The Ultra-Cool Historic Lost River Cave in Kentucky

One of the coolest things we did on our trip to Kentucky was take a historic underground boat tour at Lost River Cave. That’s right…we went on a boat in an underground river!

Located in the city of Bowling Green, Kentucky- about an hour north of Nashville, Tennessee, is a 72-acre park that features a beautiful butterfly garden, nature trails, a boat tour, and much more!

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What Makes This Cave Historic?

Lost River Cave was an ancient native hunting ground, a Civil War campground for both the Union and Confederacy, a hideout for the infamous outlaw Jesse James, and a swinging underground 1930s nightclub. If that isn’t cool, I don’t know what is!

What is There to Do at Lost River Cave?

Take a Cave Boat Tour

Naturally, one of the main attractions at Lost River Cave is an underground boat tour. The tour begins with a 20-minute guided walk to the mouth of the cave. You’ll then take a 25-minute boat ride through the cave.

This cave is not for the faint of heart. There were portions of the tour that we had to crouch down so that we could pass under the ceiling of the cave.

Book Your Tour

Visit the Butterfly Habitat

The super-cute Charlie Miller Butterfly Habitat is open Memorial Day through Labor Day from sunrise to sunset. It’s home to several different species of butterflies that are eager to get up close and personal with you!

Take a Hike

Blue Hole Trail- This two-mile nature trail offers a leisurely hike through the woods. It will lead you past gorgeous blue holes, limestone bluffs, and a tranquil natural spring. Along the way, you’ll pass by Civil War-Era powder houses that were used to store dynamite.

Ridge Top Trail– The Ridge Top Trail is a little less scenic than the Blue Hole Trail. It passes near a meadow before linking up with the Blue Hole Trail.

Prairie Greenways Trail- If you’re looking for a paved trail, hit up the Prairie Greenways Trail. It is located above the valley and is perfect for those with strollers.

Mine for Gems

Did you really visit this corner of the country if you didn’t do a bit of gem mining? Gem mining is hugely popular in Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Kiddos can mine for Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Pyrite, Amber, or even Horn Coral! Along with the bag of treasure-filled sluice material, children receive a key card which will help them identify their new treasures.

Play at Nature Explore Playscape

Our little free-range wild children LOVED this portion of the park. The Nature Explore Playscape is a playground that encourages creative play on all-natural elements. They had so much fun crawling through tunnels, playing hopscotch on tree stumps, and so much more!

Visiting Lost River Cave

Physical Address:

2818 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Hours: The hours vary. Visit the official website to see what the hours are for your visit.

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While we were in the area, we also visited Mammoth Cave National Park, Yogi’s Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave, Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplaces National Historical Park, the National Corvette Museum, and Kentucky Stonehenge.