There are a lot of things to do in Mammoth Cave National Park that may surprise you. Sure, the cave is the star of the show, but the park is not a “one-trick pony”. You have a lot of options and activities here that you may not be aware of.
Read on for your list of 12 unexpected things to do in Mammoth Cave National Park!
Published August 30, 2024…Updated January 8, 2025
Go On a Cave Tour…With Only a Lantern for Light
You won’t be surprised to learn that when Mammoth Cave was originally discovered, it was not wired with electricity! Instead, those who dared to explore the cave or who worked in the cave did so by the light of lanterns.
Mammoth Cave National Park offers several tours, including The Star Chamber Lantern Tour, The Violet Lantern Tour, and The Great Onyx Lantern Tour, which gives you a taste of what that was like. The electric lights in the passageways are turned off and the entire tour is conducted by the light of handheld lanterns.
The yellow glow of the flames in the lanterns gives off an eerie glow that causes shadows to dance on the cave walls and ceiling. Spooky!
The park rangers leading the tour do an amazing job of telling the story of the cave, which has a fascinating history. They are also very funny—it’s obvious that they enjoy what they do.
Pro Tips
- Use the bathroom before you begin any of these tours. They are 2.25 to 3 hours long, and there are no bathrooms in the cave.
- The cave is a constant 52 degrees year-round. You might want to wear a jacket.
- Some cave tours are only offered during the busy summer months. Check www.nps.gov to determine if a lantern tour will be available when you visit.
Learn to Spelunk
(spuh-lungk) – To explore caves
If you’re a bit claustrophobic like I am, you might want to skip this section…
…But if you love to explore and don’t mind crawling on your belly or worming your way through tight spaces, this might be for you!
Spelunking is the name for exploring caves, and it often requires crawling through tight spaces. Why would you want to do this? Because the best stuff always requires a little more work to get to!
The park offers two spelunking cave tours – (1) The Wild Cave Tour, and (2) Introduction to Caving.
As mentioned above, some cave tours are only offered during the busy summer months. Check www.nps.gov to determine if a cave tour will be available when you visit.
Go Hiking
Mammoth Cave National Park is more than just the cave – there are several miles of surface hiking trails as well.
The hiking trails are found primarily in two areas of the park…
- Hiking trails that originate near the Visitor Center. All of these trails range from 0.1 miles to 1.3 miles long.
- Hiking trails that originate along the main park roads on the south side of the park. All of these trails range from 0.1 miles to 5.1 miles long.
Pro Tips
- Check www.nps.gov for more info about hiking in the park.
- You may bring your dog along on the surface hiking trails. Just be sure it is leashed at all times.
- Several trails in the park are wheelchair accessible, including…
- Echo River Spring Loop Trail
- Engine #4 Trail
- Heritage Trail
- Sand Cave Trail
- Sloan’s Crossing Pond Walk
Go Biking!
If hiking is not your thing, how about biking? Several trails and gravel roads are available for off-road bikers. Hop on your bike and try out…
- Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail – This 9.0-mile trail follows a portion of the original route of the Mammoth Cave Railroad, which ceased to operate in 1931. It is also used by hikers, so stay alert!
- Big Hollow Trail – Enjoy over 10 miles of wooded, winding single-track trail on the Big Hollow.
Pro Tip
- Bicycles are also legal to ride on the paved roads throughout the park. Watch out for traffic…and deer!
- Ebikes may only be ridden on paved surfaces throughout the park.
Stay in the Park
Did you know that you can stay in the park during your visit to Mammoth Cave? It doesn’t get any more convenient than that!The park offers three different lodging options.
The Historic Cabins
First, the Historic Cabins are small, cute cabins located just a 0.1-mile walk away from the camp store and Visitor Center. The furnishings are surprisingly nice!
Amenities include…
- Accommodates 1-2 People
- Mini Fridge
- Coffee Maker
- Air-Conditioned
- No TVs or WiFi available
- Each room/cottage has its own bathroom
- No Pets Allowed
- No Cooking Allowed
The Woodland Cabins
Second, the Woodland Cabins are larger than the Historic Cabins and have a more rustic feel. Since they have no heat, they are usually available only from the beginning of April to the end of October.
They are conveniently located across the parking lot from the Visitor Center.
Amenities include…
- One, Two, Three, and Four Bedroom
- Accommodations for 2-16 people
- Mini Fridge
- Coffee Maker
- Pet Friendly ($30.00/Night)
- Ceiling Fans
- No TV, WiFi, or AC/Heating
- Each room/cottage has its own bathroom
- No Cooking Allowed
Sunset Terrace
Finally, there’s Sunset Terrace, a motel-style lodge that sits just off the Heritage Trail, just a short walk from the Mammoth Cave Lodge. These are the “swankiest” (good Southern word) of the lodging options.
Amenities include…
- 2 Queen Beds
- Accommodates up to 5 people | Roll-aways available
- Mini Fridge
- Coffee Maker
- Air-Conditioned
- Satellite TV & WiFi
- Microwave
- Each room/cottage has its own bathroom
- No Pets Allowed
- No Cooking Allowed
For more info, or to make reservations, check out the Mammoth Cave Lodge website, www.mammothcavelodge.com.
Besides convenience, another big “plus” that comes with staying in the park is the Mammoth Cave Lodge. A two-year renovation project was completed in early 2024, and it is really, REALLY NICE! There’s a huge lobby with a fireplace and ample seating, a check-in area for guests, as well as two restaurants and a gift shop.
Pro Tip
- As a general rule, national park staff are professional, courteous, friendly, helpful, and kind. The staff at Mammoth Cave National Park exhibit all of these characteristics more than any other park we have been to!
- We only had 30 minutes to eat and get to our tour on time. The manager at the Lantern Cafe (I wish I could remember her name) told us, “I’ve got you”, and she did. Our meal (fried chicken) arrived in record time, and it was really good! She took us under her wing and got us in and out in 20 minutes. Amazing service!
Get Your Starbucks…in the Park!
I’m very particular about my coffee, so when I spied the Starbucks logo in the lodge lobby, my heart leapt for joy!
The Maple Springs Coffee & Gifts Shop serves Starbucks coffee and products. It is not technically a Starbucks, but it looks like a Starbucks and tastes like a Starbucks, and that’s what’s important! The view out the windows is a very nice bonus.
Go Fish!
The Green River meanders from one end of the park to the other, and you know what that means…FISHING!
Bring your gear to the park and hook a big one. The Green River is home to spotted bass, striped bass, catfish, perch, muskellunge, bluegill, and crappie, just to name a few.
Pro Tips
- No fishing license is required to fish in the park. However, click here for other National Park Service rules and guidelines.
- Get recommendations for the best fishing spots from park rangers.
- PLEASE BE AWARE! All Kentucky waters are under a consumption advisory for mercury. Catch and release, please.
Kayak or Canoe on the Green River
The Green River is also an excellent place to launch your canoe or kayak and do some paddling. Over 30 miles of river (including both the Green River and the Nolin River) run through the park, where you can enjoy the scenery, watch for animals, and even camp out on islands or on the shore. The Houchin Ferry Campground is located on the shore of the Green River, as well.
These two rivers are part of the Green and Nolin Rivers Blueway, a 36-mile water trail.
Pro Tips
- You can bring your own watercraft, or rent from an outfitter. Here are three that work with the park:
- Click here for more info from the National Park Service about kayaking and canoeing in the park.
Do Some Serious Stargazing
Did you know that Mammoth Cave National Park is an International Dark Sky Park? It received that designation in 2021.
This certification, as described by the IDA ( International Dark-Sky Association), showcases the park as “land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.” (Taken from www.nps.gov).
You can bring a telescope if you like, but you don’t really need one. Just find an open area away from the lights and look up! After your eyes adjust, you’ll be amazed at how much you can see. You may even spot the International Space Station!
Pro Tips
- Rangers sometimes lead stargazing programs. Check the ranger-led program schedule to find out if one is being offered during your visit.
- Kids can become a Junior Ranger Night Explorer. Click on the link to get your kids signed up!
- Learn more about night skies at www.nps.gov.
- When driving in the park at night, look for deer darting across the road. The park is full of them!
Ride a Horse Through the Park
See Mammoth Cave National Park from the back of a horse!
Over 60 miles of trails are open for riding north of the Green River.
You have a couple of options for horseback riding…
- Option #1 – BYOH – Bring Your Own Horse! You can park at the trailhead of any of the following trails…
- First Creek Trailhead
- Lincoln Trailhead
- Maple Springs Trailhead
- Maple Springs Campground, across the road from the bulletin board
- Temple Hill Trailhead
- You can even camp with your horse at..
- Maple Spring Campground
- Any of several backcountry camping sites
- Option #2 – Work with an outfitter to set up a riding adventure. Mammoth Cave National Park works exclusively with Double J Riding Stables and Campground.
Attend a Special Event at the Park
National Parks love special events, and Mammoth Cave National Park is no different. Here are six events to plan for…
Bat Night
This year Mammoth Cave National Park will celebrate its 10th Bat Night, an event dedicated to understanding and conserving bats. There are activities for children, discussions led by park rangers for adults, and even watching first-hand how scientists catch and examine bats.
Annual Cave Sing
The original cave sing was held in 1883 by residents in the area. It was a celebration of the Christmas season, complete with a Christmas tree, and Christmas carols.
The tradition was revived in 1980 and is held annually on the first Sunday in December. It has grown in popularity, with large crowds attending the event each year.
Click the links below to view a TV news crew video of the event and for more info about the event.
Black History Month
African Americans have played a major role in the history of Mammoth Cave National Park. They have been involved in exploring and mapping the cave, as well as contributing greatly to the success of the cave as a tourist spot.
African Americans were the first tour guides in the cave and mined the cave for saltpeter for the production of gunpowder.
Rangers in the park are quick to point out that African American slaves played a large role in attaining the freedoms we enjoy, even though they themselves did not begin to experience that freedom for many years.
Click here to learn more about Black History Month at the park.
International Dark Sky Week
International Dark Sky Week is held each April and features special ranger talks and walks throughout the week. It’s dedicated to turning off the lights, looking up, and learning about the skies overhead.
National Park Week
National Park Week is celebrated by all national parks every April. The activities vary from park to park and from year to year. At Mammoth Cave National Park, activities during the week include…
- Wildflower Day
- Volunteer Litter Pick-Up Day
- International Dark Sky Week
- Free Self-Guided Cave Tour
Click here to learn more about National Park Week at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Wildflower Day
There’s a lot going on during Wildflower Day! Talks and walks about flowers, birding, quilting, kids’ activities, and photography walks – Wildflower Day is packed! There’s something here for just about everyone!
Click here for more information!
Other Things to Do in the Area
Want to explore outside the park? There’s plenty to see and do. Here are some suggestions…
Visit Other Caves in the Area
While Mammoth Cave is the largest cave in the area, it is not the only cave in the area.
- Onyx Cave
- Mammoth Onyx Cave
- Crystal Onyx Cave
- Diamond Caverns
- Outlaw Cave
- Lost River Cave
- Hidden River Cave/American Cave Museum.
Dinosaur World
Dinosaur World is only 15 minutes from the park in Cave City. It features hundreds of realistic, life-size dinosaurs, a dino-themed playground, and interactive displays for your kids…and you!
Check out their website for more info about Dinosaur World.
National Corvette Museum
Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, just 28 miles from Mammoth Cave, this museum features 80 Corvettes from past years, all displayed in period settings. This is a great experience for the car buff in your family!
Side Note – On February 12, 2014, a sinkhole opened up under a section of the museum and collapsed it. The sinkhole has since been filled, and the museum is busier than ever. They have even added a display describing the incident, how it happened and why, what cars were destroyed, and much more.
Click here for more info about the National Corvette Museum.
Historic RailPark and Train Museum
As long as you’re heading to Bowling Green to see the National Corvette Museum, why don’t you drop by the Historic RailPark and Train Museum, too?
The museum is located at what was once a busy depot. It features 450′ of track where you can see several different historic trains. You can go on a guided tour, and self-guided tour, or both. This is a place that kids will really enjoy!
Click here for all you need to know about the Historic RailPark and Train Museum.
The Verdict – 12 Surprising Things to Do in Mammoth Cave National Park
I was honestly surprised at how much I enjoyed Mammoth Cave National Park. A lot of work has been done here, and it shows! We have visited there twice now, and we’re already thinking about our next trip to the park.
This is not just another “box to check” on your list of parks to visit – Mammoth Cave National Park is a really great place. We recommend you check it out for yourself!
Happy Caving!
Related Posts
- 7 Reasons The Star Chamber Lantern Tour is One of the Best Mammoth Cave Tours
- Find the Best Mammoth Cave Pet Friendly Lodging
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.