Mammoth Cave National Park Tours

Explore up to ten miles of the incredible Mammoth Cave! With more than 400 miles (644 km) of mapped passageways, Mammoth Cave ranks as the world's longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave National Park was established in 1941, designated a World Heritage Site in 1981 and became the core area of an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990.

Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the cave system and a part of the Green River valley and hill country of south central Kentucky. Early guide Stephen Bishop called the cave a "grand, gloomy and peculiar place," but its vast chambers and complex labyrinths have earned it the name Mammoth.

The park offers a variety of cave tours daily (except Christmas Day). Mammoth Cave tours are available year-around, up to 6 months in advance. The park may not publish the complete schedule or variety of tours until 3 months prior to tour date. All tours begin and end at the Visitor Center. Tours range from easy to difficult and may last anywhere from one to six hours. Cave trails and walkways may have electric lights or may be rugged, pitch-dark paths that require visitors to carry a lantern.

Take a little time to ensure the activity you choose is the best one for you. Each tour is fascinating in its own way and shows off the various sections of the cave. Tour highlights include the Rainbow Dome, the Snowball Room, Crystal Lake, and the Bottomless Pit. The park also offers free programs on the surface that do not require reservations.

Notifications and Alerts

Due to COVID-19, the Extended Historic will be a self-guided tour. At this time this will be the only tour available. The state of KY has mandated that everyone wears a face mask.

Need to Know

Reservations
Mammoth Cave tours are available year-around, up to 6 months in advance. The park may not publish the complete schedule or variety of tours until a few months prior to tour date. Cave tours frequently sell out and reservations are the only way to ensure a spot is available for you and/or your party. First Come First Served tickets only sells on the day of and do normally sells fast, so it is recommended coming early to purchase those tickets. First Come First Served tickets may not be offered everyday, so please call Mammoth Cave National Park to check.
Time Zone
Mammoth Cave National Park is located in the central time zone and observes daylight savings time.
Season and Tour Availability
The park offers a variety of cave tours daily (except Christmas Day). Mammoth Cave tours are available year-around, up to 6 months in advance. The park may not publish the complete schedule or variety of tours until 3 months prior to tour date. The park schedules several tours daily, year-round (for example, the Historic Tour runs daily). Other tours are offered seasonally or less frequently. Please check the current cave tour schedule. You may call the park at 270-758-2180 for additional information.
Photography
Flash photography is not permitted on cave tours. Camera tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are also prohibited.
Firearms/Weapons
Firearms, pepper spray, mace, knives or weapons of any type are not permitted on cave tours or in the Visitor Center.
Children
Child strollers and infant backpack carriers are prohibited in the cave for visitor safety reasons. Front carriers are permitted. Some tours have age restrictions. Please check age requirements prior to making your reservation. Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older on all tours.
School Visitation
During the months of March, April, and May we experience heavy visitation from schools; there may be large groups of students on tours.
White-Nose Syndrome (WNS)
All visitors are required to walk on bio-security mats at conclusion of tour; this measure is to protect the spread of a WNS, a fungal disease threatening cave-hibernating bat populations in our national parks.
Evacuation
Evacuation from the cave to a hospital for medical attention could take several hours; visitors with known heart or respiratory conditions, poor circulation, or difficulty walking and climbing stairs should carefully consider their limitations.
COVID-19
Mammoth Cave National Park would like to remind you to Recreate Responsibly on your upcoming visit to the park. On your visit you'll see signs regarding social distancing and recommending face coverings inside park facilities and the cave, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The park's website also has a good video to help you plan ahead for your visit.

Changes and Cancellations

Customers may request cancellations (for a $1 cancellation fee) before the tour starts. EXCEPTIONS: You may change at no cost or cancel the Introduction to Caving and Wild Cave tours until midnight 10 days or more before the tour date. Within 10 days prior to tour date, a cancellation fee of $6 will be applied to an Introduction to Caving Tour ticket and a $12 cancellation fee will be applied for a Wild Cave Tour ticket. Customers who cancel any tour after the times stated or no-shows will forfeit the tour fee.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

P.O Box 7 Mammoth Cave KY 42259

Phone Number

270-758-2180

Available Tours and Tickets

Photo Gallery

Camp, RV, and Explore Outdoors

Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, and reservations. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Recreation.gov!