Tour Information & Tickets

Looking for one of the most unique cave tours near Mammoth Cave National Park? Hidden River Cave in Horse Cave, Kentucky, offers guided underground tours through one of the state’s largest cave entrances, featuring the world’s longest underground swinging bridge and the spectacular Sunset Dome.

Have you ever seen the sun set 150 feet underground?

Once you enter the massive entrance to Hidden River Cave, you’ll pass through the drip line and over Thomas Platform before walking across the world’s longest underground swinging bridge. This guided hour-long cave tour takes you through towering passageways and beneath soaring ceilings before ending at the spectacular Sunset Dome, one of the largest free-standing cave domes in the United States, named for its naturally occurring orange and yellow hues that resemble a sunset. Along the way, you’ll discover how Hidden River Cave helped shape the history of Horse Cave and Kentucky Cave Country while encountering the unique wildlife that inhabits this remarkable underground environment.

Reservations are welcome but not required for our public guided cave tours. Every guided tour also includes admission to the American Cave Museum at no additional charge. Tours operate daily throughout the year, making Hidden River Cave one of the most accessible attractions near Mammoth Cave National Park.

Our off-trail cave adventure tours require at least 48-hour advance reservation. Sturdy boots and well-fitting, warm clothing are required. Knee pads are strongly advised. Helmets and headlamps are provided free of charge. We hope you don’t mind getting wet or dirty! Our off-trail adventures are not for the faint of heart.

	The American Cave Museum and the Hidden River Cave sinkhole are handicap accessible.
	The cave tour travels down approximately 230 stairs to a landing. There are additional stairs to the bridge and up into Sunset Dome for a total of 325 steps (one way). We do take our time so that you can enjoy the tour and take breaks as needed on the way back up.
	Both the museum and cave are also pet friendly!

Off-Trail Cave Adventure Tour

Rates:

4-person minimum per tour (ages 10+)*

$60 per person for groups of 4-12

Duration:
3 – 4 Hours

About:
A perfect introduction to wild off-trail caving! Be prepared to get muddy as you explore Hidden River Cave on your hands and knees, crawling, scrambling over rocks, and navigating passages few visitors ever experience. This guided adventure offers an authentic wild cave tour through the rugged underground environment, so wear clothes and sturdy boots that you don’t mind getting dirty!

Know before you go:

• Boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes are required
• Wear warm clothes, suitable for getting muddy
• Knee pads suggested for crawling over rocks
• Change of clothes suggested

We Provide:

• Helmets
• Headlamps

*We may also be able to tailor this tour to fit your specific needs or to suit younger children. Please call us at (270) 786-1466 to discuss.

Reservations Required.

Download our Cave Adventure Tour Agreement

Educational, Group Tours & Special Events

Educational Tours:
Hidden River Cave and the American Cave Museum are proud to offer educational programs and school field trips for students of all ages, as well as homeschool groups, scouts, summer camps, and youth organizations. Our programs support Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning through hands-on exploration of caves, Kentucky geology, groundwater, archaeology, fossils, and cave ecosystems. Please visit our “Teacher Info.” page for program descriptions.

Tours can be tailored to meet your specific needs and can include topics such as Kentucky geology, karst geology, archaeology, fossils, groundwater and water quality, cave life, and environmental education.

To schedule or inquire about program availability, please contact Dylan Wilson, Environmental Education Specialist or call: (270) 786-1466 for reservations, our fee schedule and additional information.

Group Tours:
We are also happy to accommodate your group. Group visits include a guided cave tour into Hidden River Cave and admission to the museum. Group rates are extended to parties of 10 or more people. In order to qualify, all tickets must be purchased collectively. The group tour escort and driver receive complimentary admission.

Please call: (270) 786-1466 to schedule your group tour.

Special Events:
If you would like to have an event at the museum or cave, please call: (270) 786-1466 to discuss your needs.