The Cave Guide

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave, KY
54°F
inside, all year
540
steps on the tour
1.25 hr
on the main tour
$15
adult ticket

A national park with more than a dozen ranger-led cave tours, from a $12 Discovery Tour to a $79 Wild Cave crawl, at around 54°F underground.

The story

Mammoth Cave has drawn people for thousands of years. The name "Mammoth" was first used to describe the cave in the early 1800s, referring to the size of its chambers and avenues. Guided tours have been offered for over two hundred years. The park was established on July 1, 1941 to preserve the cave systems and river valleys. The Echo River Tour was discontinued in the early 1990s because human traffic was harming aquatic creatures.

History source: nps.gov.

Tickets and timing

Adults
$15–$42 for most tours (Historic $24, Frozen Niagara $26, Grand Avenue $42); Wild Cave $79 (16+)
Kids
Youth 6–12 $9–$34 depending on tour; ages 3–5 $3–$8 on tours that allow them
How long it takes
1.25 hours (Frozen Niagara) to 2 hours (Historic, Domes & Dripstones, Accessible)
Booking
Reserve ahead on Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Under-16s must be with an adult 18+. Cancellations under 24 hours aren't refunded.

Getting around underground

The walk
Historic Tour: 2 miles with 540 stairs. Domes & Dripstones: 0.75 mile with 638 stairs. Frozen Niagara: 0.25 mile with 64 stairs (98 more optional).
Wheelchairs
There is a dedicated Accessible Tour (2 hours, half a mile).

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Dogs
Only service animals are allowed on cave tours.
Temperature
Around 54°F / 12°C

Good to know

Minimum age
All individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older. The Wild Cave Tour requires age 16+.
Best time to go
Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage make fall the perfect time of year for a park adventure.
On site
visitor center, picnic area, picnic shelters, campgrounds, lodging, park store

Getting there

NashvilleLouisvilleLexingtonBowling Green

Mammoth Cave National Park is in or near Mammoth Cave, KY.

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Before you go

  • Wear sturdy shoes and bring a light jacket.
  • Everyone walks across bio-security mats after the tour to stop white-nose syndrome spreading to bats.
  • Senior and Access pass holders get 50% off tour tickets.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Mammoth Cave National Park take?

1.25 hours (Frozen Niagara) to 2 hours (Historic, Domes & Dripstones, Accessible)

How cold is it inside Mammoth Cave National Park?

Around 54°F / 12°C.

Can you visit Mammoth Cave National Park in a wheelchair?

There is a dedicated Accessible Tour (2 hours, half a mile).

Are dogs allowed at Mammoth Cave National Park?

Only service animals are allowed on cave tours.

Do you need to book Mammoth Cave National Park in advance?

Reserve ahead on Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Under-16s must be with an adult 18+. Cancellations under 24 hours aren't refunded.

Is there a minimum age for Mammoth Cave National Park?

All individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older. The Wild Cave Tour requires age 16+.

Listed in: wheelchair-accessible caves, wild caving tours, caves with camping or lodging

Checked on 2026-10-22 against nps.gov/maca (fees and cave tours pages). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.

Other caves in Kentucky

Onyx Cave

Cave City, KY, 60°F inside, from $12.50

See all 15 caves in Kentucky