Mammoth Cave National Park Tours

Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service


Journey toward the center of the earth as you discover the world’s largest known cave system, one of Kentucky’s great hidden secrets.

Explore grand, high-ceilinged underground rooms and investigate remarkable limestone formations at Mammoth Cave National Park. Spot strange eyeless creatures that are unique to this mysterious labyrinth. Return to the surface to find a pretty woodland full of colorful plants and lively animals.

Join a guided tour leaving from the park’s visitor center to enter the caves. With nearly 400 miles (640 kilometers) of surveyed passageways, this is certainly not an adventure to embark on alone. The ranger who accompanies you will provide fascinating information about the caves. One of the more bizarre stories to have emerged is that of Doctor Croghan who brought 16 tuberculosis patients here in the winter of 1842, believing (incorrectly) that the cool air and low light would heal their condition.

As you venture into the darkness, see the luminous shapes of limestone stalagmites and stalactites. Peer into seemingly bottomless holes and marvel as the ranger illuminates the cave with the sparking of a match. Listen to the soft fluttering of bats overhead and gaze into shallow pools where tiny white crayfish and shrimp live in the permanent gloom.

With the distant sunlight beckoning you toward the surface, head to the tranquil surroundings of Big Woods. Here long walking paths twist and turn between oak and hickory trees. Bask in the warm air as you admire hawks and bald eagles overhead. Walk quietly for the best chance of encountering deer, possums and raccoons.

Mammoth Cave National Park is in central Kentucky, a 1.5-hour drive from Louisville, Kentucky or Nashville, Tennessee. The park is open year-round. Park entrance is free, but fees are charged for cave tours and camping and some picnic shelters. Trips into the caves are by guided tour only, with various lengths of walk designed to suit everyone. Choices vary by season. Select the type of tour you want and book in advance online to guarantee availability during your visit.

While some U.S. national parks offer views of soaring mountains and others, like Mammoth Cave National Park, display their treasures underground, every one provides affordable adventure choices for all types of travelers.

Plan a trip to see Mammoth Cave National Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown
5 Bd/3 Ba-Near Expo/UL/Fair/YUM/Zoo
The Grady

Reviews of Mammoth Cave National Park

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
205
5 - Excellent 77%
4 - Good
47
4 - Good 18%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Get your tickets well in advance of arriving there.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Be sure to book cave tours well in advance because they don't take long to sell out. Know your limitations too. Caves mean constant bending, slippery surfaces, rough terrain in some spots, tight spots, billions of stairs, and in most cave tours, you can only bring water, no food. There's plenty of surface activities too, beautiful nature hikes and boating. And like 3 gift shops and a great visitor center!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Make sure you book ahead for the tour(s) you might like. They sell out quickly and are really great!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Be sure to visit the website to book your tour: some are booked a couple of weeks in advance!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wear a sweater even in the heat of summer!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Too many on-line reservations. No openings for "walk-ins."

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Mammoth Cave National Park

The Lodge at Mammoth Cave

The Lodge at Mammoth Cave

2 out of 5
171 Hotel Road, Brownsville, KY
The Lodge at Mammoth Cave
Red Roof Inn & Suites Cave City

Red Roof Inn & Suites Cave City

2 out of 5
807 Mammoth Cave St, Cave City, KY
Red Roof Inn & Suites Cave City
Holiday Inn Express Horse Cave by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Horse Cave by IHG

2.5 out of 5
750 Flint Ridge Rd, Horse Cave, KY
Holiday Inn Express Horse Cave by IHG
Beautiful Relaxing House w a private lake joining the Mammoth Cave National Park

Beautiful Relaxing House w a private lake joining the Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave
Beautiful Relaxing House w a private lake joining the Mammoth Cave National Park
Baymont by Wyndham Cave City

Baymont by Wyndham Cave City

2.5 out of 5
799 Mammoth Cave St, Cave City, KY
Baymont by Wyndham Cave City
Sleep Inn & Suites

Sleep Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
801 Mammoth Cave St., Cave City, KY
Sleep Inn & Suites
Comfort Inn And Suites

Comfort Inn And Suites

2.5 out of 5
819 Sanders St, Cave City, KY
Comfort Inn And Suites
The Maple Retreat at Park Mammoth

The Maple Retreat at Park Mammoth

3 out of 5
1 Jagni Lp, Park City, KY
The Maple Retreat at Park Mammoth
Glamping Tent at Noble Pine Campground

Glamping Tent at Noble Pine Campground

Mammoth Cave
Glamping Tent at Noble Pine Campground
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including fascinating cave tours that explore the world's longest cave system. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy numerous hiking trails, including scenic hikes that showcase the park's natural beauty. Birdwatching is also popular, allowing guests to observe diverse wildlife. Don't forget to stop by the camp store for supplies and refreshments during your adventure.

Shopping

Visit Big Mike's Rock and Gift Shop, located 5 miles from Mammoth Cave National Park, for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out other local shops in nearby towns for even more options to enhance your shopping experience.

Recreation

At Shady Hollow Golf Course, enjoy a round of golf amidst serene landscapes just 4 miles from Mammoth Cave National Park. Cave Valley Golf Club and Diamond Caverns Golf Course, both located 6 miles away, offer challenging courses paired with beautiful outdoor settings for a refreshing experience.

Adventure

Explore the Cedar Sink Trail, a scenic hiking trail 4 miles from Mammoth Cave National Park, offering breathtaking outdoor adventures. Experience thrilling races at NCM Motorsports Park, located 20 miles away, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For family fun, visit the Russell Sims Aquatic Center, 25 miles away, featuring exciting water attractions.

Nightlife

Experience a captivating evening at the Kentucky Repertory Theatre, just 11 miles away, offering a blend of culture and romance. For a unique twist, visit the Hardin Planetarium, 23 miles away, where you can enjoy stellar entertainment. Don't miss the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center for more family-friendly shows, located 22 miles away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Mammoth Cave National Park

When visiting Mammoth Cave National Park in Brownsville, Kentucky, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and families. Explore local points of interest such as the Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum and the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center. For accommodations, consider the best hotels near Mammoth Cave. Don't miss the chance to discover nearby lakes and local caves, ensuring a memorable experience in this beautiful natural setting.

  • Mammoth Cave Visitor Center: Located 0.5 miles from Mammoth Cave National Park, this center offers an adventurous and family-friendly atmosphere. It's the ideal starting point for your cave exploration, featuring informative exhibits and helpful staff to enhance your visit.
  • Dinosaur World: Just 8 miles away, Dinosaur World is a delightful children's museum that immerses families in a prehistoric adventure. With life-sized dinosaur sculptures and interactive exhibits, it's a fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike.
  • Diamond Caverns: Situated 5 miles from the park, Diamond Caverns invites you to explore its stunning formations. With an outdoor and adventurous vibe, guided tours reveal the beauty of this underground wonder, making it a must-see for cave enthusiasts.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mammoth Cave National Park

To save money on your trip to Mammoth Cave National Park, plan your visit between November and January for lower accommodation rates, especially on Mondays. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly lodging, and consider eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Take advantage of package deals by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and allow you to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Lastly, explore the park's free activities to maximize your experience without extra costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mammoth Cave National Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Mammoth Cave National Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Mammoth Cave National Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will show you a list of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Mammoth Cave National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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