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    Home » Travel » Outdoor Adventure

    Top 10 Things to Do Near Mammoth Cave (Kentucky)

    Published: Nov 22, 2022 · Modified: Oct 10, 2024 · Leave a Comment

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Text box saying "Top 10 Things to Do Near Mammoth Cave" overlaid on a photo of Hidden River Cave.

    From cave expeditions to local history, here are our top 10 things to do near Mammoth Cave National Park in southwestern Kentucky!

    By: Alisha Trenalone
    Text box saying "Top 10 Things to Do Near Mammoth Cave" overlaid on a photo of Hidden River Cave.

    Are you planning a trip to Mammoth Cave National Park and wondering how to fill out your itinerary?

    This national park is in rural southwestern Kentucky, with the cities of Bowling Green and Glasgow being upwards of half an hour away. But there are small towns to explore closer by — and, of course, plenty of outdoorsy activities!

    Here are our suggestions for the top 10 things to do near Mammoth Cave.

    For a general look at lodging, dining, and other helpful information, see our park guide.

    1. Take the Bike and Hike Trail

    Did you know there was once a railroad with service to Mammoth Cave? Its last run was in 1931, but part of the route now serves as a hiking and biking trail. You can access it within the park, or at its southern end at Park City.

    This gravel trail is about nine miles long and has scenic overlooks and historic sites to stop and enjoy along the way. If you're biking, know that there are a few challenging, steep areas.

    There are other trails around the visitor center as well as dozens of backcountry trails for the adventurous.

    2. Explore the City of Horse Cave

    Of all the small towns near the national park, Horse Cave is (in my opinion) the most charming.

    Mural on side of red brick building saying "Horse Cave."
    Horse Cave Mural

    Located about 15 minutes east of the park, this town has its own spelunking history, with Hidden River Cave located in the heart of its downtown.

    The main street in town is also home to a caving museum, a historic antebellum house, and a few local cafes and shops. It all makes for a nice little stroll!

    The Old Thomas House, a two-story red and white Victorian home.
    Thomas House
    Four-story brick building with sign for Hidden River Cave and American Cave Museum.
    American Cave Museum

    3. Take a Historical Audio Tour

    The city of Horse Cave has introduced a nifty self-guided tour you can take with your cell phone in hand.

    Sign for cell phone tour stop about Hidden River Cave.
    Cell Phone Tour Stop

    Each stop has a "below-ground" and an "above-ground" story. Simply call the number on your phone. Scan the QR code for even more information.

    Sign for cell phone tour stop about the coolness of the cave.
    Cell Phone Tour Stop

    4. Go Kayaking

    Inside the park, Green River and Nolin River can be navigated by canoe or kayak.

    For rentals and route ideas (including overnight ones), try Green River Canoeing or Caveland Kayak & Canoe. They provide shuttle service at specified drop-off and pick-up points.

    Are you a first-timer at boating? Our handy guide to kayaking gear for beginners will help you shop for essentials like waterproof dry bags and water shoes.

    5. Take a National Park Cave Tour

    This one may be a bit of a no-brainer, but if you've never been to Mammoth Cave before, a tour should definitely be on your list.

    Tours range from one to four hours, with varying levels of difficulty.

    Summer tours tend to book up well in advance, so be sure to make your reservation online. You might have a little more leeway after Labor Day, but the number and type of tours offered will start to taper off towards the close of the year.

    Can you take a self-guided tour? During the summer season, yes! But you have to get a ticket at the visitor center. You'll be able to explore about three-quarters of a mile past the Historic Entrance on your own.

    6. Tour a Non-Park Cave

    The thing about Kentucky is that there are caves all over.

    So even outside of the park, there are more caves to explore.

    The above-mentioned Hidden River Cave in the city of Horse Cave is a good place to start. It boasts "the world's longest underground swinging bridge," which leads to the 150-foot wide Sunset Dome.

    You can get a guided tour starting from the cave museum on Main Street.

    Sign next to building saying "Cave Tours."
    American Cave Museum

    John Muir once visited Hidden River Cave. He called it "a noble gateway to the birthplace of springs and fountains and the dark treasuries of the mineral kingdom."

    I mean, with a testimonial like that, who wouldn't want to visit?

    Opening of Hidden River Cave as seen from above.
    Entrance to Hidden River Cave

    Crystal Onyx Cave in Cave City is another popular tour outside the park. Tours here don't run during the winter, except by appointment.

    Ticket sales building for Crystal Onyx Cave.
    Crystal Onyx Cave Gift Shop

    For these tours, you probably don't need to make advance reservations (but you can if you want to).

    7. Visit Local Shops + Restaurants

    Let's get this fact out into the open: The area around Mammoth Cave is not exactly brimming over with tons of foodie destinations.

    (That being said, it's also true that you're not that far from Kentucky's world-famous Bourbon Trail, and it's worth a day trip! Check out our guide to the original trail distilleries as well as newer entries like Bardstown Bourbon Company and Lux Row!)

    So, yes, it's pretty rural around Mammoth Cave.

    However.

    That doesn't mean you can't find some yummy eats and drinks if you search around a bit.

    Case in point: Cave City Creamery, pictured below, sells an array of ice creams and coffee drinks.

    Yellow two-story building with chairs and tables outside and sign for Cave City Creamery.
    Cave City Creamery

    Just a couple minutes away, I had an excellent meal at El Mazatlan, a Mexican restaurant with a lovely big patio.

    And if you're looking for a cute little boutique to browse, The Market KY in Cave City has fun food, clothes, and accessories.

    The Market KY gift shop.
    The Market KY in Cave City

    8. Go Zip Lining

    Adventures of Mammoth Cave offers a zip line canopy tour and an aerial challenge course, among other activities available seasonally.

    With two separate courses, sky bridges, and – for a bit of adrenaline – a "drop tower" with a fabulous view, it's an entirely unique way to see the terrain.

    9. Stay Late for Stargazing

    After several years of redesigning its outdoor lighting situation, Mammoth Cave was recognized as an International Dark Sky Park in 2021.

    Since true dark sky areas are so rare for most of us, this is an attraction not to be missed.

    So, especially if you're camping or lodging inside the park, make sure to check out the night sky after the sun goes down!

    You can also check the park's schedule for ranger-led programs with telescopes.

    10. Visit Kentucky Down Under

    Kentucky Down Under, an "adventure zoo" offers views of outback animals like kangaroos and dingoes, a bird garden, a petting zoo, and tours of its own on-site cave.

    Sign saying "Welcome Animal Lovers, Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo."
    Kentucky Down Under

    Located just off Interstate 65, it's kind of the gateway to Mammoth Cave country if you're traveling from the north.

    It's a popular spot for families.

    Camel behind fence.
    Camel at Kentucky Down Under

    Are there any great experiences near Mammoth Cave that we've missed? Let us know in the comments!

    About Alisha Trenalone

    I’m Alisha and I live in eastern Kentucky. Discovering good food is one of my joys in life, but you will also find me doing lots of reading and dreaming of travel. Having worked at a local newspaper for several years, I’m avidly interested in the written word and the art of sharing stories. Now I help Sarah out in various ways here at Champagne Tastes!

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