Discovery Self-Guided
Mammoth Cave National Park Tours
Please note this tour is NOT always offered.
This tour is typically offered Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Please call the visitor center at 270-758-2180 on the day of your visit to check its availability.
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 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.
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- IMPORTANT
This tour begins from the Historic Entrance - a 10 minute walk from the visitor center. Ticket holders should arrive at the visitor center 30 minutes prior to tour time.
No refunds for no shows or late arrivals.
The time on your ticket is the earliest time you can enter into the cave. You may enter into the cave at any time between the time on your ticket and the last ticket time listed.
Visitors should review the "What to Expect on a Cave Tour" video on the park website here before arrival.
- 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.
- Time Zone
Mammoth Cave National Park is located in the central time zone and observes daylight savings time.
- Age restrictions and passes
Children 2 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 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.
