Violet City Lantern Tour
Mammoth Cave National Park Tours
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. Please note that this tour, at 3 hours long, has no restroom facilities available. **must be at least 6 years of age to participate on this tour**
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- Review before arrival
Tours depart from the visitor center at the time listed on the ticket. Ticket holders should arrive 30 minutes prior to tour time to prepare for departure.
No refunds for no shows or late arrivals. Check NPS website for road and ferry closures.
Visitors should review the "What to Expect on a Cave Tour" video on the park website here before arrival.
This tour will begin at Shelter A, located behind the visitor center.
- Safety
Many tours include numerous stairs and steep trails. Visitors with health conditions or limited mobility should carefully consider their limitations. Evacuation from the cave to a hospital for medical attention could take several hours. Lanterns may cause some discomfort for visitors with respiratory conditions. Only adults may carry lanterns.
- Time Zone
Mammoth Cave National Park is located in the central time zone and observes daylight savings time.
- Age Restrictions and Passes
Minimum age for this tour is 6 years old. Must be 18 years old to carry a lantern.
Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older on all tours.
Interagency Senior pass and Interagency Disability Access pass discount ticket pricing applies only to the passholder.
- Prohibited items
No weapons, tobacco, e-cigarettes, selfie sticks, tripods, child backpack carriers, food or drink (other than water) are allowed in the cave.
