Evening Program

Spend an evening beneath the stars and join a park ranger to learn about a variety of topics inspired by Mammoth Cave National Park. Program topics are ranger's choice and could include local stories, history, plants, animals, geology, and more!

This activity takes place in the park's outdoor amphitheater located near the Caver's Camp Store. The site is wheelchair accessible. Please note that this outdoor activity is weather dependent.

Great Onyx Lantern Tour

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the s......More

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the site of very important cultural history in the early days of Kentucky cave tourism. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in cave tourism history and unusual rock formations. Please note: this tour is in Great Onyx Cave, which is separate from Mammoth Cave.  This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.Please Note: This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 1 miles (1.6 km)Total Stairs: 82Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 38

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Frozen Niagara Cave Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit ......More

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones and Grand Avenue tours. Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km)Total Stairs: 64, plus an optional 98Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 34

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

River Styx Cave Tour

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. Thi......More

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology. Please use extra caution when visiting the river level. To access this section of the cave the tour leaves modern tour trail to uneven terrain that may be wet, muddy, and/or slick. The tour route travels next to bodies of water, some of which can be very deep depending on river levels. Viewing of this area will also be conducted with electric lanterns and not the modern lighting system on the rest of the route.This tour covers the entire Historic Tour route. Limited sections of the Star Chamber, Violet City Lantern and Mammoth Passage are also seen.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2.5 miles (4 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome.Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Wild Cave Tour

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawl......More

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawling through extremely tight crawl spaces and climbing through difficult areas. This tour is ideal for people who wish to spend the entire day performing a wide variety of extremely challenging physical obstacles in a unique environment! Tour Specific Requirements:Size Limitations & Claustrophobia: Due to the tight nature of some of the areas visited chest and hip measurements must not exceed 42 inches in circumference. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent in tight crawl spaces and difficult climbs with no alternative routes available. Footwear Requirement: Participants must provide their own lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle and are equipped with slip-resistant tread. Athletic shoes or slick-soled footwear do not meet these requirements. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear — no exceptions. Please bring an extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning at the end of the tour.Equipment & Gear: In order to minimize the spread of White Nose Syndrome a bat disease caused by an invasive fungus all equipment (coveralls helmets knee pads and head lamps) are provided by the park. No personal caving equipment allowed — no exceptions. Shorts and a t-shirt recommended for wear under required coveralls. Age Limits: Participants must be at least 16 years old an adult must accompany visitors under age 18. Organized youth groups must have at least two adult representatives accompanying minor children.Additional Information: No lunch service is available. Participants must bring their own lunch/snacks in small caving pack provided. There are no restroom facilities available on this 3.5 hour tour. Tour requires a minimum of two participants to operate. This tour requires a brief bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. Duration: 6 hoursDistance: 5 miles (8 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 500Difficulty: StrenuousAges: Age 16 years and olderRestrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 14

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Wild Cave Tour

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawl......More

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawling through extremely tight crawl spaces and climbing through difficult areas. This tour is ideal for people who wish to spend the entire day performing a wide variety of extremely challenging physical obstacles in a unique environment! Tour Specific Requirements:Size Limitations & Claustrophobia: Due to the tight nature of some of the areas visited chest and hip measurements must not exceed 42 inches in circumference. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent in tight crawl spaces and difficult climbs with no alternative routes available.Footwear Requirement: Participants must provide their own lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle and are equipped with slip-resistant tread. Athletic shoes or slick-soled footwear do not meet these requirements. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear — no exceptions. Please bring an extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning at the end of the tour.Equipment & Gear: In order to minimize the spread of White Nose Syndrome a bat disease caused by an invasive fungus all equipment (coveralls helmets knee pads and head lamps) are provided by the park. No personal caving equipment allowed — no exceptions. Shorts and a t-shirt recommended for wear under required coveralls. Age Limits: Participants must be at least 16 years old an adult must accompany visitors under age 18. Organized youth groups must have at least two adult representatives accompanying minor children.Additional Information: No lunch service is available. Participants must bring their own lunch/snacks in small caving pack provided. Tour requires a minimum of two participants to operate. This tour requires a brief bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.  Duration: 6 hoursDistance: 5 miles (8 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 500Difficulty: StrenuousAges: Age 16 years and olderRestrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 14

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Extended Historic Cave Tour

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challeng......More

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challenging experience, as this tour involves hundreds of stairs and steep inclines without alternative routes. This tour also includes a visit to the site of an 1840s-era underground tuberculosis hospital experiment. Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this tour is a great option for those wanting to delve deeper into the cave’s rich history!Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 60

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Grand Avenue Cave Tour

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends ma......More

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends many tall, incredibly steep hills.  Covering a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those wishing for a lengthy, half-day hike inside of the cave. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and all of the Domes and Dripstones Tour except for the 280 stairs descending the vertical shafts at the entrance.Duration: 4 hoursDistance: 4 miles (6.4 km)Total Stairs: 1521 plus an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: 6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 78

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Historic Cave Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to mu......More

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Discovery Tour [Self-guided]

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open......More

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open passageways featuring informational waysides and artifacts from the cave's early history. Rangers are stationed along the route to answer questions. This tour is ideal for those who want to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes.Duration: Approximately 30 minutesDistance: 0.75 mile (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: Unlimited

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and desce......More

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Gothic Avenue Cave Tour

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features st......More

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave, and is ideal for people with a high interest in history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Star Chamber, Historic, and Violet City Lantern Tours.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: Ages 6 and older.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Mammoth Passage Cave Tour

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have s......More

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas.Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 70

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Star Chamber Tour

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, e......More

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, emerging from the cave in late evening. Focusing on early history of Mammoth Cave, this tour includes a trip into Gothic Avenue. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a unique way to experience the cave and its history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Gothic Avenue Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. To preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the activity, there is no flashlight use permitted on this tour.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Evening Program

Spend an evening beneath the stars and join a park ranger to learn about a variety of topics inspired by Mammoth Cave National Park. Program topics are ranger's choice and could include local stories, history, plants, animals, geology, and more!

This activity takes place in the park's outdoor amphitheater located near the Caver's Camp Store. The site is wheelchair accessible. Please note that this outdoor activity is weather dependent.

Great Onyx Lantern Tour

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the s......More

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the site of very important cultural history in the early days of Kentucky cave tourism. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in cave tourism history and unusual rock formations. Please note: this tour is in Great Onyx Cave, which is separate from Mammoth Cave.  This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.Please Note: This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 1 miles (1.6 km)Total Stairs: 82Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 38

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Frozen Niagara Cave Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit ......More

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones and Grand Avenue tours. Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km)Total Stairs: 64, plus an optional 98Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 34

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

River Styx Cave Tour

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. Thi......More

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology. Please use extra caution when visiting the river level. To access this section of the cave the tour leaves modern tour trail to uneven terrain that may be wet, muddy, and/or slick. The tour route travels next to bodies of water, some of which can be very deep depending on river levels. Viewing of this area will also be conducted with electric lanterns and not the modern lighting system on the rest of the route.This tour covers the entire Historic Tour route. Limited sections of the Star Chamber, Violet City Lantern and Mammoth Passage are also seen.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2.5 miles (4 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome.Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Mammoth Passage Cave Tour

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have s......More

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas.Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 70

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Extended Historic Cave Tour

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challeng......More

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challenging experience, as this tour involves hundreds of stairs and steep inclines without alternative routes. This tour also includes a visit to the site of an 1840s-era underground tuberculosis hospital experiment. Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this tour is a great option for those wanting to delve deeper into the cave’s rich history!Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 60

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Trog Tour

An exciting off-trail crawling adventure for kids aged 8-12! This tour features a one-of-a kind way to experience the cave up-close-and-personal. Entering in the Historic Entrance, this tour leaves the main trail to a network of tight crawlways with amazing historic art......More

An exciting off-trail crawling adventure for kids aged 8-12! This tour features a one-of-a kind way to experience the cave up-close-and-personal. Entering in the Historic Entrance, this tour leaves the main trail to a network of tight crawlways with amazing historic artifacts. Climbing over boulders, sliding down smooth rocks, and belly-crawling through tight tunnels, this tour is ideal for any child looking for a more adventurous trip inside of Mammoth Cave.  Tour Specific Requirements:Parent/Guardian Notice: Parents, guardians and/or chaperones must attend the first and last 30 minutes of the tour to assist children in "suiting up" at the tour's beginning and assist with White Nose Syndrome shoe cleaning protocol at the end of the tour. Due to the amount of time required to assist at the beginning and end of the tour, adults do not have time to take a concurrent cave tour. Parent or guardian must be reachable for the entire duration of Trog tour in case of emergency. Footwear Requirement: Sturdy, athletic style, closed toe shoes required. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear — no exceptions. Please bring extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals for use during shoe cleaning at the end of the tour.Age Limits: This tour is limited to children ages 8 to 12 years old.Additional Information: There are no restroom facilities available on this 2.75 hour tour. Tour requires a minimum of two participants to operate. Duration: 2.75 hoursDistance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)Total Stairs: 200Difficulty: ModerateAges: 8 to 12 yearsRestrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 12

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Grand Avenue Cave Tour

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends ma......More

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends many tall, incredibly steep hills.  Covering a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those wishing for a lengthy, half-day hike inside of the cave. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and all of the Domes and Dripstones Tour except for the 280 stairs descending the vertical shafts at the entrance.Duration: 4 hoursDistance: 4 miles (6.4 km)Total Stairs: 1521 plus an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: 6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 78

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Historic Cave Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to mu......More

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Discovery Tour [Self-guided]

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open......More

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open passageways featuring informational waysides and artifacts from the cave's early history. Rangers are stationed along the route to answer questions. This tour is ideal for those who want to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes.Duration: Approximately 30 minutesDistance: 0.75 mile (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: Unlimited

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and desce......More

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Historic Cave Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to mu......More

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Frozen Niagara Cave Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit ......More

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones and Grand Avenue tours. Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km)Total Stairs: 64, plus an optional 98Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 34

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and desce......More

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Introduction to Caving Tour

This tour offers an off-trail experience with crawls and climbs through hard-to-reach areas for 3.5 hours. Focusing on learning safe caving techniques  this tour explores parts of the cave difficult to access. This tour is ideal for people who wish to perform a wide var......More

This tour offers an off-trail experience with crawls and climbs through hard-to-reach areas for 3.5 hours. Focusing on learning safe caving techniques  this tour explores parts of the cave difficult to access. This tour is ideal for people who wish to perform a wide variety of challenging physical obstacles in a unique environment!Tour Specific Requirements:Size Limitations & Claustrophobia: Due to the tight nature of some of the areas visited chest and hip measurements must not exceed 42 inches in circumference. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent in tight crawl spaces and difficult climbs with no alternative routes available.  Footwear Requirement: Participants must provide their own lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle and are equipped with slip-resistant tread. Athletic shoes or slick-soled footwear do not meet these requirements. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear — no exceptions. Please bring an extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning at the end of the tour.  Age Limits: Participants must be at least 10 years old individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older. Additional Information: There are no restroom facilities available on this 3.5 hour tour. Tour requires a minimum of two participants to operate. This tour requires a brief bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.Duration: 3.5 hoursDistance: 1 mile (1.6 km)Total Stairs: 280+Difficulty: StrenuousAges: Age 10 years and older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 20

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Violet City Lantern Tour

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredi......More

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredibly steep hills on historic dirt trails as you experience the cave in the light of the earliest explorers. This tour is ideal for visitors who like to hike and are wanting a unique way to experience the cave.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Mammoth Passage Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. Be prepared for the rugged nature of this tour which includes steep hills, low lighting, and uneven terrain with no handrails or electric lighting infrastructure. To preserve the nostalgic nature of this tour, the use of flashlights is prohibited.

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Gothic Avenue Cave Tour

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features st......More

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave, and is ideal for people with a high interest in history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Star Chamber, Historic, and Violet City Lantern Tours.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: Ages 6 and older.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Mammoth Passage Cave Tour

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have s......More

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas.Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 70

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Star Chamber Tour

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, e......More

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, emerging from the cave in late evening. Focusing on early history of Mammoth Cave, this tour includes a trip into Gothic Avenue. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a unique way to experience the cave and its history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Gothic Avenue Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. To preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the activity, there is no flashlight use permitted on this tour.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Evening Program

Spend an evening beneath the stars and join a park ranger to learn about a variety of topics inspired by Mammoth Cave National Park. Program topics are ranger's choice and could include local stories, history, plants, animals, geology, and more!

This activity takes place in the park's outdoor amphitheater located near the Caver's Camp Store. The site is wheelchair accessible. Please note that this outdoor activity is weather dependent.

Great Onyx Lantern Tour

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the s......More

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the site of very important cultural history in the early days of Kentucky cave tourism. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in cave tourism history and unusual rock formations. Please note: this tour is in Great Onyx Cave, which is separate from Mammoth Cave.  This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.Please Note: This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 1 miles (1.6 km)Total Stairs: 82Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 38

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Frozen Niagara Cave Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit ......More

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones and Grand Avenue tours. Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km)Total Stairs: 64, plus an optional 98Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 34

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

River Styx Cave Tour

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. Thi......More

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology. Please use extra caution when visiting the river level. To access this section of the cave the tour leaves modern tour trail to uneven terrain that may be wet, muddy, and/or slick. The tour route travels next to bodies of water, some of which can be very deep depending on river levels. Viewing of this area will also be conducted with electric lanterns and not the modern lighting system on the rest of the route.This tour covers the entire Historic Tour route. Limited sections of the Star Chamber, Violet City Lantern and Mammoth Passage are also seen.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2.5 miles (4 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome.Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Wild Cave Tour

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawl......More

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawling through extremely tight crawl spaces and climbing through difficult areas. This tour is ideal for people who wish to spend the entire day performing a wide variety of extremely challenging physical obstacles in a unique environment! Tour Specific Requirements:Size Limitations & Claustrophobia: Due to the tight nature of some of the areas visited chest and hip measurements must not exceed 42 inches in circumference. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent in tight crawl spaces and difficult climbs with no alternative routes available. Footwear Requirement: Participants must provide their own lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle and are equipped with slip-resistant tread. Athletic shoes or slick-soled footwear do not meet these requirements. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear — no exceptions. Please bring an extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning at the end of the tour.Equipment & Gear: In order to minimize the spread of White Nose Syndrome a bat disease caused by an invasive fungus all equipment (coveralls helmets knee pads and head lamps) are provided by the park. No personal caving equipment allowed — no exceptions. Shorts and a t-shirt recommended for wear under required coveralls. Age Limits: Participants must be at least 16 years old an adult must accompany visitors under age 18. Organized youth groups must have at least two adult representatives accompanying minor children.Additional Information: No lunch service is available. Participants must bring their own lunch/snacks in small caving pack provided. There are no restroom facilities available on this 3.5 hour tour. Tour requires a minimum of two participants to operate. This tour requires a brief bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. Duration: 6 hoursDistance: 5 miles (8 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 500Difficulty: StrenuousAges: Age 16 years and olderRestrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 14

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Mammoth Passage Cave Tour

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have s......More

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas.Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 70

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Wild Cave Tour

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawl......More

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawling through extremely tight crawl spaces and climbing through difficult areas. This tour is ideal for people who wish to spend the entire day performing a wide variety of extremely challenging physical obstacles in a unique environment! Tour Specific Requirements:Size Limitations & Claustrophobia: Due to the tight nature of some of the areas visited chest and hip measurements must not exceed 42 inches in circumference. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent in tight crawl spaces and difficult climbs with no alternative routes available.Footwear Requirement: Participants must provide their own lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle and are equipped with slip-resistant tread. Athletic shoes or slick-soled footwear do not meet these requirements. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear — no exceptions. Please bring an extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning at the end of the tour.Equipment & Gear: In order to minimize the spread of White Nose Syndrome a bat disease caused by an invasive fungus all equipment (coveralls helmets knee pads and head lamps) are provided by the park. No personal caving equipment allowed — no exceptions. Shorts and a t-shirt recommended for wear under required coveralls. Age Limits: Participants must be at least 16 years old an adult must accompany visitors under age 18. Organized youth groups must have at least two adult representatives accompanying minor children.Additional Information: No lunch service is available. Participants must bring their own lunch/snacks in small caving pack provided. Tour requires a minimum of two participants to operate. This tour requires a brief bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.  Duration: 6 hoursDistance: 5 miles (8 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 500Difficulty: StrenuousAges: Age 16 years and olderRestrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 14

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Extended Historic Cave Tour

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challeng......More

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challenging experience, as this tour involves hundreds of stairs and steep inclines without alternative routes. This tour also includes a visit to the site of an 1840s-era underground tuberculosis hospital experiment. Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this tour is a great option for those wanting to delve deeper into the cave’s rich history!Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 60

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Grand Avenue Cave Tour

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends ma......More

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends many tall, incredibly steep hills.  Covering a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those wishing for a lengthy, half-day hike inside of the cave. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and all of the Domes and Dripstones Tour except for the 280 stairs descending the vertical shafts at the entrance.Duration: 4 hoursDistance: 4 miles (6.4 km)Total Stairs: 1521 plus an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: 6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 78

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Historic Cave Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to mu......More

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Discovery Tour [Self-guided]

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open......More

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open passageways featuring informational waysides and artifacts from the cave's early history. Rangers are stationed along the route to answer questions. This tour is ideal for those who want to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes.Duration: Approximately 30 minutesDistance: 0.75 mile (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: Unlimited

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and desce......More

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Historic Cave Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to mu......More

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Historic Cave Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to mu......More

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Frozen Niagara Cave Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit ......More

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones and Grand Avenue tours. Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km)Total Stairs: 64, plus an optional 98Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 34

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and desce......More

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Violet City Lantern Tour

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredi......More

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredibly steep hills on historic dirt trails as you experience the cave in the light of the earliest explorers. This tour is ideal for visitors who like to hike and are wanting a unique way to experience the cave.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Mammoth Passage Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. Be prepared for the rugged nature of this tour which includes steep hills, low lighting, and uneven terrain with no handrails or electric lighting infrastructure. To preserve the nostalgic nature of this tour, the use of flashlights is prohibited.

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Gothic Avenue Cave Tour

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features st......More

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave, and is ideal for people with a high interest in history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Star Chamber, Historic, and Violet City Lantern Tours.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: Ages 6 and older.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Great Onyx Lantern Tour

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the s......More

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the site of very important cultural history in the early days of Kentucky cave tourism. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in cave tourism history and unusual rock formations. Please note: this tour is in Great Onyx Cave, which is separate from Mammoth Cave.  This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.Please Note: This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 1 miles (1.6 km)Total Stairs: 82Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 38

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Mammoth Passage Cave Tour

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have s......More

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas.Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 70

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Star Chamber Tour

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, e......More

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, emerging from the cave in late evening. Focusing on early history of Mammoth Cave, this tour includes a trip into Gothic Avenue. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a unique way to experience the cave and its history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Gothic Avenue Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. To preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the activity, there is no flashlight use permitted on this tour.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Great Onyx Lantern Tour

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the s......More

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the site of very important cultural history in the early days of Kentucky cave tourism. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in cave tourism history and unusual rock formations. Please note: this tour is in Great Onyx Cave, which is separate from Mammoth Cave.  This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.Please Note: This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 1 miles (1.6 km)Total Stairs: 82Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 38

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Frozen Niagara Cave Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit ......More

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones and Grand Avenue tours. Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km)Total Stairs: 64, plus an optional 98Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 34

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

River Styx Cave Tour

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. Thi......More

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology. Please use extra caution when visiting the river level. To access this section of the cave the tour leaves modern tour trail to uneven terrain that may be wet, muddy, and/or slick. The tour route travels next to bodies of water, some of which can be very deep depending on river levels. Viewing of this area will also be conducted with electric lanterns and not the modern lighting system on the rest of the route.This tour covers the entire Historic Tour route. Limited sections of the Star Chamber, Violet City Lantern and Mammoth Passage are also seen.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2.5 miles (4 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome.Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Wild Cave Tour

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawl......More

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawling through extremely tight crawl spaces and climbing through difficult areas. This tour is ideal for people who wish to spend the entire day performing a wide variety of extremely challenging physical obstacles in a unique environment! Tour Specific Requirements:Size Limitations & Claustrophobia: Due to the tight nature of some of the areas visited chest and hip measurements must not exceed 42 inches in circumference. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent in tight crawl spaces and difficult climbs with no alternative routes available.Footwear Requirement: Participants must provide their own lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle and are equipped with slip-resistant tread. Athletic shoes or slick-soled footwear do not meet these requirements. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear — no exceptions. Please bring an extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning at the end of the tour.Equipment & Gear: In order to minimize the spread of White Nose Syndrome a bat disease caused by an invasive fungus all equipment (coveralls helmets knee pads and head lamps) are provided by the park. No personal caving equipment allowed — no exceptions. Shorts and a t-shirt recommended for wear under required coveralls. Age Limits: Participants must be at least 16 years old an adult must accompany visitors under age 18. Organized youth groups must have at least two adult representatives accompanying minor children.Additional Information: No lunch service is available. Participants must bring their own lunch/snacks in small caving pack provided. Tour requires a minimum of two participants to operate. This tour requires a brief bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.  Duration: 6 hoursDistance: 5 miles (8 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 500Difficulty: StrenuousAges: Age 16 years and olderRestrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 14

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Mammoth Passage Cave Tour

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have s......More

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas.Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 70

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Extended Historic Cave Tour

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challeng......More

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challenging experience, as this tour involves hundreds of stairs and steep inclines without alternative routes. This tour also includes a visit to the site of an 1840s-era underground tuberculosis hospital experiment. Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this tour is a great option for those wanting to delve deeper into the cave’s rich history!Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 60

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Grand Avenue Cave Tour

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends ma......More

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends many tall, incredibly steep hills.  Covering a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those wishing for a lengthy, half-day hike inside of the cave. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and all of the Domes and Dripstones Tour except for the 280 stairs descending the vertical shafts at the entrance.Duration: 4 hoursDistance: 4 miles (6.4 km)Total Stairs: 1521 plus an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: 6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 78

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Historic Cave Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to mu......More

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Discovery Tour [Self-guided]

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open......More

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open passageways featuring informational waysides and artifacts from the cave's early history. Rangers are stationed along the route to answer questions. This tour is ideal for those who want to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes.Duration: Approximately 30 minutesDistance: 0.75 mile (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: Unlimited

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and desce......More

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Extended Historic Cave Tour

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challeng......More

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challenging experience, as this tour involves hundreds of stairs and steep inclines without alternative routes. This tour also includes a visit to the site of an 1840s-era underground tuberculosis hospital experiment. Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this tour is a great option for those wanting to delve deeper into the cave’s rich history!Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 60

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Historic Cave Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to mu......More

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and desce......More

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Violet City Lantern Tour

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredi......More

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredibly steep hills on historic dirt trails as you experience the cave in the light of the earliest explorers. This tour is ideal for visitors who like to hike and are wanting a unique way to experience the cave.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Mammoth Passage Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. Be prepared for the rugged nature of this tour which includes steep hills, low lighting, and uneven terrain with no handrails or electric lighting infrastructure. To preserve the nostalgic nature of this tour, the use of flashlights is prohibited.

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Cleaveland Avenue Cave Tour

For nearly two centuries, Cleaveland Avenue has attracted people from all over the world to see its sparkling walls of gypsum and unique tube-shaped passages. Evidence of early visitors can still be seen on the walls and ceiling of some of its most famous places. In the......More

For nearly two centuries, Cleaveland Avenue has attracted people from all over the world to see its sparkling walls of gypsum and unique tube-shaped passages. Evidence of early visitors can still be seen on the walls and ceiling of some of its most famous places. In the event the elevator is not available due to unforeseen circumstances, the tour retraces the route and ascends the near 200 stairs back out of the cave. Please note: This tour exits the cave by elevator. In the event the elevator is not available due to unforeseen circumstances, the tour retraces the route and ascends the near 200 stairs back out of the cave.Duration:  2 hours      (2.5 hours without elevator)Distance:  1 miles      (2 miles without elevator)Total Stairs:  200       (400 stairs without elevator)Difficulty:  Moderate   (Difficult without elevator)Ages:   All Ages.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms:  YesTickets available for each tour time:  38

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Gothic Avenue Cave Tour

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features st......More

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave, and is ideal for people with a high interest in history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Star Chamber, Historic, and Violet City Lantern Tours.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: Ages 6 and older.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Star Chamber Tour

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, e......More

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, emerging from the cave in late evening. Focusing on early history of Mammoth Cave, this tour includes a trip into Gothic Avenue. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a unique way to experience the cave and its history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Gothic Avenue Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. To preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the activity, there is no flashlight use permitted on this tour.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Frozen Niagara Cave Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit ......More

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones and Grand Avenue tours. Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km)Total Stairs: 64, plus an optional 98Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 34

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

River Styx Cave Tour

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. Thi......More

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology. Please use extra caution when visiting the river level. To access this section of the cave the tour leaves modern tour trail to uneven terrain that may be wet, muddy, and/or slick. The tour route travels next to bodies of water, some of which can be very deep depending on river levels. Viewing of this area will also be conducted with electric lanterns and not the modern lighting system on the rest of the route.This tour covers the entire Historic Tour route. Limited sections of the Star Chamber, Violet City Lantern and Mammoth Passage are also seen.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2.5 miles (4 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome.Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Mammoth Passage Cave Tour

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have s......More

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas.Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 70

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Extended Historic Cave Tour

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challeng......More

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challenging experience, as this tour involves hundreds of stairs and steep inclines without alternative routes. This tour also includes a visit to the site of an 1840s-era underground tuberculosis hospital experiment. Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this tour is a great option for those wanting to delve deeper into the cave’s rich history!Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 60

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Wondering Woods Cave Tour

Take a leisurely bus ride with a ranger across the park landscape and learn about the communities and people that were once here. After a short bus ride, enjoy a hike in the Tranquil Valley of Wondering Woods. At the end of the hike, a short cave tour awaits you where y......More

Take a leisurely bus ride with a ranger across the park landscape and learn about the communities and people that were once here. After a short bus ride, enjoy a hike in the Tranquil Valley of Wondering Woods. At the end of the hike, a short cave tour awaits you where you'll be surrounded by beautiful cave formation!This tour requires a brief bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.Please Note: This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System.Duration: 1.5 hoursDistance: 1 miles (1.6 km)Total Stairs: 194, including 54 optionalDifficulty: ModerateAges: All AgesRestrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 30

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Grand Avenue Cave Tour

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends ma......More

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends many tall, incredibly steep hills.  Covering a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those wishing for a lengthy, half-day hike inside of the cave. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and all of the Domes and Dripstones Tour except for the 280 stairs descending the vertical shafts at the entrance.Duration: 4 hoursDistance: 4 miles (6.4 km)Total Stairs: 1521 plus an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: 6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 78

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Historic Cave Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to mu......More

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Discovery Tour [Self-guided]

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open......More

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open passageways featuring informational waysides and artifacts from the cave's early history. Rangers are stationed along the route to answer questions. This tour is ideal for those who want to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes.Duration: Approximately 30 minutesDistance: 0.75 mile (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: Unlimited

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and desce......More

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Introduction to Caving Tour

This tour offers an off-trail experience with crawls and climbs through hard-to-reach areas for 3.5 hours. Focusing on learning safe caving techniques  this tour explores parts of the cave difficult to access. This tour is ideal for people who wish to perform a wide var......More

This tour offers an off-trail experience with crawls and climbs through hard-to-reach areas for 3.5 hours. Focusing on learning safe caving techniques  this tour explores parts of the cave difficult to access. This tour is ideal for people who wish to perform a wide variety of challenging physical obstacles in a unique environment!Tour Specific Requirements:Size Limitations & Claustrophobia: Due to the tight nature of some of the areas visited chest and hip measurements must not exceed 42 inches in circumference. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent in tight crawl spaces and difficult climbs with no alternative routes available.  Footwear Requirement: Participants must provide their own lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle and are equipped with slip-resistant tread. Athletic shoes or slick-soled footwear do not meet these requirements. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear — no exceptions. Please bring an extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning at the end of the tour.  Age Limits: Participants must be at least 10 years old individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older. Additional Information: There are no restroom facilities available on this 3.5 hour tour. Tour requires a minimum of two participants to operate. This tour requires a brief bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.Duration: 3.5 hoursDistance: 1 mile (1.6 km)Total Stairs: 280+Difficulty: StrenuousAges: Age 10 years and older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 20

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Violet City Lantern Tour

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredi......More

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredibly steep hills on historic dirt trails as you experience the cave in the light of the earliest explorers. This tour is ideal for visitors who like to hike and are wanting a unique way to experience the cave.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Mammoth Passage Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. Be prepared for the rugged nature of this tour which includes steep hills, low lighting, and uneven terrain with no handrails or electric lighting infrastructure. To preserve the nostalgic nature of this tour, the use of flashlights is prohibited.

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Gothic Avenue Cave Tour

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features st......More

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave, and is ideal for people with a high interest in history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Star Chamber, Historic, and Violet City Lantern Tours.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: Ages 6 and older.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Star Chamber Tour

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, e......More

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, emerging from the cave in late evening. Focusing on early history of Mammoth Cave, this tour includes a trip into Gothic Avenue. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a unique way to experience the cave and its history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Gothic Avenue Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. To preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the activity, there is no flashlight use permitted on this tour.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Frozen Niagara Cave Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit ......More

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones and Grand Avenue tours. Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km)Total Stairs: 64, plus an optional 98Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 34

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

River Styx Cave Tour

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. Thi......More

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology. Please use extra caution when visiting the river level. To access this section of the cave the tour leaves modern tour trail to uneven terrain that may be wet, muddy, and/or slick. The tour route travels next to bodies of water, some of which can be very deep depending on river levels. Viewing of this area will also be conducted with electric lanterns and not the modern lighting system on the rest of the route.This tour covers the entire Historic Tour route. Limited sections of the Star Chamber, Violet City Lantern and Mammoth Passage are also seen.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2.5 miles (4 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome.Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Wild Cave Tour

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawl......More

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawling through extremely tight crawl spaces and climbing through difficult areas. This tour is ideal for people who wish to spend the entire day performing a wide variety of extremely challenging physical obstacles in a unique environment! Tour Specific Requirements:Size Limitations & Claustrophobia: Due to the tight nature of some of the areas visited chest and hip measurements must not exceed 42 inches in circumference. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent in tight crawl spaces and difficult climbs with no alternative routes available.Footwear Requirement: Participants must provide their own lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle and are equipped with slip-resistant tread. Athletic shoes or slick-soled footwear do not meet these requirements. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear — no exceptions. Please bring an extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning at the end of the tour.Equipment & Gear: In order to minimize the spread of White Nose Syndrome a bat disease caused by an invasive fungus all equipment (coveralls helmets knee pads and head lamps) are provided by the park. No personal caving equipment allowed — no exceptions. Shorts and a t-shirt recommended for wear under required coveralls. Age Limits: Participants must be at least 16 years old an adult must accompany visitors under age 18. Organized youth groups must have at least two adult representatives accompanying minor children.Additional Information: No lunch service is available. Participants must bring their own lunch/snacks in small caving pack provided. Tour requires a minimum of two participants to operate. This tour requires a brief bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.  Duration: 6 hoursDistance: 5 miles (8 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 500Difficulty: StrenuousAges: Age 16 years and olderRestrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 14

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Mammoth Passage Cave Tour

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have s......More

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas.Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 70

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Extended Historic Cave Tour

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challeng......More

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challenging experience, as this tour involves hundreds of stairs and steep inclines without alternative routes. This tour also includes a visit to the site of an 1840s-era underground tuberculosis hospital experiment. Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this tour is a great option for those wanting to delve deeper into the cave’s rich history!Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 60

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Grand Avenue Cave Tour

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends ma......More

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends many tall, incredibly steep hills.  Covering a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those wishing for a lengthy, half-day hike inside of the cave. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and all of the Domes and Dripstones Tour except for the 280 stairs descending the vertical shafts at the entrance.Duration: 4 hoursDistance: 4 miles (6.4 km)Total Stairs: 1521 plus an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: 6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 78

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Historic Cave Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to mu......More

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Discovery Tour [Self-guided]

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open......More

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open passageways featuring informational waysides and artifacts from the cave's early history. Rangers are stationed along the route to answer questions. This tour is ideal for those who want to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes.Duration: Approximately 30 minutesDistance: 0.75 mile (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: Unlimited

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and desce......More

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Violet City Lantern Tour

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredi......More

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredibly steep hills on historic dirt trails as you experience the cave in the light of the earliest explorers. This tour is ideal for visitors who like to hike and are wanting a unique way to experience the cave.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Mammoth Passage Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. Be prepared for the rugged nature of this tour which includes steep hills, low lighting, and uneven terrain with no handrails or electric lighting infrastructure. To preserve the nostalgic nature of this tour, the use of flashlights is prohibited.

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Gothic Avenue Cave Tour

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features st......More

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave, and is ideal for people with a high interest in history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Star Chamber, Historic, and Violet City Lantern Tours.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: Ages 6 and older.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Star Chamber Tour

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, e......More

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, emerging from the cave in late evening. Focusing on early history of Mammoth Cave, this tour includes a trip into Gothic Avenue. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a unique way to experience the cave and its history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Gothic Avenue Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. To preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the activity, there is no flashlight use permitted on this tour.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Frozen Niagara Cave Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit ......More

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones and Grand Avenue tours. Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km)Total Stairs: 64, plus an optional 98Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 34

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

River Styx Cave Tour

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. Thi......More

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology. Please use extra caution when visiting the river level. To access this section of the cave the tour leaves modern tour trail to uneven terrain that may be wet, muddy, and/or slick. The tour route travels next to bodies of water, some of which can be very deep depending on river levels. Viewing of this area will also be conducted with electric lanterns and not the modern lighting system on the rest of the route.This tour covers the entire Historic Tour route. Limited sections of the Star Chamber, Violet City Lantern and Mammoth Passage are also seen.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2.5 miles (4 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome.Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Mammoth Passage Cave Tour

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have s......More

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas.Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 70

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Extended Historic Cave Tour

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challeng......More

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challenging experience, as this tour involves hundreds of stairs and steep inclines without alternative routes. This tour also includes a visit to the site of an 1840s-era underground tuberculosis hospital experiment. Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this tour is a great option for those wanting to delve deeper into the cave’s rich history!Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 60

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Wondering Woods Cave Tour

Take a leisurely bus ride with a ranger across the park landscape and learn about the communities and people that were once here. After a short bus ride, enjoy a hike in the Tranquil Valley of Wondering Woods. At the end of the hike, a short cave tour awaits you where y......More

Take a leisurely bus ride with a ranger across the park landscape and learn about the communities and people that were once here. After a short bus ride, enjoy a hike in the Tranquil Valley of Wondering Woods. At the end of the hike, a short cave tour awaits you where you'll be surrounded by beautiful cave formation!This tour requires a brief bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.Please Note: This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System.Duration: 1.5 hoursDistance: 1 miles (1.6 km)Total Stairs: 194, including 54 optionalDifficulty: ModerateAges: All AgesRestrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 30

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Grand Avenue Cave Tour

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends ma......More

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends many tall, incredibly steep hills.  Covering a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those wishing for a lengthy, half-day hike inside of the cave. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and all of the Domes and Dripstones Tour except for the 280 stairs descending the vertical shafts at the entrance.Duration: 4 hoursDistance: 4 miles (6.4 km)Total Stairs: 1521 plus an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: 6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 78

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Historic Cave Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to mu......More

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Discovery Tour [Self-guided]

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open......More

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open passageways featuring informational waysides and artifacts from the cave's early history. Rangers are stationed along the route to answer questions. This tour is ideal for those who want to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes.Duration: Approximately 30 minutesDistance: 0.75 mile (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: Unlimited

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and desce......More

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Introduction to Caving Tour

This tour offers an off-trail experience with crawls and climbs through hard-to-reach areas for 3.5 hours. Focusing on learning safe caving techniques  this tour explores parts of the cave difficult to access. This tour is ideal for people who wish to perform a wide var......More

This tour offers an off-trail experience with crawls and climbs through hard-to-reach areas for 3.5 hours. Focusing on learning safe caving techniques  this tour explores parts of the cave difficult to access. This tour is ideal for people who wish to perform a wide variety of challenging physical obstacles in a unique environment!Tour Specific Requirements:Size Limitations & Claustrophobia: Due to the tight nature of some of the areas visited chest and hip measurements must not exceed 42 inches in circumference. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent in tight crawl spaces and difficult climbs with no alternative routes available.  Footwear Requirement: Participants must provide their own lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle and are equipped with slip-resistant tread. Athletic shoes or slick-soled footwear do not meet these requirements. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear — no exceptions. Please bring an extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning at the end of the tour.  Age Limits: Participants must be at least 10 years old individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older. Additional Information: There are no restroom facilities available on this 3.5 hour tour. Tour requires a minimum of two participants to operate. This tour requires a brief bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.Duration: 3.5 hoursDistance: 1 mile (1.6 km)Total Stairs: 280+Difficulty: StrenuousAges: Age 10 years and older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 20

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Violet City Lantern Tour

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredi......More

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredibly steep hills on historic dirt trails as you experience the cave in the light of the earliest explorers. This tour is ideal for visitors who like to hike and are wanting a unique way to experience the cave.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Mammoth Passage Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. Be prepared for the rugged nature of this tour which includes steep hills, low lighting, and uneven terrain with no handrails or electric lighting infrastructure. To preserve the nostalgic nature of this tour, the use of flashlights is prohibited.

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Gothic Avenue Cave Tour

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features st......More

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave, and is ideal for people with a high interest in history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Star Chamber, Historic, and Violet City Lantern Tours.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: Ages 6 and older.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Star Chamber Tour

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, e......More

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, emerging from the cave in late evening. Focusing on early history of Mammoth Cave, this tour includes a trip into Gothic Avenue. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a unique way to experience the cave and its history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Gothic Avenue Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. To preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the activity, there is no flashlight use permitted on this tour.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Frozen Niagara Cave Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit ......More

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones and Grand Avenue tours. Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km)Total Stairs: 64, plus an optional 98Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 34

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

River Styx Cave Tour

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. Thi......More

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology. Please use extra caution when visiting the river level. To access this section of the cave the tour leaves modern tour trail to uneven terrain that may be wet, muddy, and/or slick. The tour route travels next to bodies of water, some of which can be very deep depending on river levels. Viewing of this area will also be conducted with electric lanterns and not the modern lighting system on the rest of the route.This tour covers the entire Historic Tour route. Limited sections of the Star Chamber, Violet City Lantern and Mammoth Passage are also seen.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2.5 miles (4 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome.Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Wild Cave Tour

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawl......More

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawling through extremely tight crawl spaces and climbing through difficult areas. This tour is ideal for people who wish to spend the entire day performing a wide variety of extremely challenging physical obstacles in a unique environment! Tour Specific Requirements:Size Limitations & Claustrophobia: Due to the tight nature of some of the areas visited chest and hip measurements must not exceed 42 inches in circumference. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent in tight crawl spaces and difficult climbs with no alternative routes available.Footwear Requirement: Participants must provide their own lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle and are equipped with slip-resistant tread. Athletic shoes or slick-soled footwear do not meet these requirements. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear — no exceptions. Please bring an extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning at the end of the tour.Equipment & Gear: In order to minimize the spread of White Nose Syndrome a bat disease caused by an invasive fungus all equipment (coveralls helmets knee pads and head lamps) are provided by the park. No personal caving equipment allowed — no exceptions. Shorts and a t-shirt recommended for wear under required coveralls. Age Limits: Participants must be at least 16 years old an adult must accompany visitors under age 18. Organized youth groups must have at least two adult representatives accompanying minor children.Additional Information: No lunch service is available. Participants must bring their own lunch/snacks in small caving pack provided. Tour requires a minimum of two participants to operate. This tour requires a brief bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.  Duration: 6 hoursDistance: 5 miles (8 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 500Difficulty: StrenuousAges: Age 16 years and olderRestrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 14

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Mammoth Passage Cave Tour

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have s......More

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas.Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 70

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Extended Historic Cave Tour

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challeng......More

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challenging experience, as this tour involves hundreds of stairs and steep inclines without alternative routes. This tour also includes a visit to the site of an 1840s-era underground tuberculosis hospital experiment. Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this tour is a great option for those wanting to delve deeper into the cave’s rich history!Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 60

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Grand Avenue Cave Tour

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends ma......More

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends many tall, incredibly steep hills.  Covering a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those wishing for a lengthy, half-day hike inside of the cave. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and all of the Domes and Dripstones Tour except for the 280 stairs descending the vertical shafts at the entrance.Duration: 4 hoursDistance: 4 miles (6.4 km)Total Stairs: 1521 plus an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: 6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 78

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Historic Cave Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to mu......More

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Discovery Tour [Self-guided]

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open......More

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open passageways featuring informational waysides and artifacts from the cave's early history. Rangers are stationed along the route to answer questions. This tour is ideal for those who want to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes.Duration: Approximately 30 minutesDistance: 0.75 mile (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: Unlimited

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and desce......More

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Violet City Lantern Tour

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredi......More

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredibly steep hills on historic dirt trails as you experience the cave in the light of the earliest explorers. This tour is ideal for visitors who like to hike and are wanting a unique way to experience the cave.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Mammoth Passage Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. Be prepared for the rugged nature of this tour which includes steep hills, low lighting, and uneven terrain with no handrails or electric lighting infrastructure. To preserve the nostalgic nature of this tour, the use of flashlights is prohibited.

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Gothic Avenue Cave Tour

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features st......More

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave, and is ideal for people with a high interest in history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Star Chamber, Historic, and Violet City Lantern Tours.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: Ages 6 and older.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Star Chamber Tour

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, e......More

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, emerging from the cave in late evening. Focusing on early history of Mammoth Cave, this tour includes a trip into Gothic Avenue. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a unique way to experience the cave and its history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Gothic Avenue Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. To preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the activity, there is no flashlight use permitted on this tour.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Frozen Niagara Cave Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit ......More

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones and Grand Avenue tours. Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km)Total Stairs: 64, plus an optional 98Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 34

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

River Styx Cave Tour

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. Thi......More

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology. Please use extra caution when visiting the river level. To access this section of the cave the tour leaves modern tour trail to uneven terrain that may be wet, muddy, and/or slick. The tour route travels next to bodies of water, some of which can be very deep depending on river levels. Viewing of this area will also be conducted with electric lanterns and not the modern lighting system on the rest of the route.This tour covers the entire Historic Tour route. Limited sections of the Star Chamber, Violet City Lantern and Mammoth Passage are also seen.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2.5 miles (4 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome.Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Mammoth Passage Cave Tour

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have s......More

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas.Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 70

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Extended Historic Cave Tour

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challeng......More

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challenging experience, as this tour involves hundreds of stairs and steep inclines without alternative routes. This tour also includes a visit to the site of an 1840s-era underground tuberculosis hospital experiment. Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this tour is a great option for those wanting to delve deeper into the cave’s rich history!Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 60

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Wondering Woods Cave Tour

Take a leisurely bus ride with a ranger across the park landscape and learn about the communities and people that were once here. After a short bus ride, enjoy a hike in the Tranquil Valley of Wondering Woods. At the end of the hike, a short cave tour awaits you where y......More

Take a leisurely bus ride with a ranger across the park landscape and learn about the communities and people that were once here. After a short bus ride, enjoy a hike in the Tranquil Valley of Wondering Woods. At the end of the hike, a short cave tour awaits you where you'll be surrounded by beautiful cave formation!This tour requires a brief bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.Please Note: This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System.Duration: 1.5 hoursDistance: 1 miles (1.6 km)Total Stairs: 194, including 54 optionalDifficulty: ModerateAges: All AgesRestrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 30

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Grand Avenue Cave Tour

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends ma......More

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends many tall, incredibly steep hills.  Covering a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those wishing for a lengthy, half-day hike inside of the cave. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and all of the Domes and Dripstones Tour except for the 280 stairs descending the vertical shafts at the entrance.Duration: 4 hoursDistance: 4 miles (6.4 km)Total Stairs: 1521 plus an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: 6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 78

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Historic Cave Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to mu......More

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Discovery Tour [Self-guided]

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open......More

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open passageways featuring informational waysides and artifacts from the cave's early history. Rangers are stationed along the route to answer questions. This tour is ideal for those who want to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes.Duration: Approximately 30 minutesDistance: 0.75 mile (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: Unlimited

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and desce......More

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and desce......More

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Introduction to Caving Tour

This tour offers an off-trail experience with crawls and climbs through hard-to-reach areas for 3.5 hours. Focusing on learning safe caving techniques  this tour explores parts of the cave difficult to access. This tour is ideal for people who wish to perform a wide var......More

This tour offers an off-trail experience with crawls and climbs through hard-to-reach areas for 3.5 hours. Focusing on learning safe caving techniques  this tour explores parts of the cave difficult to access. This tour is ideal for people who wish to perform a wide variety of challenging physical obstacles in a unique environment!Tour Specific Requirements:Size Limitations & Claustrophobia: Due to the tight nature of some of the areas visited chest and hip measurements must not exceed 42 inches in circumference. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent in tight crawl spaces and difficult climbs with no alternative routes available.  Footwear Requirement: Participants must provide their own lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle and are equipped with slip-resistant tread. Athletic shoes or slick-soled footwear do not meet these requirements. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear — no exceptions. Please bring an extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning at the end of the tour.  Age Limits: Participants must be at least 10 years old individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older. Additional Information: There are no restroom facilities available on this 3.5 hour tour. Tour requires a minimum of two participants to operate. This tour requires a brief bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.Duration: 3.5 hoursDistance: 1 mile (1.6 km)Total Stairs: 280+Difficulty: StrenuousAges: Age 10 years and older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 20

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Violet City Lantern Tour

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredi......More

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredibly steep hills on historic dirt trails as you experience the cave in the light of the earliest explorers. This tour is ideal for visitors who like to hike and are wanting a unique way to experience the cave.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Mammoth Passage Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. Be prepared for the rugged nature of this tour which includes steep hills, low lighting, and uneven terrain with no handrails or electric lighting infrastructure. To preserve the nostalgic nature of this tour, the use of flashlights is prohibited.

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Cleaveland Avenue Cave Tour

For nearly two centuries, Cleaveland Avenue has attracted people from all over the world to see its sparkling walls of gypsum and unique tube-shaped passages. Evidence of early visitors can still be seen on the walls and ceiling of some of its most famous places. In the......More

For nearly two centuries, Cleaveland Avenue has attracted people from all over the world to see its sparkling walls of gypsum and unique tube-shaped passages. Evidence of early visitors can still be seen on the walls and ceiling of some of its most famous places. In the event the elevator is not available due to unforeseen circumstances, the tour retraces the route and ascends the near 200 stairs back out of the cave. Please note: This tour exits the cave by elevator. In the event the elevator is not available due to unforeseen circumstances, the tour retraces the route and ascends the near 200 stairs back out of the cave.Duration:  2 hours      (2.5 hours without elevator)Distance:  1 miles      (2 miles without elevator)Total Stairs:  200       (400 stairs without elevator)Difficulty:  Moderate   (Difficult without elevator)Ages:   All Ages.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms:  YesTickets available for each tour time:  38

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Gothic Avenue Cave Tour

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features st......More

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave, and is ideal for people with a high interest in history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Star Chamber, Historic, and Violet City Lantern Tours.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: Ages 6 and older.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Star Chamber Tour

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, e......More

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, emerging from the cave in late evening. Focusing on early history of Mammoth Cave, this tour includes a trip into Gothic Avenue. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a unique way to experience the cave and its history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Gothic Avenue Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. To preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the activity, there is no flashlight use permitted on this tour.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Great Onyx Lantern Tour

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the s......More

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the site of very important cultural history in the early days of Kentucky cave tourism. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in cave tourism history and unusual rock formations. Please note: this tour is in Great Onyx Cave, which is separate from Mammoth Cave.  This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.Please Note: This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 1 miles (1.6 km)Total Stairs: 82Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 38

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Frozen Niagara Cave Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit ......More

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones and Grand Avenue tours. Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km)Total Stairs: 64, plus an optional 98Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 34

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

River Styx Cave Tour

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. Thi......More

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology. Please use extra caution when visiting the river level. To access this section of the cave the tour leaves modern tour trail to uneven terrain that may be wet, muddy, and/or slick. The tour route travels next to bodies of water, some of which can be very deep depending on river levels. Viewing of this area will also be conducted with electric lanterns and not the modern lighting system on the rest of the route.This tour covers the entire Historic Tour route. Limited sections of the Star Chamber, Violet City Lantern and Mammoth Passage are also seen.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2.5 miles (4 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome.Difficulty: ModerateAges: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Wild Cave Tour

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawl......More

The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawling through extremely tight crawl spaces and climbing through difficult areas. This tour is ideal for people who wish to spend the entire day performing a wide variety of extremely challenging physical obstacles in a unique environment! Tour Specific Requirements:Size Limitations & Claustrophobia: Due to the tight nature of some of the areas visited chest and hip measurements must not exceed 42 inches in circumference. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent in tight crawl spaces and difficult climbs with no alternative routes available.Footwear Requirement: Participants must provide their own lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle and are equipped with slip-resistant tread. Athletic shoes or slick-soled footwear do not meet these requirements. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear — no exceptions. Please bring an extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning at the end of the tour.Equipment & Gear: In order to minimize the spread of White Nose Syndrome a bat disease caused by an invasive fungus all equipment (coveralls helmets knee pads and head lamps) are provided by the park. No personal caving equipment allowed — no exceptions. Shorts and a t-shirt recommended for wear under required coveralls. Age Limits: Participants must be at least 16 years old an adult must accompany visitors under age 18. Organized youth groups must have at least two adult representatives accompanying minor children.Additional Information: No lunch service is available. Participants must bring their own lunch/snacks in small caving pack provided. Tour requires a minimum of two participants to operate. This tour requires a brief bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.  Duration: 6 hoursDistance: 5 miles (8 km)Total Stairs: Approximately 500Difficulty: StrenuousAges: Age 16 years and olderRestrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 14

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Mammoth Passage Cave Tour

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have s......More

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by early explorers. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas.Duration: 1.25 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 70

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Extended Historic Cave Tour

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challeng......More

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challenging experience, as this tour involves hundreds of stairs and steep inclines without alternative routes. This tour also includes a visit to the site of an 1840s-era underground tuberculosis hospital experiment. Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this tour is a great option for those wanting to delve deeper into the cave’s rich history!Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 60

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Grand Avenue Cave Tour

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends ma......More

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends many tall, incredibly steep hills.  Covering a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those wishing for a lengthy, half-day hike inside of the cave. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and all of the Domes and Dripstones Tour except for the 280 stairs descending the vertical shafts at the entrance.Duration: 4 hoursDistance: 4 miles (6.4 km)Total Stairs: 1521 plus an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: 6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 78

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Historic Cave Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to mu......More

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Discovery Tour [Self-guided]

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open......More

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open passageways featuring informational waysides and artifacts from the cave's early history. Rangers are stationed along the route to answer questions. This tour is ideal for those who want to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes.Duration: Approximately 30 minutesDistance: 0.75 mile (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: Unlimited

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and desce......More

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Extended Historic Cave Tour

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challeng......More

Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challenging experience, as this tour involves hundreds of stairs and steep inclines without alternative routes. This tour also includes a visit to the site of an 1840s-era underground tuberculosis hospital experiment. Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this tour is a great option for those wanting to delve deeper into the cave’s rich history!Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours.Duration: 2.25 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 60

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Historic Cave Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to mu......More

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth DomeDifficulty: ModerateAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: YesTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Domes and Dripstones Cave Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and desce......More

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Violet City Lantern Tour

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredi......More

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredibly steep hills on historic dirt trails as you experience the cave in the light of the earliest explorers. This tour is ideal for visitors who like to hike and are wanting a unique way to experience the cave.  Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Mammoth Passage Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. Be prepared for the rugged nature of this tour which includes steep hills, low lighting, and uneven terrain with no handrails or electric lighting infrastructure. To preserve the nostalgic nature of this tour, the use of flashlights is prohibited.

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Cleaveland Avenue Cave Tour

For nearly two centuries, Cleaveland Avenue has attracted people from all over the world to see its sparkling walls of gypsum and unique tube-shaped passages. Evidence of early visitors can still be seen on the walls and ceiling of some of its most famous places. In the......More

For nearly two centuries, Cleaveland Avenue has attracted people from all over the world to see its sparkling walls of gypsum and unique tube-shaped passages. Evidence of early visitors can still be seen on the walls and ceiling of some of its most famous places. In the event the elevator is not available due to unforeseen circumstances, the tour retraces the route and ascends the near 200 stairs back out of the cave. Please note: This tour exits the cave by elevator. In the event the elevator is not available due to unforeseen circumstances, the tour retraces the route and ascends the near 200 stairs back out of the cave.Duration:  2 hours      (2.5 hours without elevator)Distance:  1 miles      (2 miles without elevator)Total Stairs:  200       (400 stairs without elevator)Difficulty:  Moderate   (Difficult without elevator)Ages:   All Ages.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms:  YesTickets available for each tour time:  38

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Gothic Avenue Cave Tour

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features st......More

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave, and is ideal for people with a high interest in history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Star Chamber, Historic, and Violet City Lantern Tours.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: Ages 6 and older.  Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Star Chamber Tour

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, e......More

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, emerging from the cave in late evening. Focusing on early history of Mammoth Cave, this tour includes a trip into Gothic Avenue. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a unique way to experience the cave and its history.Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Gothic Avenue Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. To preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the activity, there is no flashlight use permitted on this tour.Duration: 2.5 hoursDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Total Stairs: 170Difficulty: ModerateAges: 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 40

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.