Allow me to ignite your curiosity as we talk about all of the amazing things to do in Mammoth Cave National Park.

Coming in at one of the most underrated US National Parks, Mammoth Cave is tucked away in the rolling Kentucky hills.  I recently stumbled upon this gem during a girls’ trip to Louisville and I still remember the way the cool cave air enveloped us as we descended down a stairway into the depths of this massive cave.

In this blog post, we will talk about all of the thrilling cave tours that MCNP has to offer so you can choose which mysteries from the underground you want to unravel.  We will also touch on the hikes and outdoor activities available within the park, where you can stay and eat, and I’ll give you some invaluable tips and insights to ensure your visit lives up to your expectations.  I want you to have all of the information you need to know BEFORE you go.

Consider this your ultimate guide to visiting Mammoth Cave and its surrounding areas.

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Quick Guide: List of Tours in Mammoth Cave National Park

18 different tours are offered (some on a rotational basis) to allow visitors to explore Mammoth Cave.  Here is your quick rundown of all 18, but I promise we will go more into depth on each one of these down below.

  • Discovery Tour – 30 minutes, .75 miles, easy, all ages
  • Mammoth Passage – 1.25 hours, .75 miles, easy, all ages
  • Frozen Niagara – 75 minutes, .25 miles, easy, all ages
  • Accessible Tour – 2 hours, .75 miles, easy, all ages
  • Gothic Avenue – 2 hours, 1.7 miles, moderate, all ages
  • Historic Tour – 2 hours, 2 miles, moderate, all ages
  • Extended Historic – 2.25 hours, 2.25 miles, moderate, all ages  
  • Cleveland Avenue – 2 hours, 1 mile, moderate, all ages
  • Wondering Woods – 1.5 hours, 1 mile, moderate, all ages
  • Great Onyx Lantern – 2.25 hours, 1 mile, moderate, age 6+
  • River Styx – 2.5 hours, 2.5 miles, moderate, age 6+
  • Star Chamber Lantern – 2.5 hours, 2 miles, moderate, age 6+
  • Trog Tour – 2 hours 45 minutes, 1.5 miles, moderate, for kids only age 8-12
  • Domes & Dripstones – 2 hours, .75 miles, difficult, all ages
  • Violet City Lantern – 3 hours, 3 miles, difficult, ages 6+
  • Intro to Caving – 3.5 hours, 1 mile, difficult, ages 10+
  • Grand Avenue – 4 hours, 4 miles, strenuous, ages 6+Wild Cave – 6 hours, 5.5 miles, strenuous, ages 16+

All of these tours, except the handicap Accessible tour, will require you to walk up and down stairs.

What To Expect Inside MCNP

Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest cave system ever recorded with over 400 miles of tunnels that weave themselves into a maze of passageways under 3 different counties in the state of Kentucky.  That is a longer distance than it is from Boston to Baltimore, to give you an idea of the sheer massive size of this cave.

There are upper and lower levels to the cave requiring you to be prepared to climb several stairs along your journey.  When we took the Historic Tour, we went down 310 feet into the cave (with 360 ft down being the bottom).

Do not expect to have very good cell service inside MCNP.  You may pick up a little bit around the Visitors Center, but for me there was nothing past the parking lot.

Mammoth Cave is home to over 160 species of wildlife.  The first that comes to mind for most people are bats, but the truth is these are rarely seen on tours.  If seeing creatures in the cave freaks you out, you’ll be happy to know that I only saw one small salamander during my visit.

Although cave tours are the most popular attraction in MCNP, they are not the only things that you can do here.  In addition to the cave tours, there are over 70 miles of hiking trails, fishing, canoeing, biking and so much more.

Mammoth Cave National Park Entrance Sign

Things to do in Mammoth Cave National Park

I recommend that you start your visit to MCNP at the Visitors Center.  Here is where you can grab a map or a souvenir, get your tour tickets, and hit the restroom before the adventure starts.

Important Travel Tip

Reserve your tour tickets as far in advance as possible. Sometimes tickets sell out weeks in advance, especially during peak season.

Cave Tours

Taking a cave tour is (obviously) the most popular attraction in Mammoth Cave National Park. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll through history, have kids in tow, or you are searching for the ultimate adrenaline rush I am here to guide you through each of these tours so you can pick one to suit your needs.

Please note that not all of these tours are available all the time.  Before you plan your trip, check out the Mammoth Cave National Park Official Website for an updated list of the tours running at the time of your visit.

I think it’s also worth noting that there is a steep hillside trail that you will need to walk to get to and from the cave’s historic entrance.

Let’s get spelunking!!! (that is the word for ‘exploration of caves’ in case ya didn’t know – see, I told you I’ve got all the info for you!)

the rotunda room in Mammoth Cave

Easy Cave Tours

  • Mammoth Passage 
    Duration: 1.25 hours
    Distance: .75 miles
    Description: This is a great option for families with small children or those who do not like tight spaces.  You won’t go as deep into the cave as you will on some other tours, but you will see some of the largest rooms and more well-known areas.  You will enter the cave at it’s natural, historic entrance.  You will not see any dripstone areas on this tour. 
    Important Notes: There are 135 steps on this tour.  Bathrooms are NOT available.  There is no age requirement.
  • Discovery Tour
    Duration: 30 min
    Distance: .75 miles
    Description: This is the only self-guided tour offered inside Mammoth Cave.  You will follow the exact same route as the Mammoth Passage tour. You will enter through the main historic entrance and walk through the biggest room and around a few side paths.  You can spend as much or as little time as you like on this tour. 
    Important Notes: There are 125 steps on this tour.  Bathrooms are NOT available. There is no age requirement. 
  • Frozen Niagara 
    Duration: 1 hour 15 min
    Distance: .25 miles
    Description: The stone formations that look like frozen waterfalls are one of the most popular attractions inside the cave, but to get to them requires you to take one of the difficult or strenuous tours.   If you don’t want to take one of the longer tours or navigate a bunch of stairs, this tour gives you the option to still see this area of the cave but within a much shorter time frame and less difficult route.  
    Important Notes: There are 64 steps on this tour (with another 98 optional ones). Bathrooms are NOT available.  There is no age requirement. 
  • Accessible Tour 
    Duration: 2 hours
    Distance: .75 miles
    Description: This tour is great for anyone with a disability or limited mobility to explore Mammoth Cave.  You will get to see the historic Cleaveland Avenue, Snowball Room and areas of the cave with heavy geological formations.  
    Important Notes: This tour is for anyone who may have trouble navigating stairs or needs wheelchair assistance.  There are no wheelchairs available for use, you must bring your own.  Restrooms are available on this tour. There is no age restriction. 
The Giant's Coffin in Mammoth Cave

Moderate Cave Tours

  • Gothic Avenue
    Duration: 2 hours
    Distance: 1.7 miles
    Description: The interesting rock formations that you will see on this tour resemble Gothic-style architecture. This tour is great for those with an interest in history. 
    Important Notes: You will need to be able to climb 170 stairs to take this tour.  There is no age restriction and no restrooms available. 
  • Historic Tour
    Duration: 2 hours
    Distance: 2 miles
    Description:  This is the tour that we took when we visited MCNP.  I enjoyed it because it was a mix of history and you got to see many different areas of the cave that made it famous.  You will start out in the huge rotunda room and then make your way through tunnels that have been used for thousands of years.  You will ascend up steep inclines, through Fat Man’s misery (a super tight squeeze),  past Giant’s coffin, ultimately descending 310 ft.  There are upper and lower levels to the cave in case you didn’t know! 
    Important Notes: There are restrooms available on this tour.  You will need to be able to endure climbing 540 stairs on this route as there are no alternative routes. There is no age restriction. 
  • Extended Historic Tour:
    Duration: 2 hours 15 min
    Distance: 2.25 mi
    Description: If you have a little extra time to spend, the Extended Historic Tour is going to offer you the exact same route as the Historic Tour with one extra visit to an important area of the cave that was used as an experiment to treat consumption in the 1840s. 
    Important Notes: There are restrooms available.  There is no age restriction.  Guests must be able to climb 540 stairs on this tour. 
  • River Styx 
    Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
    Distance: 2.5 miles
    Description: On this tour, you will see the entire Historic Tour plus a trip to the water level of the river that flows through Mammoth Cave. The river can overflow the cave, especially in early May, so this tour is not always offered depending on the water levels.  You will be going over uneven terrain that can potentially be muddy or slippery, but this is a great tour for anyone interested in history and geology because you will be taking an in-depth look at areas of the cave that are millions of years old. 
    Important Notes:  There is an age requirement of 6+ on this tour.  There are restrooms available.  You must be able to climb 600 stairs. 
  • Cleaveland Avenue 
    Duration: 2 hours
    Distance: 1 mile 
    Description: For those with an interest in geology, consider taking this tour to see the walls of gypsum and writings from early visitors to the cave. You will enter the cave and descend 230 stairs. 
    Important Notes: You will exit this tour via elevator, but if the elevator is not working you will have to retrace your route back out of the cave adding on an additional 30 minutes to the tour.  There are restrooms available on this tour and there is no age requirement. 
  • Star Chamber Lantern
    Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
    Distance: 2 miles
    Description: A unique tour of Mammoth Cave that takes place in the evening by lantern light.  If you’re interested in sightseeing while inside the cave this isn’t the tour for you, this one is all about the experience. You will venture down parts of the Historic, River Styx, and Gothic Avenue tour sections.
    Important Notes:  There is an age requirement of 6+, but only 16+ can carry lanterns.  You must be able to climb 170 stairs. 
  • Trog Tour
    Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
    Distance: 1.5 miles
    Description: This tour is for kids only and is a great way for them to experience the history and magic of the Mammoth Cave. They get to hike through the forest and crawl through cave passageways like early explorers!
    Important Notes: This tour is for children ages 8-12.  While your kids are on this tour it would be a great time to check out the Visitors Center or other areas of MCNP close by. However, you will not be able to take a separate cave tour while your children are participating in this one. 
  • Great Onyx Lantern
    Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
    Distance: 1 mile
    Description:  After a short bus ride, you will be able to tour this beautiful cave full of stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and other rock formations that sparkle in the lantern light. 
    Important Notes: The cave toured is known as Great Onyx Cave and is NOT connected to the Mammoth Cave system, although it is still located inside MCNP.  There is an age requirement of 6+ for this tour and no bathrooms are available. 
  • Wondering Woods: 
    Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
    Distance: 1 mile
    Description: A ranger will be your tour guide who will take you on a bus ride across the park where you will learn about the people that once lived here.  You can then hike the Valley of Wondering Woods and embark on a short cave tour.  
    Important Notes: The cave you will be touring is NOT connected to the Mammoth Cave system.  There are no restrooms available on this tour.
dripstones inside Mammoth Cave

Difficult Cave Tours

  • Domes & Dripstones
    Duration: 2 hours
    Distance: .75 miles
    Description: If you are dying to see stalactites and stalagmites this is the tour for you! You will also see the Frozen Niagara section on this tour. 
    Important Notes: You must be willing and able to climb 640 stairs and steep inclines as there are no alternate routes available.  There is no age requirements and no restrooms available. 
  • Violet City Lantern
    Duration: 3 hours
    Distance: 3 miles
    Description: If you like to hike and are interested in history and exploring the cave like the early explorers did, consider this tour.  You will travel exclusively by lantern light across uneven terrain through passageways not always traveled. 
    Important Notes: There are no restrooms available on this tour. There is an age requirement of 6+ but only ages 16+ can carry lanterns. You must be able to climb various hills and walk up 200 steps. 
  • Intro to Caving
    Duration: 3.5 hours
    Distance: 1 mile
    Description: This tour is an adventurer’s dream! For 3 and a half hours you will crawl and climb through areas of Mammoth Cave that are difficult to access.  You will also see the Frozen Niagara section on this tour.  Prepare for a physical challenge. 
    Important Notes: You must be at least 10 years old to participate on this tour and they do have different physical body measurements required due to the nature of the tight spaces on this tour.  You also must come dressed properly with sturdy boots with ankle support, and at least ¼ inch tread. If you do not come with the right footwear they will not let you participate and you will not be refunded. There are no restrooms available. 
three girls on the Historic Tour in Mammoth Cave

Strenuous Cave Tours

  • Grand Avenue 
    Duration: 4 hours
    Distance: 4 miles 
    Description: If you want to see the most area inside Mammoth Cave this is the hike you will want to choose as you will spend half the day inside. You will take the Domes & Dripstones and Frozen Niagara tour routes in their entirety weaving your way through slot canyons, steep hills, and lots of stairs (1521 to be exact). 
    Important Notes: There are restrooms available for use on this tour. There is an age requirement of 6+ to participate. 
  • Wild Cave
    Duration: 6 hours
    Distance: 5.5 miles
    Description: This is the most strenuous, physically demanding tour that MCNP has to offer.  You will spend a lengthy amount of time crawling on your belly through extremely tight spaces. 
    Important Notes:  As with any of the crawling tours, you must have the required footwear and meet the required physical measurements (if you are too large you cannot pass through the crawlspace).  Participants must be at least 16 years of age. 

Best Mammoth Cave Tours for Families

When visiting Mammoth Cave with kids, it is extremely important that you choose the right tour to suit your family’s needs so everyone has an enjoyable time. Can you imagine being stuck underground with a kid who is tired and there’s no alternative route out? I can’t!! Sounds like a nightmare! 

So in a nutshell, here are my recommendations:

  • When visiting with small children, take the Mammoth Passage Tour or Frozen Niagara Tour
  • When visiting with preteens or teenagers, take the Domes & Dripstones Tour or one of the Lantern tours for a unique, fun experience. But, if you can stand 2 hours carrying a baby in a chest carrier up and down stairs, I say go for the Domes & Dripstones with small children too! 
  • All ages will enjoy the Historic Tour, River Styx, and the Frozen Niagara tours. 
  • And, for those looking for the ultimate adventure, go for one of the strenuous tours, the Grand Avenue or the Wild Cave tour.

Tips for Taking a Cave Tour

One of the most important things to note when taking a cave tour inside Mammoth Cave if you are traveling with small children is that they do not allow strollers or backpack carriers.  If you are going to be carrying your child, you MUST have them in a front carrier. With that being said, only your own personal physical fitness level will limit you on any of these tours. 

If you would like to participate in any of the crawling tours, you must have proper footwear which includes at least ¼ inch of heavy tread and ankle support.  They will check and if you are not prepared you will not be able to take the tour and you will not be refunded.

MCNP hiking trails

Hiking in Mammoth Cave National Park

So did you look at a map of MCNP yet? There are so many things to do inside the park and I am going to help you break it all down right now.

Be sure to leave time to explore above ground, it’s just as beautiful as what is underneath!

The south side of MCNP is home to the Green River and has just under 20 miles of hiking trails for you to choose from.    For a beautiful view of the Green River, consider hiking to Sunset Point.  This is the end of the Heritage Trail where you will see a beautiful panorama of the Green River below.

You don’t have to venture too far to see some great views.  The trails around the Visitors Center will show you some beautiful river views, the historic entrance to Mammoth Cave, sinkholes, a historic train, and much more. These trails are a great option for those traveling with small children.

Another popular hike in MCNP is Cedar Sink.  This is a huge sinkhole that sprouts lots of wildflowers in the spring, summer, and fall months.  This hike should only take you about 45-60 minutes to complete and is only .75 miles long.  Parking is available at the Cedar Sink Trailhead but it is limited.   It is important to note that the trail is a dirt path and you will need to take stairs down into the sinkhole and back out.

There are also a variety of Ranger-led Programs for guests to participate in where you can take hikes with rangers and learn about the area.

Click here for the MCNP Trail Map

Bicycling

MCNP offers some great options for biking trails throughout the park.  There used to be a railroad that went through the area that is now MCNP and a portion of that has now been turned into a 9-mile biking and hiking trail.   There are several scenic overlooks and historic sites that you can stop and look at along the way. 

If you want to do more of a back mountain type of ride, consider riding through the woods on the Big Hollow Trail Loop

All information about these trails and where to access them can be found at the Visitors Center.

Of course, you can also just ride your bike along the road throughout the park which still offers a beautiful scenic ride.

Canoeing, Kayaking and Boating

Summertime kayaking is one of my favorite things to do.  Consider taking a canoe or kayak trip down the Green River or Nolin River and explore MCNP from a different perspective.  I recommend you use Green River Canoeing and Kayaking. All of their trips are suitable for families.

Fishing

Fishing is not a hobby that I ever picked up, but I know lots of people love it so I wanted to mention it here.

If you’re interested, I advise you to check out the MCNP Website for all info that you need to know about fishing inside the park.

Horseback Riding

For another fun, unique way to explore the many MCNP trails is by horseback.   Please note that there are no horses on the property for you to ride.  You will either need to bring your own or take a commercial horseback riding tour like this one.

Stargazing

Another really great ranger-led program that MCNP offers are stargazing tours.  The park will provide telescopes for you to see planets and constellations in the night sky.

You don’t have to take a guided tour if you don’t want to though. This can be done completely on your own as well.

an interior photo of Mammoth Cave

Other Things to Do Near MCNP

Your journey doesn’t end inside Mammoth Cave.  There is a wide range of nearby attractions in the surrounding area that you can add to your trip.  Allow me to map out the perfect itinerary to complement your cave adventures.

Diamond Caverns

The closest attraction near Mammoth Cave NP is Diamond Caverns, located pretty much right at the entrance to the park itself.  You can take a 60-minute guided tour on a half-mile loop.

If you’re looking to see more of the “cool cave stuff” such as formations and different colors on the walls, then Diamond Caverns is definitely worth checking out.

As you have probably gathered by now, there is more to see inside Mammoth Cave simply due to its massive size, but it just depends on what peaks your interest.  Because Diamond Caverns is significantly wetter inside than Mammoth Cave, this is what is giving it the cool formations that everyone loves to see.

They are open every day all year round and tours will run approximately every 30 minutes on the weekends.  You do not need an advance reservation, but a ticket is required.

girl feeding kangaroos at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo

Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo

I highly recommend making Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo part of your itinerary when visiting MCNP, especially if you are traveling with kids.  

The kangaroo exhibit is by far my favorite and offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with kangaroos of all different sizes.  They had the towering red males and the mamas with babies in their pouches all waiting to interact with you!

Although the kangaroos definitely steal the show, the rest of the park also has a variety of other wildlife to marvel at as well. 

This zoo also has a free cave tour included with your admission.  So if you were disappointed that you cannot go into Mammoth Cave for free, this is a great alternative.   You will have the opportunity to tour Mammoth Onyx Cave located inside the zoo grounds.  Each tour will last around 30-40 minutes.  There are some steps you have to navigate, but they are pretty easy for small children to do.

The best part is, all of this is super close to MCNP.  It should only take you about a 15-20 minute drive.

Corvette Museum display

Visit Bowling Green

Bowling Green is home to the iconic Corvette Museum where you can marvel at these sleek sports cars throughout their lifespan and check out the sinkhole that swallowed several cars in 2014.  Just next door, you can take a tour of the assembly plant and see how they are made and take them for a spin at NCM Motorsports Park. 

Or if you’re still on a cave-kick, take a boat ride through Lost River Cave. 

Bowling Green has an awesome culinary scene, from Southern comfort classics to the famous Chaney’s Dairy Barn and their homemade ice cream! 

Just a short drive away, this is the perfect day trip to complement your cave exploration trip.  I find that Bowling Green is a great kid-friendly place to visit.

Related Post: 25 Awesome Things To Do In Bowling Green, KY

Greetings from Louisville sign

Visit Louisville

If you’re looking for a splash of urban charm, Louisville is only 1 hour and 20 minutes north of MCNP.  

Explore the famous Churchill Downs, home to the Kentucky Derby, and become a horse racing expert.  Maybe you will even be able to catch a race in town!

Don’t miss a stop at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory where you can learn about the history of baseball and even take home your own personalized bat. 

Waterfront Park offers beautiful views of the river and be sure to try some Louisville staples like the Hot Brown or a slice of Derby Pie. 

One of the coolest activities in Louisville for families is ziplining through the world’s only underground zipline with Louisville Mega Caverns.  

Related Posts: 35 Best Things To Do In Louisville With Kids
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Where To Stay When Visiting Mammoth Cave National Park

Although it would be a unique experience to be able to spend the night in Mammoth Cave, you can’t.   However, there are several excellent options for accommodations in the area ranging from cozy cabins to more modern comforts. Let’s explore some of the top places to stay near MCNP.

The Lodge at Mammoth Cave

For the ultimate retreat inside MCNP, look no further than the Lodge at Mammoth Cave.  The cozy cabins are nestled inside MCNP and they have accommodation options with more modern amenities as well.  The Lodge is a great home base for you to explore the caves, the rest of the park, and the surrounding area.  The best part is you are within walking distance of all cave tours and park trails.

Wigwam Village Inn

For a unique stay near MCNP, consider staying at Wigwam Village Inn in one of their teepees.  Now, these are going to be your basic accommodations but the point here is for a memorable lodging experience like no other. 

Where To Eat In/Near Mammoth Cave National Park

There are two dining options located inside MCNP.  Both are operated by the Lodge at Mammoth Cave.

  • Green River Grill – A sit-down restaurant offering fine dining 
  • The Lantern Cafe –  A more casual option with counter service and ice cream

The towns surrounding the park don’t have too many options to be completely honest.  But here are a few that will do the trick! 

  • Bucky Bees BBQ – This is one of the best places in the area. The pulled pork is amazing!  
  • Cave City Pizza – serving New York-style pizza, you can expect this to be a busy spot in town, but for good reason. 

If you’re willing to make the drive, consider heading down to Bowling Green. You will have much better options than you will have in the area closest to the park.

the historic entrance to Mammoth Cave
the historic entrance to Mammoth Cave

What To Know Before You Go To MCNP

Where is Mammoth Cave National Park?

MCNP is located in south central Kentucky about 1 hour 20 minutes south of Louisville, 33 minutes northeast of Bowling Green, and 1 hour and 20 minutes northeast of Nashville. 

MCNP is located in the CENTRAL time zone.  This is important to note because the different time zones split Kentucky in half and places like Louisville and Lexington are in the eastern time zone whereas Bowling Green is in the central time zone.  Please keep this in mind when planning your activities – the time change line is located close to this area!

Why is Mammoth Cave so Popular?

Mammoth Cave is on a lot of adventurers bucket lists because it is the world’s longest cave system with almost 400 miles of mapped passageways (and they don’t think they have it all discovered yet either).  Parts of this cave are millions of years old. 

There are 18 different cave tours that cater to everyone – from the history buff to the rugged adventurer.

How To Get to MCNP

The closest airport to MCNP is either Louisville International (SDF) or Nashville (BNA), both about an hour and 20 minute drive away.

Best Time to Visit Mammoth Cave

The time to visit Mammoth Cave is going to largely depend on what you are looking to do during your visit. I  recommend visiting during the warmer months anytime in spring through fall.   Everything will be open in the area and you will be able to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. 

The cave itself stays about 54 degrees F all year round, so if you visit in the hot summer months the cave will offer you a good place to cool off and if you visit in the winter, it will likely be warmer in the cave than outside.  

With that being said, the winter months are much less crowded than the summer time.   We went in July – it was hot and our cave tour was full.

Best Time of Day to Take a Tour of Mammoth Cave

There really is no perfect time of day to take a tour, I think it depends largely on the rest of your itinerary.  They have tours that are offered at various times during the day. Either way, the cave is dark and cool so temperature and outside light do not matter – you will get the same experience either way. 

How Much Time Should I Spend at MCNP?

I think one or two days is enough time in MCNP.  You can easily do 1-2 cave tours in a day and explore a few of the beautiful trails above ground in this amount of time. 

What Should I Wear to MCNP?

Mammoth Cave’s temperature stays at a consistent 54 degrees Farneheit so I recommend a sweatshirt or a light jacket when you take a cave tour.  

If you would like to participate in any of the crawling cave tours, you must have proper footwear which includes complete ankle support and meets the ¼ inch tred requirements.  If you do not come with the right footwear, they will not allow you to go on the tour.   

I also recommend wearing some type of sneaker or tennis shoe.  Don’t try to take any of the cave tours in flip flops or sandals.  Some of the areas can be a bit slippery and there is a lot of walking involved for this entire trip. 

Are There Bathrooms in Mammoth Cave?

Yes, there are bathrooms inside Mammoth Cave.  However, they are not available on every cave tour.  In the above section where I outlined every tour I let you know specifically if there were restrooms available on each tour so refer back to that when you go to choose the tour you want.

Can You Swim in MCNP?

There are no areas in the park available for swimming.  The National Park Service does not recommend swimming in the rivers due to the unpredictability of currents, debris and steady flow of water.

Cave Rules

First and foremost, you cannot walk around Mammoth Cave without purchasing a tour ticket.  There is one self-guided tour if you don’t have a lot of time or prefer to do things at your own pace, but you still need to purchase a ticket for it. 

This rule is extremely important for those traveling with babies and toddlers!!  No backpack carriers are allowed on cave tours. If you want to carry your baby, it must be in a front carrier on the chest. Strollers are also not allowed on tours.  Depending on which cave tour you take, you can potentially be going through tight spaces and having to duck down low to pass through certain areas.  This rule is in place for the safety of your child. 

Every guest must walk on bio-security mats when exiting the cave to prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome – a disease that affects bats. 

America The Beautiful Pass

If you love exploring any of the 63 US National Parks, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass which will cover all of your entrance fees at any of the national parks, national forests, and other federally owned lands.  This pass will quickly pay for itself. Click here to get one.

Wrap Up: Do These Things to Do in Mammoth Cave National Park Make it Worth Visiting?

If you haven’t put Mammoth Cave National Park on your radar yet, what are you waiting for?  Mammoth Cave itself stands as a testament to the true beauty and wonder of nature and the surrounding area holds such rich history and breathtaking landscapes.  I hope this guide helped you to craft the perfect itinerary to make your visit seamless and unforgettable.  This is truly an adventure worth embarking on.

xo, Kadi

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