Great Onyx Lantern Tour
Mammoth Cave National Park Tours
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. (Age limit: 6 years and over)
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.
- 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. Gas 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.
