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First Time at Mammoth Cave National Park? Here’s What You Need to Know

Mammoth Cave National Park is one of the most famous natural landmarks in The Bluegrass State. Despite this, many people have never had the chance to visit the fascinating cave system for themselves. If you happen to be making the journey to this beautiful subterranean destination, you may have a lot of questions, which is why we are here to help.


We’ll go over some of the best things to know about the caves, about your trip, and about the area so you can be fully equipped and prepared for the best vacation possible.

Things to Know About Your Trip


When is Mammoth Cave National Park open?

While Mammoth Cave is open year-round and 24 hours a day, the hours for the visitor center differ by season. Cave tours are unavailable past these times.


  • Summer: Visitor center closes at 6PM
  • Winter: Visitor center closes at 4:30PM


Admission

Admission is free for guests who just want to enter the park, walk some of the trails, and check out the visitor center. But if you’re wanting to go on a cave tour, you’re going to need to pay for tickets to delve into the historic depths of the caverns.


Caving prices range anywhere from $11 all the way up to $66. We’ll cover the cave experiences below.


What should I bring?

If you’re planning on going on a cave tour, bring clothing that is comfortable and slightly warm, as the caves can get a bit chilly. Bring a flashlight and some good walking shoes, too. The Wild Cave Tour requires additional equipment, so keep that in mind.


Is it dog-friendly?

Mammoth Cave is welcoming to well-behaved pups on the above-ground hiking trail system. Make sure you bring a leash! However, cave tours are for people only, so Fido will have to stay back at the camp.


Things to Know About the Cave


How did it get its name?

Mammoth Cave National Park got its name because of the sheer size of the cave system, which is around 52,000 acres. Unfortunately, you won’t be seeing the remains of a Woolly Mammoth, but at least the cave tours are dazzling.


What’s the Best Trail?

With over 15 different cave tours to choose from, this can be a loaded question and will largely depend on your group.


For Beginners

If you have little kids or have accessibility issues, you’re probably seeking something easy. The Accessible Tour and the self-guided Discovery Tour both offer an incredibly accessible and fun way to see the caves. The Domes and Dripstones Tour is a bit more difficult but still a great option for any age.


For History Buffs

The Grand Historic Tour is the perfect way to learn about the history of the cave. You’ll see every part of the Extended Historic Tour, Gothic Ave, Star Chamber, River Styx, and even parts of the Violet City Tour if you decide to go this route.


If that long of an experience isn’t quite in your budget, just try one of these individual tours and you’ll get a taste of the history Mammoth Cave offers.


For Experts

The Wild Cave Tour is by far the most intense and thrilling caving experience you’ll have at Mammoth Cave. If you and your travel group love adventure, this is the place for you to be. Check out our Wild Cave Tour article for a more in-depth look at the experience.


Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is a great place to figure out what you want to do. You can work with the park guides, learn about the cave system, or meet here to start one of the cave tours.


What wildlife will I see?

Mammoth Cave National Park offers you the chance to find animals common in North America and in caves. Bats are one of the most common animals our guest report seeing at the Wild Cave Tour, but it’s also a paradise for birdwatchers, insect aficionados, and hunters.


Where is the best place to stay?

Some visitors love to camp; others love to ride on an RV trip. But if you want the most relaxing and incredible getaway experience, you need to stay at the Grand Victorian Inn in Park City, KY. Our inn is a place of history, class, convenience, and comfort. Check out our rooms and book a stay today.

Check Out Grand Victorian Inn

We know you’re hoping to ride off, but pump the brakes and consider finding an excellent place to stay before you plan your trip to Mammoth Cave National Park and the surrounding area. Grand Victorian Inn offers a beautiful and historic building to rest your head at night in between moments of high adrenaline. Discover our rooms and amenities for yourself.

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