cave tours louisville ky

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Red River Gorge Underground: Cave Kayaking & Boat Tours

Classic tours.

Classic Boat Tour

Your journey begins as you descend into the darkness in a custom-built cave boat. With an expert guide at the helm, you'll wind your way through the 100-year-old flooded limestone mine and discover the rich history and hidden secrets of The Gorge Underground.

Adult (Ages 13+) Youth (Ages 3-12)

$30 All Days $25 All Days

• 20 People Max Group Size

Minimum age for children on this tour is 3. For safety, children under 3 years of age are not able to participate.

Classic Kayak Tour

Feeling adventurous? Paddle your way through the mine in a kayak on this unforgettable one-hour tour. Make your way through the darkness as our expert guides lead the way illuminating the unique features of the Gorge Underground.

Adult (Ages 13+) Youth (Ages 5-12)

$55 Mon-Thur, $65 Fri-Sun $55 Mon-Thur, $65 Fri-Sun

• 12 People Max Group Size

Minimum age for children on this tour is 5. For safety, children under 5 years of age are not able to participate.

Deluxe Tours

Crystal Kayak Tour

Prepare to have your mind blown as you explore the Undergound in a deluxe crystal clear kayak! Underwater led lights coupled with these see-through kayaks provide a stunning view of our rainbow trout and the mine's otherwise hidden underwater details.

Adult (Ages 13+) Youth  (Ages 5-12)

$75 Mon-Thur, $85 Fri-Sun $75 Mon-Thur, $85 Fri-Sun

• 8 People; Can accommodate larger groups on request

Crystal Clear Sup Tour

Upgrade to our deluxe 1.5-hour SUP tour and experience the wonders of the cavern in a new (colorful) light. As you navigate the mine surrounded by the glow of your Crystal Clear LED board, our expert guides will reveal the best-kept secrets of the underground.

Additional Things To Do with Us

Guided, Self-driving, Off-Roading

UTV Off-Roading The Gorge

Slingshot Rentals

The Most Fun You’ll Have on 3 Wheels

Red River Gorge Ziplines

Soar Over The Gorge

Family Fun for Everyone

Kate’s Kritters

Pet & Cuddle our Furry Friends

Red River Gorge Kayaking

Kayak on the Beautiful Red River

Join Us for an Unforgettable Adventure!

Gorge Underground cave tours offer a thrilling opportunity to experience a historic mine system near the Red River Gorge. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world as you move through the cool, damp air, listening to the sounds of water dripping and marveling at the stunning rock formations.

Our local guides are experts in the geology and history of the mine system, and they’ll share fascinating stories about the area and the creatures that call it home. You’ll also learn about the delicate balance of the underground ecosystem and the efforts being made to preserve it.

Tours are suitable for all levels of fitness. So whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-time explorer, come join us for an adventure you’ll never forget!

Got a Group?

Gather up your friends, family, even uncle Gary, or some co-workers and we’re here to show you how adventure is done. Give us a call for special pricing and package offers.

Everything for the Perfect Getaway

Single-family to large group cabins, hotel rooms, and camping. We’ve got you covered.

We have something for everyone; from family activities to high-adrenaline adventures.

Grab the gear you need during your stay and fuel up with tasty treats.

Snacks to hearty after-hike meals, we’ve got something for every appetite!

We’re Right in the Heart of Red River Gorge

Convenient for groups coming from: Lexington, KY: 1 hr Louisville, KY: 1 hr 59 mins Ashland, NC: 2 hrs 4 mins Cincinatti, OH: 2 hrs 2 mins Nashville, TN: 4 hrs 3 mins

1-844-254-6244

2478 Glen Cairn Road, Rogers, Kentucky 41365

Get Directions

Visit  RedRiverGorgeVacations.com

Pennies, Places, and Paws

Saving pennies to go places and spoil your paws

Visit the Mega Cavern in Louisville Kentucky

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See Louisville Underground

The Louisville Mega Cavern is a great stop for anyone who is looking for something different than your typical tourist stop. It has something to offer for everyone, no matter your activity or adventure level. Take a tour of the man-made cavern on foot or tram. During the tour, you’ll learn about the history of the area, why it was built under the city, and its many uses.

For the more adventurous, you can take advantage of the completely underground aerial ropes course or take a slightly different type of tour via the zipline. The Mega Cavern also hosts special events like Lights under Louisville for an extra special holiday experience.

Is the Louisville Mega Cavern Dog Friendly?

This attraction is NOT dog-friendly, though there is one exception. You can have your dog inside your car when you drive through the cavern during, Lights under Louisville. Animals are not allowed to participate in any other activity inside the cavern.

What to Expect at the Louisville Mega Cavern

Louisville Mega Cavern is a man-made underground structure close to the Louisville Zoo. You can choose one of their tours or have some fun on their zip line or ropes course. This stop is the perfect underground experience for people who may be slightly claustrophobic because the cavern is wide and open. It’s also a great stop for anyone who loves zipline or ropes courses.

I do not suggest visiting if you are hoping for a cave tour type of experience because you will be disappointed. Since this is a cavern, it is man-made and will not have the unique formations that you’ll find in caves.

Where to Stay When Visiting Mega Cavern

Louisville is full of options if you are looking for somewhere to stay. Whether you are looking for a private vacation rental, hotel, or campground, this city has it all.

Campsites Near Louisville

Even though Louisville is a city, there still are several campgrounds in the area. The following campsites are all dog friendly. The KOA also has some dog-friendly cabins for an extra fee.

• Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground – $15 per night
• Louisville North Campground – $40 per night; cabins $50 per night
• Louisville South KOA Holiday – $55/night Cabins available at variable prices.

Hotels Near the Mega Cavern

Use our booking.com link to find the best hotel for your vacation! We loved staying at the dog-friendly Hancock House downtown if you are looking for a nice place with a kitchen attached.

Where to Eat When Visiting the Louisville Mega Cavern

There is no restaurant at the Mega Cavern in Louisville, so make sure to plan ahead for your meals. Whether you are looking to eat before or after your visit, there is no shortage of places to eat nearby.

If you are looking for a taste of Kentucky, Louisville is the perfect city to eat a “Hot Brown” sandwich which was created at one of the hotels located downtown in the 1920s.

Louisville Mega Cavern

The Louisville Mega Cavern is man-made and located underneath the city itself. It consists of about 17 miles of corridors that you can tour to learn more about its history or have fun using its zipline or ropes course. The Cavern is open year-round and stays at about 58 degrees no matter the outside weather.

You can buy tickets online or onsite. Because some activities may not be available due to special events, make sure to check online before you plan your trip to see what is currently available and for the most updated prices. Keep in mind that it is always best to buy them ahead of time because they can sell out.

Once you arrive, you can find free parking available onsite. After you park, you will have a several-minute walk before you get inside the cavern to the main counter. If you haven’t signed a waiver yet, there are stations where you can sign them electronically before you check in at the main desk.

Tip: There are tip jars for your guides that host each activity. Remember to keep some cash on you to show your appreciation.

If you are trying to pass the time while waiting for your activity to start, there is a gem mining station in a back room past the main counter and bathrooms.

Mega Cavern Historic Tours

Whether you choose to tour on foot, bike, tram, or zip line, you will get to learn the basic history of the cavern. Your guides will share information about the cavern’s mining past and its usage as a Cuban Missile Fallout Bunker along with several other interesting facts and stories.

Mega Walking Tour

The walking tours last about 90 minutes and cover approximately 1.8 miles. Guests do need to be at least 7 years old and wear closed-toed shoes to participate.

Mega Tram Tour

The 60–90-minute tram tour is perfect for anyone who wants to see the cavern in a more relaxing manner. Simply board the tram, sit down, and enjoy listening to your guide as you travel through the cavern and by the exhibits.

Mega Zip Line Tour

This tour takes you through the cavern on a 2-2.5-hour long zip line course into areas not accessible to the other tours. Participants need to be at least 7 years old and weigh between 55-285 lbs. for safety reasons. The course consists of multiple ziplines, 2 challenge bridges, and a dual racing zip to add to the fun.

Mega Quest Ropes Course

The Mega Cavern offers the unique chance to complete the world’s only fully underground aerial ropes course with 76 challenging elements. Participants must be at least 5 years old and be able to reach at least 52 inches with the palm of their hand.

This is to make sure they can successfully complete the challenges.  For safety reasons, participants will need to weigh less than 310 pounds and wear closed-toed shoes. Long pants and comfortable clothes are recommended.

Mega Cavern Special Events

Louisville’s Mega Cavern is available to rent for special events. They also host a magnificent holiday light show called Lights Under Louisville each year. Occasionally they may also have other themed activities throughout the year.

Other Louisville Activities:

Louisville Kentucky is a city full of fun and amazing things to do. If you are looking to make more memories on your vacation, check out these stops:

• Kentucky Mt Rushmore
• Thomas Edison House
• Louisville Slugger Museum
• Kentucky Derby Museum
• Louisville Zoo
• Louisville’s Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular

Nearby Attractions:

For ideas of places to visit in the surrounding area, check out these places. These stops are all under 2 hours away.

Dog-friendly Attractions near Louisville’s Mega Cavern:

• Mammoth Cave National Park
• Hidden River Cave and American Cave Museum
• Dinosaur World

Check out our post on  Dog-friendly Vacation Stops in Kentucky  for more ideas!

Unique Attractions Near Louisville’s Mega Cavern:

• My Old Kentucky Home
• Abraham Lincoln Sites in Kentucky
• Ark Encounter and Creations Museum
• Vent Haven Ventriloquist Museum
• Lost River Cave

Why You Should Visit:

If you are traveling to Louisville Kentucky, I encourage you to visit Louisville’s Mega Cavern. If it is within your budget and you are physically able, I highly encourage you to do the zipline or ropes course. We took the tram tour and whereas it was interesting, I definitely wish we had splurged on one of these other activities. Because there are so many things to do in the city, be sure to stay for at least several days to enjoy what Louisville has to offer!

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Tiffany M. Smith is a retired zookeeper, passionate pet owner, and obsessive traveler who loves to show pet owners how to have happy, healthy pets and amazing adventures!

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The Louisville Mega Caverns: The Best Attraction in Kentucky

You might have read our article about popular caving destinations in Kentucky , but today we have another! The Louisville Mega Caverns is more of a family-friendly, action-packed tourist spot than a pure caving adventure, but still a great destination for anyone to enjoy. An underground zipline, a pair of challenge bridges, and annual holiday light show await.

Formed out of a limestone quarry dating back to the 19th century, this cave has some history. It’s one of the most fascinating places to visit in the area. In addition to the ones mentioned, there are several more enjoyable activities to partake in across the city.

The zip line course is perhaps the most popular. For visitors interested in a less strenuous method to experience the caves, there are several options. You’ll find a bike park, an aerial ropes course, and a tram trip, among other more casual ventures.

Whether you are a casual or experienced spelunker, the Louisville Caverns will have something for you.

Before becoming a popular tourist site with tram rides, a mountain bike park, and zipline tours, the Louisville Mega Cavern was an operating limestone mine for many years. This was in the early to mid 19th century.

The cave was converted into a fallout shelter during the Cold War. After some time, in 1989, private investors purchased the cavern. They changed it into a commercial storage facility, aware of its influence on the environment.

Since then, an incredible amount of recycled material comprised of concrete, rock, dirt, and more, are put to use here. The operators repurpose all of these material, using them to create roads, floors, and fill in holes.

Today’s Louisville Mega Caverns

Once the new owners came into the picture, the Louisville Caverns quickly grew into what it is today.

In addition to maintaining its status as a popular tourist destination, the Louisville Mega Cavern is the largest building and recycling center in Kentucky . It covers an area of 4,000,000 square feet and houses 16 underground businesses!

This 100-acre underground park hosts the world’s first completely underground zip line and aerial ropes course of its kind. Both of these pursuits are carried out while it is nighttime.

Other activities available include guided tours, mountain biking trails, a dino safari, and an annual holiday lights spectacle. This “Lights Under Louisville” is an unforgettable display. Read on to learn more about it.

Lights Under Louisville

Visitors to the Lights Under Louisville Christmas show witness the over 850 displays constructed of 5 million lights while driving through the attraction. This attraction is available only from Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, for the Christmas season. Southern Living magazine named it “Kentucky’s Best Holiday Experience”, and we trust you’ll think so too!

The cost of this experience is only $34.99, with larger vehicles like RV’s or buses costing $79.99. The show is open from morning until night, so you will have no issues taking part in it.

In addition, this is the only underground drive-thru holiday light show in the world. You will be paying a reasonable price for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, only available here in Kentucky.

Louisville Underground Zipline

The zipline trip has received hundreds of excellent ratings on Tripadvisor, which is evidence of its one-of-a-kind nature. The tour lasts for 2.5 hours and costs $69. On its longest line, which is one of six and extends 900 feet over canyons and precarious suspension bridges, you can go 45 miles per hour.

Simply heading underground will allow you to participate in several activities that cannot be found anywhere else in Louisville.

Large spotlights are installed to watch your shadow move across the limestone rock walls, if the dramatic setting isn’t intense enough.

During the Halloween season, you can also enjoy ziplining through a Halloween-themed, Zombie-filled cave.

It’s safe to say this is a great destination for the family in both fall and winter.

Other Activities at Louisville Mega Caverns

Recent additions at the Louisville Mega Cavern include a one-mile Dino Safari experience and featured dozens of moving life-size dinosaurs.

Both the walking tours and the e-bike tours take approximately an hour and a half, but you should plan to spend two hours on the ropes course and zip lines.

All the activities are conducted by knowledgeable guides, except the ropes course. When on the ropes, participants are responsible for navigating independently, but spotters are present to monitor for safety.

You also have the option of going on a tram tour of the manmade cavern, which covers a distance of around two miles, lasts for sixty to seventy minutes, and offers commentary on the geology, history, and mining operations of the manmade cavern.

You will also find out why the government has kept this location such a well-guarded secret for the past few decades, which is something else you will learn.

The tram route may need to be adjusted, or it will be required to halt operations when there are special events.

Who Should Go to The Louisville Mega Caverns?

Just about anyone can go, assuming that children are accompanied by their parents or guardians.

About eighty percent of the people that go to the Louisville Mega Cavern are members of families. However, the attraction also welcomes a wide variety of other groups, such as birthday parties, scouting organizations, corporate and team-building events, and even occasional weddings.

Because it is underground, the weather never plays a role, and the temperature is consistent at between 58 and 60 degrees all year round, even though it may be winter or summer.

To round out your long weekend, you shouldn’t miss out on going to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory to gain insight into the history of this renowned brand, crossing the river to the Indiana side of the river on the pedestrian-only Big Four Bridge to enjoy an ice cream soda at Schimpff’s Confectionery , an old-fashioned candy store, riding a rented bike along the waterfront parks, and checking out the unique shops and various restaurants in The Highlands neighborhood.

If you’re looking for more caving sites in Kentucky, be sure to check this article next .

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Tour Information & Tickets

Have you ever seen the sun set 150 feet underground?

Once you enter the massive cave mouth, you’ll pass through the drip line and over Thomas Platform. You will walk across the suspension bridge, through gaping passageways, and under high arching ceilings. The guided hour-long tour of Hidden River Cave ends at the climactic Sunset Dome, naturally highlighted in the beautiful orange and yellows of the sunset. Join us to hear how the cave is embedded in the history of the local city and the Kentucky Cave Country as well as see unique wildlife that live in the challenging underground environment.

Reservations are available but are not required for public, guided cave tours and include a tour of the American Cave Museum at no extra charge. The museum is open daily and tours are scheduled each hour.

Our off-trail cave adventure tours require at least 48-hour advance reservation. Sturdy boots and well-fitting, warm clothing are required. Knee pads are strongly advised. Helmets and headlamps are provided free of charge. We hope you don’t mind getting wet or dirty! Our off-trail adventures are not for the faint of heart.

American Cave Museum Tour (self-guided)

Museum Entry (all ages) – FREE

Duration: Self-guided, usually takes less than 1 hour.

About: As you wander this unique museum and take a quick elevator ride to the cave’s observation deck, you’ll learn about the Karst geology, groundwater quality, the history of caving, archeological discoveries, cave wildlife, and cave formations.

Your admission also allows you to explore the nature area down to the cave entrance.Reservations are not necessary.

Click to learn more about our museum .

Guided Cave Tour

• Adult (ages 15+) – $25
• Child (ages 6-14) – $12
• Child (ages 5 and under) – FREE
• Active Military – FREE  (must have a valid ID)

Duration: 1 hour (can run 75 minutes based on group size)

About: Guided walking tour of Hidden River Cave on man-made walkways, stairs*, and the world’s longest in-cave swinging bridge

*Please be aware, t he cave tour travels down approximately 230 stairs to a landing. There are additional stairs to the bridge and up into Sunset Dome for a total of 325 steps (one way). We do take our time so that you can enjoy the tour and take breaks as needed on the way back up. The cave tour is not handicapped accessible.

Reservations are not necessary.

Off-Trail Cave Adventure Tour

2-person minimum per tour (ages 10+)*

$53 per person for groups of 2-19 $43 per person for groups of 20 or more

Duration: 3 – 4 Hours

About: A perfect introduction to wild off-trail caving! Be prepared to get muddy as you explore on your hands and knees. You’ll see our cave as few have seen it before. This is a guided tour and includes, walking, crawling and scrambling over rocks.

Know before you go:

• Boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes are required
• Wear warm clothes, suitable for getting muddy
• Knee pads suggested for crawling over rocks
• Change of clothes suggested

We Provide:

*We may also be able to tailor this tour to fit your specific needs or to suit younger children. Please call us at (270) 786-1466 to discuss.

Reservations Required.

Educational, Group Tours & Special Events

Educational Tours: Hidden River Cave and the American Cave Museum are proud to offer educational programs for students of all ages, scouts, summer camps and youth groups. Please visit our “Teacher Info.” page for program descriptions.

Tours can be tailored to meet your specific needs and can include topics such as karst geology, archaeology, fossils, water quality and cave life.

To schedule or inquire about program availability, please contact Annie Holt, our Education Coordinator at (270) 786-1466 or email: [email protected]

Group Tours: We are also happy to accommodate your group. Group visits include a guided cave tour into Hidden River Cave and admission to the museum. Group rates are extended to parties of 10 or more people. In order to qualify, all tickets must be purchased collectively. The group tour escort and driver receive complimentary admission.

Please call: (270) 786-1466 to schedule your group tour.

Special Events: If you would like to have an event at the museum or cave, please call: (270) 786-1466 to discuss your needs.

Join the American Cave Conservation Association (ACCA)!

Hidden River Cave and the American Cave Museum are operated by the nonprofit American Cave Conservation Association (ACCA). Donations and membership dues help support our educational programs and operations at the American Cave Museum and also allow us to sponsor conservation efforts that directly protect and preserve caves and groundwater resources nationally.

Annual and monthly memberships are available for your convenience.

Clicking the join or donate buttons below will take you to our secure membership portal.

Membership Benefits

ACCA members are part of a special group working to preserve one of the most unusual environments on Earth. Your support truly makes a difference.

* Regular Membership ($25) Benefits Include:

• FREE admission to the American Cave Museum
• 20% discount on Hidden River Cave tours and Gift Shop items for Member & Guests
• Discounted rates for special exhibitions or events through our affiliation with the Southeastern Museums Conference - for more information, please visit: https://www.semcdirect.net/SERM-Participants
• Reciprocal admission to over 60 museums in the Southeast USA
• Subscription to our quarterly newsletter ACCA News
• voting privileges for election of ACCA Board of Directors
• Opportunities to participate in volunteer projects and educational workshops hosted by the ACCA
• More importantly, you will receive the opportunity to help conserve the fragile and irreplaceable natural caverns and karst areas located throughout America.

* Supporter Membership ($50) All Regular Membership benefits plus FREE Hidden River Cave tour admission for 1 Member

* Sustainer Membership ($100) All Regular Membership benefits plus FREE Hidden River Cave tour admission for 1 Member and 1 Guest

* Guarantor Membership ($250), Benefactor Membership ($500), Patron Membership ($1,000), Life Membership All Regular Membership benefits plus FREE Hidden River Cave tour admission for 1 Member and up to 4 Guests

*Our reservation system does not currently provide a way to include member discounts for tour reservations. If you are a member, please call us at (270) 786-1466 to book your tour. Alternately, you can present your membership card when you arrive.

Please visit the American Cave Conservation Association website for additional donation options and gift membership information.

You can also mail a check or money order (U.S. Funds only) payable to: American Cave Conservation Association • P.O. Box 409 • Horse Cave, KY 42749

Hidden River Cave & The American Cave Museum are operated by the American Cave Conservation Association,

A National 501 (c) 3 Nonprofit Organization.

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Mega Cavern Historic Tram Tour: The Complete Guide

You've probably been to the Louisville Zoo , but do you know that most of the zoo sits on top of the Louisville Mega Cavern? It’s a man-made cavern, originally a limestone quarry, and has been open to tourists since 2009. For the adventurous there are zip line tours, an underground bike park with over 320,000 square feet of trails (the only underground bike park in the world), an aerial ropes challenge course, and for the history buffs, there are historic tram tours.

How to Join a Mega Cavern Tour

The entrance to the Mega Cavern is just south of the Louisville Zoo and north of the Watterson Expressway. The whole place was once the Louisville Crushed Stone Mine and is located right in the city. Directions can be found here . There is ample parking and a clearly marked doorway leads visitors down a hallway filled with facts about the cavern.

Example factoids:

• The mine was mined from the early 30s to the early 70s.

• The average temperature in the Mega Cavern is a consistent 58 degrees.

• Most of the roads and warehouses in the underground have motion sensors that control the lights and conserve energy.

• Louisville Mega Cavern is the largest building in Kentucky .

• A 10-ton heater dehumidifies 50,000 square feet of space.

The hallway leads visitors to a gift shop where you can buy tickets for both the historic tour or for an adventurous day on the zip lines.

After getting our tickets we perused the snacks, rocks, and t-shirts for sale. Once our tour was called, we loaded into small open-topped cars pulled by a vehicle resembling an off-road Jeep. Our tour guide was humorous and informative. He began the tour with jokes and his ability to jest on the possibility of the cavern being spooky helped to keep the mood light.

What Is in the Louisville Mega Cavern

Starting with a tour of the city’s salt reserves (for wintry weather), the tram descends into former mining areas. Using mannequins to illustrate where and how rock was mined, the guide gave us a lot of history on the mine, Louisville, and the jobs the mine provided during past economic lulls.

Continuing on, visitors learn of the space being outfitted as an atomic bomb shelter during the era of the Cuban Missile Crisis during the Cold War. Introduced with an antique film to set the scene, visitors travel through an area with dummies in survival mode (with industrial-sized cans of water) and learn the underground bunker had room for 50,000 individuals. The cavern itself, as well as who was on the list, was top secret information.

Rounding out the tour , spectators learn of all of Mega Cavern’s current uses. It is heavily used in the city’s recycling program, there are worm farms cultivating fantastic fertilizer, storage for various businesses in the city (including art for 21c), and during the holiday season, Mega Cavern hosts “Lights Under Louisville,” an enormous holiday light show that can be viewed from individual vehicles.

A Summary of the Historic Tram Tour

The historic tram tour is educational, entertaining and you'll leave with new insights into the history of Louisville. The tour can be a nice introduction to the cavern for you and your family before you take on the bike trails or zip lines. It is amazing the Mega Cavern exists under an urban center. That said, after spending a chunk of time underground (and seeing eerie displays of mannequins posed to illustrate a fallout shelter scenario) you'll be glad to emerge and see the sun again, too.

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Louisville Mega Cavern & Mega Zips All Underground Ziplines & Adventure Tour

1841 Taylor Ave. Louisville, KY 40213

Phone: (502) 855-6342 Fax: (502) 855-3582

Meeting Space

Meeting spaces, old visitor's center.

301 South 4th Street Louisville, Kentucky 40202

1.888.LOUISVILLE (1.888.568.4784)

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Alerts in effect, september 1 - september 30, 2024, october 1 - october 31, 2024, november 1 - 3, 2024, tour reservations.

Cave tours often sell out during the summer and early fall seasons, and reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot on a tour is available for your party. Please plan accordingly by visiting Recreation.gov or calling 877-444-6777 to secure your tickets in advance. Availability of walk-up tickets is not guaranteed.

Visit Recreation.gov To

Contact recreation.gov.

By Phone:  (877) 444-6777 TDD (hearing impaired):  (877) 833-6777 Online:   www.recreation.gov Call Center Hours:  9:00 am - 9:00 pm Central Time

Cave Tour Cancellation Policy

Refunds will be processed if you cancel before your tour time and date. There will be $1 per ticket charge regardless the reason for the cancellation. Customers who cancel any tour after the reservation time and date or no-shows will forfeit the tour fee.  For Wild Cave, Introduction to Caving, and Trog tours:

• Cancellations made 10 or more days prior to the Tour Date will be no charge.
• Wild Cave Tour: $12.00
• Introduction to Caving Tour: $6.00
• Trog Tour: $4.00

Descriptions of Cave Tours

Accessible tour ♿, call the visitor center at 270-758-2180 on the day of your visit for availability..

Utilizing the Elevator Entrance, this tour emerges near the famous Snowball Room. Continuing through historic Cleaveland Avenue, this tour passes through areas of the cave highly decorated with historic signatures and sparkling geological formations. This tour is ideal for people who wish to see the cave and are looking for a tour with no stairs. This is an accessible tour. This tour is designed for persons with a disability, limited physical mobility, or any other reason for a tour with no stairs. If no one in your party needs an accessible tour, please consider selecting another tour unless this is the only tour available at the time of your request. Wheelchairs, scooters and other assistive devices are allowed. Accessible restrooms are on this tour.   Participants meet at the visitor center for a caravan in their personal vehicles to drive approximately 2 miles to the elevator entrance. Assistive devices will need to be decontaminated upon exiting the cave to limit the spread of White Nose Syndrome. Please note that no transportation or mobility assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers or canes are available. NPS employees will not transport or assist visitors or visitor equipment. If visitors need assistance with the Park's accessible features, they must bring a companion with them for aid. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  0.5 miles (0.8 km) Total Stairs:  No stairs Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time: 14 Fees:  $27 Adults, $21 Youth, $13.50 Senior Pass Holder, $13.50 Access Pass Holder.  

Mammoth Passage - Not Always Offered

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by historic and prehistoric people. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour. Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas. Duration:  1.25 hours Distance:  0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs:  135 Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  70 Fees:  $15 Adults, $13 Youth, $7.50 Senior Pass Holder, $7.50 Access Pass Holder

Discovery Tour (Self-Guided) - Not Always Offered

This tour is not always offered. Please call the visitor center at 270-758-2180 on the day of your visit to check its availability. This tour is typically offered Memorial Day to Labor day.

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour requires a paid ticket, and proceeds into the Historic Entrance. Focusing on early history and prehistory of the cave, this section of cave houses many great artifacts. This tour is ideal for people wanting to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour. Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes. Please Note:  Advance tickets are not available. Duration:  0.5 hours Distance:  0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs:  135 Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time: Unlimited Fees:  $12 Adults, $9 Youth, $6 Senior Pass Holder, $6 Access Pass Holder.

Frozen Niagara Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones and Grand Avenue tours.  Duration:  1.25 hours Distance:  0.25 miles (0.4 km) Total Stairs:  64, plus an optional 98 Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  34 Fees:  $26 Adults, $22 Youth, $13 Senior Pass Holder, $13 Access Pass Holder.

Domes & Dripstones Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs:  640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96 Difficulty:  Difficult Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  110 Fees:  $30 Adults, $25 Youth, $15 Senior Pass Holder, $15 Access Pass Holder.

Historic Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.   Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  2 miles (3.2 km) Total Stairs:  540, including 155 at Mammoth Dome Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time:  110 Fees:  $24 Adults, $18 Youth, $12 Senior Pass Holder, $12 Access Pass Holder.

Grand Avenue Tour

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends many tall, incredibly steep hills.  Covering a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those wishing for a lengthy, half-day hike inside of the cave.  This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and all of the Domes and Dripstones Tour except for the 280 stairs descending the vertical shafts at the entrance. Duration:  4 hours Distance:  4 miles (6.4 km) Total Stairs:  1521 plus an optional 96 Difficulty:  Strenuous Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time:  78 Fees:  $42 Adults, $34 Youth, $21 Senior Pass Holder, $21 Access Pass Holder.

Gothic Avenue Tour

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave, and is ideal for people with a high interest in history. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Star Chamber, Historic and Violet City Lantern Tours. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  1.7 miles (2.7 km) Total Stairs:  170 Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  Please note: Beginning October 1, 2024, this tour will have an age restriction of 6 years and up. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  40 Fees:  $23 Adults, $19 Youth, $11.50 Senior Pass Holder, $11.50 Access Pass Holder.  

Extended Historic Tour

Enjoy this Historic Tour with a bonus side trip to one of the sites of the famous 1840s Mammoth Cave experiment to treat consumption. This tour is ideal for people who want a Historic Tour and have a little extra time to spend in the cave. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. Duration:  2.25 hours Distance:  2 miles (3.2 km) Total Stairs:  540, including 155 at Mammoth Dome Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time:  60 Fees:  $27 Adults, $21 Youth, $13.50 Senior Pass Holder, $13.50 Access Pass Holder.

Great Onyx Lantern Tour

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the site of very important cultural history in the early days of Kentucky cave tourism. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in cave tourism history and unusual rock formations. Please note: this tour is in Great Onyx Cave, which is separate from Mammoth Cave.   This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. Please Note:  This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System. Duration:  2.25 hours Distance:  1 miles (1.6 km) Total Stairs:  82 Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  38 Fees:  $31 Adults, $26 Youth, $15.50 Senior Pass Holder, $15.50 Access Pass Holder.

Violet City Lantern Tour

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredibly steep hills on historic dirt trails as you experience the cave in the light of the earliest explorers. This tour is ideal for visitors who like to hike and are wanting a unique way to experience the cave.   This tour requires a short bus ride back to the visitor center from the cave exit. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Mammoth Passage Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. Be prepared, the rugged nature of this tour possesses steep hills, low lighting, uneven terrain and no handrail or electric lighting infrastructure. To preserve the nostalgic nature of this tour, the use of flashlights is prohibited. Duration:  3 hours Distance:  3 miles (4.8 km) Total Stairs:  200 and numerous hills with no handrails. Difficulty:  Difficult Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  38 Fees:  $32 Adults, $27 Youth, $16 Senior Pass Holder, $16 Access Pass Holder.

Star Chamber Lantern Tour - Not Currently Offered

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, emerging from the cave in late evening. Focusing on early history of Mammoth Cave, this tour includes a trip into Gothic Avenue. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a unique way to experience the cave and its history. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Gothic Avenue Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. To preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the activity, there is no flashlight use permitted on this tour. Duration:  2.5 hours Distance:  2 miles (3.2 km) Total Stairs:  170 Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  40 Fees:  $30 Adults, $25 Youth, $15 Senior Pass Holder, $15 Access Pass Holder.

River Styx Cave Tour

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology.  Please use extra caution when visiting the river level. To access this section of the cave the tour leaves modern tour trail to uneven terrain that may be wet, muddy, and/or slick. The tour route travels next to bodies of water, some of which can be very deep depending on river levels. Viewing of this area will also be conducted with electric lanterns and not the modern lighting system on the rest of the route. This tour covers the entire Historic Tour route. Limited sections of the Star Chamber, Violet City Lantern and Mammoth Passage are also seen. Duration:  2.5 hours Distance:  2.5 miles (4 km) Total Stairs:  Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome. Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  6 year and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time: 40 Fees:  $26 Adults, $20 Youth, $13 Senior Pass Holder, $13 Access Pass Holder.

Wild Cave Tour - Not Currently Offered

Introduction to caving - not currently offered, trog tour - not currently offered, wondering woods tour, wild cave and introduction to caving crawling tour requirements.

Boot tread must be a minimum of 1/4 inch in depth, and boot height must be sturdy and cover the ankle bone completely. You will not be able to participate if your footwear does not meet safety requirements. There will be no refunds or ticket exchanges for not having the proper footwear.

Learn more about the special requirements for crawling tours in the informational video below.

Embed video.

The Willd Cave and Introduction to Caving Tours are the most extreme cave tours offered at Mammoth Cave National Park. Learn what to expect and what to wear for these challenging crawling adventures.

Tour Route Photo Galleries

2 hours | 2 miles (3.2 km) | 540 stairs

2.25 hours | 2 miles (3.2 km) | 540 stairs

2.5 hours | 2.5 miles (4 km) | 600 stairs

2 hours | 1 miles (1.6 km) | 160 stairs

1.25 hours | 0.75 miles (1.2 km) | 135 stairs

0.5 hours | 0.75 miles (1.2 km) | 130 stairs

1.25 hours | 0.25 miles (0.4 km) | 64 stairs, optional 98 stairs

2 hours | 0.75 miles (1.2 km) | 638 stairs

1.5 hours | 1 mile (1.6km) | 140 stairs, optional 54

2.25 hours | 1 mile (1.6 km) | 82 stairs

2 hours | 1/2 mile (0.8 km)

3.5 hours | 1 mile | 300 stairs

2 hours 45 minutes | 1 1/2 miles | 200 stairs

Other Cave Tours

Mammoth Cave offers numerous cave tours throughout the year. The selection of tours changes seasonally and with staffing availability. You can read descriptions and learn more about these other cave tours before planning your trip to the park. Check back with our cave tour schedule or park calendar to see future offerings of these other cave tours.

Last updated: August 29, 2024

Beyond the Cave

Park footer, contact info, mailing address:.

P.O. Box 7 Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007

270 758-2180

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Endless Adventure

Cave City, Kentucky, is a hub of activity with its prime location just under 95 miles from Louisville, KY, and Nashville, TN, and numerous lodging options and over 20 dining establishments. As the Cave Capitol of Kentucky, Cave City offers nine caves to explore with over 21 different tours for all experience levels, including two handicap-accessible options, making it a popular destination for caving enthusiasts. 

Come and experience the thrilling cave systems, zip through the trees, shop at unique local arts and craft vendors, and explore miles of trails for hiking, biking, or riding in Cave City. The area also provides easy access to numerous museums, historical and cultural attractions, agritourism, vineyards, and farmer’s markets. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a leisurely traveler, Cave City has something for everyone!

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“Caving, hiking, and birding—oh my!”

“Well worth a visit”

“great for families”.

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Caves And Mines Near Me in Louisville, KY

Believe it or not, there is more to Louisville than the Slugger (although it has it’s own museum, complete with batting cages!) and the Kentucky Derby (although that has it’s own museum too!)

Louisville can hold it’s own as a great city to visit with kids, so why not consider it and try something new? There are educational attractions like the Science Center which is actually the largest hands-on science center in the state (impressive!).

There is water fun with the Atlantic Waterpark, and acres of nature right in the heart of the city with Water Front Park or  Louisville Nature Center.

Want a zoo with a dinosaur exhibit? Only in this great Kentucky City! Louisville Zoo lets kids enjoy animals of today, and of the prehistoric kind. 

Need a break and want something where you can relax while the kids excel all that energy? With KaZoing, they have those too! (It’s not just a city for kids!)

A city for every season, Lousiville is packed to the brim with kids fun. Why not make it one of your next places to visit with your little sluggers?  Batter up!

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Honoring Legacy: Southern Seminary Offers Tours of Cave Hill Cemetery

Travis Hearne — September 4, 2024

On a blistering summer Saturday morning, Anne Greenwalt, an MDiv student at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, got in her car and drove four hours to Louisville, KY.

Her drive from outside of St. Louis was worth it because she wanted to experience part of Southern Seminary’s story —a story she actively participates in. Greenwalt and several other students from Southern Seminary, Boyce College, and others in the community arrived at the library early that morning to embark on a tour of Cave Hill Cemetery.

But what does this famous cemetery in the heart of Louisville, KY, have to do with Southern Seminary’s story? Jake Stone, Research Expert at Southern Seminary’s library and the guide for the tour, had much to say to that question.

What is Cave Hill Cemetery, and what does it have to do with Southern Seminary?

Cave Hill is one of the largest, and it is one of the oldest cemeteries in the region. It is home to many titanic citizens like Colonel Sanders and Muhammad Ali, but it is also intertwined with the history of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Our founding faculty , three of them, James Pettigrew Boyce, John Broadus, and Basil Manley Jr., are buried out there, and the first professor who ever died while serving on faculty George W. Riggan .

Cave Hill is a place where individuals who want to understand the history and story of Southern Seminary can actually walk and travel from plot to plot to see the twists and turns that have taken place in the history of our seminary.

Why did the library start offering tours?

As Dr. Micheal A.G. Haykin puts it, as Baptists, if we don’t tell our story, no one will. Or if they do, they’ll mess it up. And so we have a responsibility to steward the history and heritage passed on to us. I have deeply loved Baptist history for a long time, and being a part of this community is a gateway into the richness of Baptist and Southern Baptist history. As the seminary’s library, we have a unique role as caretakers of the institution’s history and want to offer more about the history and story of Southern Seminary.

 Understanding Southern Seminary’s legacy through the tours of Cave Hill Cemetery can serve two purposes. First, it reminds us of all of our mortality. We all do have an appointment with death, and we should strive to run the race well that Christ has set before us. Second, we need to understand that in our current moment, we’re not here by accident. Men and women who sacrificed much have gone before us. Some of the history is good, and some of it’s not so good, but all of it has fashioned us to this moment. Just like in our family histories—so it is with the seminary’s history.

Why should students and the community care about the history of Southern Seminary?

When you enroll to go to Boyce College or Southern Seminary, you enroll at an institution with a long history and story. You’re now a part of that story. If you want to be a good witness in that story, then it would be wise for you to know those who have gone before you. It gives you a greater appreciation for where you have chosen to study. Dr. Timothy George, who taught church history at Southern Seminary, said his job was to show students that something happened between Jesus Christ and their grandma, which still matters in 2024. We are recipients of what happened in 1859, and we enjoy what we enjoy here at Southern because of what’s happened in the past 165 years.

 What can students expect on the tour, when is the next one, and why should someone sign up?

Our next tour will be on September 14. We do it on Saturdays, so there will be one a month in the semester. It’s usually around two hours. We’ll hit six spots. The seminary owns three plots, home to either presidents or faculty members. Then, we will show some of the other SBC history connections. For example, the first president of the Sunday School Board, which is now Lifeway, is buried at Cave Hill. I try to mix in facts and stories because history is more than just names, dates, and places. These are real people. We would not want anybody to describe us and say merely that we were born on this date and in this location, and then we died here and did one or two things. We need to understand some of the flavor and color behind these individuals.

If you want to step back in time for a moment and realize the exciting figures that have been part of this campus’s history, come out to Cave Hill and journey with us.

Sign up for the next tour!

Are you ready to become a pastor, counselor, or church leader who is Trusted for Truth?

Preview day, friday, oct. 11.

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Frazier history museum offering self-guided walking tour for underground railroad month.

To remember the role Louisville and Southern Indiana played in the 19th century, Frazier History Museum has released a self-guided walking tour, 'The Journey."

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September marks Underground Railroad Month and to remember the role Louisville and southern Indiana played in the 19th century, Frazier History Museum has released a self-guided walking tour, "The Journey."

Mike Sullivan, the curator of guest experience at Frazier History Museum, said the goal of the tour is to help people discover the stories that they would otherwise not hear.

"We feel like there are so many stories. There are so many important, surprising, memorable and revolutionary stories that don't often get told," said Sullivan.

The tour highlights landmarks that played an important role in the Underground Railroad and the promise of a new life.

People are able to follow along with the story of Thornton and Lucy Blackburn, a married couple who made a plan to get across the Ohio River to freedom. The couple eventually made their way to Toronto, where they made an impact for years to come.

The tour features six stops, four in Louisville and two in southern Indiana.

"Their story played this international role. There's international court cases, and their imprint is still felt dramatically in the city of Toronto. But, it all began here in Louisville," said Sullivan.

Some of the stops include the Belle of Louisville, On the Banks of Freedom Benches and Second Baptist Church, formerly known as Town Clock Church, where you can tour the Underground Railroad system that the Blackburns used.

You can find the link to the walking tour here . The tour is free for anyone to partake in.

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Attractions

Neon Rush Ziplines

Important tour details.

Dive into Louisville Mega Cavern’s GLOWING Neon Rush Zip Line Experience!

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the world’s only fully underground zip line course – now with a thrilling glow-in-the-dark twist! Louisville Mega Cavern’s presents Neon Rush Ziplines as a new zipline experience that transforms the caverns into a vibrant spectacle of color, light and music.

Soar through the darkness on our zip line adventure, leaving a trail of neon light in your wake.

Electrifying music pulses through the air, adding to the exhilarating experience.

The rush of adrenaline mixes with the awe-inspiring beauty of the underground world.

Requirements

• This tour requires participants to be at least seven years old.
• Participants must weigh between 55 and 285 pounds.
• This attraction adheres to ACCT standards.
• Any guests under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Everyone must wear closed-toe shoes and be dressed comfortably for an underground temperature of 58 to 60 degrees.
• This is the world’s ONLY fully underground zip line course!
• The course consists of six zip lines and two challenge bridges.
• Please arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled check-in time.
• Parking is free for all cavern attractions.
• We strongly recommend guests to purchase tickets in advance, but walk-ins are welcome.
• This is an all-weather attraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Payments are required at the time of reservation. We accept credit cards. You can pay for your tours online through our secure payment site using Visa, MasterCard, and Discover Cards.

Depending on the size of the group, the zip line tour lasts up to 2 ½ hours. We offer six different zip lines, which include a dual-racing zip, two challenge bridges, and a narrated tour about the region’s underground mining history and geology. Each guide is qualified and trained according to the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) standards.

Do not wear sandals, flip flops, open-toed shoes, or shoes without a back! If you do, you will not be allowed on the zip line tour. You will still be charged for the tour even though you aren’t allowed to participate. You need to wear closed-toe shoes suitable for walking over dirt and rock surfaces. Tennis shoes are great.

We highly recommend that you bring a jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt since the Cavern stays consistently around 58 degrees, even in the summer. If possible, wear long pants.

If you have long hair, wear it in a ponytail. Do not wear short-shorts or shirts that do not have sleeves. This is because of the safety-harness gear that you will be wearing. Yes, you must wear a shirt.

Make sure you have deep pockets or a pocket with a zipper or velcro closure if you will be bringing keys, cell phones, wallets, or anything else that you do not want to lose. If an item falls while you are 70 feet above the Cavern floor, you will not be getting it back! We recommend that you place your valuables in your car or use a provided locker. All lockers cost $1.00 per use for security purposes. Louisville Mega Cavern and Mega Zips are not responsible for any property lost, damaged, or stolen during your tour.

No, but reservations are highly recommended. If you do not have a reservation, we will do our best to accommodate you based on availability. However, reservations are provided on a first come/first served basis.

Yes, yes, and yes! We fill up quickly. If you do not make a reservation and pay, you will not be guaranteed a spot on the zip line tour. It is not pleasant for you or for us if you just show up and we can’t get you on a tour!

You must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your tour time. We operate in the Eastern Standard Time Zone. Arriving 30 minutes early will give you enough time to check in for your tour and fill out the necessary paperwork. All tours leave promptly at the designated tour time. If you are late, it throws the entire day off for everyone else. You must be on time for your tour. There are no refunds. We cannot delay a tour because you are late. This is not fair for our on-time guests. Please plan your travel time wisely.

Because all activities are on specific start times and scheduled in advance, we do not offer cancellations, reschedules or refunds within 7 days prior to your scheduled activities. Please note that we are located in the Eastern Time Zone. INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY – When Louisville Mega Cavern must close due to inclement weather, it is based on the safety factors that affect both our customers and our employees. These include winter weather warnings issued by local government agencies, which could include the Louisville Metro area, State of Kentucky or Federal government officials which will be the basis for the decision. Management will analyze all data in advance of the event and decide on a possible closure in a timely manner. The company could attempt to call all advanced sale customers to notify them of the closure. Closing the cavern will be based on weather that affects the Louisville, Ky Metro area and does not reflect other areas or states in which visitors may be traveling from. In the event of closure of the cavern, each customers will be entitled to a RAIN CHECK for a period of six months after the bad weather event. WE WILL NOT ISSUE REFUNDS. If you are not comfortable about the weather in the Louisville Metro area, we highly recommend that you simply show up on a first come first served basis rather than making an advanced reservation for any of our tours. This allows you to wait to the last second before making a commitment which may result in no refund.

While walking or zipping during the tour, you will be anywhere from 0 to 70 feet above the cavern floor.

Depending on your location while on the tour, you may be 100 to 165 feet below Louisville’s highways, roadways, and businesses above your head. For your information, we are located directly beneath the Louisville Zoo and a full-service business park.

You will be fitted with a full-body harness, trolley system, two heavy-duty lanyards with safety clips, and a helmet with a miner’s helmet light. The equipment is similar to rock climbing equipment, but designed specifically for a zip line course.

Our guides are professionally trained to ensure that you have an educational, memorable, and enjoyable experience. The industry standard for tipping is 15 to 20% of the tour rate per guide. These are standards in-line with restaurant tipping.

Pregnant individuals are not allowed to participate on the zip line tour. You might consider booking our Historic Tram Tour instead.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

From i-264 watterson expressway, from lexington on i-64, from cincinnati on i-71, from indianapolis on i-65, from nashville on i-65, from st.louis on i-64, ranked as the #1 attraction in louisville by trip advisor. must be at least 7 years old and weigh between 55 and 285 lbs. anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult on tour. fully closed shoes..