The Cave Guide

Saltpetre Cave

Kentucky, part of Carter Caves
30
steps on the tour
60 min
on the main tour
$10
adult ticket

A summer-only Carter Caves tour of half a mile with about 30 stairs, plus lantern and crawling tours.

The story

Saltpetre Cave was once a vital source of gunpowder during the War of 1812. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cave allows visitors to journey back over 200 years.

History source: parks.ky.gov.

Tickets and timing

Adults
$10 (13+); lantern tour $15 (8+)
Kids
$6 (ages 3–12), free for 2 and under
How long it takes
About 60 minutes
Hours
Daily Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Booking
Tickets only at the park Welcome Center on the day; no advance or online sales.

Getting around underground

The walk
Half a mile with about 30 stairs.
Wheelchairs
Caves are not ADA accessible.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Dogs
Pets are not permitted on cave tours; only trained service animals are allowed.

Special tours and events

Lantern tour and a 3-hour crawling tour in summer.

Getting there

LouisvilleLexingtonBowling GreenCincinnatiColumbus

Saltpetre Cave is in Kentucky.

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Saltpetre Cave take?

About 60 minutes

Can you visit Saltpetre Cave in a wheelchair?

Caves are not ADA accessible.

Are dogs allowed at Saltpetre Cave?

Pets are not permitted on cave tours; only trained service animals are allowed.

Do you need to book Saltpetre Cave in advance?

Tickets only at the park Welcome Center on the day; no advance or online sales.

Listed in: lantern and flashlight tours

Checked on 2026-10-22 against parks.ky.gov (Carter Caves caving page). 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