how long is bridal cave tour

(573) 346-2676

[email protected], 526 bridal cave rd, camdenton, mo 65020.

Hours & Rates at Bridal Cave

Plan Your Visit: Know Our Hours and Admission Rates

Your Adventure Awaits: Convenient Hours for Every Season

Affordable rates for a priceless experience, visiting bridal cave is not just an adventure; it’s an opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime..

• January 2  –  May 24: 9 AM – 4 PM daily
• May 25 – September 2: 9 AM – 5 PM daily
• September 3 – December 31: 9 AM – 4 PM daily
• Special tours and events may have different hours. Contact us for the most up-to-date information.

CLOSED New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Admission Rates

Standard Cave Tour

Adults (ages 13 and up): $26.00

Children (ages 5-12): $16.00, children (ages 4 and under): free.

Lantern Tours

Adults & Children: $39.95

Not recommended for children less than 5 7pm on Saturdays Memorial Day through Labor Day

Black Light Adventure

Adults & Children: $30.00

Not recommended for children under 10 years of age Available on select dates

Group Rates:  25% off with 20 or more paid admissions

Adults (ages 13 and up): $19.50

Children (ages 5-12): $12.00, elementary school rates: $7.00 per student.

Underground   University:  20 or more paid admissions

Adults (ages 13 and up): $20.00

Children (ages 5-12): $10.00.

Reservations Required | 10 AM only | 100 Maximum

Season Passes

Adults (ages 13 and up): $31.00

Children (ages 5-12): $21.00.

Good for throughout the year of purchase.

Making Your Visit Smooth and Enjoyable

• Tickets can be purchased online or at our on-site ticket office.
• We accept all major credit cards and cash for ticket purchases.
• For large groups or educational tours, please book in advance to ensure the best experience.

Join Us for an Adventure at Bridal Cave

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Bridal Cave/Thunder Mountain Park

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Cave tours travel over concrete pathways, through the cave’s 60-degree Fahrenheit environment. One-hour guided tours begin every few minutes.

Facilities include: rock shop; a sportswear shop; observation decks and Observation Tower; a lakeside picnic area; and a boat dock. A stalactite adorned Bridal Chapel is inside the cave and has hosted over 4,200 weddings.

Located on Old Route 5, at Lake Road 5-88, two miles north of Camdenton; by water, at the 10-Mile-Marker on the Big Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks.

General Admission: $22; ages 5-12, $11. Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Information

Additional information.

Bridal Cave

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Bridal Cave - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• Lake Of The Ozarks
• Things To Do

Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park

While you don't have to be engaged or in love to visit the Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park, the history behind its name is romantic. 

The name "Bridal Cave' traces its roots back to an Osage Indian legend of a wedding held in the cave centuries ago. Today, the cave is a beacon of love and unity.

The gorgeous vistas of Thunder Mountain Park, which houses the Bridal Cave, were formed due to weathering and natural decay over hundreds of years. The result is a landscape of breathtaking beauty teeming with geological wonders. 

Visitors can marvel at the awe-inspiring caverns adorned with ancient stalactites and stalagmites that narrate the time-old story of geographical evolution. The park's natural allure includes native wildlife, scenic hiking trails, and the enchanting serenity of the Ozarks' panoramic views.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

What sets Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park apart is its unique features and captivating facts that add to its allure. The Bridal Cave, known as one of the most scenic caves in America, is home to a massive underground formation called Mystery Lake. The lake is deep within the cavern and reflects the intricate details of the ceiling formations on its crystal clear surface.

Another fascinating park feature is the Thunder Mountain Mining Company, where visitors can engage in gem mining. This interactive activity allows guests to discover and learn about different gemstones and fossils, creating a fun and educational experience.

Ending the visit on a high note, the 'Panoramic Overlook' offers an unforgettable view of the Lake of the Ozarks and the surrounding landscapes. This viewpoint represents the harmonious union of natural beauty and tranquility, making it a must-see stop on any park tour.

For added excitement, sign up for the Lantern Tour. Guides will lead you through the underground labyrinth with a hand-held lantern, letting you experience the cavern like the early pioneers. 

Bridal Cave is the perfect place to have your wedding! The scenic geographical formations and rich history will make for a unique ceremony. The Bridal Cave is also ideal for private groups, corporate functions, or team building.

Visiting Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park is a celebration of nature, history, and wonder. It adds an element of enchanting exploration to any Lake Ozark vacation , making it a genuinely worthwhile destination. From the majesty of the Bridal Cave to the beauty of Thunder Mountain Park, every corner of this remarkable destination promises an experience steeped in beauty, wonder, and inspiration.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions:

• Start on Bagnell Dam Blvd heading east from Lake Ozark.
• Continue to follow MO-54 E.
• Take the State Hwy KK exit.
• Turn left onto State Hwy KK.
• Address: 526 Bridal Cave Rd, Camdenton, MO 65020

Below are current ticket prices:

• Adult ticket (ages 13 and up): $20
• Child ticket (ages 5-12): $10
• Children under 5: Free

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.

• Bring a light jacket as the cave temperature remains around 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for rocky terrain.
• If you plan to do gem mining, allocate extra time, as it can be time-consuming.
• Note that the last tour of the cave starts 1 hour before closing, so plan accordingly.
• Remember to bring a camera for some fantastic photo opportunities.

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Bridal Cave

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Bridal Cave - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Bridal Cave/Thunder Mountain Park

526 Bridal Cave Road

camdenton mo 65020

Phone: 573-346-2676

Email: [email protected]

For more than 70 years, Bridal Cave has been a favorite family attraction. Discovered by Native Americans centuries ago, Bridal Cave lies beneath Thunder Mountain. It's said to have been the site of the legendary Native American Wedding ceremony in the early 1800s. Today, Bridal Cave is still reserved by those who wish to have a truly unique and romantic wedding ceremony. In fact, more than 3,600 couples from around the globe have exchanged vows in the adorned Bridal Chapel. As one of the most scenic caves in America, visitors will see amazing formations, giant columns, stalactites, stalagmites, and Mystery Lake, with convenient guided tours leaving throughout the day. A gift shop is on-site as well as a rock shop, mining sluice, observation tower, nature trail, and boat dock. Directions: 3 Miles North of Camdenton @ Hwy 5-88; By Water, at the 10-mile marker on the Big Niangua Arm Hours of Operation: Open at 9am Daily, Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Family & Kids , Sports & Outdoors

• Open Year Round

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Alerts in effect, july 1st - july 31st, august 1st - august 10th, 2024, august 11th - august 24th, 2024, august 25th - august 31st, 2024, tour reservations.

Cave tours often sell out during the summer and early fall seasons, and reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot on a tour is available for your party. Please plan accordingly by visiting Recreation.gov or calling 877-444-6777 to secure your tickets in advance. Availability of walk-up tickets is not guaranteed.

Visit Recreation.gov To

Contact recreation.gov.

By Phone:  (877) 444-6777 TDD (hearing impaired):  (877) 833-6777 Online:   www.recreation.gov Call Center Hours:  9:00 am - 9:00 pm Central Time

Cave Tour Cancellation Policy

Refunds will be processed if you cancel before your tour time and date. There will be $1 per ticket charge regardless the reason for the cancellation. Customers who cancel any tour after the reservation time and date or no-shows will forfeit the tour fee.  For Wild Cave, Introduction to Caving, and Trog tours:

• Cancellations made 10 or more days prior to the Tour Date will be no charge.
• Wild Cave Tour: $12.00
• Introduction to Caving Tour: $6.00
• Trog Tour: $4.00

Descriptions of Cave Tours

Accessible tour ♿, call the visitor center at 270-758-2180 on the day of your visit for availability..

Utilizing the Elevator Entrance, this tour emerges near the famous Snowball Room. Continuing through historic Cleaveland Avenue, this tour passes through areas of the cave highly decorated with historic signatures and sparkling geological formations. This tour is ideal for people who wish to see the cave and are looking for a tour with no stairs. This is an accessible tour. This tour is designed for persons with a disability, limited physical mobility, or any other reason for a tour with no stairs. If no one in your party needs an accessible tour, please consider selecting another tour unless this is the only tour available at the time of your request. Wheelchairs, scooters and other assistive devices are allowed. Accessible restrooms are on this tour.   Participants meet at the visitor center for a caravan in their personal vehicles to drive approximately 2 miles to the elevator entrance. Assistive devices will need to be decontaminated upon exiting the cave to limit the spread of White Nose Syndrome. Please note that no transportation or mobility assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers or canes are available. NPS employees will not transport or assist visitors or visitor equipment. If visitors need assistance with the Park's accessible features, they must bring a companion with them for aid. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  0.5 miles (0.8 km) Total Stairs:  No stairs Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time: 14 Fees:  $27 Adults, $21 Youth, $13.50 Senior Pass Holder, $13.50 Access Pass Holder.  

Mammoth Passage - Not Always Offered.

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by historic and prehistoric people. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour. Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas. Duration:  1.25 hours Distance:  0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs:  135 Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  70 Fees:  $15 Adults, $13 Youth, $7.50 Senior Pass Holder, $7.50 Access Pass Holder

Discovery Tour (Self-Guided) Not Always Offered

This tour is not always offered. Please call the visitor center at 270-758-2180 on the day of your visit to check its availability. This tour is typically offered Memorial Day to Labor day.

There is a fee for this tour. When tickets are sold, the time on the tickets will be the last time you can enter the cave. This tour has designated multiple hours that you can enter the cave, between the time you bought the ticket and the last time being the one displayed on your ticket. Please do not wait until the last minute to use the ticket. Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour requires a ticket, and proceeds into the Historic Entrance. Focusing on early history and prehistory of the cave, this section of cave houses many great artifacts. This tour is ideal for people wanting to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour. Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes. Please Note:  Advance tickets are not available. Duration:  0.5 hours Distance:  0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs:  135 Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time: Unlimited Fees:  $12 Adults, $9 Youth, $6 Senior Pass Holder, $6 Access Pass Holder.

Frozen Niagara Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones, Grand Avenue, Introduction to Caving and Wild Cave Tours. Duration:  1.25 hours Distance:  0.25 miles (0.4 km) Total Stairs:  64, plus an optional 98 Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  34 Fees:  $26 Adults, $22 Youth, $13 Senior Pass Holder, $13 Access Pass Holder.

Domes & Dripstones Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs:  640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96 Difficulty:  Difficult Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  110 Fees:  $30 Adults, $25 Youth, $15 Senior Pass Holder, $15 Access Pass Holder.

Historic Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.   Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  2 miles (3.2 km) Total Stairs:  540, including 155 at Mammoth Dome Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time:  110 Fees:  $24 Adults, $18 Youth, $12 Senior Pass Holder, $12 Access Pass Holder.

Grand Avenue Tour

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends many tall, incredibly steep hills.  Covering a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those wishing for a lengthy, half-day hike inside of the cave.  This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and all of the Domes and Dripstones Tour except for the 280 stairs descending the vertical shafts at the entrance. Duration:  4 hours Distance:  4 miles (6.4 km) Total Stairs:  1521 plus an optional 96 Difficulty:  Strenuous Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time:  78 Fees:  $42 Adults, $34 Youth, $21 Senior Pass Holder, $21 Access Pass Holder.

Gothic Avenue Tour

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave, and is ideal for people with a high interest in history. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Star Chamber, Historic and Violet City Lantern Tours. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  1.7 miles (2.7 km) Total Stairs:  170 Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  40 Fees:  $23 Adults, $19 Youth, $11.50 Senior Pass Holder, $11.50 Access Pass Holder.  

Extended Historic Tour

Enjoy this Historic Tour with a bonus side trip to one of the sites of the famous 1840s Mammoth Cave experiment to treat consumption. This tour is ideal for people who want a Historic Tour and have a little extra time to spend in the cave. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. Duration:  2.25 hours Distance:  2 miles (3.2 km) Total Stairs:  540, including 155 at Mammoth Dome Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time:  60 Fees:  $27 Adults, $21 Youth, $13.50 Senior Pass Holder, $13.50 Access Pass Holder.

Great Onyx Lantern Tour

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the site of very important cultural history in the early days of Kentucky cave tourism. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in cave tourism history and unusual rock formations. Please note: this tour is in Great Onyx Cave, which is separate from Mammoth Cave.   This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. Please Note:  This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System. Duration:  2.25 hours Distance:  1 miles (1.6 km) Total Stairs:  82 Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  38 Fees:  $31 Adults, $26 Youth, $15.50 Senior Pass Holder, $15.50 Access Pass Holder.

Violet City Lantern Tour

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredibly steep hills on historic dirt trails as you experience the cave in the light of the earliest explorers. This tour is ideal for visitors who like to hike and are wanting a unique way to experience the cave.   This tour requires a short bus ride back to the visitor center from the cave exit. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Mammoth Passage Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. Be prepared, the rugged nature of this tour possesses steep hills, low lighting, uneven terrain and no handrail or electric lighting infrastructure. To preserve the nostalgic nature of this tour, the use of flashlights is prohibited. Duration:  3 hours Distance:  3 miles (4.8 km) Total Stairs:  200 and numerous hills with no handrails. Difficulty:  Difficult Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  38 Fees:  $32 Adults, $27 Youth, $16 Senior Pass Holder, $16 Access Pass Holder.

Star Chamber Lantern Tour

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, emerging from the cave in late evening. Focusing on early history of Mammoth Cave, this tour includes a trip into Gothic Avenue. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a unique way to experience the cave and its history. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Gothic Avenue Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. To preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the activity, there is no flashlight use permitted on this tour. Duration:  2.5 hours Distance:  2 miles (3.2 km) Total Stairs:  170 Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  40 Fees:  $30 Adults, $25 Youth, $15 Senior Pass Holder, $15 Access Pass Holder.

River Styx Cave Tour

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology.  Please use extra caution when visiting the river level. To access this section of the cave the tour leaves modern tour trail to uneven terrain that may be wet, muddy, and/or slick. The tour route travels next to bodies of water, some of which can be very deep depending on river levels. Viewing of this area will also be conducted with electric lanterns and not the modern lighting system on the rest of the route. This tour covers the entire Historic Tour route. Limited sections of the Star Chamber, Violet City Lantern and Mammoth Passage are also seen. Duration:  2.5 hours Distance:  2.5 miles (4 km) Total Stairs:  Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome. Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  6 year and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time: 40 Fees:  $26 Adults, $20 Youth, $13 Senior Pass Holder, $13 Access Pass Holder.

Wild Cave Tour

Introduction to caving, cleaveland avenue tour - not currently offered.

For nearly two centuries, Cleaveland Avenue has attracted people from all over the world to see its sparkling walls of gypsum and unique tube-shaped passages. Evidence of early visitors can still be seen on the walls and ceiling as you travel Cleaveland Avenue to the Snowball Room. This tour is ideal for people looking for a unique part of Mammoth Cave and an interest in geology and history.  This tour enters the cave by descending nearly 231 stairs and exits the cave via an elevator. In the event the elevator is not available due to unforeseen circumstances, the tour extends its time 30 minutes, retraces the route, and ascends the near 231 stairs back out of the cave. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. Includes all of the Accessible Tour route. Duration:  2 hours - (2½ hours if the elevator is unavailable) Distance:  1 miles (1.6 km) - (2 miles [3.2 km] if the elevator is unavailable) Total Stairs:  231 - (462 if the elevator is unavailable) Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time: 34 Fees:  $30 Adults, $24 Youth, $15 Senior Pass Holder, $15 Access Pass Holder.  

Wondering Woods Tour - Not Currently Offered

Take a leisurely bus ride with a ranger across the park landscape and learn about the communities and people that were once here. After a short bus ride, enjoy a hike in the Tranquil Valley of Wondering Woods. At the end of the hike, a short cave tour awaits you where you'll be surrounded by beautiful cave formation! This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. Please Note:  This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System. Duration:  1.5 hours Distance:  1 miles (1.6 km) Total Stairs:  194 includes 54 being optional Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All Ages Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  30 Fees:  $26 Adults, $22 Youth, $13 Senior Pass Holder, $13 Access Pass Holder.

Wild Cave and Introduction to Caving Crawling Tour Requirements

Boot tread must be a minimum of 1/4 inch in depth, and boot height must be sturdy and cover the ankle bone completely. You will not be able to participate if your footwear does not meet safety requirements. There will be no refunds or ticket exchanges for not having the proper footwear.

Learn more about the special requirements for crawling tours in the informational video below.

Embed video.

The Willd Cave and Introduction to Caving Tours are the most extreme cave tours offered at Mammoth Cave National Park. Learn what to expect and what to wear for these challenging crawling adventures.

Tour Route Photo Galleries

2 hours | 2 miles (3.2 km) | 540 stairs

2.25 hours | 2 miles (3.2 km) | 540 stairs

2.5 hours | 2.5 miles (4 km) | 600 stairs

2 hours | 1 miles (1.6 km) | 160 stairs

1.25 hours | 0.75 miles (1.2 km) | 135 stairs

0.5 hours | 0.75 miles (1.2 km) | 130 stairs

1.25 hours | 0.25 miles (0.4 km) | 64 stairs, optional 98 stairs

2 hours | 0.75 miles (1.2 km) | 638 stairs

1.5 hours | 1 mile (1.6km) | 140 stairs, optional 54

2.25 hours | 1 mile (1.6 km) | 82 stairs

2 hours | 1/2 mile (0.8 km)

3.5 hours | 1 mile | 300 stairs

2 hours 45 minutes | 1 1/2 miles | 200 stairs

Other Cave Tours

Mammoth Cave offers numerous cave tours throughout the year. The selection of tours changes seasonally and with staffing availability. You can read descriptions and learn more about these other cave tours before planning your trip to the park. Check back with our cave tour schedule or park calendar to see future offerings of these other cave tours.

Beyond the Cave

Park footer, contact info, mailing address:.

P.O. Box 7 Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007

270 758-2180

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Wind Cave National Park Tours

Wind Cave National Park

Guided tours are the only way to experience Wind Cave. Advanced tickets may be purchased through this website. Additional tours and times are available for same-day ticket sales at the park visitor center. Visit the Guided Tours page of the park website for a current schedule. Tours often sell out prior to tour times. See Seasons & Booking for details.

Wind Cave National Park is home to the world’s seventh longest cave and one of the world’s most complex maze-cave systems. Most cave rooms are small, connected by narrow passages with low ceilings. Boxwork, a rare and delicate cave formation, emerges from the cave walls and ceilings throughout. The park’s surface is one of the last remaining islands of mixed-grass prairie in North America. Rare wildlife including bison, elk, pronghorn antelope, and prairie dogs roam over 30,000 acres. Several roads and 30 miles of trails are available to explore the rolling prairie and ponderosa pine forests. There is no fee to enter the park or hike the surface trails.

Notifications and Alerts

Due to a complete replacement and modernization of our elevator system, tours of Wind Cave will be closed beginning May 6, 2024, and continuing through September. There will still be plenty of things to do at the park including viewing new exhibits. Installation of our new exhibits is on-going and will be finished by June. These new exhibits tell a more inclusive story of this land using interpretive panels, video clips, and hands-on exhibits that are all fully accessible. Using LIDAR technology, rangers will be offering virtual cave tours in the visitor center auditorium throughout the summer. 

Need to Know

Tickets must be picked up 30 minutes prior to tour time. No refunds for late arrivals or missed tours. All tours begin at the Visitor Center. Allow extra travel time to the park for road work, reduced speeds, wildlife on roads, and parking. Please see the Directions tab for tips to avoid travel delays.

Check at the visitor center for current Covid-related safety precautions. Face coverings may be required during periods of high infection rates.

The cave is at roughly 4,000’ elevation (1219 m). All tours* include steep, dimly-lit stairs that may be uneven, wet, or slippery. Passages are narrow and low ceilings require frequent ducking. Wind Cave is 54°F (12°C) year-round. Sturdy shoes with non-slip soles and a light jacket are recommended. *Accessibility Tours are the only tours with no stairs. These tours are intended for those with limited mobility unable to negotiate stairs or stand for long periods of time. Please do not reserve this tour if you are physically capable of completing another tour.

Cave tours are moderately strenuous and not recommended for those with heart problems, breathing difficulty, knee, neck, or back pain, or claustrophobia. Even downward flights of stairs may be difficult for those with bad joints or limited stamina.

Please don’t bring any of these items into the cave: • Food, candy, or gum • Water or other drinks • Tobacco products • Firearms or weapons of any kind • Bags, purses, strollers, backpacks – including baby backpack carriers (front carriers allowed) • Walking sticks, tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks • Pets or comfort animals

Wind Cave National Park is located in the Mountain Time Zone of western South Dakota and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Flash photography is allowed in the cave for most tours.* Photographers must keep up with the group. No tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks.

Sturdy shoes or hiking boots and a light jacket or sweater are recommended. Sandals and flip-flops are NOT recommended.

White-nose syndrome, a fungal disease deadly to bats, has been detected at Wind Cave. All cave tour participants must walk across a decontamination mat when exiting the cave.

During April, May, and June the park experiences high visitation from schools. Large groups of students may be present on tours, especially during these months.

Booking Windows

Guided tours are the only way to experience Wind Cave.  

Advanced Reservations: Wind Cave tours are offered daily and are available up to 120 days in advance beginning at 8:00 a.m. Mountain Time on a rolling daily window (e.g., On March 3, Natural Entrance Tour tickets become available for July 1). Ticket sales close at midnight Mountain Time three days before the date of the tour (e.g., Wednesday is the last day to buy tickets for a tour that Saturday).

Ticket Availability: Tickets for approximately half the Garden of Eden, Natural Entrance, Fairgrounds, and Accessibility tours are available through advanced reservations. The remaining tours are set aside for first-come, first-served sales the day of the tour at the visitor center. (Example: If four Garden of Eden tours are offered per day, tickets for two of the tours can be reserved in advance, while tickets for the other two tours are first-come, first-served at the visitor center.) 

Some tours may only be available during specific times of year. 

Tours are not offered on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s days.

Changes and Cancellations

Refunds: Tours can be canceled for a full refund (less the $1 non-refundable reservation fee) up to three days prior to the tour time. Cancellations after that time will forfeit the tour fee. No refunds for late arrivals or no-shows.  (Example: Wednesday is the last day to cancel a reservation for a tour on Saturday.)

America the Beautiful Annual & Lifetime Passes: Annual and lifetime passes do not cover ticket fees.

Contact Information

Mailing address.

26611 US Highway 385 Hot Springs SD 57747

Phone Number

605-745-4600

Available Tours and Tickets

• Garden of Eden Tour
• Natural Entrance Tour
• Fairgrounds Tour
• Accessibility Tour
• Natural Entrance Tour (Fee Free Days)
• Garden of Eden Tour (Fee Free Days)
• Fairgrounds Tour (Fee Free Days)

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Mount Gambier tourist attractions closed or closing amid council takeover, government delays

Some of the top tourist attractions around Mount Gambier are either closed or having their lease taken over by the local council. 

The City of Mount Gambier council is not renewing its leases for the operator of the Engelbrecht Cave tours and cafe or for the kiosk and souvenir shop at the Umpherston Sinkhole .

Both sites rival the Blue Lake as the most popular attraction in South Australia's second largest city.

Jan Coleman will finish at the Engelbrecht Cave on June 27, while Julie Holdsworth is hopeful of running Umpherston's Kiosk and Souvenirs until October. 

City of Mount Gambier general manager of city infrastructure Barbara Cernovskis said the council was "working through" how it would run the sites but they may close briefly.

"We're not anticipating [Engelbrecht Cave] being closed for any lengthy period of time," Ms Cernovskis said.

"There will be a short period we're anticipating just to be able to transition and do … not so much a refurb but to be able to do just some maintenance on the facility before we open up to the tourists — a small interruption is all we're anticipating."

Jobs lost in transition

The council took over running the visitor centre at the Blue Lake in 2020 and, since then, it has been closed for some periods or had much-reduced hours. It no longer hosts a cafe.

The Engelbrecht Cave operator said it was a sad end to her 10 years at the helm.

"It's not the way we wanted it to go down," Ms Coleman said.

"We had a staff member ready to take on the next tenure, but apparently that's not happening and so, yeah, my staff have lost their jobs and we're just sort of getting through each day now as best we can. 

"Staff morale has taken a hit, but they're still turning up to work enthusiastic and doing their job the best way they can."

Ms Holdsworth said she was looking forward to retirement and hoped the council would keep running the Umpherston Sinkhole kiosk well.

"I don't know what's going to happen after I leave," she said.

"I just can only hope after all the hard work I have put into the shop and the tourists that it does continue."

Tourism Industry Council of South Australia chief executive Shaun de Bruyn said the tourism industry was seeing a lot of older operators retire and younger people start new businesses rather than taking over existing businesses.

He said the Limestone Coast was an "amazing place" with its unusual geology that could be better exploited for tourism. 

"I think the cave experiences that are in and around the Limestone Coast are truly special and it's such a great experience," he said.

"It's something that really the region needs to do further product development to, to provide a range of experiences in which people from outside the area can access and appreciate what is so special."

Dry weather leads to diving ban

Meanwhile, diving has been banned at Ewen Ponds , south of Mount Gambier, because of low water levels, joining the nearby Piccaninnie Ponds in waiting for environmental conditions to improve.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Limestone Coast manager Nick McIntyre said people going into the water could disturb the bottom and ruin the water clarity.

Both sets of ponds near Port MacDonnell are renowned for their clear water, but one of the driest starts to a year on record and an over-allocation of groundwater has closed the Ewen Ponds for snorkelling and scuba diving.

"A good winter rainfall accompanied with an increase in water levels and discharge from groundwater into that pond system should result in a higher pond level — that would be great; that's the ideal scenario," Mr McIntyre said.

"We would monitor that and then make a decision on reopening and I hope that that would be some time in early spring."

Long closure for Victorian cave

The Princess Margaret Rose Cave, just across the border in Victoria, closed to tourists in early 2021 after the private owners retired, amid COVID-19 restrictions that limited cross-border travel.

It was meant to reopen with a new operator this month , but a Parks Victoria spokeswoman said a wastewater treatment system at the site was still in the design phase.

She said lease negotiations were underway for a new operator to take over, a year after the tender was put out.

The cottage of the lower South East's most famous former resident, poet Adam Lindsay Gordon , has been closed to the public since 2019.

New accommodation for the site was announced three years ago , but it is now up in the air pending consultation on the future of the Dingley Dell Conservation Park that began last month .

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