If you like to visit a place with a sleek touch of history, arts, and hospitality, you should stop at Cave City; It is known for its friendly attractions and people. It is often landmarked as the “Gateway into Mammoth Cave National Park”. Also, it is a small town with approximately 2,200 residents. This town is found in the green hills of Kentucky, located in Barren County. Suppose you’ve ever wondered what things to do in Cave City. Don’t worry; you are on the right page!
Cave City is a tourist attraction center that opened about two hundred years ago. It attracts many tourists because it has many beautiful centers that would leave you astonished. It is impossible to completely fathom this city’s lovely ambiance, excellent restaurants, gift shops, zoos, and what have you.
Okay, hold on just a little on booking that flight. I know you’re super pumped already, but not so fast. It is necessary or advantageous to visit Cave City with more Knowledge about the right places that would make your stay memorable and blow your mind away.
Here is a guide to the 15 Best Things to do in Cave City, Kentucky
1. Visit the Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park is famous because it preserves the world’s most comprehensive cave system. Mammoth Cave is more than a cave because it’s home to so thousand years of history. This cave was first discovered by Stephen Bishop, who was an explorer, at the age of 15.
Alright, so enough about history, let’s find out some fun, exciting things to do in Cave City. I know the regular cave vibe we see in movies is scary and creepy, but that’s nothing like Mammoth! It’s the actual opposite.
You can enjoy cave tours, camping, rest in their beautiful and comfortable lodges, range-led programs, and much more. Trust me; it’s an eccentric experience.
Address: Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, US.
2. Take a Tour of the Dinosaur World
Dinosaur World has to be one of the best and most exciting things to do in Cave City. You get to see life-sized Dinosaur replicas and engage in other fun activities!
Dinosaur World is an outdoor museum of prehistoric animals. However, it isn’t the only existing one; two others are just like it, which can be found in Glen Rose, Texas, and Plant City, Florida.
One of the fantastic things to do in Cave City’s Dinosaur World is the Dini Gem excavation, where you act like treasure hunters, seeking priceless minerals. Sounds adventurous, right? Also, you could take dope shots with the dinosaur model. This amusement center has a gift shop to get toys, books, a great range of real fossils, and hatching dinosaur eggs. Relax with your friends or family in their covered picnic area. Make a stop at Dinosaur World on your visit to Cave City.
Address: 711 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, United States.
3. Take a Tour of the Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum
The Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum is the first and most extensive museum built in Cave City. It is a 14,000-square-foot building, so take a look at that; Imagine how gigantic it would look.
Historic artifacts about Cave City have been preserved in this museum since 1941. The walls of Mammoth Wildlife Museum are a mix of cement and look like an ice wall. A tour of this museum would give spring a gentle and comforting feel just by walking down the hallways of butterflies and insects, the animal section, and the different dioramas of birds and fish.
The intriguing thing about this museum is that it’s inexpensive, yet it houses one of the rarest breeds of animals. So, you get to see unique breeds never seen anywhere, like the last of the last. I would advise you to add it to your bucket list of things to do in Cave City.
Address: 409-A, 8844, E Happy Valley St, Cave City, KY 42127, United States.
4. Experience a Gunfight at the Guntown Mountain
Guntown Mountain has been a tourist attraction in Cave City for over 50 years. Although it closed in 2013 due to a decline in popularity, it was reinvented in June 2015 as “Funtown Mountain.” But then again, it was reopened as “Guntown” in 2021. Twisted history, right?
Well, not to worry so much about that. We focus on what fun activities you can do there to make your stay in Cave City worthwhile. If you’re an avid reader, Guntown has an excellent library and reading rooms with different genres and books.
Also, you could see cultural exhibitions at the local grounds near Guntown. You can satisfy your cravings at the Sonic Drive-In restaurant and have a fun time at the Stables Bar & Grill and Shade Tree lounge.
Address: 101 Huckleberry Knob Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, United States
5. Enjoy Horseback Riding at Jesse James Riding Stables
Jesse James Riding Stables was developed over a century ago. It is a 500 acres piece of land dedicated only to horse riding. It is in the broad valleys, surrounded by woods and evergreen hills.
Have you ever felt how bumpy yet exhilarating it is to ride on a horse? Then I guess you’ve been missing out on quite a lot. But not any longer! Horse riding is undoubtedly a galvanic activity you should place on your list of “things to do in Cave City.”
Address: 3057 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, United States.
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6. Take a Ride on the Waters with Green River Canoeing
If you’re hydrophilic like me, you’d certainly be doing yourself a disfavor if you have no plans to visit the Green River. In 1969, the United States Army Corps of Engineers developed the Green River, a water body in Cave City.
Going canoeing on Green Rivers is one of the things to do in Cave city. However, this isn’t to scare you, but I would advise you to know how to swim before doing this because this river is 3-50ft deep. Aside from that, you can find different species of beautiful fish in the Green River, such as Sauger, crappie, etc.
You could give fishing a try here! Wouldn’t it be interesting to trap fish and feel like a skilled angler?
Address: 3057 Mammoth Cave Road, Cave City, KY 42127.
7. Have an Outdoor Movie Date at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Resort
Ever experienced what it feels like to watch movies in an open, serene, and aesthetic environment? Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Resort was founded by Doug Haag & Robert Borkovetz. It is in about 75 different locations in the US.
Outdoor movies aren’t the only beautiful things you can do here. There are trains, wagons, trucks, and quite a lot. It’s a riders thing down there at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Resort!
Address: 950 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, United States
8. Go on a Tour around Downtown Horse Cave
The Downtown Horse Cave around the Hidden River is the most prominent and privately owned in Kentucky. No one knows why this cave is called the “Horse” cave, so I can’t give you a genealogy about it. But let’s find out what exciting things to do in this part of Cave city.
At Downtown Horse Cave, you can enjoy a cave tour and go wild caving with friends. You might wonder why I keep mentioning these activities. Well, it’s more fun, so bring a friend or two. If you want REAL adventuring, don’t leave without trying zip-lining and rappelling.
Address: 1040 E Main St, Horse Cave, KY 42749, USA.
9. Grab an Exotic Drink at The Dive
The Dive is a bar that opened recently in the historic district of Cave City, and they’re one of the go-to bars for hangouts and chills. Also, they offer the best beverages and have exceptional service.
So, if you want to have a guys’ moment or ladies’ drink out, then stop at The Dive. People say it’s all fun and merry in there!
Address: 201 A Broadway St., Cave City, KY 42127.
10. Have a Decor Shopping at Magaline’s Antique Mall
Are you an interior designer or just a lover of beautiful home interiors? Then Magaline’s Antique Mall has got you. Who says you can only have cave experiences at Cave City? They were wrong because shopping for your favorite decor at Magaline’s is one of the things you can do in Cave City.
This mall has so many beautiful and artistic pieces that would keep those jaws dropping and, of course, bewildered. It is one of the vast malls in Kentucky, with over 100 collectibles.
Address: 118 Broadway St, Cave City, KY 42127, USA
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11. Get your Souvenir at Big Mike’s Rock and Gift Shop
Everyone loves gifts, especially when they are surprises. It’s always heartwarming to see people happy about something you did. Big Mike’s Rock and Gift shop is the perfect place to get collections for family and friends.
This Gift Shop has so many affordable souvenirs. Well, that’s not all! You can take nice pictures just by their roadside attraction – the giant Mosasaurus. Also, you will find beautiful, dazzling crystals all for purchase!
Address: 566 Old Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, USA
12. Enjoy Fresh Farm Produce from the Farmers Market in Cave Convention Center.
You can find the Cave convention center between Louisville, KY, and Nashville, TN. It has been in Kentucky for over 30 years.
Most people prefer fresh to stale vegetables, fruits, or farm produce. If you’re a vegetarian, I’m sure you take this to heart. It is one of the agricultural things to do in Cave City. You can visit the Cave Convention center and buy fresh farm produce.
Sales occur every Thursday from 2 to 6 pm at the Cave Convention Center Pavillion.
Address: 502 Mammoth Cave St. Cave City, KY 42127, USA.
13. Explore the Hidden River Cave
Hidden River is a spectacular cave that most tourists find attractive. Also, it was formerly the source of drinking water for the people in Horse cave city. You can locate the Hidden River near the Horse cave in South Central Kentucky.
Travelers find this cave particularly interesting because of its scenery, formations, and history. Also, you will find a running river in this cave, and if you’re a swimmer, you sure know what to do.
Address: 119 E Main St, Horse Cave, KY 42749, USA.
14. Pay solidarity to the animals in Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
This zoo is also located in Horse Cave, Kentucky. Interestingly, it is a zoo that has a touch of Australian vibes. It was opened in 1990 by Bill and Judy Austin.
So, what do you expect to gain from visiting this tourist center? Historical Knowledge, sightseeing, interactive exhibits. Also, suppose you’ve never encountered tropical birds, kangaroos, emus, white bison, and many others. In that case, you’re in for a great tour!
Address: Exit 58, 3700 L and North Turnpike Road, I-65, Horse Cave, KY 42749, USA
15. Visit the Diamond Cavern to see unique minerals
Diamond Cavern has existed for over 169 years, so you aren’t wrong when you say it’s ancient. It is one of Kentucky’s finest caves and is a center of attraction for tourists.
Everyone knows diamonds are the rarest mineral resource in the world, but what if I say there is a cavern of diamonds at Cave City? Now I can feel those eyes popping out of curiosity. Well, pardon my exaggerations. They aren’t precisely diamonds but calcite, stalactites, and stalagmites.
Address: 1900 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Park City, KY 42160, United States.
Plan a trip to Cave City, Kentucky
Are you still reading this piece? Well, I know I advised that you read till the end, but why aren’t you on your way to booking the next flight to Kentucky already?
You’ve got all the info and tour guide you need now. So catch some fun with your friends and build long-lasting memories.
Don’t forget to drop a comment about your experience and let us know how we can update this article.
