Domes and Dripstones Tour

Mammoth Cave National Park Tours

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.  96 of the 734 stair steps is optional.

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Need to Know

• All tours begin at the Visitor Center. Tickets must be picked up 30 minutes prior to tour time. No refunds for no shows or late arrivals.

• Safety

  If you have a fear of heights or suffer from claustrophobia, this tour is not the best choice for you. Visitors with known heart or respiratory conditions, poor circulation or difficulty walking long distances and negotiating stairs should carefully consider their limitations. Evacuation from the cave to a hospital for medical attention could take several hours.

• Time Zone

  Mammoth Cave National Park is located in the central time zone and observes daylight savings time.

• Directions

  Do not rely exclusively on your mobile GPS, Google Maps, or similar automated navigation systems to get to the park Visitor Center in time for your cave tour. Routes can be misleading and incorrect.
  Directions from the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.
  
  Directions from the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park. Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway; turn left. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.
  

• Ticket Ages

  
  Children 5 and under do not require a reservation or ticket.
  
  Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older on all tours.
  
  Interagency Senior and Interagency Access ticket pricing applies to Interagency Senior and Interagency Access Pass holders only.
  
  The Interagency Annual Pass is NOT accepted for tours or camping.
  

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