Explore Mammoth Cave: Your guide to a unique Kentucky attraction, the world's longest cave

Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, Louisville Courier Journal
·4 min read

Mammoth Cave may not be one of the seven wonders of the world, but the national park is one of the wonders of the Bluegrass State. It's "the world's longest known cave system, with more than 400 miles explored, and one of the oldest tour attractions in North America," according to the National Park Foundation.

Mammoth Cave was designated a national park in 1941 but was first protected 15 years earlier in 1926 when a group of citizens created the Mammoth Cave National Park Association. It was given its name in the 1800s due to its massive size.

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Here are other things to know before heading to the park:

How do I get to Mammoth Cave?

Mammoth Cave National Park is located in located South Central Kentucky near Glasgow and Cave City. The visitor's center is located on the south side of the park, 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway. That's where attendees can buy tour tickets, buy food and manage their lodging or camping. It's also where tours start.

Things to do

One of the most popular activities at the site is exploring the 10 miles of the cave open to the public. Still, there are other ways to enjoy the park, including hiking, paddling, horseback riding and biking.

The National Parks Service website says paddling and fishing are available throughout the 30 miles of the Green and Nolin rivers. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available.

And while sharks once swam in Mammoth Cave's waters, fossils are all that are left in modern times. More than 40 different species of sharks and relatives were identified through fossils in one 10-month period alone, according to the National Park Service, including six new to science.

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Do you have to pay for Mammoth Cave?

Entrance to the park is free, but guided tour options are available at different price points. Some of the tours include:

  • Gothic Avenue Tour: A one-mile distance tour for people of all ages. The price is $19 for adults and $15 for children.

  • Historic Tour: A two-hour tour for people of all ages that travels two miles of the cave. The price is $20 for adults and $15 for children.

  • Wondering Woods Tour: A tour for all ages that lasts 90 minutes and travels one mile. It costs $18 for adults and $14 for children.

  • Cleveland Avenue Tour: A tour for all ages that lasts from two to two-and-a-half hours. It travels one mile or two depending on if the elevator is available (it currently is not). It costs $22 for adults and $16 for children.

The cave is only open through guided tours, according to the National Park Service, even though entrance to the park is free. Reservations are encouraged, but tickets are also available on-site.

What's the temperature inside Mammoth Cave?

The National Park Service recommends bringing a jacket if you're exploring the cave. The temperature inside it is 54 degrees all year long.

How long is Mammoth Cave?

The longest cave system in the world includes more than 400 explored miles, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior, with potentially another 600 miles in its system.

Where to stay near Mammoth Cave

Visitors who want to stay the night can do so at The Lodge at Mammoth Cave, which offers rooms at different price points and even a kennel. Rooms can be reserved ahead of time, but the kennel spaces are requested daily.

Three campsites are also available with access to laundry machines, shower facilities and camping supplies. To stay at the Mammoth Cave Campground or Maple Springs Campground reserve by calling 877-444-6777 or visiting recreation.gov. The Houchin Campground is reserved by arrival order.

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What are Mammoth Cave's operating hours and seasons?

The park is open daily around the clock. Guided tours have their own schedule, though, and the visitor center closes at 4:30 p.m. in the winter and at 6 p.m. in the summer. Mammoth Cave operates in Central Time.

The ticket center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Reach Ana Alvarez Briñez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter @SoyAnaAlvarez.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Where is Mammoth Cave? What to know about Kentucky's unique attraction