Tour THE Best Caves in Kentucky: Including Mammoth Cave
You’ve just explored Mammoth Cave National Park, the world’s longest-known cave system and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you step out of the historic entrance, you might be wondering: what’s next?
Don’t make the mistake so many visitors do by only visiting Mammoth Cave. Cave Country, the area surrounding Mammoth Cave National Park, is home to numerous other caves that are equally worth exploring.
After touring and marveling at the longest cave in the world, you might question whether smaller caves are worth your time. As Kentucky locals who visit Cave Country and Cave City frequently, we can assure you—they absolutely are. Each cave near Mammoth Cave has something truly special to offer, from stunning formations to rich history and unique underground experiences…like an underground boat ride!
Since you’re planning ahead, let’s make sure your trip is a well-rounded exploration of Kentucky’s Cave Country!
In this post, I’ll share 8 incredible cave tours near Mammoth Cave, featuring guided tours, self-guided tours, and unique opportunities to uncover the fascinating history and geology of these remarkable caves. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun or a thrilling adventure, there’s something for everyone.
8 Things to Do After You’ve Just Finished Exploring Mammoth Cave
Many first-time visitors to Mammoth Cave plan their stop as a quick half-day trip on their way through the area. These cave options near Mammoth Cave will separate you from the regular tourists who take the Historic Tour and check Mammoth Cave National Park off their list!
Whether you’re heading toward Louisville and the Bourbon Trail, Nashville for a night on Broadway, or Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave National Park and its surrounding area deserve several days to explore.
Covering approximately 53,000 acres, Mammoth Cave might seem like a “smaller” National Park, but it offers an extraordinary range of experiences. From exploring miles of underground passages in the world’s longest cave system to hiking over 70 miles of above-ground trails, this park is packed with opportunities for adventure.
And let’s not forget the many amazing caves near Mammoth Cave National Park! With a mix of guided tours, self-guided explorations, and unique outdoor activities, you can easily spend several days immersing yourself in the wonders of Kentucky’s Cave Country.
#1. Lost River Cave
Getting There: Lost River Cave is conveniently located in downtown Bowling Green, Kentucky—home to the famous Corvette Museum and our family’s very own Cambridge Market & Cafe! Get directions ro Lost River Cave here.
Lost River Cave offers a one-of-a-kind boat tour, where visitors glide through the cave’s underground waterways while learning about its fascinating history. From its early use by Native Americans to its role during the Civil War and even as a hideout for Jesse James, the stories of this cave are as rich as its natural beauty.
- Tour Details: The tour lasts about 1 hour and includes a short walk to the cave entrance followed by a serene boat ride inside the cave.
But there’s more! Lost River Cave isn’t just about cave tours. It offers:
- Hiking Trails: Explore the 2-mile Nature Trail, Meadow Restoration Project, and Prairie Greenways Trail.
- Unique Event Spaces: Host a one-of-a-kind event or wedding at their Cavern Nite Club, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Pro Tip: Arrive early for easy access to the visitor center and hiking trails.
Quick Note: Be aware that flooding can occasionally close the cave, so check conditions before your visit.
Learn more about Lost River Cave here.
#2. Hidden River Cave & American Cave Museum
Getting There: Hidden River Cave is located in downtown Horse Cave, Kentucky and is also home to the National American Cave Museum. Horse Cave is about 15 minutes from Mammoth Cave’s National Park Visitor Center. Get Directions to Hidden River Cave here.
Hidden River Cave offers the longest suspension bridge in a cave! At 150 feet in length this modern marvel bridges a deep sink hole to reach the Sunset Dome room! This massive room is estimated to be 250 feet wide and 100 feet tall! This amazing cave once served as a hydro electric power station for the town of Horse Cave!
In the 1930s Hidden River Cave was polluted heavily from sewage pumped into nearby sink holes that flowed into the Hidden River Cave! Yuck! In the late 1980s and through the 1990s groups of cave lovers worked to reclaim the cave and restore it to it’s natural health.
Wild Caving tours are available as well! A wild cave tour is an Off Trail Cave Adventure that is the perfect intro to explorers looking to get dirty, crawl through tight spaces and experience the cave in a whole new way. We have not done this…YET! On our next trip this is one of our must do adventures! This tour runs about $50 and last nearly 4 hours! In case you’re wondering a change of clothes is suggested!
Visit Hidden River Cave and the American Cave Museum!
#3. Diamond Caverns
Getting There: Diamond Caverns is located in Park City, Kentucky along Mammoth Cave Parkway. In fact the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike & Hike Trail goes from Park City to Mammoth Cave National Park! Get Directions to Diamond Caverns.
After visiting Mammoth Cave you might be wondering where all the stalactites and stalagmites were…well they are all waiting for you to explore them at Diamond Caverns! Mammoth Cave’s solid roof generally prevents water from actively dripping into the cave which means the cave is generally very dry. This is unusual and unfortunately, Mammoth Cave is not blessed with some of the amazing natural features expected in caves like stalactites, stalagmites, or cave bacon!
Guided tours are available and last about 1 hour to cover the half mile looped tour. Guides share the history and folklore of the cave. Unfortunately, Diamond Caverns is NOT handicap accessible and includes 350 steps…so if you have bad knees you might skip this tour.
Pro Tip: Diamond Caverns is open year round, rain or shine, so plan you visit during the offseason to avoid large crowds. Discover Diamond Caverns!
#4. Crystal Onyx Cave
Getting There: Crystal Onyx Cave is perched high atop Prewitts Knob in Horse Cave, Kentucky. Don’t confuse it with Onyx Cave—Crystal Onyx is a unique, family-owned gem! Get directions to Crystal Onyx Cave here.
This family-owned cave is renowned for its incredible speleothems, the stunning formations created by mineral deposits. From stalactites and stalagmites to the world-famous wall of cave bacon, the formations here are nothing short of breathtaking. (Fair warning: the cave bacon might leave you craving a second breakfast!)
In the 2010s, the current owners, Scott and Sara Sendtko, purchased Crystal Onyx Cave and undertook a years-long restoration project to preserve its natural beauty. Their hard work has paid off—today, Crystal Onyx Cave is a must-see destination for visitors to Cave Country.
We had the pleasure of touring Crystal Onyx Cave and loved experiencing this living cave in all its splendor. The tour takes you along the Upper Trail, where highlights include:
- Crystal Lake and Crystal Falls
- The enchanting Enchanted Forest
- The whimsical Imagination Room
- The intricate Wedding Cake formation
Our small tour group allowed for plenty of interaction with the guide, who answered all our questions. Thoughtful lighting throughout the cave highlighted its spectacular features and created a magical atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Crystal Onyx Cave includes nearly 350 stairs, so be prepared for some climbing!
Learn about Crystal Onyx Cave!
#5. Mammoth Onyx Cave
Getting There: Mammoth Onyx Cave is located at Kentucky Down Under, also known as the “Outback of Kentucky.” Get directions to Mammoth Onyx Cave here.
Who says kangaroos and Kentucky don’t go together? At Kentucky Down Under, you can meet kangaroos up close and explore the Land of the Lorries, a colorful haven of friendly lorikeets. After enjoying the wildlife, take some time to discover the hidden gem that is Mammoth Onyx Cave!
The best part? No advance reservations are needed. A guided cave tour is included with your admission to Kentucky Down Under, making it a convenient and accessible adventure.
- Tour Details: The guided tour lasts about 30–40 minutes, showcasing the cave’s fascinating natural formations, including the unique cave popcorn.
- Accessibility: Visitors must be able to navigate the 144 steps inside the cave, so plan accordingly.
Pro Tip: Pair your visit to Mammoth Onyx Cave with a stop at the National Corvette Museum in nearby Bowling Green to round out your day of fun.
Plan your visit to Mammoth Onyx Cave.
#6. Outlaw Cave
Getting There: Step back in time to the days of the Wild West at Outlaw Cave, once a hideout for legendary gunslingers like Jesse James! It may be hard to imagine now, but Kentucky was the western frontier in the early 1800s. Get directions to Outlaw Cave here.
Outlaw Cave offers two distinct tours, each catering to a different type of explorer:
- Standard Cave Tour: This guided tour showcases the breathtaking formations of Outlaw Cave, including impressive columns and other geological wonders.
- Wild Cave Tour: For the adventurous, this 90-minute spelunking experience takes you off the beaten path to crawl through narrow passages and truly immerse yourself in the cave’s rugged beauty. At just $35 per person, it’s an incredible value!
But that’s not all! Outlaw Cave also features horseback riding on a 2-mile trail that loops around the property. The rides are $30 per person and last about an hour—perfect for enjoying Kentucky’s stunning scenery from a new perspective.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting Cave Country during the spring, consider pairing your adventure with a trip to historic Churchill Downs for a chance to catch the Kentucky Derby.
Discover all there is to do at Outlaw Cave!
#7. Great Onyx Cave
Getting There: Great Onyx Cave is part of the vast Mammoth Cave National Park labyrinth, but it has its own separate cave entrance and dedicated tour. Get directions to Great Onyx Cave here.
Looking for a unique way to explore Mammoth Cave? The Great Onyx Cave tour offers an unforgettable experience using kerosene lanterns, just like the early explorers did. You’ll get a firsthand feel for how dark the cave truly is, with only the flickering glow of a lantern to guide your way.
The Park Ranger led tour covers approximately 1 mile and takes about 2 hours to complete. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about the outlaws who once sought refuge in these caves and the rich history of Mammoth Cave. You’ll also get to admire some of the most stunning formations in this section of the cave system.
Pro Tip: If you’re enchanted by lantern-lit tours, consider also checking out the Saltpeter Cave tour at Carter Caves State Resort Park for another illuminating adventure. Carter Caves offers several self-guided tour options if you’re feel adventurous.
#8. Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour
Getting There: The Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour is one of our absolute favorite tours at Mammoth Cave National Park! Get directions to the Domes and Dripstones Tour here.
We love this tour because it explores a wet section of Mammoth Cave, where water actively drips down from the ground above. As the water filters through the soil, it collects calcium, which is deposited as the water drips, creating some of the most breathtaking formations in the cave.
One of the tour’s highlights is the iconic Frozen Niagara, one of the most famous and recognizable formations in Mammoth Cave. Fun fact: Kentucky is home to Frozen Niagara as well as the Niagara of the South at Cumberland Falls!
Tour Details:
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Distance: 0.75 miles
- Features: Stunning formations and captivating stories about the history of Mammoth Cave.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a nature lover, this tour offers a fantastic combination of both. You’ll leave amazed by the natural beauty and rich history of this section of the world’s longest cave system.
FAQ: All About Caves
1. Cave or Cavern?
A cavern is a specific type of cave. While all caverns are caves, not all caves are caverns. Caves are natural underground spaces large enough for a person to enter, and there are five main types of caves, each formed in unique ways:
- Solution Caves:
Formed in carbonate and sulfate rocks such as limestone, dolomite, gypsum, or marble by the slow movement of groundwater. These are the most common type of caves worldwide. The caves in Kentucky’s Cave Country, including Mammoth Cave, are solution caves. - Lava Caves:
Created when the exterior of molten lava cools and hardens, while the still-flowing interior lava drains away, leaving behind tunnels or tubes. These are often found in volcanic areas. - Sea Caves:
Formed by the constant pounding of waves and sand against coastal rocks. Over time, this erosion creates openings in the shoreline. - Glacier Caves:
Carved through glaciers by meltwater flowing through the ice. (Note: These differ from ice caves, which form inside other cave types, such as lava or solution caves, where ice persists year-round.) - Eolian Caves:
Found in deserts, these caves are formed when wind carries sand or silt that erodes softer rock layers over time.
Understanding these types helps us appreciate the geological diversity of caves, with solution caves being the primary focus in Kentucky.
2. What is the difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite?
Both are stunning formations found in caves, but here’s how they differ:
- Stalactite: Hangs from the ceiling of a cave (think “C” for ceiling).
- Stalagmite: Rises from the floor of a cave (think “G” for ground).
When they meet, they can form a column or pillar.
3. What is a dry cave?
A dry cave is one where there is little to no water actively flowing through it. These caves often lack the formation of new speleothems because the mineral-rich water needed to create them is absent. However, dry caves are typically easier to explore and navigate.
4. What is a wet cave?
A wet cave has active water flow, such as streams, rivers, or dripping water. These caves are constantly changing, as the flowing water contributes to the formation of new stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations. Lost River Cave and Hidden River Cave are great examples of wet caves in Kentucky.
5. What are the differences between Carlsbad Caverns and Mammoth Cave?
While both are world-famous caves, they offer very different experiences:
- Mammoth Cave:
- Located in Kentucky, it is the world’s longest cave system with over 400 miles of mapped passages.
- Known for its vast labyrinths, historic significance, and connection to the Green River.
- Features both wet and dry sections, with formations like Frozen Niagara and unique historical areas like the Star Chamber.
- Focuses on guided tours that showcase the cave’s geology and rich human history.
- Carlsbad Caverns:
- Located in New Mexico, it is known for its gigantic chambers and intricate speleothems.
- Home to formations like the Big Room, one of the largest underground chambers in North America, and Lechuguilla Cave, a nearby cave known for its pristine formations.
- Offers more opportunities for self-guided exploration, as well as spectacular evening bat flights during certain seasons.
In short, Mammoth Cave is famous for its size and historical significance, while Carlsbad Caverns is renowned for its grand chambers and dramatic formations.
6. What other caves are in Kentucky?
In addition to Mammoth Cave, Kentucky is home to several incredible caves worth exploring, including:
- Lost River Cave (Bowling Green)
- Hidden River Cave (Horse Cave)
- Diamond Caverns (Park City)
- Crystal Onyx Cave (Horse Cave)
- Carter Caves (Carter Caves State Resort Park)
7. Why does Kentucky have so many caves?
Kentucky’s abundance of caves is due to its karst topography, a landscape formed by the dissolution of limestone. Over millions of years, water has carved out underground passages, creating a vast network of caves and caverns. The state’s humid climate and geological history make it one of the most cave-rich regions in North America.
Conclusion: Plan Your Ultimate Kentucky Cave Adventure
Mammoth Cave National Park may be the star of Kentucky’s Cave Country, but it’s far from the only wonder waiting to be explored. From the serene underground boat ride at Lost River Cave to the mesmerizing formations of Crystal Onyx Cave and the adventurous spelunking opportunities at Outlaw Cave, there’s something for everyone in this cave-rich region.
By venturing beyond Mammoth Cave, you’ll uncover a diverse range of guided tours, self-guided explorations, and one-of-a-kind experiences that highlight the region’s rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, a thrilling adventure, or a chance to learn about the fascinating geology of solution caves, Kentucky’s Cave Country delivers.
So, don’t stop at just one cave—make your visit a multi-day adventure filled with discovery, history, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re pairing your trip with nearby attractions like the National Corvette Museum or planning your visit around seasonal events like the Kentucky Derby, this region is sure to leave you inspired.
Ready to start planning your trip? Use this guide to explore the hidden gems of Cave Country and make your next adventure truly extraordinary!
About Us
We are Mike and Sara, and our kids and dog are exploring the US while camping in our fifth wheel! Since the late 90s we have been exploring the great outdoors one hiking trail at a time. We introduced our kids to hiking while they were young and they love exploring new places. We call Kentucky home and we find ourselves exploring the state parks, national parks, and other wildlands in our area as often as we can!
Our RV camping journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Waking up close to the trails we love hiking was enough for us to get hooked on the camping lifestyle! Thanks for following our adventures!
