Notable Kentucky

Caves, Lakes, and Corvettes are three of the signature offerings in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. If you’re wanting to experience the region, there’s no better starting point than Hart County (home to the world-famous Hidden River Cave, Mammoth Onyx Cave, and one of the counties that Mammoth Cave runs through). While you’ll want to descend into the caves while there, the American Cave Museum is also to not be missed. Be sure to add it to your itinerary!

Notable Kentucky

American Cave Museum: Hart County, KY

No visit to Kentucky Cave Country is complete without an in-depth look at the fascinating world of caves. The American Cave Museum provides fun, educational, and informative exhibits that help visitors from around the world discover the history and understand the science behind America’s natural caverns. The American Cave Museum is the only museum devoted solely to caves in the United States; an experience that’s only to be had in Hart County!

What You’ll Learn About In The Museum

• Karst Geology
• Archaeology
• The Many Uses of Caves
• Groundwater Quality
• Cave Wildlife
• The Early History of Mammoth Cave, the Cave Wars, and Floyd Collins

Notable Kentucky

Visit the American Cave Museum

Once you learn about cave country, you’ll want to experience a Kentucky cave. Luckily for you, the American Cave Museum is located right beside Hidden River Cave – and your entrance to Hidden River Cave includes admission to the American Cave Museum!

Make reservations here.

Notable Kentucky

Accessibility: The American Cave Museum and the Hidden River Cave sinkhole are handicap accessible. However, the descent into the cave travels down approximately 230 stairs to a landing. There are additional stairs to the bridge and up into Sunset Dome.

Notable Kentucky

About Hidden River Cave

Hidden River Cave is an 8-mile labyrinth dissolved by a subterranean river flowing beneath the historic small town of Horse Cave. In 1867, famed naturalist John Muir called this cave “a noble gateway to the birthplace of springs and fountains and the dark treasures of the mineral kingdom.” You might also recognize it from the Discovery Channel Series “Dirty Jobs”! Offerings include:

• The world’s longest underground swinging bridge on the 50-minute Guided Tour along a subterranean river;
• A Wild-Cave Tour featured by Mike Rowe on The Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs” series that offers a muddy off-trail close-up look at the wonders of the underground ecosystem;
• A zip line across the region’s largest cave entrance;
• A rappel down the limestone face of the cave;
• Interactive exhibits at the American Cave Museum;
• An award-winning above ground cell phone tour that traces the pathway of the cave beneath your feet.

Notable Kentucky

About Hart County, KY

Hart County, located in South Central Kentucky, lies predominately within the central portion of the Pennyroyal region of the state. Nolin River forms the western boundary of the county and the Green River winds through the center. Hart County contains five of Kentucky’s ten largest springs, including Gorin Mill Spring, the largest in the state. Further, they are home to world-famous Hidden River Cave, part of Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky Down Under, and an award-winning trail system.