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

• 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

  Gas lanterns may cause some discomfort for visitors with respiratory conditions. Only adults may carry lanterns. Entrance steps are uneven with a low ceiling.

• Ticket Age

  MUST BE AT LEAST 6 YRS. OF AGE TO PARTICIPATE ON THIS TOUR.
  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.
  

• Time Zone

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

• Directions

  Note: 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.
  

• Availability

  Mammoth Cave may not offer the Great Onyx Lantern Tour year-round. Please check the current program schedule.

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