mammoth cave tour reviews

10 Best Mammoth Cave Tours Worth Your Time

This post is all about the best Mammoth Cave tours in Mammoth Cave National Park! You’ll find an overview of the different tours, travel tips, effort level listings, and estimated times based on our personal experiences hiking Mammoth Cave National Park.

In the beginning of autumn, I went on my first Mammoth Cave tour. I sat – legs pressed tight against a bench, feet clacking the ground – under the wide awning of Shelter A, waiting for a ranger to herd me (and a hundred or so other tourists) into the belly of the longest cave in the world. We walked and walked and walked some more. We climbed up and down thin, platformed stairs. We paused and gasped as the cave curved and snarled and dropped and twisted. Mammoth Cave’s pathways are serpentine; its walls are textured. And I was enamored by it all.

I returned to Mammoth Cave National Park often after, each time with the intention of taking one guided trip (sometimes two, much to the misery of my calves) through the cave itself. On those ranger-led tours, I chatted with travelers and staff, die-hard cave lovers and new-to-the-cave-scene visitors. Tour-by-tour, I fell deeper and deeper in love with Kentucky’s karst landscape.

Now, having been on almost all the Mammoth Cave tours (with the exception of their crawling tours), I feel ready to share my favorites.

Here are Passport To Eden’s top picks for the best cave tours at Mammoth Cave National Park!

Editor’s Note: Mammoth Cave tours are seasonal and not necessarily offered year-round. Sometimes tours close for construction (one of my favorite mammoth cave tours was closed in 2023 for this very reason. The goal was to make paths to be more accessible in the future). The best place to check what tours are available right now is the National Park website ( I’ll link it here ). I also tried to include a list of phobia warnings based on my own personal experiences on each of the cave tours. If you experience any cave-triggered phobias, I highly recommend talking with one of the rangers at Mammoth Cave National Park (you can reach them at 270-758-2180) before booking a tour. They can help you decide which tour (if any) might suit you best!

Table of Contents

Historic Tour

Mammoth Cave has long been a place for the curious. Even before it became integrated into the National Park system in 1941, tours were being led down and through its hidden alleys and layered passageways. The Historic Tour is the oldest, continually operated tour at Mammoth Cave . It’s also the most popular .

Go for the atmosphere: the gaping, moss-laden Historic Entrance; the vaulted, limestone ceilings; the remnants of 19th century century saltpetre vats . Go for the route too. You’ll stroll through wide and thin areas of Mammoth Cave. You’ll pass a coffin-shaped rock that looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of an old vampire novel. You’ll duck and twist and shimmy through Fat Man’s Misery (though I’d personally call this portion of the cave Anybody’s Misery). And by the end of your tour, you’ll be left with no doubts as to how Mammoth Cave got its name.

General Info

ESTIMATED TIME: 2 Hours (Allot 2.5 hours) STAIRS: 540 EFFORT: Moderately Strenuous COST: $20.00 Per Adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Claustrophobia, Nyctophobia, Agoraphobia

Frozen Niagara Tour

Quick, short, and low-in-effort , The Frozen Niagara tour is hands-down the easiest tour offered at Mammoth Cave National Park. Don’t be fooled by the sketchy looking entryway: this is one of the most beautiful sections of Mammoth Cave . Within a small, dark, fourth-of-a-mile stretch, you’ll see wrangled beards of limestone, spirals of stalactites, and ice-like distortions of flowstone. Your tour guide will brief you on the geology of Mammoth Cave , the story behind the Frozen Niagara entrance, and some of the keystone species you might see at Mammoth Cave National Park (this part of the cavern is usually crawling with cave crickets).

ESTIMATED TIME: 1.25 Hours (Allot 1.5 hours) STAIRS: 12 With Optional 98 Stairs To The Drapery Room EFFORT: Easy COST: $18.00 Per Adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Arachnophobia, Nyctophobia, Agoraphobia

Cleaveland Avenue Tour

The Cleaveland Avenue Tour is one of the most underrated Mammoth Cave tours. If you’re visiting Mammoth Cave for the first time and want to get a feel for the length of Mammoth Cave without the stress of a large group size, this is the tour I’d recommend the most! Be warned: there are lots of steps up front and towards the end. But the path in-between is nice and gentle and compact . It’s a hike that’s strenuous in bursts, more tiring than difficult . And the reward is floral gypsum , white petals of calcium sulfate that choke cracks and crevices. You’ll amble and ramble and snap photos. And as you stroll through Cleaveland Avenue, your tour guide will introduce you to Mammoth Cave’s geology, topology, and history .

ESTIMATED TIME: 2 Hours STAIRS: 400 EFFORT: Moderate COST: $22.00 Per Adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Nyctophobia, Claustrophobia, Agoraphobia

Grand Avenue Tour

The Grand Avenue Tour is intense. It’s stair after stair, incline after incline. You’ll trek through sparkling passageways and squeeze into slot canyons and amble past rich tapestries of flowstone. You’ll experience Mammoth Cave to the fullest – its highs and lows, its dimness and darkness, its emptiness and too-muchness. Grand Avenue’s variation alone it makes it one of the best mammoth cave tours, but it’s also one of the most difficult . The pace tends to be slow and unhurried ( there are even restroom breaks) to accommodate, but the length will absolutely test your legs. This tour is long. You’ll spend half-a-day in a cool, dark, seemingly endless underground . At times, the landscape will feel (and look) hellish. But if you love caves and enjoy Stairmaster challenges, you’ll feel right at home in this tour.

ESTIMATED TIME: 4 Hours (Allot 4.5) STAIRS: 1313 EFFORT: Strenuous COST: $35.00 Per Adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Claustrophobia, Acrophobia, Arachnophobia, Nyctophobia, Agoraphobia

Violet City Lantern Tour

Whilst at Mammoth Cave National Park, I tried asking as many park rangers as I could find what their favorite tour was. The overwhelming response? The Violet City Lantern Tour . This is one the most dramatic Mammoth Cave tours. Here’s what I love about it: Violet City swoops you back in time to an era of early exploration , an era where your eyes depended on the soft, intimate glow of lantern-light . So as you hold up your lantern to Mammoth Cave’s water-cut nooks and crannies, you’ll tap into the past. But you’ll also focus on the little details – the here-and-now, the what-was and what-could-be.

ESTIMATED TIME: 3 Hours STAIRS: 160 EFFORT: Moderate COST: $25.00 Per Adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Claustrophobia, Acrophobia, Nyctophobia, Agoraphobia

Gothic Avenue Tour

One of my favorite Mammoth Cave tours was the Gothic Avenue Tour (which to me felt a lot like The Historic Tour without the severe claustrophobia moments). The Gothic Avenue tour is dark and moody . It’s theatrical in its form and shape. Spheres of light are cast onto historic graffiti burned into Mammoth Cave’s walls. Monuments (old Jenga-ed stacks of rocks) are strewn along the edge of the trails. You’ll see broody stalactites and stalagmites droop down below blackened shadows. You’ll crescent moon around a dramatic ring of formations (known as The Bridal Altar), which devilishly drips down to hard, compact ground. The atmosphere of Gothic Avenue is gloomy and eerie. Go in October if you can (this is the perfect tour to take during spooky season).

ESTIMATED TIME: 2 Hours STAIRS: 160 EFFORT: Easy COST: $19.00 Per adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Nyctophobia, Agoraphobia

River Styx Tour

I was told by a park ranger that the River Styx Tour is often touted as one of the most underwhelming tours at Mammoth Cave. “It’s because people expect to go down to the water,” he said. And while you do see water on the River Styx tour , you see it from above . You catch a small glimpse of it (just a glimpse). Know that this is less of a river tour, and mostly a mashup of many other Mammoth Cave tours . The River Styx trek (which is slick and muddy and wet in some areas) covers the entire Historic Route (truth be told, I was not looking forward to walking through Fat Man’s Misery again). It also injects some elements of the Violet City Lantern Tour and the Mammoth Passage Tour.

ESTIMATED TIME: 2.5 Hours (Allot 3) STAIRS: 600 EFFORT: Moderately strenuous COST: $22.00 Per adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Claustrophobia, Nyctophobia, Acrophobia, Agoraphobia

Domes & Dripstones Tour

Like Frozen Niagara, Domes & Dripstones walks you through some of the prettiest sections of Mammoth Cave. It’s a lot more strenuous than Frozen Niagara though (according to the ranger who led our tour, this is the hike he’s seen the most people end up in need of medical evacuation – eeeep ). And after negotiating the steps past the entrance, I could see why. On the Domes & Dripstones tour, you knock out 280 stairs in the initial descent . The steps get smaller and smaller as you go farther and farther down. At the choke points, my feet were barely covered by the stairs. But wow, oh wow, once the stairs taper off, you’ll see one of the most beautiful sides to Mammoth Cave. This portion of Mammoth Cave isn’t dry and clean-cut. It’s moist and layered and filled with formations .

Side Note: I definitely felt like I gained the most knowledge from this tour. There were two ranger-led “Ask Me Anything” moments where our group got an opportunity to sit down on a handful of benches (arranged classroom-style right in the cave) and shoot questions. Y’all, I learned so much from the open-ended style of these portions, so if you’re looking to grasp more of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, I highly recommend this tour!

ESTIMATED TIME: 2 Hours (Allot 2.5) STAIRS: 500 EFFORT: Strenuous COST: $21.00 Per Adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Claustrophobia, Nyctophobia, Acrophobia, Agoraphobia

Self-Guided Tour

For a quick in-then-out jaunt into Mammoth Cave, opt for the self-guided tour . You still need a ticket (first come, first served), but once you’ve strode down past the Historic Entrance, you can walk around and read the placards at your own pace . This is a popular option for those planning a last-minute stopover at Mammoth Cave.

The self-guided tour showcases a large , wide open, level snapshot of Mammoth Cave, making it more accessible to people who might experience claustrophobia, acrophobia, and agoraphobia. There is a guided version of this tour too ( The Mammoth Passage Tour ), but if you get a chance, try booking one of the other Mammoth Cave tours on this list instead (for a more in-depth Mammoth Cave experience)!

ESTIMATED TIME: 20-30 Minutes STAIRS: 130 COST: $8.00 Per Adult EFFORT: Easy

Wild Cave Tour

While I do not intend on going on any of the crawling tours at Mammoth Cave (I looked at one of the holes you have to squeeze whilst on another tour and no, just no), I do still want to mention one crawling tour in this guide. Here’s why: everyone I spoke to who has done the Wild Cave Tour in the past has absolutely loved it. Apparently, you crawl on your hands and knees and push your body through small gaps in the ground. You don’t just get to see Mammoth Cave, you get to feel it. The Wild Cave tour offers a tactile way to experience Mammoth Cave. It’s supposed to be fun and challenging and adventurous .

ESTIMATED TIME: 4 Hours EFFORT: Very Strenuous PHOBIA WARNINGS: Claustrophobia, Nyctophobia, ACROPHOBIA, Agoraphobia COST: $46.00 Per adult

Did you find this guide to the best Mammoth Cave tours helpful? Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments below! As always, I love hearing from you.

Pack With Me (WHAT I BROUGHT TO MAMMOTH CAVE)

• 🥾 Merrell Moab 2 : these shoes got me through every tour in Mammoth Cave
• 💧 Hydroflask : I brought this stainless steel water bottle (keep in mind, only clear water bottles are allowed on Mammoth Cave tours, but I didn’t feel like buying a new one and no one commented on my bottle being opaque ☺️).
• 🥜 Sahale : since no food was allowed in the cave, I kept this nut mix in my car and snacked on it after each tour (Sahale’s pomegranate vanilla cashews have my heart and soul 😋)
• 🧣 Light Sweater : Mammoth Cave tends to be a bit cold (in the mid 50s) so I opted for a light, long-sleeved, breathable sweater
• 📷 Sony Alpha a6400 : this is the mirrorless camera I personally used to take photos and film videos (I love that it has a flip-out screen)
• 🎒 Sling Backpack : this comfy little crossbody canvas rucksack was (and still is) my go-to day hiking bag

Editor-In-Chief

Anshula grew up with a love of stories and places. Thirty-five states and 100 bookstores later, she's made her hobbit home in Middle Tennessee. Her Tookish side still takes over and leaves her chasing window seats, literary destinations, adventure books, sunrise coffee, and indie bookshops. She's appeared as a travel source on HuffPost, Reader's Digest, and MSN.

You describe places in a way that inspires me to travel and see the world. Thank you very much for that! Greetings from Canada.

Your firsthand info and perspective of each cave tour was very helpful, thanks!

Thank you so much for these reviews and assessments the physical demands of them. So very helpful!!!

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The Adventures of Trail & Hitch

Two geeks, two cats in an airstream., best cave tours of mammoth cave.

Travel Adventures , Washington DC - Trail (Anne) - July 10, 2021

After writing a lengthy article on “ How to Visit Mammoth Cave National Park ,” I feel that I should make suggestions as to which cave tours to go on. We spent two weeks in the Mammoth Cave area and got to go on many of the major tours.

Historic Tour or River Styx Tour

I enjoyed the Historic Tour the most, out of all that we attended. We started at the Lodge Rotunda for a quick orientation before hiking down to the Historic Entrance. Our rangers guided us at an even pace, stopping every so often to tell a story or to point out a classic Mammoth Cave landmarks, which were visited by historical figures of the 1800s and early 1900s.

Highlights include crossing bridges over both Sidesaddle Pit and Bottomless Pit, squeezing through Fat Man’s Misery, crouching down into Tall Man’s Agony, and finally climbing up The Tower to view Ruins of Karnack and the great Mammoth Dome. Overall a fantastic tour featuring both history and cave decoration viewing.

At the time, I really wanted to take the River Styx Tour, which also includes the Historic Tour but then takes a side path down to an underground river. As much as I love history, I would have also enjoyed learning about the geology of Mammoth Cave. Sadly during our visit NPS closed the River Styx area due to a recent flood.

Up The Tower to Mammoth Dome

Violet City Lantern Tour

If you love history and wish to explore Mammoth Cave as they did in the past, then Violet City Lantern Tour is perfect.

A German mining engineer by the name of Max Kämper discovered a passage in 1918, along with his cave guide, Edwin Bishop. Together they crawled through a narrow passageway connecting Ultima Thule and Kämper’s Hall, which he named after himself. Today that passage area is known as Violet City, named after the cave owner’s wife, Violet Blair Janin.

From the shelters outside the visitor center, our ranger gave out lanterns before hiking down to the Historic Entrance. We passed landmarks we’ve seen on other shorter tours, such as the Rotunda, Broadway Avenue, and Giant’s Coffin.

Along the Main Cave just past Giant’s Coffin, we ventured into new territory. We saw the remains of old underground huts which housed Turburciolsis patients. Further down, we enter an underground canyon known as the Star Chamber, where the roof seems to rise about 20 or 30 feet above the ground and mimics a starry night. At a place called the Cataracts, we passed a subterranean waterfall pouring out of a hole in the ceiling.

Violet City Lantern Tours

At one point, after passing a 2000-year-old petroglyph, we end up at a spot where a 1935 work crew found the mummified remains of a Palio-Indian. Nicknamed “Lost John,” the National Park Service considered the 5-foot-3-inch man a major archaeological find and exhibited his body until 1976 when federal law prohibited the display of Indian human remains. The Rangers re-interred Lost John in a hidden location near where he was found.

Violet CIty

Near Ultima Thule, we climbed up and through the Grand Portal, a 60-foot wide and 50-foot high passage leading to Kämper’s Hall and Violet City. Sadly our lamps lacked sufficiency to illuminate the huge hall, but we saw dripstone formations, stalactites hanging down from the dark, and curtains of calcite. If you ask nicely, maybe your ranger will let you shine a flashlight on the Marble Temple, which is a flowstone wall decorated by stalactites on either side. We also passed several domes and Bishop’s Pit before climbing up and out a man-made tunnel to Violet City’s Exit.

Important Cave Touring Tip: Do not tailgate the person before. Since the cave path is dark and only lit by lanterns, keep an eye out for when the person before you stops or slows down. If you are a fast walker, I suggest going to the back of the group. That way you can pause longer, and catch-up quickly. If you are slow, move up front with the ranger who sets the pace for the group.

We pause for a rest and a history lesson

Grand Avenue Tour

Grand Avenue demands endurance from any hiker, but you’ll be rewarded with fascinating cave decorations and a wealth of stories as told by your ranger. Thankfully, our rangers were kind enough to go at an even pace and provide frequent stops along the way. We enjoyed this tour for its exceptional overview of the size and intricacy of the Mammoth Cave System.

After our orientation at the visitor center shelters, we took a short bus trip to the Carmicheal Entrance. This man-made passageway goes downward and into an area known as Cleaveland Avenue. The low ceiling tunnel felt long and unending, especially in low light. Here the walls showed evidence of an underground river now long gone.

Snowball room in Mammoth Cave – courtesy of NPS.gov

Snowballs & Grapes

After about a mile, we ended up in the Snowball Room. In this cavern, the ceiling is dotted with mineral lumps similar to snowballs in shape. These gypsum “blisters” formed as the mineral pushed outward into the cave by more gypsum forming in a layer just behind the surface. Beneath the faux snow roof, rows of tables stand ready to serve those who need a break. Our ranger tells us during certain times of the year, the Snowball room serves food. Just passed the Snowball Room, we entered an area called Mary’s Vineyard. Here the cave displays grapelike formations in the limestone deposits on the cave ceiling. As water carrying calcium carbonite drops downward, the water precipitates clusters of minerals, suspended in grape-like formations from the ceiling.

Gypsum Flowers & Flowstones

Our ranger then lead us to steep-walled Boone’s Avenue, a good example of one of the cave passages formed by water. Along the walls, there is past evidence of fast moving water, working its way down along a mild slope into deeper portions the cave. Through the winding channels, we arrived at Kentucky Avenue where the most fantastic gypsum crystals and needles can be found. Then at Grand Central Station, where at least five passages converge, we pause for our ranger to explain how this intersection of joints came to be. Our group then moved into the upper cave levels, where we finally got to see a fascinating variety of dripstone and flowstone formations such as the Frozen Niagara, Drapery Room, and Onyx Colonnade. All of it made a fine reward for the longest trip in Mammoth Cave.

Gypsum Flowers on Kentucky Avenue

Great Onyx Cave Lantern Tour

In 1915, Edmund Turner discovered Great Onyx Cave just after agreeing to be a shareowner with Flint Ridge landowner L. P. Edwards. As soon as Edwards agreed, Turner showed him where to dig, and resulted in the Great Onyx Cave, so named because of its cave onyx formations. Together, Turner continued to explore the cave while Edwards rushed to commercialize it.

At first, the owners of Great Onyx Cave refused to sell their land when the federal government in the 1930s, when it was making land purchases for the formation of Mammoth Cave National Park. When the National Park was established in 1941, Great Onyx Cave remained a privately held “island” within the Park’s borders. In January 1961, the owners finally sold Great Onyx Cave to the National Park Service. Today, you can take tours to the Great Onyx Cave depending on the season.

Great Onyx Cave Entrance

Despite search efforts, cave explorers have yet to find a connection between Great Onyx Cave to the rest of the Flint Ridge Cave System and Mammoth Cave. In fact, passages in the Flint Ridge Cave System pass beneath surveyed passages of Great Onyx Cave. During the cave’s commercialization, the owners most likely piled rocks and sand against the walls during their trail construction. During construction, it’s possible that they blocked off passages which might have connected to Mammoth Cave.

Although there are 8 mapped miles of Great Onyx Cave, you’ll only see a fraction of it. For those who love cave decorations, Great Onyx Cave is the tour you’ll want. Sadly, you’ll have to examine this geologic attraction by lantern light, putting a shadowy backdrop for an amazing yet abundant volume of dripstone gypsum, helictite formations, and travertine flowstones.

Great Onyx Cave

Mammoth Self-Guided Discovery Tour

If you have only time for a short visit to Mammoth Caves, I suggest the self-paced Discovery Tour. They usually offer this tour during the summer months and on weekends during spring and fall. You’ll visit the Rotunda, one of the largest rooms in the cave, and explore a Houchins Narrows and Audobon Avenue. Visitors will learn about 19th-century saltpeter mining operations and the geologic origins of Mammoth Cave from one of the many rangers stationed about the cave. Sadly you cannot reserve this tour online, the NPS only sells tickets daily and on a first-come-first-served base.

Saltpeter Sites

Wild Cave Tour

If you are up for an adventure, take the “extremely strenuous” Wild Cave Tour. They offer this tour daily in the summertime for adults only. After you pass the “42-inch-diameter-narrow-fit” test, they go through a detailed orientation on gear and safety. You’ll get overalls, gloves, and a hardhat with a headlamp. You’ll be crawling a majority of the 5-miles that this tour covers, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. At one section, you must traverse a slippery ledge while leaning across the chasm to put your hands on the far wall to balance yourself, then sidestep down the slope. Important: If you’re don’t like heights, super enclosed spaces or darkness, do not go on the Wild Cave Tour! Those who are relatively fit, and little to no fears of such things, will thoroughly enjoy this amazing experience.

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About author / trail (anne).

An attentive wife, lover of geekish things, avid blogger, amateur photographer, and a freelance web developer & desktop publisher for hire who is seeking wisdom through the passions of adventure.

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Sailing in biscayne national park, super bloom, super awesome in death valley, grand canyon: desert view drive.

We’re planning a trip to Mammoth Cave in early April. We love the idea of the violet city lantern tour. However I’m a little claustrophobic and wanted to ensure that the trails, paths, etc had plenty of overhead headspace. Please advise. Thanks

I would advise against it. There are a few places where we had to duck and squeeze through passages. If you want a cave tour that has plenty of overhead space I suggest visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico.

You can’t help NOT love the park & caves! Enjoy them both & treat them with respect- for all our families& friends-You won’t regret it! Thanks-A Friend From Michigan! You all are GREAT!

I know! You’re totally right: respect nature — especially if you wish them to last through the generations to come. National parks are a fantastic legacy that America has to offer.

Amazing pictures and wonderful overview of the tours.

Thanks! Spending two weeks at Mammoth allowed us to take nearly all the tours. With the exception of a few tours only run certain seasons.

Very, very cool. I love that the NPS reinterred Lost John, too. I think they’ve done a pretty good job handling things like that.

I think everyone can learn a thing or two about the graceful way rangers respect historical artifacts and nature. I really admire them for that.

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How to Pick the Best Mammoth Cave Tour: from Families to Avid Adventurers

Mammoth Cave National Park is a natural wonder nestled in the heart of Kentucky. We’ll show you all the reasons why you should add this extraordinary national park to your travel bucket list and how to pick the best Mammoth cave tour for you and your family. Uncover the mysteries of the world’s longest-known cave system, boasting awe-inspiring rock formations and captivating underground passages at this underrated family destination!

We visited Mammoth Cave National Park when our kids were 4 and 6. In fact, it was the first time they earned Junior Ranger badges! We asked our friend Amanda Perkins of Life Has Its Perks Blog to break down the best Mammoth cave tours, so you can choose the right tour for you- whether you are a first-timer, a family with small kids, or looking for a more challenging or adventurous tour through Mammoth Cave.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase.   As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All our recommendations are our own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

At the bottom of this post,  download our Top Ten Tricks for Exploring National Parks with Kids .

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Table of Contents

Is Mammoth Cave Worth Visiting?

Yes, Mammoth Cave is worth visiting! Immersing yourself in the park’s stunning landscapes, from lush forests to picturesque river valleys to the famous cave itself, is a family bucket list experience.

Mammoth Cave National Park offers an experience unlike any other National Park east of the Mississippi River. From the moment you step foot into the cave, you’ll be transported to a world of natural wonder and beauty that will leave you awestruck. Mammoth Cave makes a great stop on a family cross-country road trip .

Mammoth Cave is an incredible feat of nature, with massive chambers, intricate passageways, and bizarre formations that have been sculpted by millions of years of water erosion and geologic activity. But beyond its sheer size and beauty, Mammoth Cave also has a rich history that is woven into the fabric of American culture.

In addition to the cave tours, Mammoth Cave National Park has a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. We love hiking and biking as a family and there are plenty of trails to explore here. The Green River also provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. And for those who prefer to stay indoors, the park offers a variety of ranger-led programs and exhibits.

When is the Best Time to Visit Mammoth Cave?

The best time to visit Mammoth Cave National Park is during the spring and fall seasons, specifically from April to June and September to October. We visited in September, right after school started, and that seemed like the perfect time to come to Mammoth Cave! During these times, the weather is generally pleasant, with milder temperatures and lower humidity compared to the hot and humid summer months. 

The park’s natural beauty flourishes during spring, as wildflowers bloom and the surrounding landscape comes alive with vibrant colors. Fall offers a picturesque spectacle with the changing leaves, creating a breathtaking backdrop for exploration.

Visiting during these seasons also ensures a more comfortable experience while exploring the cave system. The cave’s temperature remains constant at around 54 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius) throughout the year, making it a refreshing escape from both the summer heat and winter chill.

More importantly, spring and fall attract fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season. This means shorter lines for the best Mammoth Cave tour, easier access to hiking trails, and a quieter overall ambiance.

Mammoth Cave National Park is a popular destination year-round, and each season offers its own unique charm. However, for those seeking pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, and a more relaxed atmosphere, spring and fall are the ideal times to experience the park’s wonders at their best.

The Best Mammoth Cave Tours

Tours are required when visiting Mammoth Cave. They offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the cave’s history and geology from knowledgeable rangers who will guide you through the cave system and point out interesting features along the way. There is one option for a short, self-guided tour of the cave, which is only offered in the summer. All other tours are guided tours.

There are a variety of tours available to suit every interest and level of ability, from easy strolls through well-lit sections of the cave to more challenging explorations of remote areas that require crawling and climbing. The cost of most tours ranges from $10 – $30 a person. Many cave tours require a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.

We took the Domes and Dripstone Tour which was a perfect fit for us. There are quite a few stairs and some tight spaces, but we were up for the adventure. The views were incredible and not something I will soon forget. 

No matter which tour you choose, you’ll be treated to a one-of-a-kind experience that you will never forget. And with so much to see and do at Mammoth Cave National Park, you’ll want to plan a return trip before you even leave.

Top Tip: Make sure to book tours well in advance- not all tours are available year-round.

Best Mammoth Cave Tours for Families

Exploring Mammoth Cave with kids can be lots of fun! There are lots of fun things to see and do in the park, including many cave tours that are suitable for families with kids. Here are some of the best Mammoth cave tours for families.

1. Frozen Niagara Tour

🌟 Easy ⏳ 1.25 Hours ✅ 1/2 mile, Great for young children

The Frozen Niagara Tour is a great option for families with young children. This tour is an easy, half-mile walk through the cave, and it’s filled with all kinds of cool sights to see. You’ll get to explore the Frozen Niagara Formation which looks like a big, frozen waterfall. Your guide will tell you all about how the cave was formed and answer any questions you might have. This is one of the most popular tours at Mammoth Cave.

2. Domes & Dripstones Tour

🌟 Difficult ⏳ 2 Hours ✅ Great for older children

For families with slightly older kids who are up for a bit more adventure, the Domes & Dripstones Tour is a fantastic choice. We loved this tour that took us on a 2-hour journey through some of the most beautiful parts of the cave. We saw massive domes, towering stalagmites, and sparkling dripstones. You’ll even get to climb up a spiral staircase to a lookout point that offers a stunning view of the cave.

3. Mammoth Passage Tour

🌟 Easy ⏳ 1.25 Hours ✅ Educational

If you’re looking for a tour that’s both fun and educational, check out the Mammoth Passage Tour. This tour is led by a park ranger who will teach you all about the history of the cave and the animals that live inside. You’ll get to see some amazing cave formations, like the Giant’s Coffin and the Bottomless Pit. This tour is perfect for families with kids who love to learn new things.

4. Accessible Tour

🌟 Easy ⏳ 2 Hours ✅ No Stairs

Mammoth Cave National Park offers an accessible tour designed to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges. The Accessible Tour is the only tour with no stairs . This tour provides an inclusive experience, featuring wheelchair-accessible routes and audio descriptions. It allows everyone to marvel at the cave’s wonders and learn about its fascinating history, ensuring that no one is left behind in experiencing this incredible natural treasure.

5. Best Mammoth Cave Tour for History Buffs: Historic Tour

🌟 Difficult ⏳ 2 Hours ✅ Focus on History and Usage

If you love history, you’ll love the Historic Tour , which explores the cave’s role in the War of 1812 and the Civil War, as well as its use as a source of saltpeter for gunpowder during both conflicts. This tour involves a lot of stairs and some tight spaces. You can also do the Extended Historic Tour for a slightly longer, more in-depth experience.

6. Best Mammoth Tour for First-Time Visitors: Domes & Dripstones Tour

The Domes & Dripstones Tour is a fantastic choice for first-time visitors who want to experience a mix of history and beauty inside Mammoth Cave. We loved this tour that took us on a 2-hour journey, which includes massive domes, towering stalagmites, and sparkling dripstones. You’ll even get to climb up a spiral staircase to a lookout point that offers a stunning view of the cave.

Best Mammoth Cave Tours for Hard Core Adventurers

If you are looking for an exciting adventure during your visit to Mammoth Cave National Park, look no further! Here are some of the best Mammoth Cave tours for hard-core adventurers and adrenaline junkies like you.

7. Wild Cave Tour

🌟 Very Difficult ⏳ 6 Hours ✅ Ages 16+, Includes crawling

The Wild Cave Tour is not for the faint of heart and you must be at least 16 years old to take part. This tour takes you on a 6-hour journey through the cave that includes crawling through tight spaces, wading through underground streams, and climbing up steep rocks. You’ll get to explore parts of the cave that most visitors never get to see, and you’ll feel like a true explorer. This tour is definitely not recommended for anyone who is claustrophobic or has mobility issues.

8. Grand Avenue Tour

🌟 Very Difficult ⏳4 Hours ✅ Beautiful Areas, ages 6+

If you’re looking for a tour that’s both challenging and awe-inspiring, check out the Grand Avenue Tour. You must be at least 6 years old to do this tour. This tour takes you on a 4-hour journey through some of the most beautiful parts of the cave. You’ll get to see massive domes, towering stalagmites, and sparkling dripstones. You’ll also get to climb up and down several sets of stairs, so be prepared for a workout!

9. Violet City Lantern Tour

🌟 Very Difficult ⏳ 3 Hours ✅ Tour by Lantern Light, Ages 6+

For a truly unique and thrilling experience, try the Violet City Lantern Tour. This tour takes you on a 2-hour journey through the cave by lantern light and you must be at least 6 years old to go. You’ll get to explore the darker corners of the cave and learn about the history and geology of Mammoth Cave. This tour is not recommended for anyone who is afraid of the dark or has trouble walking on uneven surfaces.

10. Introduction to Caving Tour

🌟 Very Difficult ⏳ 3 1/2 Hours ✅ Includes Crawling and Climbing

For families with older kids ( 10 years or older ) who are ready for a real adventure, the Introduction to Caving Tour is an awesome choice. This tour takes you on a 3-hour journey through the cave that includes crawling through narrow passageways and climbing up steep rocks. You’ll get to see parts of the cave that most visitors never get to experience, and you’ll feel like a real explorer. This tour is not for the faint of heart, but it’s a great way to challenge yourself and make some amazing memories.

Most Underrated Mammoth Cave Tours

If you are looking for a Mammoth Cave tour that’s off the beaten path but still offers amazing views, you are in luck. Here are the most underrated Mammoth Cave tours that offer incredible sights you won’t want to miss.

11. River Styx Tour

🌟 Moderate ⏳ 2 1/2 Hours ✅ Includes Boat Ride, Ages 6+

The River Styx Tour may not be as well-known as some of the other tours, but it’s definitely worth checking out. This tour takes you on a 2.5-hour journey through the cave that includes a boat ride on the underground River Styx. Kids must be at least 6 years old to go on this tour. You’ll get to see some amazing cave formations and even a few bats hanging from the ceiling. And the best part? You’ll get to experience the cave in a completely unique way.

12. Great Onyx Lantern Tour

🌟 Moderate ⏳ 2 1/4 Hours ✅ Unique Part of the Cave

The Great Onyx Tour takes you on a 2-hour journey through a portion of the cave that’s not open to the general public. Kids must be at least 6 years old to go on this tour. You’ll get to see some incredible formations, including one of the largest stalactites in the world. You’ll also get to learn about the history of the cave and the people who have explored it over the years.

No matter which underrated tour you choose, you’re sure to be blown away by the amazing sights and experiences. Don’t forget to bring your camera and be prepared to be amazed!

Booking your Mammoth Cave Tour

To explore the cave, you’ll need to purchase a ticket for one of the guided tours. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the park. It’s a good idea to book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you get the tour you want. Tickets tend to sell out fairly quickly. You can book your tickets up to 2 months in advance.

Tickets can be purchased at the recreation website . Be aware that not all tours are available year-round. 

How to Get to Mammoth Cave

Getting to Mammoth Cave National Park is easy! The park is located in south-central Kentucky and can be reached by car, bus, or plane. If you’re driving, the park is located off Interstate 65, about 90 miles south of Louisville and 35 miles north of Bowling Green.

The closest airport to Mammoth Cave National Park is Louisville International Airport (SDF) , located approximately 90 miles north of the park. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or arrange for a shuttle service to reach the park. Interstate highways, such as I-65 and I-165, provide a straightforward route from the airport to Mammoth Cave.

To reach Mammoth Cave National Park from Nashville International Airport (BNA) , you can rent a car and drive approximately 95 miles north via I-65. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, offering scenic views of the Kentucky countryside.

Need a rental car to visit Mammoth Cave? We recommend Discover Cars , they always have easy, straightforward pricing. No last-minute surprises!

Book a Rental Car with Discover Cars

Don’t forget to stock up on road trip essentials and of course the best road trip snacks as well!

Where to Stay to Visit Mammoth Cave

When visiting Mammoth Cave National Park, there are various accommodation options available to suit different preferences and budgets.

Remember to book your accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred choice. Here are some suggestions for places to stay near the park.

Recommended Budget Hotel: Days Inn Wyndham Cave City

This Days Inn hotel is a clean, and no-frills motel, with a pool that our kids quite enjoyed. It is also very close to Dinosaur World if that is also on your itinerary.

Book Now: Days Inn Wyndham Cave City

The Lodge at Mammoth Cave

The only lodging within the park, you’ll find The Lodge at Mammoth Cave just next to the visitors center. This historic lodge offers comfortable rooms and cabins with modern amenities. Staying here provides easy access to the cave tours and other park attractions.

Campgrounds in Mammoth

Mammoth Cave National Park offers several campgrounds, such as the Mammoth Cave Campground and Maple Springs Group Camp, which provide opportunities for a more immersive and budget-friendly experience. These campgrounds offer both tent and RV camping facilities, along with amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

Tips for Taking a Tour of Mammoth Cave

Here are some tips for visiting Mammoth Cave National Park, including what to bring and what is allowed in the park.

-Dress appropriately. The cave stays a constant 54 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so bring a light jacket or sweater regardless of the season.

-Wear comfortable shoes with good traction, as some of the tours require climbing stairs or walking on uneven surfaces.

-Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

-Photography is allowed as long as there is no flash.

-Strollers are not allowed, and neither are backpack child carriers. Front packs are allowed.

-Pets are not allowed in the cave or on the cave tours, and they must be leashed at all times in the park.

-Smoking is not permitted in any buildings or on any trails.

-Always remember to stay on designated trails and respect the park’s wildlife.

FAQ: Best Mammoth Cave Tours

The “best” tour at Mammoth Cave National Park depends on personal preferences and interests. Ultimately, the best tour depends on factors such as fitness level, desired level of adventure, and interest in specific cave features or history. The park offers a variety of cave tours, each providing a unique experience. The Domes and Dripstones Tour is popular for its stunning formations, while the Historic Tour delves into the cave’s rich history. The Frozen Niagara Tour showcases the magnificent Frozen Niagara formation. The Grand Avenue Tour is the longest and most strenuous, offering a comprehensive exploration. For an adventurous experience, the Wild Cave Tour is recommended.

The most popular tour at Mammoth Cave National Park is the Domes and Dripstones Tour . This tour takes visitors through the cave’s awe-inspiring formations, showcasing the breathtaking domes and intricate dripstone features. It offers a glimpse into the natural wonders and geological history of Mammoth Cave. The Domes and Dripstones Tour is suitable for a wide range of visitors, providing an engaging and informative experience without being overly strenuous. Due to its popularity, it is advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot on this highly sought-after tour.

The hardest tour at Mammoth Cave National Park is the Wild Cave Tour . This tour is designed for the adventurous and physically fit, as it involves crawling, climbing, and navigating through tight spaces within the cave system. Participants wear helmets, headlamps, and kneepads as they explore lesser-traveled sections of the cave, experiencing the raw and rugged aspects of underground exploration. The Wild Cave Tour requires a high level of stamina, agility, and a willingness to challenge oneself physically and mentally. Due to the demanding nature of the tour, participants must meet certain age and health requirements and should be prepared for a thrilling and strenuous adventure.

The easiest tour at Mammoth Cave National Park is the Frozen Niagara Tour . This tour offers a relatively accessible and leisurely exploration of the cave. Visitors can experience the beauty of the Frozen Niagara Formation, a magnificent display of stalactites and flowstone. The tour involves minimal walking on well-maintained paths, making it suitable for individuals of various fitness levels and ages. It provides a captivating introduction to the wonders of Mammoth Cave without requiring strenuous physical exertion or navigating challenging cave passages. The Frozen Niagara Tour offers a convenient option for those seeking a more relaxed and accessible cave experience.

No, you cannot explore Mammoth Cave without a tour, although one self-guided tour is available for part of the cave. The cave is a complex and delicate natural environment, and for conservation and safety reasons, access to most of the cave system is restricted to guided tours. The National Park Service offers a range of tours led by knowledgeable guides who provide valuable information about the cave’s geological features, history, and environmental significance. These tours ensure that visitors can safely navigate the cave while minimizing any negative impact on the delicate ecosystem.

A tour in Mammoth Cave National Park ranges from 30 minutes to more than 6 hours depending on which tour you choose. The shorter tours, such as the Frozen Niagara Tour or the Historic Tour, typically last around one hour, providing a condensed but still captivating cave experience. Longer tours like the Domes and Dripstones Tour or the Grand Avenue Tour can last two to three hours or more, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of the cave’s features and passages.

The cost of touring Mammoth Cave National Park varies depending on the specific tour chosen. The prices range from approximately $8 to $30 per person, depending on the tour. The shorter tours, such as the Frozen Niagara Tour, generally have lower prices, while longer and more extensive tours, like the Grand Avenue Tour, are more expensive.

While Mammoth Cave does not have a boat tour, however, The River Styx Tour includes a boat ride. This 2 1/2-hour tour is the only one that includes a boat. Mammoth Cave primarily offers walking tours, allowing visitors to explore the stunning underground passages and formations on foot.

Yes, you can visit Mammoth Cave in the winter. The cave remains open year-round, allowing visitors to explore its wonders even during the colder months. The cave retains the same cool temperature all year. However, some tours and facilities may have adjusted schedules or limited availability during the winter season.

It is very helpful to have a car when visiting Mammoth Cave National Park. Public transportation options are limited, and having a car provides flexibility and convenience for accessing the park, touring the area, and exploring nearby attractions. We recommend using Discover Cars for your car rental- you’ll find an easy interface and upfront pricing.

There You Have it: Best Mammoth Cave Tours

Mammoth Cave National Park is a truly fantastic place, and with a little planning, you can enjoy the best Mammoth Cave Tour for you and your family. From exploring the cave’s depths to hiking through the park’s beautiful forests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the beautiful National Park.

With so many cave tours to choose from, ranging from family-friendly to extreme adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The park also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and water sports, as well as ranger-led programs and exhibits. 

From the stunning cave formations to the beautiful natural scenery, there is so much to see and do at this incredible park. So, pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the best tours of Mammoth Cave!

Interested in National Parks? Don’t miss our posts of family favorites like Glacier National Park , Yellowstone National Park , or Yosemite . We also like more under-the-radar parks like Craters of the Moon and the Wright Brothers Memorial ! For a wonderful autumn destination, check out Acadia National Park in Maine .

Cynthia Matthews von Berg is the founder of Sharing the Wander. She is a passionate traveler, mom, and travel coach specializing in long-term travel and family travel. She and her family embarked on a Family Gap Year in 2021, and haven't looked back.

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Guide to visiting mammoth cave & wild cave tour review.

I had never been down into a cave system before, let alone the lonest cave system in the world (with new areas still being discovered), and it was absolutely amazing! While Mammoth Cave itself is pretty cool (and there are lots of types of tours available), the thing that was really amazing about this experience was the the Wild Cave Tour.

You will literally be army-crawling through tunnels and “cave rolling” through passageways and walking along rock ledges while straddling caverns. It’s pretty intense and strenuous – be prepared for a full body work out! I can’t recommend this tour enough. Out of a 3,000 mile road trip visiting 10 national parks, this was my favorite thing that we did for the entire trip. It’s like nothing else you’ll ever experience and very well worth it!

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Directions to Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave is located in Kentucky right in the middle of Louisville and Nashville TN. It’s about 1.5hrs from either city.

From Louisville, KY : Take 65 South to Exit 53 for Cave City/Glasgow. Turn right onto Rte. 70 (you’ll pass by Dinosaur World which is pretty awesome) and continue straight to Mammoth Cave National Park.

From Nashville, TN : Take 65 North to Exit 48 for Park City/ Brownsville. Turn left onto Rte. 255. Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway and turn left. This will put you right into Mammoth Cave National Park.

There’s lots of signs and the visitors center is easy to find once your in the park.

Camping & Accommodations

There’s campground right inside of the park 1/4 mi from the visitor’s center. This was what we did when visiting the cave, since they you’re super close to your meeting place for the tour. The campground has 53 sites and wasn’t packed when we visited. There are spots available for both tents and RVs.

• Single Site: $20 Per-night, per-site. Limit 8 persons per site.
• Group Site: $25 Per-night, per-site. No discount is offered on group camping. Limit 16 persons per site.
• RV Site: $50 RV sites with full water, sewer and electric hookups. Limit eight persons per night per site.

Reserve A Camp Site Here

There is also a lodge within the park if you prefer not to camp. Find out more about the lodge here .

Tickets & Reservations

Tickets are required to go into the cave regardless of the type of tour you are taking. While you aren’t required to make a reservation, it’s strongly recommended as the tours do sell out and there are rarely spots left for walk-ins. Also, you can’t make a reservation the same day as the tour (it needs to be made in advance). So you can’t decide that morning to reserve a spot on a tour in the afternoon. Make sure to plan ahead and get your tickets early!

There are a variety of available tours for every age and ability level. Everything from a short 1/2 mile walk to longer 4 mile explorations. If you’re nervous about trying The Wild Cave Tour and want to do one of these tamer tours, you can find more information about them and how to register here .

For my fellow adventurers who want to see the best of what this planet has to offer, the Wild Cave Tour is for you!

The Wild Cave Tour lasts 6 hours & costs $55

Wild Cave Tour Reservations Here

Wild Cave Tour Requirements

If you haven’t gotten the idea already, the Wild Cave Tour is pretty intense and awesome, but it’s not for everyone. There are several requirements you have to follow if you’re going to do this tour. These are for your safety and for the safety of the cave and the environment. They won’t let you on the tour unless you follow these requirements:

• Age Requirement : Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Boot Requirements : Must have over-the-ankle laced boots with aggressive tread. No zip-up boots, no tennis shoes.
• No Personal Caving Equipment : You will be provided with everything you need (including: overalls, gloves, helmet, kneepads, and a headlamp) that you will give back at the end of the tour. This is to minimize the spread of White Nose Syndrome, which is a fungus that has killed millions of bats.
• Minimum : 2 visitors – make sure to bring a friend as awesome as you!
• Chest or Hip Size : Must be 42 inches or less. You will not fit through crawl spaces is you are bigger than this. LITERALLY.

Wild Cave Tour Review: What To Expect

• Distance: 6 miles
• Difficulty: Hard & Strenuous
• Crowd Factor: 14 People Per tour
• Time: 6 hours

I absolutely love this tour and would do it over and over again. That being said, it is difficult – even if you fit all of the above requirements and can deal with all of the fears, I wouldn’t recommend this tour if you aren’t that fit or physically able. Crawling through the cave is grueling and very tiring. It’s an amazing workout even if you’re in good shape!

When you get to the visitor’s center, you’ll be given all the gear you need for the tour including a jumpsuit, kneepads (very handy!), gloves, helmet, and a headlamp. You’ll also have the option of a small fannypack, which I recommend for any personal items you’re bringing.

Pro Tip: Please bring an extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning at the end of the tour. You can leave them in the bin with the rest of your belongings.

Once you’re geared up, you will load onto a school bus which will take you to the entrance of the cave, which is down a long staircase. You enter just like a bunch of the other tours, to a large dome cavern. Unlike the other tours, you quickly branch off into the hard to reach areas of the cave.

The cave is a little chilly at first (no sunlight afterall), but you’ll get warmed up real quick as soon once you start crawling through those tight spaces.

They don’t throw you into the deep end right away. The first tunnels and pathways are crawl-able on your knees just to give you an idea of what you’re in for. Shortly there after, you’ll be put to the test and will be twisting and squeezing your body through small spaces you never thought you could fit. Such as Bare Hole, which got it’s name because it’s so tight that people have lost their clothes when wriggling through it. I’m not sure if that’s true or not since you’re wearing a jumpsuit and all, but it is a good introduction to what lies further ahead.

It’s a great team building experience as everyone on the tour helps each other to fit through a lot of these small spaces by either pushing from behind or lending a hand and pulling you up in the front.

From here, I can’t necessarily comment on what your experience will be as the tour guides customize the tour to the ability of those in your group (hence the easier “tests” early on). I can tell you that you will have a guide in front and behind you at all times, your headlamp is more than enough light to see where you need to go, and it will be a hell of a lot of fun!

Every tight passageway ends in a much more comfortable cavern where you can stand and collect yourself for a bit before moving onto the next one. You won’t be stick in small spaces for the entire tour.

Pro Tip: Bring a snack! There will be a break in the Snowball Dome room (a giant cavern) for bathrooms and snacks. When I visited, there was a concession stand where you could buy food, however their website currently says that is not available (possibly due to seasonality?).

After the break, the real fun beings. Now you’re going to head into some of the smallest and hardest to get to parts of the cave. The most fun moments are when you are literally army crawling through incredible small spaces where you have to turn your head sideways to even fit (mostly because of the helmet). You’ll get dirty and wet and will probably see a few cave crickets scurrying around.

My favorite section was “Christine’s”. Our tour guide was sitting on a rock and told us a story about another guide named Christine who had taken a wrong turn at one point during a tour and had to create a new tunnel, pushing ahead through the rocks in order to get her tour through (since you can’t ever turn around). From there, our guide bent down and disappeared under the rock she had just been sitting on. Our entire tour looked at each other like “are we supposed to follow her?” Well, yes we were, and we did. That was the smallest and most challenging section of the tour and also the most fun.

Pro Tip: Cave roll! Save your energy in some of the medium-sized spaces where it’s too low to crawl on your knees and you’re tired of army-crawling. Roll sideways instead – like kids do down the side of a hill. There’s plenty of space to the sides to allow you to roll and as long as you don’t get too dizzy it’ll give your arms and legs a break for a bit.

In the last hour or so, you’ll get a break from all of the small spaces and will get to challenge your fear of heights instead. Some of the final parts of the tour took us through caverns that were very tall with deep ravines. We had one foot on either side of the ledge as we moved along. I personally never felt any real danger here as it would be difficult to fall down the ravine, but if you did, you would probably be lost forever because of how far it goes.

Overall, this tour is amazing, especially for the price. It delivers everything that you want and more. I would do it again in a heartbeat and highly recommend it to anyone who has an adventurous spirit!

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A Note About Fears

Claustrophobia.

If you’re at all claustrophobic, that last requirement of a 42″ chest or hip probably freaked you out a bit. While there are lots of very small tight spaces in this tour, you’ll never feel like you are completely trapped. The vast majority of these tight spaces are only tight vertically, not horizontally. So while you might only be able to army crawl and not be able to fully lift your head, there will be lots of space on the sides of you, which helps to reduce the claustrophobia if that’s an issue for you. Never during this tour was I ever in a tight tunnel and unable to move.

Also, I have a feeling that if you couldn’t deal with it, that the tour guides would be able to remove you from the tour. One of our guides kept disappearing and then popping back up later, so I think there are multiple and easier ways into each of the “trails” than what everyone else is taking, so if you’re too stressed, I think they would probably be able to remove you and take you another way out.

Fear of Heights

The majority of the tour is in tight spaces with no fear of falling. There was one section where we looked over a ledge, and then only one other section where we were walking with one foot on a ledge on either side of a chasm that goes straight down. The space between these ledges was very small. While not impossible, you would have to try to fall down between them. And if that still freaks you out, you don’t have to look. Keep your head up and since you only have the light from your headlamp, you literally won’t see what’s below you.

Fear of The Dark

While there’s no natural light in the cave, you do have your own personal headlamp with you at all times. Everyone else in the group also has a headlamp, which makes it surprisingly bright while you’re going through the cave. There will only be one moment when everyone is safe on a secure platform, when you will all be instructed to turn out your lights and experience true darkness.

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Mammoth Cave National Park – Which Tour Should You Do?

“My God… That’s spectacular.” On our final tour at Mammoth Cave National Park, the man directly in front of us said this exact line every single time we turned a corner. No, I’m not exaggerating. While I didn’t share his same enthusiasm, I will say that Mammoth Cave is pretty cool. Some of these rock formations are incredible and it’s worth a visit to tour this cave system.

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About Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the worlds largest cave system, with over 400 miles of cave discovered and mapped so far (and still many miles of cave that still need to be explored). The cave is massive and until you visit, it can be difficult to really understand how the true scale of these caves.

Mammoth Cave National Park is located in central Kentucky, just outside of Cave City. A visit here is a little different than most of your national park experiences. Rather than just jumping in your car and exploring on your own, you must sign up for guided tours of the cave. There is a self guided tour option for those who don’t like the idea of a group tour. However, a ranger led tour will give you so much more information about the area you’re exploring.

We took three tours: The Star Chamber Tour, The Historic Tour, and the Domes and Dripstones Tour. All three were great and all taught us something new about the cave system. But there are still several others to choose from.

Mammoth Cave Tours

The star chamber tour.

This tour at Mammoth Cave is a bit different than most. The cave is filled with artificial lights which are turned on during most tours so everyone can see where they are going. But during this tour, these artificial lights are turned off. You follow your guide through the cave by oil lantern, just like the early tourists who visited here. Because of the limited light, it can be difficult to truly grasp how big the cave really is. Still, it is a great experience. You’ll travel down through the main entrance and down Gothic Avenue before reaching the Star Chamber, at which point you’ll turn around and retrace your steps.

If you’re going to do this tour, I recommend making this your first tour. It’s a great introduction to the cave. The cave feels big, but the lanterns don’t really let you see the true scale. The next day, when we took the Historic Tour, my mom and I were in awe of how big the cave really was. I don’t think you’ll get that same experience if you do the Star Chamber Tour at the end.

It’s such a unique experience that I have to recommend doing this tour.

Total Distance: 2 miles Length of Tour: 2.5 hours Number of Stairs: 160 Cost: $25 per adult

Historic Tour

This tour is a classic and leads you down into Mammoth Cave. You’ll enter through the main entrance and retrace some of the steps you made on the Star Chamber tour. However, now you have the artificial lights turned on and you can really get a sense for how massive this cave system is. It’s amazing how much different and bigger the cave feels with those artificial lights.

There are two big things to be aware of before signing up for this tour. There can be low ceilings and narrow passage ways. At a few points in the tour, you may need to crouch down and walk along the passage way for an extended period. For reference, I’m 5 feet 4 inches and I occasionally had to crouch down, while my mom at 5 feet 7 inches had to duck more often.

My mom was a little nervous about this, but said that the rangers over exaggerated how bad it was going to be. Still, you know your limits. If you are concerned, talk to rangers before you book your tickets. They will also reiterate all of this information at the safety briefing before starting your tour.

Total Distance: 2 miles Length of Tour: 2 hours Number of Stairs: 540 Cost: $20 per adult

Domes and Dripstones

This is the tour that I think of when I think of Mammoth Cave. It was on this tour that we heard “My God… That’s incredible!” at least 25 times in the course of the two hour tour.

From the visitor center, you’ll board a bus and travel to another entrance to the cave. At this second entrance, you’ll descend a narrow staircase down into the cave. Once you’re down here, the rangers will lead you to some of the most incredible rock formations of the cave system. The highlight for me was the Frozen Niagra area toward the end of the tour.

This tour had more narrow spaces than the Historic Tour, but I found myself having to duck less on this tour than on the Historic Tour. You will get a safety briefing before your tour that will outline exactly what you’re going to go through.

Total Distance: 1 miles Length of Tour: 2 hours Number of Stairs: 500 Cost: $21 per adult

More Tour Options

The above three tours are the tours that I have first hand experience with. But those aren’t the only tours available at Mammoth Cave.

Accessible Tour – For those with limited mobility, take a look at this tour. This is 2 hours, 0.5 miles, and has no stairs. Cost: $22 per adult.

Cleveland Avenue – This focuses on Cleveland Avenue and the Snowball Room and you’ll see unique passages and gypsum covered walls. This is 2 hours, 1 mile, and 200 stairs. Cost: $22 per adult.

Discovery (Self Guided) – This is the only self-guided option to explore Mammoth Cave. This is 1.25 hours, 0.75 miles, and 125 stairs. Cost: $8 per adult.

Extended Historic – Unsurprisingly, this the Historic Tour with an extension (to the 1840s Cave Experiment). This is 2.25 hours, 2 mile, and 540 stairs. Cost: $23 per adult.

Frozen Niagara – If you only want to see Frozen Niagara and skip the rest of the Domes and Dripstones tour, look at this tour. This is 1.25 hours, 0.25 mile, and 110 stairs (98 are optional). Cost: $18 per adult.

Gothic Avenue – This focuses on more in depth on Gothic Avenue, which is also seen on Star Chamber, Historic Tour, and Violet City Lantern Tour. This is 2 hours, 1 mile, and 160 stairs. Cost: $19 per adult.

Great Onyx Lantern Tour – This is another lantern tour, but it should be noted that this cave is not known to be part of the Mammoth Cave system. Remember that the cave system is still being mapped and explored, so one day, they may be able to connect it with the Mammoth Cave system. This is 2.25 hours, 1 mile, and 40 stairs. Cost: $23 per adult.

Grand Avenue – This is another in depth tour, but it does a deeper dive on the Domes and Dripstones tour. This is 4 hours, 4 mile, and 1313 stairs. Cost: $35 per adult.

Grand Historic – This is one of the most in depth tours and you’ll visit many of the iconic sites that are also seen on the Historic, Extended Historic, Gothic Avenue, Star Chamber, River Styx, Mammoth Passage, and Violet City tours. This is 4 hours, 4 mile, and 640 stairs. Cost: $35 per adult.

Mammoth Passage – This is an introduction to the Historic Tour and is a guided version of the Discovery (Self Guided tour). This is 1.25 hours, 0.75 mile, and 125 stairs. Cost: $11 per adult.

River Styx Lantern Tour – You’ll follow the Historic Tour, but also detour to the underground water level. This is 2.5 hours, 2.5 mile, and 600 stairs. Cost: $22 per adult.

Violet City Lantern Tour – This is another lantern tour option, but is slightly longer than the Star Chamber tour. This is 3 hours, 3 mile, and 160 stairs. Cost: $25 per adult.

Wondering Woods – This is more focusing on the surrounding forests, but does feature a short visit to the cave. This is 1.5 hours, 1 mile, and 194 stairs. Cost: $18 per adult.

Which Tour Should You Do?

The choice of tours is entirely up to you and you should take your own preferences into account, particularly if you love geology. But for the average person, I think the three tours I did (Star Chamber, Historic, and Domes and Dripstones) is a really good combination. Many tours overlap (at least partially) with another tour and I feel like we really got to see a lot of the cave.

On our trip, we arrived into Cave City at around 3:00pm. We got an early dinner in Cave City and then drove to Mammoth Cave National Park We took the Star Chamber Tour at 6:15 that evening. The next day we took the 10:00am Historic Tour and the 2:15 Domes and Dripstones Tour.

If you’re doing both the Historic Tour and Domes and Dripstones on the same day, I think this spacing (10am Historic and 2:15 Domes and Dripstones) works well. The Historic Tour finishes at 12:00, so you have plenty of time for lunch (there’s a Camp Store that serves sandwiches just down the road from the visitor center) and time to relax. If you take an earlier tour, you may be rushed during lunch.

Also note, that tour times change based on the season. We were here in early August when there were numerous tours available, but in winter fewer tours are offered. Always look ahead on the NPS website to see what tours are available for your dates.

It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance. We booked our tours online approximately six weeks in advance for a visit in August. At that time, there were still plenty of tickets available. However, by the time we arrived in Cave City, nearly everything was sold out. If there’s a tour you really want to do, buy your ticket in advance.

Additional Helpful Tour Information

Each tour at Mammoth Cave (except the Accessible Tour) contains a lot of stairs. Both the Historic Tour and Domes and Dripstones state that you will do over 500 stairs. That said, the stairs are not all at once and are spread out throughout the tour, which is anywhere from .75 to 2 miles in length.

Tour groups can get big. The Star Chamber Tour has limited spots since they have limited lanterns. Our group for this tour had approximately 30 people. However, our groups for the Historic Tour and Domes and Dripstones were at least 100 people. To get the most out of your tour (and to maximize your time for photos), stick to the front of the group. We were at the back of the group for the Star Chamber Tour, but I don’t think we missed much. For the other two tours, had we stayed at the back, we would have gotten the essential information, but we would have missed some more of the “fun facts” and other random tidbits from our ranger. He’d typically give these facts to the front of the group while we waited for the back part of the group to file in.

There are no facilities on your tour. Use the bathroom before you depart and carry anything you might need (although you really shouldn’t need much as food and drinks other than water are not allowed in the cave).

Getting to Mammoth Cave

Look at the map before you go. There is no service and the National Park Service strongly recommends avoiding Google Maps to navigate you to the visitor center. We used Google Maps and had no problems, but it’s something you should be aware of.

When to Visit Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave is 52 degrees all year round, so they can be visited at any point. The biggest thing to note is that tour offerings change throughout the year. Summer will have more tours offered than winter.

We visited in early August, so while it was hot and humid outside (with temperatures in the upper 80s), the inside of the cave was cool. I wore leggings and had a light sweatshirt (I only used my sweatshirt on two of the three tours).

Where to Stay

The nearest town to Mammoth Cave is Cave City. It’s a small town with not a lot of options, but you will find a few choices for hotels and restaurants.

Final Thoughts

I’ve visited other caves, but nothing was quite like Mammoth Cave. The sheer scale is hard to imagine and when you’re standing in the cave, you can really feel small. It’s definitely worth a visit to Mammoth Cave National Park just to experience it.

Continue Your Adventure

Similar National Parks : For a similar, but also different, cave experience, check out New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns National Park .

Nearby National Parks : Nearby is relative, but if you’re chasing national parks, there’s a few to look into. You have Indiana Dunes National Park to the north, Gateway Arch National Park to the west, and New River Gorge National Park to the east. All are between a five to six hour drive from Mammoth Cave.

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Best Mammoth Cave Tour for Families

With so many cave tours to choose from, how do you know which one is best for your family we break it down in this article with our recommendations for the best mammoth cave tour for your family..

On the road home from Mammoth Cave National Park, our grandsons were on the phone trying to talk their mom (who stayed home) into a second trip to the caves. Yes, they had that much fun! So we wanted to share the best Mammoth Cave tour for families with you. 

But we almost messed up. There are over a dozen cave tours, and we discovered that not all are kid-friendly or even interesting to kids. Based only on the description on the NPS website, our tour selection could have resulted in a boring trip for the boys (age 10 and 12). Due to a combination of luck and extensive research, we ended up with amazing tours they loved. 

Here are our thoughts on the best and the worst tours for families in Mammoth Cave National Park.

Best Mammoth Cave Tours Based on Your Family

Let’s be realistic; what works for a 2-year-old might not be the best cave tour for your teen. So we’ve broken the tours into categories based on age and mobility to help you choose the Mammoth Cave tours that are best for your family.

Best Overall Mammoth Cave Tour for Families: Domes and Dripstones

Our recommendation is the Domes and Dripstones Tour for a family tour. It’s an interesting tour that will entertain family members of all ages. Our family is still talking about this one.

About the Domes and Dripstones Tour

There are just enough tight squeezes between the rocks that our grandsons felt like they were on a big cave adventure. And the youngest (10)  was the only one to go through some tunnels without ducking.

The Domes and Dripstones Tour also features a collection of stalactites and stalagmites that we all found interesting. The most famous is the dripstone Frozen Niagra, which is stunning. You won’t find the extensive stalactites and stalagmites in Mammoth Caves that we saw in Carlsbad Caverns National Park .

The tour guides share a lot of history along this tour with stories that all ages will enjoy. These sections of Mammoth Cave have been a tourist destination for over 100 years. They also explain the science of the natural formation of the caves in a family-friendly way.

You will get a workout on the Domes and Dripstones Tour as you climb up and down 540 steps. The good news is that the 2-hour tour moves at a meandering pace so that you can take your time on the stairs

Domes and Dripstones might not be good for families with:

• Independent toddlers who demand exploring on their own. (You know if this is your child.) The narrow passages, deep drops and hundreds of stairs require a tight rein on toddlers.
• Anyone with health issues, those 540 stairs will give you a good workout. 
• Someone with extreme claustrophobia might not enjoy it. The tight spaces are not extensive and usually open up to a larger area quickly, so most folks don’t even think about it. But they do exist and should be considered if you have concerns. 

Best Challenging Tour for Your Family: Grand Avenue Tour

The Grand Avenue Tour might be the best tour for your family if your kids are pre-teen to teen and love an adventure. On this 4-hour tour, you cover everything in the Domes and Dripstones Tour plus a lot more!

According to the NPS description : You’ll be “going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum”… and you’ll cover “a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave”.

We did not take this extended tour because I was concerned the boys couldn’t stay engaged for 4 hours. In hindsight, that was a good call. A 2-hour tour was the limit for the 10-year-old. When evaluating if your kids could handle this 4-hour tour, remember that there is no free exploring; you must stay with and follow the ranger guide. It’s a bit like being in school for 4 hours without a recess, except maybe more interesting than learning how to conjugate verbs.

There is a minimum age of 6 for this tour because of its 4-hour length and the 1300 stairs you will climb. The park rangers have designated this a difficult hike because of all those stairs. However, the tour travels at a comfortable pace, so don’t be frightened by those stairs unless you have a health issue.

Best Easy and Short Tour: Frozen Niagara Tour

The highlight of the Domes and Dripstones Tour is the finale at the Frozen Niagara section of the cave. It’s a beautiful section discovered in 1923. The large draping flowstone appears as a frozen waterfall. This tour is the way to shortcut right to that fantastic site.

The Frozen Niagara Tour lasts a little over an hour, including the short bus ride to and from the entrance. You’ll descend into the cave with only 12 stair steps and a walking distance of ¼ mile.

Although the caving experience is minimal on the Frozen Niagara Tour, it is an easy way to see one of the most famous sites in Mammoth Cave National Park if you have an active toddler or health restrictions. 

Ready for a Second Tour? Family Friendly Cave Tours that Round Out Your Visit

We’d encourage you to take a second tour with your kids while at Mammoth Cave to experience all the park offers. And the best second tour explores the original historical sections of the cave. You have several choices, listed from easiest to most challenging:

• Easy: Discovery Self Guided Tour
• Easy to Moderate: Gothic Avenue Tour
• Moderate: Historic Tour
• Moderate with extra features: Extended Historic Tour

All of these tours focus on the history of Mammoth Cave. The most impressive part of the tour is the massive open rooms that gave the caves their name. Did you think the caves were named after the animal? Nope… they were named because the early explored sections of the cave were “Mammothly” big.

The tours explore periods when the caves were mined for saltpeter, which was used in gunpowder. Much of the mining equipment was abandoned in the cave. The guides also have abundant stories to tell about early explorers and the first tourists.

The biggest difference between these 4 tours is primarily in how far they travel into the cave system. I recommend only planning to take one tour from this group, choosing the level best suited for your family.

Best History Tour of Mammoth Cave for Families: The Historic Tour

Want to walk through the tunnels that “humans have used for thousands of years”? Then the Historic Tour is for you as you tour many of the originally opened sections of Mammoth Cave. Your guide will regal you with past stories, talking about early explorers and visitors plus the mining operations.

The 2-hour tour travels about 2 miles, first through the large open rooms that made the cave famous. And then you’ll explore deeper into the cave, including tighter spaces. Some might find the steeper inclines and the 540 steps a bit challenging on this tour. But just like our favorite Domes and Dripstones Tour above, it moves at a slow enough pace that visitors in good health should be able to keep up.

We wish we had been able to get tickets for this very popular tour instead of the Gothic Avenue Tour listed below. I think we all would have really enjoyed walking through the deeper caverns.

Best Cave Tour for History Buffs: Extended Historic Tour

For a little more historical information, grab a ticket for the extended Historic Tour, which is the same tour as above with a bonus side trip “to one of the sites of the famous 1840s Mammoth Cave experiment to treat consumption”. 

If you have a few history buffs in your family, it’s worth adding this extra 15 minutes to your tour. But our grandkids would have been happy to skip this section. Know your audience.

Best Quick Tour: Discovery Self-Guided Tour

The Self Guided Tour is only offered when the park is super busy. It’s the option for many people who didn’t realize you needed to order your tour tickets online and in advance. So on busy days, the park opens up the Self Guided Tour with same-day ticket sales only.

Although I think it’s very thoughtful that the park has this overflow option for visitors, I also think the 30-minute Self-Guided Tour is a great option for people who can’t easily participate in a two-hour tour. For that reason, I wish they offered it all the time.

The Self-Guided Tour focuses on the history of the cave. You’ll find signage throughout the trail explaining the artifacts and geology of the cave. You can move at your own pace, but most people complete the tour in less than ½ hour. Rangers are available to answer questions as you travel along the ¾-mile trail. Although rated an easy trail, keep in mind there are 125 stair steps required, and the walk back to the visitor center is a fairly steep graded walkway.

Best Easy Guided Tour: Gothic Avenue Tour

We embarked on the Gothic Avenue Tour on our second morning at Mammoth Cave National Park. The size of the rooms is astounding. The large open rooms just keep going in this section of the cave. No wonder early visitors were impressed.

The guides shared many stories about the early visitors, explaining the historical graffiti and the early mining operations in great detail. Overall it was an interesting experience.

In hindsight, I would choose the Historic or Extended Historic Tour for our family’s tour. The Gothic Avenue Tour moved too slow for two energetic boys, and they were ready to move on after the first hour. 

Gothic Avenue Tour is Good for:

• Families with small children because the walkways are wide and there are no steep drops. They can easily walk holding hands with their parents. 
• Family members who wanted to move at a slower pace. 
• People with claustrophobia might be able to handle this tour since this cave section is very open. 

Best Mammoth Cave Tours for the Adventurous Family

These 4 tours are restricted to children at least 6 years old. The tours are a bit more challenging and your kids need to be able to listen to and follow instructions for their safety. 

These tours are smaller groups and have a very limited schedule, so make sure you order your tickets as soon as possible. When we ordered our tickets, about 2 weeks prior to our visit to Mammoth Cave, all these were sold out. The information I’m sharing is from the NPS website and Facebook Page since we didn’t have an opportunity to try any of them.

All except the Great Onyx Lantern Tour cover a lot of the sections included in the historic tours so would be a great substitute for families with older children.

Great Onyx Lantern Tour

Great Onyx Cave is not believed to be connected to the Mammoth Cave system, it sits in an area of the park by itself. But because it is unique, tours are offered with only a short bus ride from the visitor’s center. You’ll tour the cave by lamplight, recreating the experience of early visitors.

According to the NPS website description : “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.”

River Styx Tour

The River Styx Tour is the same as the Historic Tour with a really cool side trip down to the underground water level. The tour is 2 ½ hours long, covering 2.5 miles.

River Styx flows through and under the Mammoth Cave system, eventually emptying into the Green River. Early visitors to the cave were able to tour this section in a small boat. Because human interaction was affecting the little creatures that live in the river, you can now only walk along the river on a raised platform.

Star Chamber Tour

The rangers describe the Star Chamber Tour as an experience rather than site seeing. It’s “an evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this winding its way to historic Star Chamber.” The tour is by lantern light to get the feel of what it felt like to be an early explorer walking through the caverns.

The 2 ½ hour tour travels through some of the same areas as the Gothic Avenue and Historic Tour and is only offered in the evening. 

Violet City Lantern Tour

“A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light.”

For a longer, 3-hour and 3-mile exploration by lantern light, the Violet City Lantern Tour is quite the experience. Although there are only 160 steps, you’ll find several steep walking grades that make this a difficult tour.

Best Mammoth Cave Tour for Families by Age

Here’s a quick recap of which tours are probably best for families of different age groups. Of course, you know your kids best so take into account their unique abilities when selecting your tour.

Best Tour for Families with Babies

Since babies are allowed on most tours if you carry them on your chest, you are then only limited by your own level of fitness. If you can carry your baby for 2 hours going up and down stairs, then the Domes and Dripstones Tour is our top choice.

It’s important to know that the only way to include a baby on a Mammoth Cave NP tour is to carry the baby in a chest harness or chest carrier. Strollers and backpack carriers are not allowed on the tours. Babies are also not allowed on the tours with a 6+ age restriction.

Check the list below for the number of steps and the difficulty level to help you choose.

Best Tour for Families with Toddlers

Families with toddlers have a unique buddle of energy to accommodate. The basic Historic Tour is a good choice. The wider walkways will allow your toddler to walk holding hands with you. The tour often stops at benches for stories which will give you a break.

Be prepared to carry your toddler for some of this tour, 2 hours of walking is a lot for many little ones.

Best Tour for Families with Grade Schoolers

The best tour for school-aged kids is the Domes and Dripstones Tour, which is also our top recommendation for families. The tour has enough variety that kids will love exploring the cave.

Best Tour for Families with Pre-Teens and Teens

Teens will also love the Domes and Dripstones Tour. However, try to add in a second tour for them from the Lanterns tours that take them into parts of Mammoth Cave that few visitors see. They will appreciate the extra side trips that make those tours unique.

List of Mammoth Cave Tours at a Glance

The tours offered at Mammoth Cave can vary based on the season and demand. This is the current list of offerings. Tours may vary seasonally.

Why You Should Trust Us When Planning your Mammoth Cave Trip

Brad and I are on a mission to explore all of the US National Parks. Mammoth Cave National Park was the 33rd park we’ve visited! Before visiting a park like Mammoth Cave, we research like crazy to ensure we are ready to explore, have fun and create great memories. Then we go and do!

This article summarizes our personal experiences in the park, additional research, and all of our pre-visit research. 

The advice you read here is exactly what we’d tell our best friends if they plan a trip to Mammoth Cave! We hope you enjoy your visit to Mammoth Cave National Park.

About Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is in rural Southern Kentucky. Rolling green hills, dotted with farms and ranches, define the landscape. The aptly named Green River cuts through the park. 

Underneath all of this serene beauty, there is a whole other world of caves. The Mammoth Cave system runs over 450 miles. That makes it the world’s longest cave. The cave is a collection of caverns and tunnels connected by passageways. Over thousands of years, underground rivers and seeping rain have eroded the limestone creating the cave.

It’s estimated that Mammoth Cave might be over 600 miles long, with new passageways yet to be discovered. To be considered part of the same cave, a passageway must exist that a human can pass through. The most recent 50-mile addition was found when water levels dropped in one of the caverns exposing an opening that led to more miles of the cave. Rangers shared that they often join together to explore more of the cave system on their day off… that’s their entertainment!

Arrive Early to Explore the Museum

The museum in the Mammoth Cave National Park visitor center is extremely well designed to engage visitors of all ages. Our youngest (10) climbed through the mock cave tunnel repeatedly while our older grandson (12) explored independently. There are many hands-on activities to engage your kids while teaching them about the science and history of the caves.

As always, we had to drag Grandpa Brad out of the museum because he loved the abundance of explainer displays and videos. Mammoth Cave’s museum is one of the best we’ve experienced during our National Park Adventures.

Junior Ranger Program

When we picked up our Junior Ranger booklets in the gift shop, the clerk gave us a tip that all the answers could be found in the museum. Of course, that encourages your kids to search through all the displays. 

I’d suggest you spend 30 minutes in the Museum before your tour to plant a few seeds of knowledge about caves with your kids. Then another 30 minutes after your tour explore and finish their Jr Ranger books.

What to Expect Inside Mammoth Cave

Temperatures.

The temperature in the caves is a constant 54 degrees so you might want to bring along a light jacket. Temperatures on the top will vary with the season from cold winters to hot summers.

Formations in the Caves

Stalactites and Stalagmites make their home in many caves. These are the formations you anticipate seeing in caves that result from water dripping over limestone. However, most of the cave is open caverns. You won’t find as many of the beautiful cave structures as you can experience in the caves of Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Size of Tour Groups

Tour size varies from a couple of dozen to over 100 people. The more popular tours will have bigger groups. However, even though our Domes and Dripstones tour comprised of about 110 visitors, we surprisingly didn’t feel crowded.

Bathrooms on Mammoth Cave Tours

Bathrooms on the tours are non-existent. You’ll find beautiful bathrooms at the visitor center so go before you head out. 

Tour Guides

The tour guides are excellent. They come prepared with a variety of stories to tell to illustrate the history and geography of the caves. Our first guide was a college student and our second guide was a retired teacher. Both exhibited a passion for the caves during the tours.

There is no free exploring. You must stay on the paths following the tour guides. They will remind you to not touch the rocks. Some additional rules for your cave tours:

• Photography is encouraged although you can’t use a flash. Tripods and monopods are not allowed as they will slow up the tour. If you are a professional photographer, you can apply for a special tour, although not many are granted.
• Child backpack carriers and strollers are not allowed. Feel free to use a front pack for babies.
• Large backpacks are not allowed. They defined that as “Metal framed backpacks and backpacks that are higher than the shoulder or that are of a length that extends below the hips”
• Firearms or other weapons
• Pets (You can kennel for a small fee nearby.)

What to Bring on Your Cave Tour

• Light Jacket
• Bottle of water
• Small snacks are allowed, especially for longer hikes or if you have health concerns.
• A camera that can be used without flash
• Closed-toed shoes are best for the metal stairs and extensive walking.
• Your tickets – they will be checked as you board the buses or enter the caves.

More Information for Planning Your Family’s Mammoth Cave Tours

How to get tickets for your mammoth cave tour.

While tour tickets are available at the visitor center, it is better to purchase your tickets in advance online through Recreation.gov . During our visit, tickets for almost all tours were sold out for same-day purchase. So waiting means you may not get in.

You should order your tickets as soon as you are confident in your tour dates. Two weeks prior to our visit there were a lot of tours available, but by the week of our trip, the selection was limited.

How Many Mammoth Cave Tours Should You Plan to Take?

If you can fit it into your schedule, I’d recommend you take at least 2 tours that explore a different section of Mammoth Cave. We scheduled one each morning and then left our afternoon free to explore outside the caves. 

How to Mix and Match Your Cave Tours

There are over a dozen different cave tours. Most tours are not completely unique, many overlap with the ground covered by other tours to capture the highlights of Mammoth Cave. For example, the Gothic Avenue Tour is primarily a subset of the Historic Tour. And the Frozen Niagara Tour is a short tour of the ending point for the Domes and Dripstones Tour.

Is There an Accessible Tour of Mammoth Cave?

Currently, the accessible tour is unavailable due to elevator issues and there is no clear date on when it will be reopened. 

What’s the Best Time of Day to Take a Cave Tour?

The biggest consideration in planning your family trip into the caves is that you and your kids will be a captive audience for the length of the tour. There are no bathrooms and there is no exit mid-tour. Once you start, you have to finish along with the rest of the group.

So the best time to take your tour will be different for every family. Consider when your kids are most able to focus. For example, your 4-year-old that takes afternoon naps is probably better on a morning tour. While a 15-year-old who sleeps in during the summer months might be more engaged right after lunch.

Pets in Mammoth Cave National Park

We were excited to learn that pets are welcome on the outdoor hiking trails in Mammoth Cave National Park. Most National Parks severely restrict pet access. So we originally planned to bring Charlie along on our trip. However, temperatures soared into the high 90s the week of our road trip so we left her with a friend to enjoy the air conditioning. That dog just plain hates hot weather!

While dogs are not allowed on the cave tours, you’ll find shaded outdoor kennels available for your use at the Mammoth Cave Kennels just a short walk from the visitor’s center for a very low fee. There are some restrictions so make sure you read about pets in Mammoth Cave NP before you head out on your road trip.

Where to Stay When Visiting Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave National Park is pretty much in the middle of nowhere. You’ll want a lodging plan before you head that way. Luckily there are great options for both camping and hotels.

Hotels, Motels and More

Inside the park, you can relax at the historic Lodge at Mammoth Cave . It is located directly next to the visitor center and features a mix of modern hotel rooms as well as historic cottages nestled in a woodland setting. All are within walking distance of cave tours and park trails.

Cave City is the nearest town, only about a 15 minute drive. You’ll find a variety of more traditional motels here. You can check Cave City motel availability here.

Campgrounds in Mammoth Cave National Park and Nearby

There are 3 beautiful campgrounds in Mammoth Cave National Park. We camped in the main campground and loved the large well shaded campsite. Make sure you get camping reservations because this park can fill up fast.

Re-capping the Best Mammoth Cave Tour for Families

The best Mammoth Cave tour for families is the Domes and Dripstones tour. We recommend that you combine this tour with one of the historical tours for a fully rounded trip to Mammoth Cave National Park. We’ve also included tips to adjust your tour plans based on your unique family. I hope you have a great time!

Planning to visit all National Parks? Here’s other Trips You Might Want to Read:

• Colorado National Park Road Trip
• Utah Might 5 Road Trip
• West Texas and New Mexico National Park Road Trip

The Authors: Hey, we are Ladona and Brad, avid campers and hikers. We are crazy about getting outdoors at every possible moment and have decades of experience exploring nature. Our current goal is to visit all 63 US National Parks and just completed #42. WooHoo! Our mission is to help you plan your own adventures and create memories beyond your imagination!

The complete guide to Mammoth Cave National Park

Apr 15, 2021 • 11 min read

A view of the Green River from a bluff in Mammoth Cave National Park framed by redbud trees

The rolling hills of central Kentucky look solid enough where the well-worn foothills of the Appalachian Mountains slide into the flatter, fertile farm land of the Mississippian Plateau. But laced underneath that pretty landscape of telescoping green slopes is a vast network of caves, sink holes, and underground creeks that stand in stark contrast to the sunny spreads of spring wildflowers like trillium, dwarf iris, trout lily, and phlox above ground. And one of those caverns is Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system anywhere in the world. 

Humans have been exploring Kentucky's hidden depths for over five thousand years. Down here in the dark, there is evidence of the first intrepid visitors to what is now known as Mammoth Cave, who carried burning reed torches into winding, unmapped passageways. Now scientists have determined Mammoth Cave extends for over 400 miles. It winds down in numerous layers carved over millions of years by trickles and torrents of water making their way to join the wide Green River.

These days, you don't need torches to see the upper reaches of Mammoth Cave, now softly lit by electricity, punctuated by park rangers ready to explain the cavern's many features, and the sometimes unusual ways the cave has been used since the arrival of European settlers in the 1700s.

Editor's note: During  COVID-19 , please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government health advice. Events may be subject to change.

Mammoth Cave history

Legend has it that a bear hunt is what lead the first non-Indigenous person to the entrance of Mammoth Cave, which sits at the end of a long-eroded creek bed that now mostly runs dry. The water that ordinarily would flow here instead works its way down into the cave through tiny cracks in the earth and the sandstone below it, carving the tunnels below from limestone deposits created millions of years ago, when the Appalachian Mountains were new and jutted into a shallow inland sea that covered much of the southeast. Eventually, a sinkhole collapsed at the thin intersection of the creek bed and the cave mouth, revealing Mammoth to whoever passed by.

While it's unclear if it was the hunter chasing the bear or the other way round (or if the incident even happened) what is confirmed is that Mammoth Cave was first seen not as a natural wonder, but a manufacturing resource by the man who purchased the land in time for the war of 1812. Dozens of enslaved people were tasked with hauling tons of dirt into huge vats in the cave, where natural lime could leach from the stone walls and eventually be used in the manufacture of saltpeter needed by the young United States' military to make gunpowder.

After the war was over the cave changed hands again and the new owner saw an opportunity to capitalize on affluent travelers' growing interest in outdoor recreation. Enslaved guide Stephen Bishop was the first to create a contemporary map of large swaths of the cave, and the names he gave many of the cave's features are still in use today. Bishop worked with Materson Bransford, Nick Bransford, and Alfred Croghan to lead early tourists past the old earthworks and other unusual businesses that had cropped up in Mammoth Cave, including a mushroom farm and a failed tuberculosis clinic.

The Bransfords and their descendants carried on the guiding trade long after they, Bishop and Croghan were emancipated and well into the 1930s. However, when Mammoth Cave was turned into a national park in the 1940s, the four-generation tradition of Bransfords working in the cave came to a close. The family guides were replaced by park rangers until 2004, when Jerry Bransford joined the NPS staff as the fifth generation of his family to lead tours in Mammoth.

Visiting Mammoth Cave National Park

Unlike many other national parks, you don't need to pay admission or flash your America the Beautiful pass to enter the park or enjoy its trails. The only fees you'll need to pay are if you're camping, staying in the lodge, want to reserve a picnic shelter, or to tour the cave itself. It's wise to book your cave tour at the same time you're making any other reservations in the park, as tours often sell out – especially on weekends, and especially while tour offerings and capacity are limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The nearest airports are in Nashville, Tennessee (about two hours away) and Lousiville, Kentucky (about an hour and a half away). Bowling Green, Kentucky is about half an hour away – a college town with restaurants, bars, a new brewery , and the vibrant, historically Black Shakerag neighborhood. Scattered nearby throughout central Kentucky are several of the state's famous bourbon distilleries. Just eight miles from Mammoth Cave is Cave City, whose quaint mid-century main street is lined with antique shops. Stop for a beer at The Dive, an atmospheric watering hole full of long-time locals. 

Peak season at Mammoth Cave matches the summers in central Kentucky, which tend to be warm and humid, with highs in the 70s and 80s. Fall and spring are mild and cool, and winters see temperatures hovering in the 30s and 40s. Temperatures inside Mammoth Cave itself, though, are consistently around 54 degrees no matter the time of year or weather. Even when it's raining outside (spring is the wettest month in central Kentucky), Mammoth Cave will be dry, however – at least the part open to visitors.

Activities near Mammoth Cave 

When the COVID-19 pandemic isn't raging, there's usually several cave tours on offer that go to different areas of the cave and showcase different features, from The Rotunda to a formation known as Frozen Niagara. Most of the tours go a quarter of a mile to two miles into the cave, and some involve staircases or some challenging climbs. There are also special holiday-themed events that have been offered in years past, including caroling around Christmastime. Many of the tours depart from one of two outdoor pavilions close to the visitor center before entering Mammoth through the Historic Entrance.

Currently, the Historic Extended tour is what's on offer with limited capacity. This self-guided experience gives you the opportunity to go at your own pace and ask park rangers stationed at notable points along the tour route any questions you might have. Notable features included are the Rotunda, the Methodist Church where actual church services were once held, the historic salt peter mining site, Booth’s Amphitheatre (where the brother of the infamous John Wilkes Booth would recipe passages from Shakespeare), and an eerie formation known as the Giant’s Coffin. 

Tickets for cave tours can be purchased at the Visitor Center or reserved online and cost $25. 

There are a number of hiking trails at Mammoth Cave, but those concentrated around the Visitor Center, campgrounds, and picnic pavilions are well-connected, moderately challenging, and can easily be tackled over the course of a weekend – or even combined into various loops for a day hike. 

Some like the Cedar Sink Trail, Echo River Spring Trail, and River Styx Trail give you a chance to learn more about the unique geography and hydrology of Mammoth Cave. They lead to spots where water either enters or exits the cave system. Water might enter through a sink (think a big natural drain) like the one surrounding the Historic Entrance, or the Cedar Sink on the side of the ridge under which Mammoth is carved. Water also exits the cave on its way to the Green River through several springs where water bubbles out from under rocks or from beneath ponds not far from the main shore.

The Dixon Cave Trail Loop climbs to a separate cave system that used to be connected to Mammoth Cave, but was cut off by a rock collapse similar to that which made Mammoth's entrance accessible. There's a wooden platform built to give hikers a good vantage point of the sink surrounding Dixon Cave's entrance, but you cannot enter the cave. That's to protect Dixon's resident bats, who are at risk from white nose syndrome – a disease that isn't harmful to humans, but can be carried by their shoes and clothing and is a severe threat to bat colonies worldwide.

The Green River Bluffs trail connects to several of these shorter jaunts and offers splendid views of the titular river from high on the bluffs down to the bottom of the ridge where paddle wheel steamboats used to dock at the turn of the last century. One of the easiest loops to create with the Green River Bluffs trail is by connecting to the Heritage Trail for a 2.5 mile hike. The Heritage Trail leads to the historic cemetery where Stephen Bishop is buried, along with several other former cave guides, community members, and the tuberculosis patients treated in Mammoth Cave.

The Echo River Spring Trail has been recently renovated to be more accessible for visitors with disabilities. A portion of the trail has been redesigned as a level, composite boardwalk loop around the Echo River with interpretive features that have tactile elements as well as braille and audio captions. It's part of a longer two mile trail that connects to the Green River Bluffs and Mammoth Sink Hole trails. The new, more accessible section also connects to a recently renovated trailhead that will include a put-in for canoes and kayaks. This trailhead will also be serviced by the Green River Ferry, which has transported vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists from the south to north shores since 1934. 

Back in the late 19th century, when the Kentucky Caves wars were just starting to heat up and land-owners were competing to see who could tap into the success of Mammoth Cave as a tourist attraction, a railroad was built to bring travelers into the area. It was in service for almost fifty years before the age of the automobile took over and ferry service began at sites like Green River. Today, nine miles of that old rail bed has been turned into a Railroad Trail, an easy to moderate cycling and hiking route that winds through the park.

Staying at Mammoth Cave

There are two primary campgrounds at Mammoth Cave – the main campground and the Maple Springs campground, which caters more to groups, equestrian campers, and those heading into the backcountry. Both feature bathrooms with flush toilets and dumpsters on site. There is also more primitive, tent-only, but still car-accessible camping at Houchin Ferry Campground 15 miles from the visitor center. Backcountry sites are scattered throughout the park, and include some remote island sites only reachable by boat.

You aren't required to have a bear canister in Mammoth Cave National Park, and there aren't bear boxes on site due to low risk. That said, you are advised to keep food in your vehicle overnight to prevent interference from other wildlife. The campsites can accommodate both RV and tent campers, as well as hammock campers thanks to the abundant tree canopy. Due to the threat of the Emerald Ash Borer beetle to trees in the park, campers shouldn't bring firewood with them from neighboring states, but should instead purchase at the camp store or use dead, fallen timber collected on site. 

The Caver’s Camp Store has a range of convenience food and beverage items, including takeaway like pizza, coffee, and biscuits and gravy, as well as some camping supplies and souvenirs. There's a post office on site where you can get stamps for postcards from the gift shop or pick up a package. There are also hot showers available. WiFi is available in the Visitor Center and  in the Lodge, but cellphone service is limited throughout the park.

The Mammoth Cave Lodge

The Mammoth Cave Lodge is made up of several different buildings ranging from hotel-style rooms in a 1960s modernist structure to small cottages to an ADA-accessible motor-lodge style space. There are two eateries on site, including a sit-down restaurant called the Green River Grill  and the more casual cafeteria-style Spelunkers Café & Ice Cream Parlor, which has takeaway sandwiches, chips and drinks, as well as hot items like burgers on offer. Both make extensive use of local products from Kentucky vendors on their menus.

While the Visitors Center was built in 2012 in a contemporary style that refers back to classic "parksitecture" and is powered by banks of solar panels, recent renovations to the Lodge buildings weren't started until 2017. Thus far, the updates have focused on making Mammoth Cave National Park more environmentally friendly, with outdoor LED lighting, upgrades to waste water treatment, and refreshes to the room amenities, as well as expansions of the concessionaire and gift shops. Since 2019, has been continued expansion of the lodge with new construction, too, as well as continued renovation of the existing rooms. 

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Grand Avenue Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

A walk through Mammoth Cave National Park on the self guided discovery tour

by Trey Copeland | Last updated Apr 11, 2024

Going on the Mammoth Cave tour has been on a bucket list of ours for awhile and we finally got a chance to make the short drive up to Cave City and experience what Mammoth Cave National Park has to offer. One of Kentucky’s natural wonders, Mammoth Cave is full of breathtaking rock formations and fascinating history.

As a 30 year resident of Kentucky, I’ve been to Mammoth Cave National Park on a few different occasions, but have never went down into the Historic Entrance. The park has many different hiking trails, attractions and even a ferry that goes across the Green River. But I had never been into the cave….until my 30th year living in Kentucky.

There are many different tour options to choose from when visiting Mammoth Cave, however, if you have a family with younger kids like us (ours was 2 and 5 at the time), then a self guided tour might be the best option if you want to tour the cave at your own pace without a guide . Also, the self guided Discovery Tour is the exact same as the Mammoth Passage Tour, without a guide.

If you are planning a visit to Mammoth Cave National Park and want to know the best cave tour for families with kids or for tours without a guide, then keep reading about our experience to Mammoth Cave below.

Review of Mammoth Cave Tour

History and facts about mammoth cave.

Location : South Central Kentucky north of Bowling Green

Founded : 1790 by John Houchin

Established as National Park : July 1, 1941

Park size : 52,830 acres

Cave Size: 426 miles mapped

Temperature : 54 degrees year round

Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest cave system with over 426 miles of mapped passageways. It formed many years ago when forced water from the Green River flowed through the area, carving out the limestone to create the massive cavern system we get to experience today.

It was first discovered by Native Americans who lived in the Kentucky area around 5,000 BC. In 1790, John Houchin was a European settler who moved to the area from Virginia. He has been said to been the first in modern history to discover the cave when he settled near the Green River.

Mammoth Cave National Park lives upon one of the most well known karst topographies in the world. A karst terrain is an area where limestone has been eroded away by water and has many caves, sinkholes and underwater streams.

The park is located on nearly 53,000 acres of forest terrain and spans through three Kentucky counties of Edmonson, Hart and Barren.

The temperature of the cave is a consistent 54 degrees year round.

It was recognized as a National Park on July 1, 1941 and an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990.

For more interesting historical information on Mammoth Cave, check out the official timeline.

How to get to Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave is located in the Mammoth Cave National Park and is easily accessible from the interstate. Take exit 53 (Cave City) off I-65 and turn right onto Hwy 70. This will lead you directly into the park, just follow the signs to the visitor center. The road to the park is beautiful and you’re most likely to see some type of local wildlife like whitetail deer or turkey.

Directions to Mammoth Cave:

1 Mammoth Cave Parkway Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007

Phone: 270-758-2180

The Self Guided Discovery Tour

Mammoth cave tour without a guide and the best for families with kids.

If you are wanting to visit Mammoth Cave and wondering if you can enter the cave without a tour guide, the answer is yes. The Self Guided Discovery Tour is the way to visit Mammoth Cave and see it without a tour guide.

In our opinion, it’s the best way to experience Mammoth Cave with kids. You can enter the cave and walk through the majority of the cave at your own pace.

Our kids are 2 and 5 and we were afraid with the guided tours, our kids might get too antsy, so that’s why we opted to do the self guided tour.

You do need tickets for the self guided tour, you can book them ahead of time online or at the visitor center.

Insider tip: There is absolutely zero cell service near the Visitor Center at Mammoth Cave. It’s recommended to book your tickets ahead of time. Remember, you are in the middle of nowhere Kentucky when you are visiting Mammoth Cave. Just enjoy one of Kentucky’s best kept secrets!

We booked our tickets the day of our self guided tour for the 11am time slot, however, we were a little late but it was no problem getting into the cave. As long as your have a ticket, the park rangers will let you in.

As of April 2024, adult tickets were $12 and kids 5 and under were free.

In the Discovery self guided tour, you get to walk down into the same main cave entrance, called the Historic Entrance, where you enter the cave by going down 125 steps. You get to explore all the historic artifacts and read about the early history of the cave.

It’s a short but fun 30 minute walk to the back of the main cave, through different turns and large open areas, you get to see a lot of what Mammoth Cave is about. It’s an impressive cave and a must visit for anyone in the area.

The fully mapped passageways extend over 426 miles of underground passageways, but there are only 10 miles that are accessible to explore through the tours. There are still plenty of miles waiting to be discovered. In 2022, they found 6 new miles never before explored.

Some of the passageways have a main paved sidewalk, but there are a few that are uneven and rocky, so it’s best to hold your younger kids hands in some areas.

The Self Guided Discovery Tour is the best tour for families who have kids or people who want to tour Mammoth Cave without a tour guide. It’s also the same exact tour as the Mammoth Passage Tour but without the guide.

Gist of it: We spent about 30 to 45 minutes walking through the self guided tour with two kids. We were able to read all the historical signs, see the large cave formations and enjoy the cave. We would recommend the self guided tour if you’re the kind of folks that like to do your own thing.

Upon exiting, you have to walk through a bio security area that contains a soapy substance in a rubber foam mat. This helps the white nose syndrome disease from spreading to other areas outside of the cave. All you do is walk across a rubber mat near the exit to clean your shoes.

Here’s a quick video I took while entering the main entrance of Mammoth Cave:

Other things to do near Mammoth Cave

Touring Mammoth Cave is definitely the main attraction but there are plenty of other things to do around the area and in the park. Whether you are around the area for just a few hours or sticking around the whole weekend, the Cave City area has something for everyone.

Mammoth Cave Hiking Trails

There are plenty of hiking trails around Mammoth Cave and throughout the park. If you have already toured the cave and want to take a few more steps, then check out all the trails Mammoth Cave National Park has to offer. We’ve been on Turnhole Bend before and it was a pretty easy trail for families.

Kentucky Down Under

Kangaroos in Kentucky? Yup, you heard that right. We’ve been to Kentucky Down Under a few different times and it’s pretty fun. The kids love it. They have a zoo with reptiles, birds and other wildlife. There’s a petting zoo with goats. And you can even pet and feed the large kangaroos and emus. Recommended if you are in the area.

Watermill Restaurant

If you are a buffet kind of person, then check out Watermill. It’s somewhat in a run down building and definitely needs some repairs, but the buffet inside had some decent selections and amazing peach cobbler. The buffet was only $10.95 for an adult. Hard to beat that price. If you can get past the outdated inside that needs repair, then Watermill is a pretty good place if you’re needing food in the Mammoth Cave area.

Dinosaur World

If you’ve ever traveled down I-65, you’ve seen the giant dinosaur replicas in Cave City. Dinosaur World is a kid friendly attraction that offers life size replicas of dinosaurs. It’s just a short drive from Mammoth Cave. You can dig for fossils and see the 20 different species of dinosaurs. Dinosaur World is a must see attraction near Mammoth Cave.

Mammoth Cave is Kentucky’s only national park and for good reason. The cave is an impressive sight to see.

If you are traveling to Mammoth Cave or the south central Kentucky area, I hope this Mammoth Cave travel guide helped you.

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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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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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These Tours Of Kentucky's Mammoth Cave Are Worth Taking, Ranked By Difficulty

Mammoth Cave is home to one of the biggest cave systems in the world, and these tours take you through the best parts.

Read update

These Tours Of Kentucky's Mammoth Cave Are Worth Taking, Ranked By Difficulty

Quick Links

Frozen niagara tour, domes & dripstones tour: very easy to moderate, historic tour: easy, grand avenue tour: moderate to difficult, violet city tour & star chamber tour: moderate, river styx tour: moderate, wild cave tour: difficult, accessible cave tour.

Mammoth Cave is one of the most well-known landmark features in Kentucky. The cave has a long history within the state and has kept many travelers intrigued by its slightly unusual and captivating caverns, which span 400 miles underground. It's also known as the world's largest cave system , and this, alone, spurs a fascination that is rarely seen with other, smaller caves.

Related: Krubera Cave Is The World's Deepest, And Getting To The Bottom Isn't Even The Half Of It

What's perhaps even more peculiar about this cave system is that its above-ground surroundings are just as intriguing. Some tours allow visitors to wind their way through one of many hiking trails that wind through the woodland forests in the region, making for a very full-on adventure. Visitors must sign up for a tour in order to see the caves and trust us when we say it's worth it. Not only will guests be able to navigate the caverns with a pro leading the way, but they'll also gain an interesting insight into the history of Mammoth Cave.

UPDATE: 2022/05/26 12:21 EST BY LIANNA TEDESCO

Mammoth Cave continues to be one of the most fascinating underground cavern systems in the world. While tours are ongoing throughout the year and change according to cave conditions and availability, one thing remains the same: It's entirely worth visiting. We've updated this feature to include relevant information such as tour prices, detailed difficulty levels, walking distance, and any other details one might need to know prior to choosing one. The hope is that this will make planning a future trip easier, and will provide visitors with an idea of what to expect whenever they do.

Both of these tours are ranked as being fairly easy since they don't encompass as many steps as the others. The Frozen Niagara Tour is great for those who are still unsure about how deep they want to go into Mammoth Cave, and it's only a quarter-mile tour. Additionally, this tour is much shorter than the others, taking only about an hour and 15 minutes to complete. Visitors have the option to complete the full 98 steps but are only required to take 12. The shuttle bus takes roughly a half-hour to the site of the tour, and visitors have the chance to see formations in the Frozen Niagara section of the cave as well as the Drapery Room.

Similarly, Domes & Dripstones takes visitors on a limited tour, but this one goes a bit deeper, with a total length of three-quarters of a mile and a time span of two hours. Visitors will see the same cavern sections with the addition of unique formations they'll be walking past as opposed to taking the shuttle straight to Frozen Niagara.

Frozen Niagara Tour Details

• Duration: 1.25 hours
• Distance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km)
• Total Stairs: 12, 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
• Fees: $18 Adults, $14 Youth, $9 Senior Pass Holder, $9 Access Pass Holder.

Domes & Dripstones Tour Details

• Duration: 2 hours
• Distance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)
• Total Stairs: 500, including 280 on the initial staircase descent
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Fees: $21 Adults, $16 Youth, $10.50 Senior Pass Holder, $10.50 Access Pass Holder.

When choosing any tour, one that includes a ton of history is always the best bet. The Mammoth Cave Historic Tour is by far the most popular and one of the mid-length tours (some take up to six hours!), with a length of two hours covering a span of two miles. This is a great tour for newcomers to cave systems as well as Mammoth Cave; starting at the main entrance of the cave, guests will take 440 steps down into the cave itself to explore several major features.

Included are stops at Mammoth Dome, Bottomless Pit, Fat Man's Misery (squeezing in tight spaces required), Tall Man's Misery (crouching required), and some saltpeter mines. A 200-year history will be discussed throughout the tour, and it's by far one of the most beginner-friendly treks offered by the cave.

The Grand Avenue Tour comes in at a moderate ranking because it is four hours long, and covers a distance of four miles. There are bathroom stops included on this tour, and, along the way, visitors will see Cleveland Avenue, Boone Avenue, Kentucky Avenue, and Mt. McKinley before ending in Frozen Niagara and the Drapery room. This is a great option for those who want to see the lesser-explored parts of the cave.

Grand Avenue Tour Details

• Duration: 4 hours
• Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
• Total Stairs: 1313
• 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
• Fees: $35 Adults, $27 Youth, $17.50 Senior Pass Holder, $17.50 Access Pass Holder.

The Violet City Tour takes travelers down into the cave by lantern light to see some of the most famous and notable signatures that have been left on the walls throughout history. Along the way, the tour overlaps parts of Gothic Avenue, the Historic Tour, Star Chamber, and Mammoth Passage Tours. The tour lasts about three hours over a span of three miles.

Alternatively, the Star Chamber Tour covers many of the same features, but it is shorter at a length of two and a half hours, covering a distance of one and a half miles.

Violet City Tour Details

• Duration: 3 hours
• Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
• Total Stairs: 160 and numerous hills with no handrails.
• Tickets available for each tour time: 38
• Fees: $25 Adults, $20 Youth, $12.50 Senior Pass Holder, $12.50 Access Pass Holder.

Star Chamber Tour Details

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
• Total Stairs: 160
• Tickets available for each tour time: 40

For anyone interested in the cave's water features, the River Styx Tour is the way to go. This tour takes two and a half hours, covering two and a half miles through the cavern's most impressive lakes and flowing waters.

The Dead Sea, Lake Lethe, and River Styx are all included.

River Styx Tour Details

• Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)
• Total Stairs: Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome.
• Restrooms: No, restrooms are temporarily unavailable on this tour.
• Tickets available for each tour time: 30
• Fees: $22 Adults, $16 Youth, $11 Senior Pass Holder, $11 Access Pass Holder.

The longest and most strenuous hike is the Wild Cave Tour which takes visitors through the experience as though they were cave explorers, themselves.

The tour is six hours long and traverses a distance of six miles, feeling much more like an underground hike. Belly crawling, rock scrambling, climbing, and narrow passageways are all part of this tour for the truly adventurous. Visitors receive knee pads and a hard hat, and it should be booked in advance to avoid choosing a sold-out date.

This tour is open to anyone who has mobility issues and features elevators rather than stairs throughout the tour. Guests will see the Grand Avenue route of the cave over the span of two hours, covering a total distance of half a mile.

No matter which tour one chooses when visiting Kentucky's famous Mammoth Cave, it's certain to be an experience that they'll remember. As one of the most unique cave systems on earth, it's worth the price of a tour - and worth the effort it takes to get there.

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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.

Visit Recreation.gov To

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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Should You Take Domes and Dripstones Tour at Mammoth Cave National Park?

Of all the cave tours offered by Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, we decided to do the Domes and Dripstones Tour on our visit there during Thanksgiving Break. 

First, the Domes and Dripstones Tour got good reviews and recommendations from the park and previous visitors. Many said it is one of the best Mammoth Cave tours. 

Then, the cave tour ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. It is the only section in the park that has stalactites and stalagmites. These formations always amazed me.

Lastly, we didn’t have plenty of time to spend at Mammoth Cave NP. We were on our way to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to celebrate Thanksgiving with family. 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you. Also, Two Worlds Treasures participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Again, there’s no extra cost to you.

After spending a night in Bowling Green, Kentucky , it seemed like the Domes and Dripstones Tour was the right choice before we drove straight to Steel City.

Little did I know that Thanksgiving Break is also one of the Mammoth Cave NP’s busiest times of year. I thought it’s only busy, but not that busy. Well, I was wrong. 

When I visited the park’s website, they strongly recommended visitors book the cave tour ticket online . Popular cave tour tickets like Domes and Dripstones are gone fast.

Since I wasn’t sure what time we would arrive there, I didn’t book the ticket right away. I waited until we arrived in Bowling Green the night before we visited. Of course, their online ticket reservation system was down. Great! 

Fortunately, when we got to Mammoth Cave National Park the next morning, they still had room for our family of 3. 

When you go there during the busy season, I strongly recommend you book the tour ticket online. Don’t make the same mistake as us.

What Is a Domes and Dripstones Tour at Mammoth Cave National Park?

Here’s what they said on their website.

The Domes and Dripstones Tour is a classic tour that visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years.

It begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, and amazing breaks, and ends in the dripstones section known as Frozen Niagara.

The tour involves ascending and descending hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines. If you are not physically fit for this situation, don’t take this tour as there are no alternative routes. You will walk from the moment you enter the sinkhole to the Frozen Niagara section.

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.

Restroom: no

Tickets available for each tour time: 110

Fees: $30 adults, $25 youth, $15 Senior Pass holder, $15 Access Pass holder.

Our experience on the Domes and Dripstones Tour

When we bought the tickets and learned that it would be a big group – 131 people – we didn’t like it. But we were there already and we didn’t know when we could make a stop at the park in the future.

(Note: The park has changed number of people for this tour to 110. I still think it’s too big for a tour.)

We still had several minutes left before the tour started, so we walked around the exhibits. I encourage you to do this to learn about Mammoth Cave National Park’s fascinating cave system. 

From the visitor center, they bused us to the cave entrance. The drive took around 10 minutes, and the gray, dreary morning made the drive like I was in a movie scene.   

After we arrived at the entrance area, the tour guide explained the physical condition of the tour. Then we followed him down to the door of the sinkhole. The door is surrounded by dirt and trees. 

We decided to follow at the very back because people were already lined up behind the guide. A few people had the same thought as us and they managed to walk behind us. 

Seeing the guide followed by others entering the metal door one by one was like watching an armageddon movie. It’s like a group of people finding a safe place to keep them from disasters without knowing what’s behind the door. And I was part of it. Except in this case, our guide knew well what was behind the door.

Once we got through the door, we started walking on 280 steps and descended to the bottom of the cave. It’s slippery so we watched our steps carefully. 

A family walked in front of us. Their daughter, who appeared to be around 11, was a bit hysterical. She didn’t want to move, she thought she couldn’t make it. It’s dark and humid there. The mother tried to encourage her and the girl finally gained her bravery. 

But I couldn’t take good pictures since the people behind us weren’t patient enough. They just wanted to move fast and I thought, you shouldn’t be at the very end.

Finally, we arrived at the bottom. At the same time, the tour guide was done with his explanation and started to move. Excuse me?

It was like that the whole time. Either the tour guide started to move by the time we entered one room, or we couldn’t hear what he said at every stop. It’s just too crowded for one tour guide. Yes! 1 tour guide for 131 people.

So, we just enjoyed the cave ourselves. I don’t recall seeing stalactites or stalagmites until we got to the Frozen Niagara section. Maybe because it’s too dark inside?

I told my husband that walking in the cave was like underground hiking.

My husband and son weren’t impressed with the stalactites and stalagmites at the Frozen Niagara. They said Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico which we visited a few years back was way better. I think part of it was because they were upset with the tour. We couldn’t hear anything that the tour guide talked about.

As for me, I was impressed with the Frozen Niagara because I hadn’t seen frozen stalactites and stalagmites before.

Once we got to the surface of the earth, buses were waiting for us. In about 10 minutes we arrived back at the Visitor Center.

All participants of the tour walked on bio-security mats immediately after we left the bus. It’s to prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome.

White-nose syndrome is a fatal disease in bats caused by the fungus. It kills bats in North America, and we, humans, potentially help the spread of the fungus.    

From here we walked back towards the Visitor Center, passing the Green River Grill and Spelunkers Cafe & Ice Cream Parlor before crossing the footbridge.

Our takes on the Domes & Dripstones Tour

From our experience, we didn’t think the Domes and Dripstones Tour was one of the best cave tours in Mammoth Cave National Park. It was probably a different experience if there weren’t too many people in the group though.

If you want to do this tour, do it during the low season or weekdays.

Or, call ahead of time because schools around the area have field trips here. I don’t think you want to be put in the same group with the school’s field trip.

If it’s a big group, make sure you walk behind the tour guide.

And if you want to see the stalactites and stalagmites only, go with the Frozen Niagara Tour. This tour will take you straight to the section with only 12 stairs. It’s faster, has fewer miles, and easy.

How to get to Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave is huge with a size near 35,000 acres. It is divided by the Green River that flows from east to west through the center of the park.

The visitor center and cave tours are found on the south side of the river, while backcountry camping, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking opportunities are on the north side of the river.

Here’s a few options on directions to the park:

– By Car

Most visitors to the park arrive by car, just like us. The park is located not too far from I-65, the major highway that connects Nashville in Tennessee to Louisville in Kentucky. It’s around 30 miles to the north (40 minutes drive) from where we stayed in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

– By Air

The closest major airports are in Louisville, Kentucky (89 miles from Park Headquarters) and Nashville, Tennessee (99 miles). You can find car rentals at both airports . 

– By RV, Trailers, or Buses

There are no restrictions on the size of RVs, trailers, or buses in the park. Note that you might find difficulties when crossing the Green River with a ferry or traveling on the park’s secondary road.

– By Ferry

There are no bridges connecting the south and north sides of the park. Visitors can take the Green River Ferry as an alternative to the major highways. Ferry operations are subject to closures due to fluctuating water levels. Call (270) 758-2166 before your visit.

Parking spaces by the Visitor Center are spacious. Besides special parking spots for disabled visitors, Mammoth Cave National Park also provides special spots for visitors driving their alternative fuel vehicles. We felt like a royal when we got out of our Prius. Hehe..

Basic info to know before your trip to Mammoth Cave National Park

– Flash photography is not allowed during tours. No tripods or monopods as well.

– No walking sticks, strollers, firearms, or other weapons.

– Child backpack carriers are not permitted. Use the front packs.

– No metal framed backpacks and backpacks that are higher than the shoulder or that extend below the hips.

– Deep cave temperature is 54⁰F (12⁰C) while temperatures near cave entrances can vary widely, depending on the season.

– Review the cave tour descriptions to find one that suits you.

– For members of the deaf and hard of hearing community, assisted listening devices and sign language interpreter services are available with advanced arrangements.

– Spring and Fall are popular times for school trips and other parties. Therefore, your tour may include another group (s) of various ages.

Visiting Mammoth Cave with a dog?

Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted in caves or park buildings. Fortunately, there’s a day-boarding facility at the Mammoth Cave Kennels . 

But you must know that Mammoth Cave NP has a presence of ticks and other insects. You are advised to talk with your vet before your trip to the park.

Thank you for sharing this:

Umiko Buhl is a travel blogger and the founder of Two Worlds Treasures. She travels around Texas to neighboring states and around the country with her family and dog from their family home in the south of Dallas/Fort Worth. Originally from Indonesia, she tries to go home every 2-3 years to spend time with her families and friends while exploring Indonesia. Her mission is to share her honest reviews of places she visited.

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33 Comments

I want to take the Domes and Dripstones Tour at Mammoth Cave National Park, as I haven’t this park yet. It’s on my bucket list. I visited Carlsbad Caverns NP in New Mexico, but I want to visit Mammoth Cave as well, as I love caves. And I like to photograph stalactites and stalagmites. Well, I’m not too fond of a massive group of people when visiting, but I think I would choose the offseason for my visit. Great tips about the park!

Yeah. Visit during low season where you can be the only or a few visitors in the tour. It will be wonderful!

I have been wanting to visit Mammoth Caves, so it was nice to get an honest take on the tour. That many people seem like way too much for one tour, especially into caves like this where I’m sure the space isn’t that large. I am the same way as you, I prefer to stay in the back ad actually did this when I toured Howe Caverns in NY. It definitely makes for better photo ops (a must for me) and less crowds. I will keep in mind to visit in the off season for sure!

National Park tours can be a bit hit and miss in my experience so it is good that you have done the hard work for visitors ahead of their visit.

one tour guide for 131 people sounds quite miserable. No wonder the tour wasn’t enjoyable.

I would feel a bit claustrophobic as well with so many people in such close quarters.

That’s too bad that you had a bad experience. I am not afraid of caves, generally, but can’t imagine being in one with so many people. That would freak me out. Carlsbad Caverns is high on my bucket list. I go into caves whenever I can.

I will definitely go in off season or a small group next time we go to Mammoth Cave.

We definitely want to plan a visit to Mammoth Cave National Park. How fun that there are different cave tours. It sounds like the Domes and Dripstones Tour is one of the best with lots of variety in the things to see. Luckily we are fit enough to do the stairs and inclines. Although a really big tour group might not be my favourite so I would visit in off season for sure.

I would think it will be better to do it off season for sure.

I think I would have also skipped the tour if I had known ahead of time that it would be over 100 people, but what are you going to do when you already have the tickets? It’s too bad that you couldn’t hear the guide or was too late to hear the guide by the time you got to a specific spot. They should invest in those audio tours for people who are in the back of the crowd. At least you got to enjoy the views some 🙂

Yes! They should thinking about investing in audio tours for their large group tour.

The tour appeals to me but that many people on a tour is ridiculous. Especially in current climes. 20 in a group maximum and even then I think its too many. Would definitely choose off season. I hope you complained at the end.

I was grateful for your honest review. I’m not sure this is a tour I would enjoy and I appreciate the heads up. Especially if the tours are always this crowded!

I love visiting caves, but as you wrote 130 people in a group is too much! I always try to visit places with limited space, be it museums or caves, not during public holidays. I know that I do not enjoy the sights very much, if it is too crowded. Thanks for your honest review!

I’m normally the one who does like Going on big tours but as you get to know all the ins and outs but maybe skip this one … but definitely add the amazing park to my bucket list

Thanks for your honest take on it. I’m not a fan of large groups so would try and avoid those peak times. The tour with only 12 steps sounds a good option for me.

Thank you for your honesty and candidness on this! I definitely will be skipping this tour when I go!

I loved that you shared the tip about booking online. It’s unfortunate that the group size is so large, i can see how it takes away from the experience. Thanks for sharing your real experience and perspective for others who are interested in going.

I’m not a huge fan of large group tours either. It always takes something away from the experience. It’s shame for such a unique place. Thanks for the review..it’s nice to know these things before buying a ticket.

I still read review from others who went there recently that the number of people in this particular tour was still big.

I appreciate your honest thoughts on the tour. 131 people is a big group and I can imagine it wasn’t easy trying to get good pictures. I never knew about the bats and fungus, that sounds quite scary!

I heard about the bats and fungus the first time we went to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. We couldn’t wear the same shoes from the last visit to other cave within certain times.

That’s a lot of people in one cave–131! I did caving in Meghalaya and only 20 people are allowed inside at one time as it could potentially harm the place. You are right, caving does need some physical stamina and fitness. Sometimes, I wonder how the men of yore lived in these caves.

The cave is really huge, but still, that’s too many people in one tour.

I know a lot of people who have visited Mammoth Caves, but none have been on this tour! I love seeing stalactites and stalagmites too – it’s such a fascinating process by which they are made.

I find that when there are larger groups it always makes the experience a bit more disappointing which is a shame. These caves look really interesting to visit though!

Agreed. When we go there again, I will choose another tour that is more strenuous, so not too many people interested in it. Hehe..

I really appreciate this honest review! I also find that I don’t enjoy tours when they are too full or busy. It’s impossible to see well, or hear your tour guide. Hopefully this particular tour hears some of this feedback and makes some changes, cause I’m sure the tour would be great with less people!

I hope so, too.

Ugh that is WAY too many people for one tour guide. I don’t even like it when there are 20 people to 1 guide on those free tours, much less a tour you’d paid for.

Agreed! They should at least put 4 or 5 more tour guides in this tour.

I have a national park pass and have been visiting as many as I can this year. Mammoth Cave wasn’t on my radar and I have not spent time in Kentucky so you got my attention right away. ‘Frozen Niagara’ is such a great name, I’m surprised it was a disappointment. Good to know the steps are slippery and good soled shoes are important.

It’s the number of visitors in the group that played a big impact in disappointment. There’s no way you can enjoy a tour with more than 100 people in the group with only 1 tour guide.

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Mammoth Cave National Park's 'Wild Cave Tour' Review

Well, Mammoth Cave in Kentucky named its tour correctly. Other options may have included, "Wicked Awesome Cave Tour", "Most-Fun-Ever Cave Tour", or "The Best Cave Tour of Mammoth Cave National Park." The "Wild Cave Tour" is the longest tour the park offers and takes visitors into depths of the cave you can't see anywhere else. For a little over six hours, I got to see natural formations, massive rooms of rock, and meet some of the coolest people visiting the park. It was my favorite part of my trip to the Mammoth Cave National Park and I hope I can inspire others to check it out.

Getting Ready

Before the tour began, we assembled at the Visitor Center. The tour maxes out at 14 people (see more under Tour Restrictions below) which is good for safety reasons and to help create camaraderie among the group. It was fun to meet those visiting Mammoth Cave for the first time and even a few who have been on the Wild Cave Tour before. Visitors return again and again because the tour takes you to different areas of the caves each time. Be sure to tell your guide where you went last time and they will not only take it into consideration, they will be sure to introduce you to a part of the cave you haven't explored yet!

Our guide for the day was Gabe Esters, a delightful adventurer, with a great sense of humor and love of the park. Gabe grew up in the area and became a guide 7 years prior when he learned that teaching high school just wasn't for him. After a brief intro, we were shuttled over to another building to get geared up. We were given overalls, helmets with lamps, kneepads, bandannas, and gloves. After only two attempts, I found a pair of overalls that fit me perfectly and handed over my boots to be disinfected. In an effort to ward off White Nose Syndrome , no outside gear is allowed inside the caves and all boots must be sprayed before and after the tour. The syndrome affects the bats who live in caves and started cropping up in 2009. In fact, Indiana closed off its caves to tourists in Hoosier National Forest to slow the spread of the disease.

Once my boots were cleaned and laced up, I was ready to rock. And it was only 10 a.m.! We hopped back on the shuttle and took a ride over to the Carmichael Entrance to begin our day.

"I Wanna Rock!"

My first thought as we walked down the stairs into the cave was, "Man, it's chilly." The caves hold a temperature in the mid-50's -- a perfect escape for a humid summer day. We took a short walk and found a comfy spot to sit and introduce ourselves to one another. It was a nice way to start the tour, since you really work together during the day. Whether you need a hand up a rock or a simple, "You can do it!" the group really works closely all day. In fact, whether you know others or not, you are responsible for the hiker behind you at all times. If you don't see them, you must yell out, "Hold up!" so the group can stop and make sure all hikers get caught up and move together through the caves.

After our brief introductions, we set out through a variety of passages and fairly quickly came upon our first physical challenge. Gabe stopped us and explained what to do when crawling through a tight space. We were told to relax, to breathe slowly, even what direction our head may feel the most comfortable. I had my nerves but I was determined to kick butt. Then I saw where he pointed. It didn't even look like a passageway! He gave a brief demo which looked like a man diving head first into a hole in the earth with his feet dangling in handstand formation. But without much more thought, it was our turn. One my one we crawled, and I mean crawled, through the passageway. And you know what? It was awesome! Sure it is not for everyone. In fact, some people actually may not fit, but it was so cool. I felt like a true explorer, getting to peak into parts of the earth that no one else has seen.

Everyone made it through and what I saw at the other side were some of the biggest smiles ever. We all felt pretty proud of ourselves. I had that feeling of accomplishment, like, "OK, that was easy. I got this!" And the rest of the day was just as exhilarating. Sometimes we walked, sometimes we crawled, and sometimes we just plain wiggled our way through passageways and saw Mammoth Cave like some will never see. After a few hours, our energy began to dip but luckily it was time for a lunch break.

We arrived in the Snowball Room which was fully equipped with multiple picnic tables, bathrooms, and a selection of sandwiches, soup, beverages, and candy. And boy did we need it. The rest of the tour was full of some easy walks and other strenuous activities like scaling walls and crawling. But every trail we hit, every passageway we explored, and every landmark we saw was totally worth it. The tour was phenomenal and offers so much to its participants.

While the park tends to describe the tour as "very strenuous" and not for those "afraid of heights or tight spaces," I think a lot more people can handle this tour than they think. In fact, I think the park may actually scare people off. When I read the warnings, I felt quite panicked. Can I handle this? What am I doing? What if I freak out down there? But within 15 minutes of being in the cave, I was laughing and having a lot of fun. The only thing talking visitors out of the Wild Cave Tour is themselves.

Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying this tour is for everyone. If you walk with a cane, don't go on this tour. If you are overweight or very unhealthy, this tour is not for you. However, if you are in good health and meet the other specifics of weight and age, go for it! You may be scared at first, but trust me, at the end of the day, you will be so proud of yourself and glad you did it.

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Mammoth Cave tours + tickets 🦇 What’s the best Mammoth Cave National Park tour?! 🦇 Kentucky travel blog

The specific cave tours that are offered at Mammoth Cave National Park when you are there will depend on when you go.

There may be over 10 Mammoth Cave National Park tours that you can choose from!

It is worth it to do at least one Mammoth Cave tour.

And park rangers will also say that doing 2 or more cave tours can be worth it to give you a different experience in Mammoth Cave.

So if you want to do a lot of exploring of Mammoth Cave, it’s possible to mix and match to get a more well-rounded experience to see different aspects of Mammoth Cave!

There is also some overlap of the offered cave tours, so they are not all 10 completely unique tours.

But it’s possible to take more than one cave tour without feeling like you are seeing the same thing you saw in a previous tour.

If you want to do more than one cave tour, you will just want to be sure to read the cave descriptions carefully, because they do note the overlap that there may be.

And no matter which Mammoth Cave tour you choose, you will likely get a tour guide with great passion for Mammoth Cave!

Best Mammoth Cave tours

According to a Mammoth Cave park ranger, if you want a well-rounded Mammoth Cave experience, there are 4 types of Mammoth Cave tours you can do.

Here are the basic types of Mammoth Cave tours:

• Historic tour
• Formations tour (think stalagmites and stalactites)
• Geology tour
• Lantern tour

So these are the kinds of things you can look out for as you read through the descriptions of the cave tours.

If you want to do 2 solid cave hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park, then I would have said to check to see if there is availability for the River Styx Tour and Domes and Dripstones Tour .

These are the 2 Mammoth Cave tours I did, and I thought it was a perfect combination.

I didn’t feel like I was doing the same tours at all.

But unfortunately… neither are offered in summer 2023!! 😒

As of spring 2022, the River Styx Tour is listed as not being available at all in 2023, and the Domes and Dripstones Tour is listed as being available only in fall 2023.

So if you do see these Mammoth Cave tours offered, book tickets sooner rather than later since apparently they are rare!

So if you can’t do the River Styx Tour or Domes and Dripstones Tour… what then?!

1. Mammoth Cave historic tour

Is a historic tour is best Mammoth Cave tour?!

I was at the shelter waiting for a later departing tour when the Historic Tour was gathering around.

The park ranger leading that tour said that the historic tour was his favorite and went on to say that you haven’t really been to Mammoth Cave if you haven’t been on a historic tour!

If anything, this says that you will at least want to go inside Mammoth Cave through the historic entrance , whether that’s through a tour or on your own !

There are Mammoth Cave historic tours:

• The Historic Tour is $20 per person. (2 hours, 2 miles, 540 steps, moderate)
• The Extended Historic Tour is $23 per person. (2 hours 15 minutes, 2.25 miles, 540 steps, moderate)

There are other cave tours that start from the historic entrance, but these are the basic historic tours of Mammoth Cave.

If your cave tour does not enter through the historic entrance, then you can go inside Mammoth Cave on your own through the historic cave entrance by doing the self-guided Discovery Tour .

2. Frozen Niagara of Mammoth Cave

Is a cave formations tour the best Mammoth Cave tour?!

One of the most popular underground sections of Mammoth Cave is an area called the Frozen Niagara.

While most of Mammoth Cave is wide open passageways (which is why you should experience the cave from the historic entrance!), the section of the cave called the Frozen Niagara is where you can go to see more classic cave formations that you learn about in school. (aka stalagmites and stalactites .)

When you get to the Frozen Niagara of Mammoth Cave, you can see it without taking any stairs.

But you do also have the option of taking the stairs down into the Drapery Room, which is very much worth it to see more cave formations!

There are several Mammoth Cave tours that pass through the Frozen Niagara area:

• Frozen Niagara Tour (1 hour 15 minutes, 0.25 miles, 12 steps, easy)
• Domes and Dripstones Tour (2 hours, 0.75 miles, 500 steps, moderate)
• Grand Avenue Tour (4 hours, 4 miles, 1313 steps, difficult)

The Frozen Niagara Tour is the shortest and easiest way to see the “Frozen Niagara” of the Mammoth Cave.

The Domes and Dripstones Tour starts off by going down down down the stairs!

There are a lot of stairs to go down as soon as you enter the cave.

This part is fun!

There are parts where you’ll be going down narrow stairs with the cave walls literally right next to you.

And then you continue walking along a cave trail, and towards the end is where you’ll see the Frozen Niagara.

3. Mammoth Cave geology tour

Is a geology tour the best Mammoth Cave tour?!

When my River Styx tour started gathering around, the park ranger leading my tour said that the River Styx tour was her favorite because of the geology aspect.

She is a geologist and likes talking about rocks and water, which is what the River Styx tour was about.

River Styx: Underground water in Mammoth Cave

This is described as a “geology” tour, with a focus on learning more about the geology of Mammoth Cave.

One of the highlights is also seeing an underground river in Mammoth Cave.

You also have a chance to see eyeless cave fish , although they didn’t show themselves during my tour.

Fat Man’s Misery of Mammoth Cave

The River Styx tour goes through a section of Mammoth Cave called Fat Man’s Misery .

And while it is called this, the park ranger did indicate that a “fat man” can get through just fine.

No matter what size you are, you might be side stepping at times as you walk through this section of Mammoth Cave.

It’s fun!

It was also noted that all the paths we went through were naturally made.

So even the Fat Man’s Misery section, while it may seem like it was carved out, it was all naturally formed.

4. Mammoth Cave lantern tour

Is a lantern tour the best Mammoth Cave tour?!

There was yet another park ranger who said the lantern tour is one of his favorite ways to explore Mammoth Cave!

This park ranger was hesitant to specify any individual cave tour as his favorite.

But he basically said that he likes any of the lantern tours because he likes the experience of walking through the cave by the light of a lantern only.

There are several Mammoth Cave lantern tours:

• The Violet City Lantern Tour is $25 per person. (3 hours, 3 miles, 160 steps, difficult)
• The Star Chamber Tour is $25 per person. (evening lantern tour, 2.5 hours, 1.5 miles 160 steps, moderate)
• The Great Onyx Lantern Tour is $23 per person. (2 hours 15 minutes, 1 mile, 82 steps, moderate)

While the Great Onyx Lantern Tour is offered by Mammoth Cave National Park, the tour does not take place in Mammoth Cave itself. You will be exploring another Kentucky cave called the Great Onyx Cave.

And while you won’t be walking most of Mammoth Cave by lantern, the River Styx Tour has a small portion in which you will use only a lantern to light your way too.

I did a full “lantern tour” at Jewel Cave National Monument , and it was fun! See about my Jewel Cave lantern tour .

What is the most popular Mammoth Cave tour?

Among the most popular Mammoth Cave tours are the Historic Tour and the Extended Historic Tour .

A historic tour takes you through the wide open Mammoth Cave passages that Mammoth Cave is known for!

It is worth noting that the Frozen Niagara Tour is also very popular, but unfortunately this is also not offered until fall 2023. (The Domes and Dripstones Tour goes to the same exact spot as the Frozen Niagara Tour, and then some.)

If you are going to Mammoth Cave National Park in the fall 2023, then you can do a historic tour and Frozen Niagara Tour in one day.

And although not as popular, I would also recommend considering the Violet City Lantern Tour .

You get to walk through Mammoth Cave with the light of a lantern only ! So fun!

At 3 hours long though, the Violet City Lantern Tour is on the longer side, so you will want to consider that.

Another less popular tour that you should consider is the Cleaveland Avenue Tour so that you can learn about the geology and history of the Mammoth Cave! This is another tour on the longer side at 2.5 hours.

Mammoth Cave tours not offered for some or all of this year.

According to the National Park Service as of spring 2023:

The River Styx Tour and Star Chamber Lantern tour are “not currently available.”

The Frozen Niagara Tour and the Domes and Dripstones Tour, which both go to the Frozen Niagara section of Mammoth Cave , will not be offered until fall 2023.

The Grand Avenue Tour will not be offered until fall 2023 or summer 2024.

See currently offered tours.

How much does it cost to go on a Mammoth Cave tour?

The cost of a Mammoth Cave tour will depend on which tour you decide on.

The cost of tickets for the regular Mammoth Cave tours is around $20 per person.

The adult prices are listed below, and there is a discounted rate for kids.

Number of reviews are at the time I updated this list, also indicating the most popular tours.

Here are the best Mammoth Cave tours based on popularity:

• The Historic Tour is $20 per person. (2 hours, 2 miles, 540 steps, moderate, 1,955 reviews)
• The Extended Historic Tour is $23 per person. (2 hours 15 minutes, 2.25 miles, 540 steps, moderate, 1,109 reviews)
• The Domes and Dripstones Tour is $21 per person. (2 hours, 0.75 miles, 500 steps, moderate, 774 reviews)*
• The Frozen Niagara Tour is $18 per person. (1 hour 15 minutes, 0.25 miles, 12 steps, easy, 330 reviews)*
• The Gothic Avenue Tour is $19 per person. (2 hours, 1 mile, 160 steps, moderate, 245 reviews)
• The River Styx Tour is $22 per person. (2.5 hours, 2.5 miles, 574 steps, moderate, 225 reviews)
• The Cleaveland Avenue Tour is $22 per person. (2.5 hours, 2 miles, 400 steps, moderate, 223 reviews)
• The Grand Avenue Tour is $35 per person. (4 hours, 4 miles, 1313 steps, difficult, 197 reviews)*
• The Mammoth Passage Tour is $11 per person. (1 hour 15 minutes, 0.75 miles, 125 steps, easy, 163 reviews)
• The Great Onyx Lantern Tour is $23 per person. (2 hours 15 minutes, 1 mile, 82 steps, moderate, 144 reviews)
• The Violet City Lantern Tour is $25 per person. (3 hours, 3 miles, 160 steps, difficult, 105 reviews)
• The Wondering Woods Tour is (1.5 hours, 1 mile, 194 steps, moderate, 46 reviews) 
• The Star Chamber Tour is $25 per person. (evening “experience” lantern tour, 2.5 hours, 1.5 miles 160 steps, moderate, 37 reviews)
• The Grand Historic Tour is $35 per person. (4 hours, 4 miles, 640 steps, difficult, 36 reviews)

*At the time of this update, these tours were unlisted so information is based on last year. Hopefully they will be added back!

See the current list of tours and fees.

How to buy tickets for a Mammoth Cave tour

The important thing to know is that Mammoth Cave tours do sell out.

So planning may be required!

The best way to book your ticket for Mammoth Cave tours is through the official National Park Service reservation website .

When you are on the national park reservations website for the individual tours, you can go to the calendar availability.

If you click on a certain date, it will tell you how many tickets are left for each tour time. So this can let you know how soon you should book.

If there is still availability of the cave tours, then you can also buy tickets to the Mammoth Cave tours when you show up at the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center.

In 2022, the only way to buy Mammoth Cave tickets to walk inside Mammoth Cave on your own is to show up at the Mammoth Cave visitor center.

But this can always change, so it’s important to check for updated Mammoth Cave ticket info from the National Park Service website .

You may also try calling the Mammoth Cave visitor center to speak with a park ranger to ask about how the availability of any of the cave tours for the day is looking.

The listed phone number for the Mammoth Cave visitor center is 270-758-2180.

If you buy your Mammoth Cave tour ticket online, screenshot your ticket.

Once you buy your ticket for a Mammoth Cave tour, a ticket will be emailed to you.

You will want to screenshot this e-ticket, as this will be what you will show to go on the tour!

You likely won’t have service in most of Mammoth Cave National Park, but there is wifi at the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center if you forget to screenshot the ticket.

How long does the Mammoth Cave tour take?

Most of the Mammoth Cave tours are 2 hours long.

Where do Mammoth Cave tours start?

All things to do with Mammoth Cave tours will begin at the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center.

The starting point of the cave tours is at a shelter located right outside the visitor center.

There is Shelter A and Shelter B. There is a sign posted at the shelter with the cave tours that start at each location.

There is no separate “check-in” area. You can just show up here.

From the meeting area, there are some tours (like the Frozen Niagara Tour) that will shuttle you by bus to another area of the park to enter Mammoth Cave.

The National Park Service tells you not to rely on GPS or google maps to get to Mammoth Cave National Park.

I believe the problem may be if you just click on a random “Mammoth Cave National Park” on google maps, as it may not be a specific location within the park.

But if you navigate specifically to Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center then you should be fine. ( map )

I navigated to Mammoth Cave Campground (which is near the visitor center), and it took me to the right place. ( map )

Still, if you want the National Park Service directions for confirmation, these are the directions to get to Mammoth Cave National Park.

The directions to the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center will be emailed to you if you book a cave tour.

How to get to Mammoth Cave National Park 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.

How to get to Mammoth Cave National Park 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.

Other than that, you may be driving through rural areas, so it’s best to download offline google maps for Kentucky before you go!

Mammoth Cave National Park is in central time zone!

Well, the good news is that if you are not already in the central time zone, then if you mess up the time, it just means you will be an hour early for your tour! Better than being an hour late!

Some of Kentucky is in central time zone, and some of Kentucky is in eastern time zone.

What to wear in Mammoth Cave

How should you dress for Mammoth Cave?

You will want to dress for cooler temperatures for Mammoth Cave.

It is said that inside Mammoth Cave is consistently in the mid-50s.

You will also want to wear shoes good for walking so your feet can be comfortable as you walk through the Mammoth Cave!

So, you will likely want to wear a sweatshirt or light jacket inside Mammoth Cave.

Also because you will be walking a lot, you will want to wear good walking shoes inside Mammoth Cave.

Also while we are talking about what to wear, we will also talk about what not to wear on your next cave trip after Mammoth Cave!

Take a full-body picture of yourself when you are inside Mammoth Cave!

This way, you will know what NOT to wear the next time you go inside a cave!

There’s a disease that’s deadly to bats that is known to exist in Mammoth Cave called white-nose syndrome. (This doesn’t affect humans at all.)

White-nose syndrome is thought to have been mostly spread from cave to cave by humans who have entered a cave with the fungus and then tracked it into another cave.

This is why it’s best not to wear the same shoes (or even clothes) that you wore into Mammoth Cave into any other cave in the world.

The most serious park I went to, Craters of the Moon National Monument , didn’t want you wearing ANYTHING into the Craters of the Moon caves that you wore into any cave in the last 15 years!

It was literally a question that was asked upon entry to the park!

So, by taking a picture of yourself, you’ll know what you wore into Mammoth Cave so you’ll know what not to wear to another cave!

Save the bats!

Why save the bats?!

And that’s a little bit about doing a Mammoth Cave tour!

I did Mammoth Cave tours in May 2022. Your experience may vary!

Above ground: Things to do in Mammoth Cave National Park

HAPPY DOING A CAVE TOUR IN MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK!

Best Mammoth Cave Tour for Kids

W hat’s the best Mammoth Cave tour for kids? It’s hard to pick one of the many cave tours at Mammoth Cave National Park, especially if you’ve got kids along for the experience.

In this article, you’ll learn why the Historic Tour at Mammoth Cave is the best tour for kids, how families can prepare for this experience, and what to expect while you’re underground.

When my kids and I visited Mammoth Cave National Park, we knew that a cave tour HAD to be on our list of things to do there, and we were so excited with what we learned and saw on the Historic Tour.

Let’s see what wonders await us under the rolling hills of Kentucky!

Is Mammoth Cave Kid Friendly?

Yes, Mammoth Cave is very kid friendly!

If your children are anything like mine, they’ll be intrigued at the chance to explore one of the largest and longest cave systems in North America.

While there are stairs inside the cave that are utilized by all of the tours, the path leading to the cave entrance and throughout the cave is paved and smooth.

This means that your family won’t be worried about tripping or falling while trying to enjoy your cave tour.

The cave is well lit on the footpaths, further ensuring that your kids stay safe in the cave.

Your kids will love seeing the huge rooms and comparing them to the smaller paths you’ll walk.

There’s a Bottomless Pit, mining equipment, a river, and so much more to discover along the way.

Mammoth Cave truly is an awe-inspiring experience for the entire family.

Why the Historic Tour is the Best Option for Families

When you’re visiting Mammoth Cave National Park, you must do a cave tour, even if that’s the only thing you do while at the park.

(It shouldn’t be though—the entire property, above and below ground, is fascinating!)

That being said, it can be overwhelming to look at the 19 tours offered throughout the year at Mammoth Cave and try to pick one that would be good for your entire family.

When my family visited this national park, we were traveling with my close friend and her 2 children, so we knew we needed to find something appropriate for our 4 kids.

Our kids were between 4 and 9 at the time of our visit, so the tour needed to be kid friendly, educational, and entertaining.

After much deliberation, we settled on the Historic Tour as it provided access to the huge chambers that the cave is known for as well as access to smaller, less traveled areas.

Plus, the tour promised some family friendly educational content, which was a big selling point for my friend and I, both of whom worked as teachers for years.

Ultimately, the Historic Tour is the best Mammoth Cave tour for kids thanks to the variety of cave areas visited, the engaging ranger guides, and the overall length of the tour.

At 2 hours, the tour is long enough to get families in many nooks and crannies of Mammoth Cave, but not so long as to cause kids to get antsy or bored.

In fact, all 4 of our young children had so much fun climbing stairs, squeezing through passages, and listening to the ranger that not one of them asked when the tour would be over.

Historic Tour vs. Grand Historic Tour vs. Extended Historic Tour

Keep in mind that the Grand Historic Tour and the Historic Tour are 2 different options. You’ll want the Historic Tour, which runs 2 hours and spans 2 miles, instead of the much more in-depth Grand Historic Tour, which runs 4 hours and spans 4 miles.

Confusingly, the national park also offers the Extended Historic Tour, which is the regular Historic Tour with a 1/4 mile add on to the tuberculosis huts in the cave.

If you can’t nab Historic Tour tickets, try for the slightly longer (2.25 miles and 2.25 hours) Extended Historic Tour. This tour is also kid-friendly and covers all of the elements listed below.

What’s the best Mammoth Cave tour for toddlers?

If you think your toddler would enjoy walking through the cave and can be somewhat attentive for the duration of the Historic Tour, take that.

However, I know that little ones can be wiggly, talkative, and not at all interested in cool geological formations.

If you don’t think that your toddler can handle a 2 hour tour, opt for the self-guided Discovery Tour instead.

The Discovery Tour only cover about 3/4 of a mile into the cave, and it’s completely self-led, so you can spend as much or as little time as your toddler allows.

While there is a small fee for this tour, it’s much cheaper than the Historic Tour (which is $12-20 per person).

The Discovery Tour isn’t always offered, but they do sell nearly unlimited tickets each day it is offered. Ask at the front desk of the visitors center about this tour or call the office ahead of time.

How to Get Tickets for the Historic Tour

As this tour is one of the most popular, you’ll want to book up ahead of time.

You can make online reservations for the cave tours, but the reservation system only opens a month or 2 ahead of time.

Start checking the Mammoth Cave National Park website regularly 3 months before your trip so that you’ll have first pick at the time and day of your desired visit.

During the summer months, the Historic Tour will be held 5-6 times a day, while the offerings drop to just twice a day from October to April.

If you don’t secure a ticket online, you can always ask at the front desk of the visitors center if there were any last minute cancellations.

There’s also the chance that the park holds back a few tickets to be sold on a first come, first served basis.

This is how we nabbed the elusive Carlsbad Caverns King’s Palace tour tickets in New Mexico!

However, these in-person scenarios aren’t guaranteed, and it’s highly recommend to have your tour date and time booked before you arrive.

What to Expect on the Tour

In 2 hours, your family will discover so much about this unique cave system!

The tour meets at the covered pavilion behind the visitors center, and this is where you’ll be introduced to your ranger guide.

You’ll also get safety tips for the cave tour, and a final reminder to nab that sweatshirt from the car.

This is a great time to let your ranger guide know if your kids are completing their Junior Ranger program as the ranger will help tailor the walk to be even more kid-friendly.

All kids aiming for a Junior Ranger badge have to complete at least one ranger-led program, and the Historic Tour is a great option!

One thing to keep in mind about Mammoth Cave is that it is a dry cave, so you won’t see any waterfalls or many of the formations that you find in an actively wet cave.

The way that Mammoth Cave was formed is much different than the way that Carlsbad Caverns was formed, so each caving experience will be unique.

Entering the Cave

Once the group is ready to go, you’ll walk roughly 1/4 of a mile down a paved path to the cave entrance.

While the entrance isn’t quite as dramatic as the one we experienced on our Carlsbad Caverns itinerary —the other famous cave system in the National Parks service—Mammoth Cave still offers up a bit of eerie drama.

While that first part of the tour is stroller friendly, you can’t take any strollers into the cave.

You’ll instead need to baby wear (using a front carrier only) or carry young children in the cave.

Because of this, I think that the tour is best for kids who are already mobile and can walk most of the 2 mile loop on their own.

First Stops

As you head into the cave, your first stop will be in the Rotunda, where you’ll see why Mammoth Cave has its name.

It seems impossible that such a large space could exist underneath the surface!

My kids were amazed to be standing in an area of a cave that is bigger than several houses put together.

You’ll also hear about the beginnings of the human usage of this cave, which dates back to prehistoric times.

The cave was used in the years leading up to the Civil War as a saltpeter mine, which meant that enslaved people worked long hours in near darkness as they excavated pits of this material.

The cave turned into a tourist attraction in the post-Civil War years, and several brave locals began mapping out the cave.

One of the most fun parts of the tour is when the ranger guide turns off the electric lights and uses a small oil lamp to illustrate what it looked like in those early days of exploration.

Your ranger might even “accidentally” drop the lantern, causing you to be plunged into total darkness!

If your kids are afraid of the dark, this part only lasts a few moments, and it is telegraphed well in advance so you can prepare your children.

Fat Man’s Misery

Another high point of the tour is Fat Man’s Misery, which is also the tightest squeeze of the entire cave tour.

I’m hideously claustrophobic, and I was dreading this part of the tour, but I didn’t want to miss out on the overall experience.

I’m 5’7” and I had to bend nearly in half to get through this short, tight space.

My kids, however, had the best time, as they were so short that they walked right through!

If you’re like me and don’t like small spaces, I’m here to tell you that you can do it!

The tour guide told us to hang back so we could take our time getting through the squeeze, and that was helpful.

We were also moving slowly because my friend had just broken her toe before the trip, but even she managed to navigate the area.

After you get through this area—which is only a couple of hundred feet—you’ll get to rest for a bit at the underground ampitheatre.

Here, the guide will tell you about the underground river in the cave called the River Styx.

Heading Back to the Surface

As you get to the end of the tour, you’ll get to walk over a metal grated bridge for a glimpse at the Bottomless Pit.

It truly does look as if it keeps on going forever into the darkness!

Save a burst of energy for the last part of the tour as you’ll need to ascend 300 steps to get back to the surface.

Again, I suggest waiting to go at the end of the tour group so your kids won’t be rushed up the stairs.

While the staircase was a lot for my then 4 year old, he was a champ—slowly but surely, we made it to the top.

How to Dress Your Kids for the Tour

Regardless of the surface temperature, the cave stays at a steady 55 degrees year round.

We’re from coastal South Carolina, where 55 degrees is practically the dead of winter for us, so we bundled the kids up in t-shirts, long pants, jackets, and beanies.

We didn’t end up needing the extra sweatshirts that we’d packed, and the kids stayed comfortable throughout the hike with their 2 layers on.

Layers were helpful as we visited in late summer, so the surface temperatures were around 30 degrees warmer than what we found in the cave!

Most of the tour group had on similar attire, though some people also opted to wear gloves.

Since the cave tour is active, you’ll want to ensure that everyone has on closed toe shoes with good traction, too.

Final Thoughts on the Historic Tour

Plan ahead to ensure that you get those tickets, and the historic tour will be the cornerstone of your experience in the park.

Keep in mind that the cave can be cool, and wear layers.

Opt for the ranger-led Historic Tour over the self-guided Discovery Tour (which is offered at fewer times than the Historic Tour).

Finally, be prepared for your kids to be amazed at this natural wonder and World Heritage Site!

If you’re looking for a unique place to stay near Mammoth Cave, read our full review of the Historic Wigwam Village in Cave City, Kentucky !