eastern United States. The cave has a long rich history including Native American Indians, Civil War encampment, power generation, milling and an “Underground Nite Club”.

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. Open Year-Round – I-65 at Exit 22

www.lostrivercave.org

Red River Gorge Vacations

Real estate, red river gorge underground: cave kayaking & boat tours, classic tours.

Classic Boat Tour

Your journey begins as you descend into the darkness in a custom-built cave boat. With an expert guide at the helm, you'll wind your way through the 100-year-old flooded limestone mine and discover the rich history and hidden secrets of The Gorge Underground.

Adult (Ages 13+) Youth (Ages 3-12)

$50 Mon-Thur, $60 Fri-Sun $25 Mon-Thur, $35 Fri-Sun

• 20 People Max Group Size

Minimum age for children on this tour is 3. For safety, children under 3 years of age are not able to participate.

Classic Kayak Tour

Feeling adventurous? Paddle your way through the mine in a kayak on this unforgettable one-hour tour. Make your way through the darkness as our expert guides lead the way illuminating the unique features of the Gorge Underground.

Adult (Ages 13+) Youth (Ages 5-12)

$55 Mon-Thur, $65 Fri-Sun $55 Mon-Thur, $65 Fri-Sun

• 12 People Max Group Size

Minimum age for children on this tour is 5. For safety, children under 5 years of age are not able to participate.

Deluxe Tours

Crystal Kayak Tour

Prepare to have your mind blown as you explore the Undergound in a deluxe crystal clear kayak! Underwater led lights coupled with these see-through kayaks provide a stunning view of our rainbow trout and the mine's otherwise hidden underwater details.

Adult (Ages 13+) Youth  (Ages 5-12)

$75 Mon-Thur, $85 Fri-Sun $75 Mon-Thur, $85 Fri-Sun

• 8 People; Can accommodate larger groups on request

Crystal Clear Sup Tour

Upgrade to our deluxe 1.5-hour SUP tour and experience the wonders of the cavern in a new (colorful) light. As you navigate the mine surrounded by the glow of your Crystal Clear LED board, our expert guides will reveal the best-kept secrets of the underground.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Adventure!

Gorge Underground cave tours offer a thrilling opportunity to experience a historic mine system near the Red River Gorge. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world as you move through the cool, damp air, listening to the sounds of water dripping and marveling at the stunning rock formations.

Our local guides are experts in the geology and history of the mine system, and they’ll share fascinating stories about the area and the creatures that call it home. You’ll also learn about the delicate balance of the underground ecosystem and the efforts being made to preserve it.

Tours are suitable for all levels of fitness. So whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-time explorer, come join us for an adventure you’ll never forget!

Got a Group?

Gather up your friends, family, even uncle Gary, or some co-workers and we’re here to show you how adventure is done. Give us a call for special pricing and package offers.

Additional Things To Do With Us

Red River Gorge Ziplines

Out The Top Adventures

Thrillsville Mini-golf

Stay With Us

Small to Large Cabins

Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals

Lodge Rooms & Group Events

Cliffview Resort

Quick Stays

Red River Gorge Inn

Tent, RV, Cabins

Natural Bridge Campground

We’re Right in the Heart of Red River Gorge

Convenient for groups coming from: Lexington, KY: 1 hr Louisville, KY: 1 hr 59 mins Ashland, NC: 2 hrs 4 mins Cincinatti, OH: 2 hrs 2 mins Nashville, TN: 4 hrs 3 mins

1-844-254-6244

2478 Glen Cairn Road, Rogers, Kentucky 41365

Get Directions

GROUP RETREATS

Visit  RedRiverGorgeVacations.com

• Daily Tours
• Group Tours
• School Tours
• Kayak Adventure
• Overnight Adventure

Myst'ry River

America's greatest voyage underground.

Explore America's longest navigable underground river in custom electric boats.

1-Hour Tour

Tours leave hourly or more often. Reservations are not available.

Decend 400' to reach the river. Ascend again on your exit.

Wet Weather

Tours occasionally not possible during wet weather. Check Facebook or call for updates.

Canyon Hall

Cave Salmander

Myst’ry River Sluice

Karst Nature Trail

Bluespring Caverns Park

Adventure & Fun - Above & Below

A visit to Bluespring Caverns will bring you, first of all, to the park above the Caverns. Mine for gems in our gemstone mining sluice, hike our trails, enjoy a picnic lunch and explore an underground world of wonders on our guided boat tour.

• Gemstone Mining

Karst Natural Area Trail

• Myst’ry River Boat Tour
• Picnic areas and shelter
• Clean, spacious restrooms
• Free parking

The park also offers our Overnight Adventure Youth Program and Kayak High Adventures both with advance reservations.

Bluespring Caverns is a natural wonder. Our hour-long boat tour allows you to explore and experience the majestic underground. Passages and water-courses are illuminated by the pocket of light that follows your tour boat through darkness.

Glimpse elusive cave creatures.

• Rare, blind cavefish
• Blind crayfish in constant search for food
• Spotted red-orange salamanders
• Solitary bats hanging on a high ceilings

Wet Periods

Visit during a wet period, and you will hear and see the power of the underground river; though many of its creatures will have retreated to quieter areas.

Since Bluespring Caverns contains a natural underground river, tours may occasionally not be possible due to area floods. Please call us prior to your visit during exceptionally wet weather periods. 812-279-9471

Indiana’s Largest Sinkhole

Before or after your tour, enjoy our half-mile, nature trail in the Ruth & Emery Bolton Natural Area.

Experience the connection of the land above to the great caverns hidden below as loop around Indiana’s largest karst plain sinkhole, over 90 feet deep and covering ten acres.

FOR YOUR SAFETY, PLEASE FOLLOW AND STAY ON THE TRAIL.

Myst’ry River Gemstone Mine

Semi-precious gems & fossils.

Take the opportunity to prospect for your own semi-precious gemstones and fossils at the Myst’ry River Gemstone Mine. Our mining sluice is located on the front porch.

Pick Your Fun, Prospector to Mother Lode, $5 to $25.

Park Aerial Veiw

Colglazier Visitor Center

Unique gifts & souvenirs.

At the Colglazier Visitor Center, you will find a varied selection of unique gifts and souvenirs. Be sure to take home a unique souvenir to remember your amazing experience.

Tour tickets and other services are on our large porch area.

• Shop for unique gifts
• Parking is free.
• Picnic facilities, a picnic shelter, and restrooms are on-site.

Got Questions?

What's the temperature inside the cave.

53 Degrees  

Temperatures underground are a constant 53 degrees year-round. A light jacket is recommended.

Do I need to arrive at a certain time?

Any time before 4:00 pm  

Tours leave on the hour or more often during peak season. Our last tour leaves at 5:00 pm EST.

Do I need a mask?

Masks are not required at this time  

Masks/face-coverings are not required at this time.

Can I make a reservation?

We do not require or accept reservations for this tour. Upon your arrival, you will be scheduled for the next available tour. Tours leave hourly or more often 9 AM to 5 PM. Late afternoon tours can fill early on busy weekends and holidays.

What is the length of the tour?

1 Hour  

Our Myst’ry River boat tour is one hour in length and covers 1-1/4 miles aboard our electric-powered boats and a 400’ walking section.

Are tours available for groups?

Absolutely  

Group reservations and rates for groups of 12 or larger are available on many calendar dates. Visit our Group Tours page.

Are tours available every day?

March 16 - October 31  

While Bluespring Caverns Park is open every day from March 16 through October 31, tours on Myst’ry River can occasionally be unavailable due to area flooding. Check our Facebook page or our website for timely information during wet periods. You can also call us at 812-279-9471 for immediately up-to-date information.

What should I bring to tour the Caverns.

A Few Recommendations  

No special equipment is required. We recommend a light jacket, and closed-toe, non-slip shoes. The Caverns is 52 degrees.

You can also bring a camera just don’t drop it overboard!

Is the Myst’ry River Voyage boat tour handicapped accessible?

Our parking lot, Visitor Center/Gift Shop, and our Gemstone Mining sluice are handicapped accessible. Due to the natural constraints of the Caverns, our Myst’ry River tour is not handicapped accessible. For more detailed information, please call us.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept many.  

We accept cash, check, credit, and debit cards.

We absolutely loved this cave. We were the only ones on the boat tour and the guide was super nice and full of information. We will come back and do cave kayaking!

Indiana Cave Trail

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NOTE: Pictures and videos on this website may not reflect the latest safety protocols in place to protect against the spread of Covid-19.

River of Caves 7 Mile Cave Tubing

With optional ziplining add-on, belize river cave tubing tour.

Intensity Level: (3 of 5 sweat drops) Moderate   – Some underground hiking and jungle trekking is necessary

Age Recommendation: 10 yrs old and up

Includes: Guide, inner tube, headlamp, helmet, life vest, lunch & water

Required Items to Bring: Comfortable lightweight shorts and shirt that allow for movement and can get wet, mosquito repellent, and a full change of clothes. Well-treaded sneakers or hiking boots. Water shoes will only be allowed on the direct advice of the senior tour guide leading the tour. If your shoes do not pass the safety test, you will not be allowed to participate.

• SEE IMPORTANT HIGH WATER LEVEL NOTICE

Ian Anderson’s first and still Belize’s longest and most spectacular cave tubing float …over 7 miles underground. 

Enter the exciting world of rivers disappearing into the underworld as you float on inner tubes with only your headlamp to light your way..

Floating past side “windows” that filter the jungle light through the mist as you swirl around stalagmites jutting from the river and stalactites looming from above. Float past underground waterfalls and into the crystal cathedral, a spiritual center to the ancient Maya.

Since ian introduced cave tubing to belize tourism, cave tubing has become belize’s most popular adventure trip . the original and full 7 mile “river of caves” tube float is only available through the caves branch adventure company..

This is an experience you will not soon forget!

WAIT THERE’S MORE! Zipline Combination Option

Experience the full 7 mile cave tubing float, then after lunch-experience the adrenaline rush of a zipline aerial adventure through the tree tops of the tropical rainforest. , our tours are best experienced as part of an all-inclusive package but can also be booked individually., water level notice:.

This Adventure is subject to high water levels from time to time throughout the year and can be replaced with another tour. Be sure to read “Water Based Adventures” Cancellation Notice – a note from Ian Anderson.

“The tubing/cave trip was one of the most remarkable tours I’ve been on. We’ve been on cave tours throughout the US, from Carlsbad to Merramec, etc – this is an entirely different deal. You are up close and personal on this tour as you paddle, walk, and climb through this breathtaking cavern. Words can’t describe it how beautiful this cavern was or how close you get to magnificent cave formation”

Privacy Overview

River Caving Tour

The perfect way to adventure in the Tanamá River!

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: 4 hours
• Calendar Availability: 8:30 am
• The minimum age required is 8 years

River Caving Tour in Puerto Rico

The River Caving Tour includes approximately 4 hours of exploring through the natural and unspoiled river and forest treks that connect you with the setting where our ancestors lived in.

We lead you on a guided interpretative tour through two different river caves, including the magnificent and unique underground river cave Portillo, where we kayak through the 1,000-foot long tunnel, a magical space where you can hear the sounds of nature and see the existing fauna. Then we go on a river trek through boulders and natural pools surrounded by majestic walls of limestone rock that form the canyon, which leads us to incredible Cueva del Arco (Arch’s Cave) where you can relax and bathe under its pure spring waterfalls and enjoy the exquisite views. Then we hike up the mountain to keep on exploring the forest until we complete the circuit at the place where the adventure started.

Batey Zipline Adventure is not only about zip lines and adrenaline. We are committed to the educational and cultural awareness of individuals seeking true ecotourism. Reservations required.

Our River Caving Tour Includes:

• Underground river cave (river kayaking)
• Cueva del Arco (Arch’s Cave)
• Spectacular views of the karst region
• Bathing under waterfalls of spring water
• River trekking/canyoneering through boulders and majestic natural beauty
• Forest hiking (moderate-semi intense)
• Jumping and swimming in natural pools, free jumps and breathtaking views of the Northern Karst forest
• Crossing our 150-foot long suspension bridge over the Tanamá river

This tour takes part mostly in the river and also in the forest, where you will hike through uneven, sometimes with loose or slippery rocks ,  uphill and downhill paths for a considerable amount of time.  All participants should be in good health and good (average) physical condition.  The weight should be proportional to the height.  On this tour you will get completely wet.  You can wear sneakers, closed toed shoes with a good grip sole or water shoes.

Our adventure tours are not suitable for people with conditions on the back, hip, knees, ankles, overweight or heart conditions.  Pregnant women should not take part in our adventure tours.

Questions? Check our FAQs here !

Related Adventures

• Closed for renovations
• Please check later on for availabilities!
• Calendar 8:30am & 12:30pm
• Clock 4.5-6 hours

Zipline Tours Packages

Choose from our Batey Classic Tour, Batey Zipline Tour, or Batey Extended Tour for an unforgettable zipline adventure in the Tanamá National Forest.

• Calendar 8:30 am
• Clock 3 hours

River Cave Kayaking Tour

A real adventure in nature! This is a shorter version of our River Caving Tour.

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Cave City’s Crystal River Cave

September 5, 2023

If you’ve ever driven through Cave City and wondered “Where’s the cave?” you are not alone. As it turns out, the cave is right under your feet, and as you drive through the center of town, you are passing directly over it. For over 20 years, the Crystal River Cave in Cave City, Arkansas, has been closed to the public. Owners Dan and Irma Carrigan recently began offering tours into this almost forgotten piece of Arkansas history.

A sign featuring a Native American in full headdress advertises the Crystal River Cave tours and motel. It’s a sign I’ve seen dozens of times as my family sought out a Cave City watermelon or passed through town on a trip to visit Mammoth Spring . The buildings on the property were indeed unique. but being boarded and shuttered, they were clearly no longer providing the services advertised on the sign. I assumed it was just another business that had succumbed to the fate of time.

When rumors began to circulate that the owners would start offering tours of the property after over 20 years, I reached out to Irma Carrigan who invited my family to join an upcoming tour. I went expecting to see a cave but left having discovered so much more. Often, it’s what’s underground that makes a cave so special, but the Crystal River Cave has a much bigger story to tell.

The main house and former motor courtrooms are eye-catching and unusual, and this is where the tour begins. Visitors will quickly learn how unique the buildings constructed by Hubert Clarence Carpenter in the 1930s truly are. Carpenter’s dream to build a tourist camp that highlighted his Christian faith and the Native American culture of the area became a reality when he purchased the land and cave in 1932 and hired local carpenter and stone mason Prince Matlock to bring his vision to life.

Look closely, and you will see that these buildings aren’t traditional by any means. The surface of each structure is covered from ground to roof with several types of quartz, crystals, petrified wood, and Native American relics such as bone, arrowheads and rocks, collected from all 50 states. Most notable is the thousands upon thousands of geodes that are stacked up to four layers deep in some areas of the exterior. The geodes were originally part of a wall built by Native Americans on a nearby farm, and many of the other artifacts were collected from the cave and surrounding property. Community members were paid to gather artifacts, and local children earned twenty-five cents for each bucket of rocks that were used in the construction.

The structure is adorned with multiple symbols, including Christian crosses, Native American fertility symbols, suns, torches and a rare sandstone-carved face that was found inside the cave. Archways on the home’s back entrance are shaped like tuning forks as a nod to Carpenter’s wife, Eunice, who loved music and provided lessons to people in Cave City.

The motor court was in operation for over 20 years until car designs outgrew the design of the buildings and the seemingly never-ending need for renovations became too much. The motor court was closed, but the cave continued to be a source of interest to the public and was open for tours through the early 1990s.

The Crystal River Cave is believed to have been discovered by Osage Indians and used as a shelter through the 1700s. Artifacts indicate that they may have slept in the upper chambers of the cave and that lower portions may have been both a source of water and an area used for tribal activities and rituals. There are several etchings depicting a buffalo and a man on a horse, which are believed to have been made by the Osage people. Additionally, a large flat rock sits just inside the cave opening. Although it has never been opened, it is believed that it may be the final resting place of an Osage chief.

In the 1930s, electricity was installed in the cave long before many homes in the area. Steps into the cave built by Carpenter and Matlock made modern access to the cave much easier, but the Osage would have had to carry torches and climb through narrow and steep openings to navigate much of the cave. The cave river and the consistent 58-degree temperature of the cave likely drew the Osage to the area.

The cave has at least five main chambers, though the lower chambers are full of water for much of the year. The Crystal River, which runs through the cave, is still a mystery. Although rumors abound, the source of the river has never been discovered. The water levels are seasonal. and studies have linked water levels in the cave to water levels of the Mississippi River . The river was the primary source of water for Cave City until the 1970s, and pipes that were drilled down to draw water from the cave are still visible. When the water supply was getting low, the city drilled deeper, resulting in flooding of the lower chambers of the cave. Since then, access has been limited to skilled divers who have mapped out as much of the cave as possible until they reached areas too narrow to continue.

If you have visited other local caves, such as Blanchard Springs Caverns , the inside of this cave may be surprising. Blanchard is a limestone cave covered with stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws and other cave formations. The Crystal River Cave is primarily a sandstone, meaning it lacks some of the features that make other caves so popular. The large chambers are still impressive, especially when you connect their use to the area’s history. Large fault lines that naturally help protect the cave’s integrity are visible. A constant dripping slowly washes away the sandy surface, resulting in an everchanging cave.

Beautiful in its own way, the allure of the Crystal River Cave is found in its connection to the past. My 91-year-old father-in-law, Billy Joe Anderson, grew up in an Arkansas quite different from the one we know today. Over the years, he has shared many of his unique experiences, from attending school with Johnny Cash in Dyess to his family owning a general store in Olyphant to his service in the Korean War. Anderson recalls having toured the cave in 1938, shortly after the motor court was first opened to the public. He was six at the time and was awed by the experience.

When the Carrigans invited us to tour the cave, I brought my son, Anderson’s 6-year-old grandson. Eighty-five years separate their visits. When I showed Anderson my photographs, he said the memories came flooding back. Seeing the pictures made it feel like it was just yesterday when he had been inside. Even though my father-in-law and his grandson couldn’t tour the Crystal River Cave together, I am thankful they had a shared experience.

Cave tours will be available regularly but are limited to 40 participants, so advanced reservations are highly recommended. Information, tour times, and many historical photographs are available on the cave’s Facebook page . Private tours are also available.

Check out these stories to learn more about Arkansas Caves:

Arkansas Caves Indian Rock Cave War Eagle Caverns Arkansas Adventures Underground Mystic Caverns Caroling in the Caverns

Meet the author.

Learn more about Julie Kohl .

A little about Julie Kohl .

Julie Kohl works from home as a writer and teaches art part-time at a local private school. A former Yankee who was "converted" to the south by her husband, Julie has grasped on to rural life in a sleepy, blink-your-eyes-and-you'll-miss-it town in central Arkansas where they raise chickens, farm hay and bake bread. Julie loves adventure and sharing it with her husband and son. They frequent the trails, campgrounds and parks of Arkansas, always on the hunt for new adventures and new stories to share. Learn more on her blog Seek Adventures Media .

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8 responses to “Cave City’s Crystal River Cave”

Born in Arkansas. Caves are God’s special places. Been waiting to tour this one. Blanchard. Indian cave. Buffalo river. Silver dollar city. Totally by the hand of God. I’m so ready.

I was born in Poughkeepsie in 1938. My mother told me when she was a teen, she an some of her friends painted a date, et, al info on a watermelon and put it in the water stream in the cave at Cave City and some one(s) found it in Mammoth Spring.

I’m 68 and when I was 15 I came to Cave City from Marion with my friend and her parents and we stayed in one of the cottages …long before I moved to this area.

My great uncles was Hubert Carpenter. I spent many fun times around the cave and my grandparents house, the Carpenter/Pinkston house. Growing up we were told stories about using the cave as a cooler. They kept their milk and butter there as well as used it as a storm shelter. So much history there!!!

O’Tossa Scott. ….. has anyone every found out how it got there In Mammoth?

[…] Crystal River Cave in Cave City only recently reopened after being closed to the public for over 20 years. The cave itself is […]

My Grandmother and her siblings went to school with Johnny Cash too!

I recently passed through Cave City after visiting Batesville, on my way home in Missouri. I noticed the interesting rock house and smaller buildings, so I had to check it out. As I drove past the deteriorating buildings of the motel, I was amazed at the architecture of the entire complex. I got out of tmy vehicle and walked the perimeter of the rock wall north of the main building. The detail in the rock work was intense. I loved the archways. Along the walkway I soon discovered an indentation in the terrain, a deep wall below a fence, and a stairway leading down to a picnic table, like this was a recreation spot in years gone by. Then I saw the cave entrance! Wow! I’m a big fan of caves, living in the outskirts of the Ozark area with many caves, and visiting commercially operated caves whenever possible. It was intriguing to say the least! Heading back I saw the handwritten sign stating cave tours at 5:00. I really wanted to tour it but I was expected at my destination by a certain time. It was early in the day, nowhere close to tour time, so I had to leave with my photos and memories of the hidden gem, The Crystal River Cave without the true experience. I had hoped one day to return, and after reading this story about it’s history, I’m excited to say I will for sure! I think others, even those who haven’t had the initial experience I had, will also be wanting to go. Thanks for the informative description of one of nature’s formations, that was once lost to us, open again for viewing.

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Come fly on the Bat Chaser, a zip-lining coaster. Immerse yourself in adventure with our Escape Rooms. Find the perfect gem with our Gemstone Mining. Or even conquer the Cavern of the Sabertooth! 

There are many activities and adventures for your family to enjoy at Indiana Caverns. We are more than a Cave Tour!

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Take a walking tour or explore the Deep Darkness, our guides are ready to help you experience the world underground! With an underground boat ride and Ice Age bones, Indiana Caverns is a different cave experience than anywhere else! Learn about cave formations, cave creatures, the waterfall, and more!

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My boys (10 and 7) had never been in a cave before and this was the perfect first experience for them. They also did the gemstone sluicing which was really fun for them as well. All in all, a great day trip destination!

Great cave tour with excellent tour guides! Loved the underground river and boat ride! Would definitely recommend!

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The Unusual And Laidback Way You Can Tour Caves In This Central American Country

W ould you dare to enter Xibalba, the Mayan underworld, and turn off your headlamp? If you're up for a little adventure, caving is one of the most popular excursions you can do in Belize. This rich land of natural wonders is home to thousands of cave systems, many of which can be experienced by hiking, swimming, kayaking, and horseback riding. But for a truly unique bucket list experience you won't forget, you've got to try it on an inner tube.

Not only are the caves gorgeous, but these limestone labyrinths hold historical significance. Caves were regularly visited by the Mayans who inhabited the region for thousands of years, viewed as a sacred place to perform rituals, bury the departed, drink hallucinogenic substances, and send sacrifices to the gods. Today, the subterranean tunnels still hold traces of the past with preserved footprints, pottery, artifacts, and human remains. With the sensitive nature of these areas, it's best to explore the cave systems with a guide.

Read more: 28 Bucket List Destinations That Everyone Needs To Experience At Least Once

Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch

About 30 minutes outside of Belmopan, Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve — Caves Branch, for short — is one of the most popular places to go cave tubing in Belize. There are dozens of tour operators you can find online with day trips ranging from $49 to $200. Prices can vary depending on the length of the tour and whether you pair cave tubing with other activities, like ziplining, horseback riding, and Mayan pyramid tours. You can also ask your hotel which tour companies they recommend or, in some cases, simply show up and join a tour.

If you forgot some essentials, you'll find vendors at the entrance of Caves Branch with everything you need for a successful journey, like sunglasses, sunscreen, and waterproof phone holders. Your guide will supply you with an inner tube, helmet, headlamp, and a safety tutorial. From there, some tours start with a 45-minute hike upstream along the Caves Branch River, while the more laid-back options take you on a jungle bus and drop you off near the cave entrance.

Once you're inside the cave, expect to see stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stalagmites coming up from the floors, and other fascinating natural wonders . You may find bats sleeping in some chambers or hear the rush of an underground waterfall nearby. Every once in a while, the sunlight will burst through a crack in the rock or a cave opening. You'll look around to see the lush rainforest before floating back into the darkness once more.

St. Herman's And Cave Etiquette

St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park is another popular cave tubing destination adjacent to Caves Branch. This reserve has shorter tours, ranging from 30 minutes to three hours, which may be more suitable for someone who can't fathom spending half a day underground, as you would on some of the longer routes (like the 7-miler). Once your tour ends, you'll be able to hike a trail to a sunken limestone cenote , the Spanish word for sinkhole, and take a dip in a turquoise pool surrounded by stunning scenery.

Water levels may vary throughout the year, but the best time to visit is December through February, which boasts the best weather. If you'd prefer fewer crowds and cheaper prices, book your trip during the shoulder from August to November. No matter which cave tour you choose, be sure to wear durable shoes, bug spray, and clothing you don't mind getting wet. Last, but certainly not least, don't take anything from the caves and be sure to offer a few words of gratitude, notes the Heritage Education Network of Belize via the Belize Tourism Board . It's not every day you're in the depths of the underworld, after all.

Read the original article on Explore .

Cave Tour (TOUR FULL)

This tour has reached maximum number of participants. 

The Cave Tour explores roughly a quarter mile of Guam’s majestic limestone cliff line, including two historically significant caves currently closed to unaccompanied visitors. The tour includes two main stops where visitors may explore the Ritidian Beach Cave and the Ritidian Pictograph Cave, also known as the Star Cave, to see pictographs by ancient CHamorus that are thousands of years old. Walk along limestone strand forest and see native plants and animals, such as a hilitai (monitor lizard), and other cultural artifacts. Terrain is flat, but uneven with loose rocks on the trail. Recommended for families with younger children (under 7).  

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Unveiling Samar’s cultural expeditions to gastronomic escapes

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• by Aaron Cotejar
• Apr. 24, 2024 1:55 pm in Features

The province of Samar has recently launched three new exciting tourism circuits that showcase its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery. These circuits are the Mabaysay Cultural River Cruise, Tandaya Trail 1, and the Secret Kitchens of Samar Gastronomy Tour.

These tourism circuits are part of the transformative 'Spark Samar' tourism campaign, launched in 2015 in partnership with local government units, the private sector, and tourism industry stakeholders.

The campaign is making significant strides in changing the province's negative perception, often associated with 'disaster, poverty, and insurgency,' and paving the way for more tourism development and job opportunities in the areas.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco lauded the initiatives that provide authentic, immersive, and sustainable tourism experiences. She emphasized the significance of cooperation among the national government, local authorities, and private stakeholders in fully utilizing the potential of Samar's destinations.

• Mabaysay Cultural River Cruise

Come aboard the Mabaysay Cultural River Cruise and get ready to take a trip back in time. As you sail along the Golden River, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking display of cultural riches. Each barangay along the way offers a unique experience, from traditional Kuratsa dances to meeting members of the indigenous Mamanwa Tribe.

You'll get to indulge in the flavors of local cuisine, sip on “tuba,” the famous coconut wine, and watch captivating plays that recount the tales of Basey's history. This cruise is not just a simple ride; it's a chance to connect with the province's vibrant heritage and create unforgettable memories.

• Tandaya Trail 1

For those seeking adventure, Tandaya Trail 1 is a must-visit destination with its breathtaking landscapes and cultural marvels. Explore the Sohoton Cave, marvel at the awe-inspiring San Juanico Bridge, and delight your taste buds with the delicious cuisine of Kusina de Marabut.

Discover the wonders of Saob Cave, where the ancient craft of mat weaving comes to life, showcasing the resilience and craftsmanship of the people of Samar. End your journey at San Juan by the Bay, where you can savor delectable seafood dishes while gazing at the illuminated San Juanico Bridge, a symbol of unity and harmony.

• Secret Kitchens of Samar Gastronomy Tour

Discover the culinary heritage through the Secret Kitchens of Samar Gastronomy Tour. This tour will take you to bustling marketplaces and humble village kitchens, where you can experience a unique culinary adventure. You will get to taste dishes like “linubi nga alimango,” “hinatukan nga puso han saging,” “guinayawan nga manok,” and “tinola nga isda,” each representing the diverse flavors and traditions of the province.

The tour will also reveal the secrets of traditional cooking, which have been passed down through generations and celebrated in the pages of the Secret Kitchen of Samar recipe books. For the people of Samar, culinary heritage is not just about food; it's a reflection of family pride and legacy.

According to Gov. Sharee Ann T. Tan, they have collaborated seamlessly with various national government agencies to launch new tourism circuits. They have received funding from the Department of Tourism in Eastern Visayas to promote regional tourism development, including regional task forces’ support for peace and security.

Samar invites travelers to embark on transformative journeys that showcase its natural and cultural treasures while also offering a glimpse into its people's warmth and hospitality. Each step in exploring the circuits offers a unique opportunity to experience the province's rich history and vibrant culture. (AAC, with reports from PIA intern Giselle Sevillana)

• Province of Samar
• new tourism circuits
• Spark Samar tourism campaign
• Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco
• Sohoton Cave
• San Juanico Bridge
• Kusina de Marabut
• San Juan by the Bay
• Gov. Sharee Ann T. Tan

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Aaron Cotejar

Information Officer

As a writer, I craft feature stories that delve into the complexities of life. Unlike visual mediums such as film or photography, I rely solely on the power of language to bring my stories to life. The true beauty of a story lies in its ability to be seen through a different lens, allowing us to delve deeper into the human experience. For me, writing is about entertaining an audience and creating meaningful and informative content to help us connect on a deeper level.

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