Exploring Mammoth Cave National Park

“Mammoth Cave National Park …the world’s longest
known cave system, with more than 400 miles explored.”
National Park Service

My husband Nick and our two youngest Andi, 16, and Joey, 14, spent this year’s spring break in Cave City, KY. We headed straight to center of it all: Mammoth Cave National Park.

One of the best ways to explore the park’s preserved cave system is on their ranger led tours. There are many to choose from, but we chose the Domes and Dripstones tour. The two hour tour includes 500 step, 280 on the initial staircase descent. There are a lot of tight places, so as someone who is a bit claustrophobic, there were a few areas that made me anxious. It’s definitely a “moderate level” tour, but completely worth it.

We met our tour group at the shelters near the Visitor Center and took a bus ride to the cave.

We entered the cave through a steel door. The tour guide let a few people in at a time to secure the air pressure in the cave.

The cave formations were breathtaking!

The tour is tiring but so worth it and we did get a few breaks while learning fascinating facts about the Mammoth Cave system.

If you go:

Most of the tours cost between $8 and $16 but special tours can cost as much as $55.
Tours can book up weeks in advance so be sure to make your reservation early.
There are several tours to choose from so pick what is best for your group based on physical ability and interest.
Strollers are not permitted.
Allow extra time to explore above ground. Mammoth Cave offers free guided tours including a nature tour, a bird watching adventure and a heritage hike.
Click here to purchase tickets and learn more about Mammoth Cave.

Whatever tour your choose at Mammoth Cave National Park, it’s sure to take you to places unlike you’ve ever seen! Planning ahead is key to getting the most out of your visit. Take some time to check out the National Park Service’s website for information on Mammoth Cave, their hours, guidelines, tours, etc. Research what they offer (in addition to the many cave tours, you can hike, bike, ride your horse, canoe and kayak, enjoy a campfire program, and more) and what the best route of exploration is for you.

“The mysteries of the underworld beckon at
Mammoth Cave National Park, but that’s not all
… in addition to the many cave tours, you can hike, bike,
ride your horse, canoe and kayak, enjoy a campfire
program, and more.” National Park Service

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Photo owned by National Park Services

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Disclaimer: This writer received tour passes from Mammoth Cave for review purposes. As always, all opinions expressed are those of the writer and in no way influenced by companies or products mentioned within. Post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for clicking through them! It helps keep this site here for you