The Best Guide to Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park is a dream destination for outdoor explorers and subterranean spelunkers alike. Known for being one of the largest cave systems in the world, Mammoth Cave is worth a visit if you like discovering new things and don’t mind the dark.
There are over a dozen different cave tours to choose from, each one having its own unique features. You might be looking at some sinister stalagmites one moment followed by luxurious limestone formations the next. Most of the tours will last around three hours a piece, so if you want to see everything the park has to offer you may want to visit over the course of three days.
Let’s dive into some of these tours so you can know what to expect.
Hours
8AM - 6:30PM
Map
Here’s a map of Mammoth Cave National Park, with a list of the major caves, hikes, and other points of interest you’ll need to know. All tours begin at the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center, so if you arrive there at the time of your cave tour, you’re in the right place.
Is Mammoth Cave National Park dog-friendly?
Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed in the caves, so your pup should probably stay home.
Best Mammoth Cave Tours
Mammoth Cave Historic Tour
Difficulty: Easy
Discover the fascinating and disturbing history of Mammoth Cave, originally purchased by Dr. John Croghan in the early 19th century.
The doctor was desperate to find a cure for his tuberculosis, and believed that the cave’s air had potentially healing properties. You’ll have the chance to see his makeshift “hospital” built from the cave rock. The guides here will give you the full story on the trek, and believe us, it’s worth it!
Cost
Adult: $20
Children: $15
Senior: $10
For a few extra dollars a ticket, you can extend the tour to cover even more points of interest.
Frozen Niagara Tour
Difficulty: Easy
Frozen Niagara is one of the shortest tours in the Mammoth Cave, making it perfect for young children, older folks, and casual hikers. You’ll see stalagmites, stalactites, and the “Frozen Niagara” for which the tour is named. The rippling rock walls have formed naturally in a way that they appear like massive waterfalls.
Cost
Adult: $18
Children: $14
Senior: $9
Mammoth Cave Discovery Tour
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re unsure about exploring the cave system, the self-guided Discovery Tour may be the way to test it out. This exceptionally short tour is basically just a museum exhibit through the shallowest part of the cave system, and is one of the most accessible places for all.
Cost
Adult: $8
Children: $6
Senior: $4
Star Chamber Tour
Difficulty: Moderate
It’s time to shoot for the stars…underground? The Star Chamber contains minerals on the ceiling that almost look like a starry night on the surface. The only light you’ll find on this tour comes from the oil lamps held by the guides, giving you an idea of what people in the 19th century did when they explored the caves.
Cost
Adult: $25
Children: $20
Senior: $12.50
Domes and Dripstones Tour
Difficulty: Moderate
The Domes and Dripstones tour is a bit longer, and contains sections of the Frozen Niagara and the only part of the cave that features prominent stalagmites and stalactites.
This is one of the most popular tours in the park, so you will want to reserve your place long before you arrive in Kentucky. There are steeper inclines and many stairs to climb, so be warned if you are not physically able.
Cost
Adult: $21
Children: $16
Senior: $10.50
Violet City Lantern Tours
Difficulty: Hard
Forget history from the last couple of centuries, if you want to dive deep into the history of Mammoth Cave as a whole, then Violet City should be your destination. You’ll get a sense for how massive the cave is in this one, as the rangers explain how Mammoth Cave was formed. This is one of the larger tours, with groups of up to 120 people.
Cost
Adult: $25
Children: $20
Senior: $12.50
Grand Avenue Cave Tour
Difficulty: Hard
This is by far the longest tour in the cave, as it runs for four hours. The tour has 1300 stairs with an additional 100 in the Drapery Room.
You’ll go through slot canyons, gypsum-sparkled tunnels, and tall canyons for the entire time. It’s a half-day park perfect for the adventurous.
Cost
Adult: $35
Children: $27
Senior: $17.50
There’s so much to discover in Mammoth Cave National Park. If you’re a true thrill seeker, you may want to give Wild Cave a shot, or you could find another above-ground attraction to do for the day. Check out our Things to Do page for more information on the other attractions.