How do you know which cave tours are the best Mammoth Cave tours? After all, there are 17 different cave tours to choose from!
They all have a couple of things in common. First, they all take place in a cave. Second, they are all guided by a park ranger (with the exception of the self-guided Discovery Tour).
But beyond that, they all have their differences. Different lengths, different areas of the cave, different difficulties – so how do you choose?
We’re here to help!
Published August 28, 2024…Updated January 8, 2025
The Best Mammoth Cave Tours
If we were pushed for time and could only choose one Mammoth cave tour, it would probably be the Star Chamber Lantern Tour. We think it’s the best (or at least one of the best, because they are all good) tour in the park.
Following are 7 reasons we think so…
#7 – You’re Going to Learn a LOT!
The park rangers who lead this tour do an excellent job teaching the history and telling the story of Mammoth Cave National Park. For instance, we learned that…
The cave’s human history began 4,000-5,000 years ago when the Native Americans who lived in the area discovered it and began to explore it.
Much later, in the 18th century, the cave was mined for saltpeter, which was used to produce gunpowder. Enslaved African Americans were forced to do this work.
The cave became a major tourist attraction in the mid-1800s. First first tour guides in the cave were slaves.
The national park was created on July 1, 1941.
It is all so fascinating, even if, like me, you’re not really a history buff!
#6 – You Get to Carry a Lantern!
Of course, the biggest difference between the Star Chamber Cave Tour and most of the other tours is…lanterns! (Only two other tours use lanterns – the Violet City Lantern Tour and the Great Onyx Lantern Tour.) All the electric lights in the cave are turned off and the entire tour is done by lantern light.
The flicker of the lanterns creates a soft, warm glow on the cave walls. It also creates odd shadows that some may consider a little creepy. But there is plenty of light to see by, it’s completely safe, and it’s great fun!
This tour is often described as “more of an experience than just a tour”. We agree.
And don’t worry – you’ll be shown how to carry the lantern so you don’t burn yourself…or someone else!
#5 – It Overlaps With Other Tours
The Star Chamber Lantern Tour has some overlap with other tours. You will also see some of the same areas as you would on the Historic Tour, the Gothic Tour, and the River Styx Tour.
Bonus!
#4 – It’s More Realistic Than Most Other Cave Tours
On most of the other cave tours, electric lights light the passageways. You can see everything – the trail, the walls, the rock formations, the ceiling. But that’s not how it was in the beginning.
Imagine walking through this cave by yourself, with only a flame torch for light, as the earliest explorers did. Or working here 12-14 hrs/day, with only a lantern to light the cave. Now imagine you had no choice – you were forced here in those conditions because you were a slave.
The Lantern Tour allows you to realistically (at least somewhat) experience what the early explorers and laborers endured. It’s eye-opening, to say the least…and a bit sobering.
#3 – The Star Chamber Tour is Never Rushed
The Star Chamber Tour never feels rushed because it’s the last tour of the day. Usually it begins at 5:00 pm. When you emerge from the cave 2.5 hours later, it will be dark, and everyone else has gone for the day.
That means that the rangers leading this tour don’t have to get back to lead the next tour. They are happy to take a little extra time if needed.
#2 – The Star Chamber
Of course, the star of the show is the Star Chamber itself! This is one of the final things you will see on the tour, and it is dazzling. The ceiling of the Star Chamber is lined with gypsum, a mineral that sparkles under light. The room seems to be filled with stars.
Upon visiting Mammoth Cave in 1857, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “I saw or seemed to see the thick with stars glimmering over our heads. All the party were touched with astonishment and pleasure.”
I agree, Mr. Emerson.
#1 – The Park Rangers are So Engaging…and Entertaining!
To be honest, my favorite part of the Star Chamber Lantern Tour was not the cave – it was the park rangers taking us through the cave. Park Rangers put the “best” in “best Mammoth Cave tours”!
These rangers are amazing! Friendly, patient, knowledgeable, entertaining, funny, engaging, and passionate are just some of the words I would use to describe them. It is obvious they love the park and love what they do.
They make an amazing experience even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Star Chamber Lantern Tour offered?
- This tour is usually only offered during the busy season, which is summer. Check www.nps.gov to make sure it is available when you are at the park
- What’s the cost of the Star Chamber Lantern Tour?
- $30 Adults, $25 Youth, $15 Senior Pass Holder, $15 Access Pass Holder.
- There is no entrance fee to the park.
- Reservations are highly recommended and can be made at www.recreation.gov.
- Is this hike physically difficult?
- The Star Chamber Tour is 2 miles long and takes 2.5 hours. There are a total of 170 steps to climb. It is rated “Moderate”, (but my wife and I think it’s easier than that.)
- Are there bathrooms in the cave?
- Nope, so be sure to take a potty break before the tour begins.
- Is it safe?
- Yes. The lanterns create plenty of light, and the walking trails in the cave are smooth and easy
- Is it scary?
- Not unless you let your imagination get the best of you!
- Is it worth the time and money?
- Absolutely – we highly recommend it.
- Is it kid-friendly?
- It is! Kids love this experience.
- Please Note – Kids must be at least 6 years old to join this tour.
The Verdict – 7 Reasons The Star Chamber Lantern Tour Is One Of The Best Mammoth Cave Tours
As I wrote earlier, if you only have time for one cave tour, I would suggest the Star Chamber Lantern Tour. It’s really interesting, and it’s really fun. It’s more than a sightseeing tour – it’s an experience.
Happy Caving!
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The Author
Jeff Powell is the Creator/CEO of National Park Ventures. He and his wife, Mary Ellen, are on a venture to visit every national park in the United States and share what they experience with their readers. Their goal is to help their readers maximize their own national park ventures.
Jeff and Mary Ellen have two sons, two grandkids, and two dogs. They live in the mountains outside Blue Ridge, GA.