tour museum of natural history

American Museum of Natural History New York, United States

The American Museum of Natural History, founded in 1869, is one of the world’s preeminent scientific, educational, and cultural institutions. The Museum encompasses more than 40 permanent exhibition halls, including the Rose Center for Earth and Space with the Hayden Planetarium, and the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation.

The Museum’s five active research divisions and three cross-disciplinary centers support approximately 170 scientists, whose work draws on a world-class permanent collection of more than 34 million specimens and artifacts, as well as specialized collections for frozen tissue and genomic and astrophysical data, and one of the largest natural history libraries in the world.

Through its Richard Gilder Graduate School, it is the only American museum authorized to grant the Ph.D. degree and the Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Annual attendance has grown to approximately 5 million, and the Museum’s exhibitions and Space Shows can be seen in venues on five continents.

Visit amnh.org for more information.

American Museum of Natural History

Highlights from the american museum of natural history, in this collection, earth science, 1,040 items, paleontology, 2,167 items, 1 museum view, what's on.

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Visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC

Explore the natural world around you, discover dinosaur fossils and more at this free gem on the national mall., planning your visit to the natural history museum.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History opened in 1910 to invoke discovery and education of the natural world. Its green dome and immense size (comparable to 18 football fields) are signatures, as well as the 140 million-plus natural science specimens and cultural artifacts that the museum contains.

The Museum of Natural History is centrally located in Washington, DC on the National Mall . Like all Smithsonian Institution museums , admission is free. Its regular hours are 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., but hours are extended during the spring and summer with a closing time of 7:30 p.m. The museum is open every day of the year except Dec. 25. The most convenient way to reach the museum is via public transportation. Public parking is scarce, but there are parking spaces available for visitors with disabilities. If using Metrorail , take the Orange or Blue lines to the Smithsonian station and use the Mall exit. If taking Metrobus, use the 32, 34 or 36 routes.

What’s inside the National Museum of Natural History?

The museum contains some of the most famous artifacts in the world. The Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals has the supposedly cursed Hope Diamond on display. Meanwhile, Q?rius , the museum’s education center, offers teens and tweens a lab where they can make their own scientific discoveries.

After a five-year renovation, the museum has reopened its David H. Koch Hall of Fossils. The  31,000-square-foot exhibit’s theme is  Deep Time , borrowed from a scientific phrase that illustrates how Earth’s history has played out over billions of years. Prepare to be amazed, overwhelmed, engaged and dazzled by one of the biggest exhibitions to come to DC in years.

Other permanent exhibits include an insect zoo and The Sant Ocean Hall , which features an exact replica of a living North Atlantic right whale.

A visit to the Museum of Natural History is only the beginning – keep exploring the incredible selection of free museums and attractions available in the nation's capital.

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How Our Tours Work

All of our tours are private, not public. So the tour is arranged just for you and yours.

• We recommend using our online booking tool for up-to-date availability.
• Select your tour experience and set your preferred date and time.
• Our booking system will help you select the right guide from our team of art historians based on the guides' availability.
• Tell us a bit about your interests and private group. We'll customize your tour from there.
• Your confirmation will show where the guide will meet you at the museum.
• Private tours for 1 - 4 people in your group booked online* are $225 per hour (a $5 discount over tours booked via email or phone).
• All tours have a two-hour minimum.
• Additional people and/or additional time have an additional fee.
• Museum admission needs to be added for each person. This will be added during your booking.
• We'll get your tickets ahead of time for you. So you can skip the lines!

Prefer a personalized booking experience?

* For those who need a bit more service via email and phone, our pricing is $225 per hour for 1 – 4 people. Larger groups are $50 per adult, $25 per child.

Real Art Historians, not scripted actors

ART SMART's art guides are primarily graduate-level professional art historians from top universities who have their fingers on the pulse of the art world.

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American museum of natural history.

With five vast floors housing 45 permanent installations and multiple special exhibitions, finding the best that the AMNH has to offer can be challenging.

Private Tours of the American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History in New York is one of the most amazing museums in the world. With five vast floors housing 45 permanent installations and multiple special exhibitions, finding the best that the AMNH has to offer can be challenging.

ART SMART’s experienced, professional guides make the AMNH more manageable—and fascinating—by bringing you straight to the areas that will be the most inspiring for you, based on your interests, desires, and passions. Do you want to spend your time discovering animals among the world-renowned dioramas before exploring the Hall of Biodiversity? Would you rather divide your limited time between the Rose Center for Earth and Space and the Dinosaur Fossil Halls? Then that’s exactly where we’ll go.

And, if you’re exploring the AMNH as a family, your private tour will include treasure hunts, games, and more to make the experience engaging for all ages. Find out more about our family tours.

Our Highlights Tour of the American Museum of Natural History

While our specialty is customizing tours, we can also take you to the AMNH highlights that some consider must-sees, and we’ll do it in a way that connects with your unique interests and ideas. Spend a few hours with an ART SMART guide and you can see all the iconic exhibits, from the big blue whale in the Hall of Ocean Life to the Rose Center’s astonishing space shows.

Museum Details

Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:45 p.m.

Admission $22 per adult, $17 per senior, and $12.50 per child.

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2. select tour length.

3. Booking Summary

4. payment details, pricing questions.

Private tours for 1 – 4 people in your group booked online* start at $225 per hour (a 5% discount over tours booked via email or phone). All tours have a two-hour minimum. Additional people and/or additional time have an additional fee. Museum admission needs to be added for each person. This is added during your booking. We will get your tickets ahead of time for you. So you can skip the lines!

* For those who need a bit more service via email and phone, our pricing begins at $225 per hour for 1 – 4 people. Larger groups are $50 per adult, $25 per child.

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Plan Your Visit

The Harvard Museum of Natural History is one of the four Harvard Museums of Science & Culture .

Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Closed the following days:

• Wednesday, November 27, 2024 (day before Thanksgiving)
• Thursday, November 28, 2024(Thanksgiving Day)
• Saturday, December 21, 2024
• Sunday, December 22, 2024
• Monday, December 23, 2024
• Tuesday, December 24, 2024 (Christmas Eve)
• Wednesday, December 25, 2024 (Christmas)
• Wednesday, January 1, 2025 (New Year's Day)

Museum closes early on the following days:

• Thursday, March 7, 2024 (at 3:00 pm)
• Tuesday March 26 (at 3:30 pm)
• Tuesday, May 7, 2024 (at 3:00 pm)

General Admission

General admission gives access to all exhibits including the Glass Flowers Gallery.  The museum is connected to the Peabody Museum , and admission to one museum admits you to both during regular hours.

Special Free Admission (with valid ID)

Free to holders of a current Harvard ID;  Harvard Museums of Science & Culture  members, and  Harvard Art Museums  members.

Free to Massachusetts residents every Sunday morning from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and on Wednesdays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Proof of residency required. This offer is not available to commercial groups. 

Free to Massachusetts Teachers (K-12).

Free for Massachusetts residents who present an EBT or WIC card, and up to five guests. We are proud to participate in  Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program  in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Public Health's WIC Nutrition Program, the Massachusetts Health Connector, and hundreds of cultural organizations across Massachusetts. See the complete list of participating organizations offering  EBT ,  WIC , and  ConnectorCare  discounts.

ASTC Travel Passport Program

National endowment for the arts blue star museums program.

Free to active duty military with their families in collaboration with the  National Endowment for the Arts Blue Star Museums Program. Year-round free admission is offered to the Peabody Museum and Harvard Museum of Natural History using the Blue Star Museums guidelines.

Discounted Admission (with valid ID) 

Library Passes

Library patrons can reserve discount passes through their local, Massachusetts-based, library to visit our museums! Library pass admission includes entry to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East, and the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments. Please be prepared to show the physical library pass and proof of Massachusetts residency. Only one member of the party must be a MA resident.   T he pass admits up to four visitors. The passes are non-transferable and may not be combined with other offers.

Are you a library looking to offer passes to your patrons? Learn more about our Library Membership Program.

Save With CityPASS

Spend less, Experience more! Boston CityPASS® saves 45% on admission to top Boston’s top 4 attractions, including Harvard Museum of Natural History. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over 9-days. One easy purchase and mobile ticket delivery saves time and money.  Buy CityPASS® online and present your pass to the admissions desk for entry at the Harvard Museum of Natural History .

Go City: Boston All-Inclusive Pass

Garth and Jerri Frehner Museum of Natural History

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162 South 300 W

Cedar City, UT 84720

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The SUU Frehner Museum of Natural History Immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world at the SUU Frehner Museum of Natural History. Conveniently situated on the picturesque Southern Utah University campus, just a stone's throw away from the renowned Southern Utah Museum of Art and the celebrated Shakespeare Festival. Interactive Exhibits - Explore hands-on displays that bring science to life, igniting curiosity and fostering a deeper appreciation for nature's marvels. Extensive Natural Science Collections - Marvel at the museum's impressive collections, showcasing a diverse array of specimens from the realms of geology, paleontology, zoology, and botany. Engaging Kids' Programming - Spark the imagination of young minds through interactive programs, educational tours, and immersive activities designed to nurture a lifelong love for learning and exploration. …

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22 Best Things to Do in Cody WY: Capture the True Spirit of the Wild West

C onveniently located about an hour’s drive along scenic byways from two Yellowstone National Park entrances, the historic community of Cody, Wyoming, appeals to all ages with a wide range of fun things to do.

Only have a few hours in town? The Buffalo Bill Center of the West houses five world-class museums and is a must-see. During the summer, Cody, known as the “Rodeo Capital of the World” hosts a nightly rodeo featuring experts in roping, bull riding and barrel racing. Extend your stay to explore Cody’s natural beauty on a horseback or rafting trip and stay at the charming Buffalo Bill Cabins .

Here’s what you’ll want to do when visiting Cody for an unforgettable experience in America’s authentic Wild West.

Read More: Where to stay in Cody.

1. Tour the Buffalo Bill Center of the West

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is, without a doubt, the #1 must-do activity in Cody. You’ll need several hours to explore the complex. Your admission is valid for two days, so spread out your visit if you have the time. Be sure to check the Center’s events calendar to see what programming is scheduled during your visit.

Here are the five Smithsonian-affiliated museums at the Center of the West:

Draper Natural History Museum  

This is the place to start when you visit with kids. It tells the story of the ecology and natural history of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Pick up an Adventure Passport and help the kids collect six National Park  Junior Ranger -style stamps as you work your way through the museum’s Expedition Trailhead exhibit.

See, hear, touch and even smell the four different environments that make up the Yellowstone Ecosystem — Alpine, Mountain Forest, Mountain Meadow and Plains/Basin.

When you arrive, ask at the front desk when The Raptor Experience will be presented. It’s a daily live lecture about one of the museum’s injured birds of prey.

SheBuysTravel Tip:  Be sure to go outside whenever you have a chance. There are cabins to explore, sculptures to see and a playground to play on.

Buffalo Bill Museum 

This section of the Center of the West tells the story of the founder of this small town, the great western showman and the world’s first international superstar, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody.

This museum explores the life of Cody along with some other well-known characters from the American West, including sharpshooter Annie Oakley and Native American legend Sitting Bull. Don’t miss the scale model of the Wild West show backed by archival footage of the time, and the display of dime novels that helped make Buffalo Bill a household name.

Plains Indian Museum

As its name suggests, this museum tells the story of the Native American tribes that lived in the area. Exhibits include a beautiful buffalo hide teepee made from at least 13 buffalo hides sewn together by the women of the tribe. This is the place to learn about how Plains Indian people used almost every part of the buffalo for food, shelter, clothing or tools.

The most intriguing thing in this museum: The statues are all colorless. Because the tribes varied widely in skin tone and hair color, the museum curators didn’t want to choose one skin color over another.

Whitney Western Art Museum

The museum’s permanent exhibits focus on the Northern Plains and Rocky Mountains and include dramatically different depictions of American Indian life, as created by Native and non-Native artists.

I particularly enjoyed the section of the Whitney dedicated to the work of illustrator, painter and sculptor Frederic Remington. I was surprised to learn that this artist, whose familiar work is synonymous with the Wild West, was born, lived and worked in New York, my home state. He traveled extensively throughout the region and brought its spirit home to his New Rochelle studio which is recreated in the museum.

Cody Firearms Museum

This museum showcases a truly mind-boggling number of firearms dating back to the 1400s and follows the evolution of guns through the millennia. I didn’t have time to tour it during my visit, but SheBuysTravel Editor-in Chief Cindy Richards visited and was impressed by the exhibits. “Guns are a huge part of Western American culture and this museum displays more than 4,000 of them,” Richards observed.

“As someone who is not a gun fan, I was pleased to see that the museum doesn’t simply glorify guns. The exhibits include one that talks about the costs of war (an ongoing oral history project is open to veterans who want to share their own experience) and another aimed at CSI fans discusses the science of ballistics.”

2. Ride the Cody Trolley

A trolley tour is a fun and easy way to get your bearings in a new town and find attractions and restaurants you want to revisit and explore in depth. Usually, the informative commentary is interspersed with corny, groan-worthy jokes.

The Cody Trolley tour features an old-fashioned trolley with narrow seats, big windows and a tour leader and driver who trade silly banter. It’s just an hour long, so it’s doable for families with fidgety littles. Tours depart at 11 am and 3 pm from the porch of the Irma Hotel. Additional tours may be added during the summer; advance reservations are highly recommended for this very popular attraction.

3. Swagger Through Old Trail Town

This recreation of the Old West of the 1890s was voted “Best Tourist Attraction and Historical Site” by True West Magazine. The buildings sit on the site of the original Cody, the place where Buffalo Bill first laid out the town in 1895.

The authentic structures and furnishings were found in remote locations in Wyoming and Montana, carefully disassembled, moved and reassembled at Old Trail Town by Western historian Bob Edgar and his friends.

Among the structures is the cabin used by Old West outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, a Wyoming saloon frequented by Cassidy’s Hole-in-the-Wall Gang and the log cabin home of Curley, a Crow Indian army scout who helped guide Lt Col. George A. Custer to the battle of the Little Big Horn in 1876.

Channel your inner cowboy/cowgirl and try to rope a wooden calf-like post. Nobody gave this city slicker a chance, but I nailed it on the first try.

4. Go Horseback Riding

Cody’s surrounding area is gorgeous, especially the North Fork Corridor and Shoshone National Forest. A lovely way to take in the spectacular views is to go horseback riding. Head to the Absaroka Mountain Lodge , about 39 miles from Cody in Gunbarrel Canyon for a 2-hour scenic trail ride. I’ve done several trail rides but never one that included water crossings. Feeling my horse test his footing on each step across the swiftly flowing creek was an unforgettable moment.

Experienced guides will get you ready to ride, even if you’ve never mounted a horse before. Three daily ride options are available during the summer season, including the new for 2023 Twilight Evening Ride from 6-8 pm.

5. Raft the Shoshone River

The 100-mile-long Shoshone River is a popular rafting spot. The stretch of the river that passes through Cody has rapids that range from Class 1 – Class III+, depending on water conditions. These conditions are determined not only by rainfall but also by releases from the Buffalo Bill Dam.

Wyoming River Trips is an outfitter with its own access point located a short shuttle ride from its base camp in Cody. This makes it super quick to get geared up and on the water. I hadn’t rafted since I capsized on a cruise excursion in Belize several years ago, so I was nervous. However, our raft guide’s confidence put me at ease, even when we needed to pull over and wait out a surprise lightning storm.

Trip lengths range from 1-hour to full-day excursions with lunch. Private excursions and packrafting trips are options too.

6. Go Wild on an Off-Road Adventure

Get off the beaten path with an adventure vehicle rental from Tread ‘N’ Trails . The company’s Cody location stocks Polaris Side-by-Side UTVs, Slingshots, e-bikes and e-scooters. They’re equipped with pre-mapped GPS-navigated trails that crisscross over 25,000 acres of public lands, administered by the Bureau of Land Management.

Indulge your inner pioneer and let loose. Or drive granny-style. Or just tag along as a passenger, like me. This is a judgment-free zone. The sweeping views will blow you away, from broad, grass-filled basins with grazing cattle herds to desert badlands spotted with sagebrush and pronghorn antelope, North America’s fastest land animal. Two of the area’s highlights include the resident wild mustang horses and Native American petroglyphs. Rental durations include 4-hour, 8-hour and multi-day options.

7. Get Spooked in Kirwin

Love a good ghost town? Then a trip to Kirwin belongs on your Cody itinerary. Daylong adventures begin in Meeteetse (pronounced “may tay tay say”), a tiny town (population just over 300) that’s home to a NY Times-profiled artisanal chocolatier .

Rent a vehicle from Kirwin Ghost Town Adventures and follow the one-way in, one-way-out trail to the abandoned mining town. Along the way, you’ll pass the site where aviator Amelia Earhart planned to construct a cabin before she mysteriously disappeared.

SheBuysTravel Tip: You’ll climb from 5,000 feet to over 9,000 on this adventure, so bring layers to add as the temperatures drop.

8. Follow the Cody Sippin’ Trail

If you’ve worked up a powerful thirst exploring Cody, quench it at one of the many bars and restaurants in town participating in the Sippin’ Trail Drink Pass promotion. Download a free app and check-in to earn points you redeem for prizes, including stickers, t-shirts and pint glasses.

Sippin’ Trail locations include:

• Cody Craft Brewing – Owned and operated by husband and wife team Jen and Brian Walker, Cody Craft Brewing offers a wide range of on-premises-brewed bevvies, many using locally sourced ingredients including fan-favorite huckleberries.
• Pat’s Brew House – Once a traditional Irish pub, Pat O’Hara’s is infused with new energy thanks to passionate female owners experimenting with the food and brews. Menu favorites like the Irish eggrolls remain as new items debut. The chicken tacos are fire.
• WYOld West Taproom – Located on a Sheridan Avenue side street, the WYOld West Taproom features a fun, service-yourself tap system. Get a card at the bar to start your tab, then pull your drafts, priced by the size of the pour.
• Millstone Pizza Company – Bar bites and brews, arcade games and entertainment including trivia are what you’ll find in Millstone’s large Cody location.

9. Foot-Stompin’ Fun at the Cody Cattle Company

This is a family-friendly, pre-rodeo dining/entertainment option. A hearty buffet with cowboy favorites like mac and cheese, baked beans, brisket and cornbread is open from 5-7pm. Ryan Martin and the Triple C Cowboys take the stage at 6:30, performing a set that includes traditional cowboy favorites, ‘50s doo-wop and rock classics with a country twist.

The Cody Cattle Company show wraps up in time for you to scoot on over to the rodeo. Ticket options include dinner and a show, show only and a combo dinner, show and rodeo package.

It’s impossible not to hoot, holler and sing along. And don’t bother asking for just one of the decadent chocolate brownies for dessert. You’ll be served two and wish you’d taken a third. They’re that good.

10. Shop Sheridan Avenue

I was expecting cookie-cutter souvenir gift shops in Cody. So I was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of stores and galleries in town. I could have lost myself for hours in Legends Bookstore.

Watch the artisans crafting custom drool-worthy boots, belts and saddles in Mercury Leather Works. Or find your cowboy hat or shirt at The Cowboy Palace. That’s where I scored my must-have souvenir – a pair of turquoise toddler cowboy boots.

11. Dine Pioneer-Style

If you’re in Cody on a Tuesday or Saturday, you’re in luck, if you’ve made an advance reservation for a Dutch-oven dinner hosted by 2 Mules Chuckwagon . Husband and wife team Rich and Deb Herman welcome you to the Pow Wow field next to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West for an intimate, outdoor dining experience.

Rich’s “kitchen” is an authentic Old West chuck wagon, pots and pans are cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens and the cooking’s done over an open flame. Wine, beer and soft beverages are served by Deb. They’re gracious, loquacious hosts and the meal – steak, beans, coleslaw, sourdough biscuits and berry cobbler – was delish.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Group size is limited to 24 for the Tuesday and Saturday dinners. However, if you are traveling with a larger party, contact the Hermans who may be able to arrange for extra help to accommodate more folks.

12. Have a Cocktail at the Chamberlin Inn

The Chamberlin Inn is a must-see when visiting Cody. This historic boutique hotel dates back to 1900 and has been lovingly restored. Peek into unoccupied guest rooms which are all decorated with different period-appropriate furnishings. Be prepared to explain to the kids what the old-time telephone is. Ernest Hemingway was one of the Chamberlin’s most famous guests. His signature in the guest book is on display in the lobby; his suite’s Room #18.

Spirits is the Inn’s bar and lounge and a great place for a nightcap. Choose the gin-based Death in the Afternoon to channel Hemingway, then head to the courtyard, conservatory or second-floor sunroom to sip away the evening. Live music is a summer season highlight.

13. Whoop it Up at the Cody Nite Rodeo

The Cody Nite Rodeo claims to be the only rodeo in the country with regular nightly performances all summer long. One of the biggest events happens over the Fourth of July. The Cody Stampede starts on July 1 and culminates in a huge July 4th celebration. The locals say the July 4th celebration is so big that it takes four days to pack it all in – five in years when the Stampede starts early with a bull riding event on the last day in June.

The rodeo is weather-dependent so it was canceled during my visit due to heavy rains that made the grounds unsafe for the performers. During a past visit, SheBuysTravel Editor-in-Chief Cindy Richards noted that the rodeo is full-on cowboy culture and the rodeo clown who serves as emcee for the event delivers “jokes” that you might find offensive, depending on your political leanings.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you plan to go to the rodeo with kids under 12, dress them in jeans and closed-toe shoes. They will be invited onto the field to chase a young steer to capture a ribbon attached to its tail. The little girls in their cute skirts and sandals were wading gingerly (and unhappily) through the dirt, mud and horse poop. 

14. Listen to a Free Audio Guide

A new audio guide to accompany your drive on the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway has launched from the free app Travelstorys , a Wyoming-based, woman-owned company.

Once you launch the app, lively narrated segments broadcast as you approach areas of interest, like Heart Mountain, providing context to your journey. The GPS-based guide works without cell service or wifi, both of which are unreliable throughout the Yellowstone area.

It joins other Cody content including tours of downtown Cody, Hemingway in Wyoming and the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway.

15. Tour Heart Mountain World War II Interpretive Center

This museum tells the troubling story of Japanese families who were rounded up and sent to 10 different internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This sad spot was home to 14,000 Japanese – half of them children and two-thirds of them American citizens — during World War II.

Wyoming agreed to allow a camp to be built at Heart Mountain – it was the fourth largest of the 10 camps — on the condition that once the war ended, the Japanese would not be allowed to stay in Wyoming.

This disturbing chapter in our nation’s history is handled with sensitivity at the museum. However, it’s definitely an experience for older children who can better appreciate what it must have been like to be taken from their homes with only one suitcase and crammed into a communal living space.

SheBuysTravel Tip:  Download the Heart Mountain AR app and point your phone at the QR codes to see a virtual reality representation of what life would have looked like in the camps.

16. Fire Away at the Cody Firearms Experience

This is the place to go to fire 70 varieties of guns , from a Civil War-era Gatling gun to a Glock just like you see in the movies.

Kids ages 8 and up can shoot here, but pregnant women can’t. That’s because “the fetus can’t wear hearing protectors,” as one shop worker told SheBuysTravel Editor-in-Chief Cindy Richards.

Richards, who is not a gun enthusiast, was reluctant to shoot but ended up having a – pardon the pun – blast. She shot an 1873 single-action Colt pistol and an 1861 Springfield flintlock rifle that jammed her shoulder. It made her feel really sorry for the Civil War soldiers who had to use it in the heat of battle.

But the definite highlight for Richards was getting a turn cranking the 1862 replica Gatling gun. There’s no kick, just a crank that shoots two rounds per clockwise rotation on 6 and 12. What a hoot! No surprise it’s a popular choice among the 70 gun options. The place goes through 1,000 rounds a day in the Gatling gun alone.

If you are visiting during the summer, call to make a reservation to ensure you can shoot on the day you want to visit. This is an exceedingly popular thing to do in Cody.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re hard of hearing, ask for electronic ear protectors. It can be really hard to hear the instructions with regular hearing protectors. After all, they’re designed to mute sound!

17. Take the Free Tour of the Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center

Visiting the Buffalo Bill Dam is one of the fun free things to do in Cody with kids. Park and take the free golf cart shuttle (tip the driver) to the dam. Walk out and hold on to the kids as they look straight down the 350 feet of the concrete dam.

After you take a family photo, head inside to the dam museum and watch the movie about the extreme hazards of building the dam so you can walk away feeling grateful that you did not have to build it.

Construction of the dam on the Shoshone River began in 1905. Workers toiled in subzero temperatures and working conditions that were so harsh that it led to the first labor strike in Wyoming history. When the dam was completed in 1910 at a cost of $1.4 million, it was the tallest concrete dam in the world at 325 feet. Another 25 feet was added later.

18. Check Out The Irma Hotel

Bill Cody built this hotel to be the most luxurious hotel in the Rocky Mountains, with rooms that rented for the steep sum of $3 per night. Named for his youngest daughter, it’s still an operating hotel, complete with ghost stories and haunted rooms. It sits on Sheridan Avenue and is the centerpiece of downtown Cody.

But the way most visitors experience The Irma is via the nightly buffet dinner that features perfectly cooked and sliced-to-order prime rib. For the kids, there are mashed potatoes and chicken drumsticks.

And don’t miss the bread pudding for dessert. Adults should try the whiskey sauce. It’s strong. Be prepared. For kids, you might want to stick with the vanilla sauce.

Pay special attention to the gorgeous carved wood bar. It was a gift to Buffalo Bill from Victoria, the Queen of England, a huge fan of the Western showman.

In the summer, the hotel does a fun and campy Wild West show in the street outside its front door. The show is free as long as you are willing to stand and watch. Get there by 5:50 pm for the 6pm start. Want a seat? Cody Trolley Tours lets you reserve a folding chair for $3.

SheBuysTravel Tip: The walls of The Irma’s restaurant are filled with mounted heads of buffalo and other animals. Plan ahead if you’re traveling with someone who would be offended by the taxidermy.

19. Sing-a-Long at Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue

This  musical review  has been a staple of Cody entertainment for 19 years. Dan and his female co-stars offer a lively mix of cowboy music, foot-stomping sing-alongs and fine harmonies six nights a week from Memorial Day through September.

It’s a fun night out for all ages, although some of the jokes might go over kids’ heads. But there is enough sing-along fun to keep kids entertained.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Save a little money by buying the dinner and show deal to get the buffet at The Irma, then head next door to see Dan’s show.

20. Explore Buffalo Bill State Park

The Buffalo Bill Reservoir is the centerpiece of this park. The huge lake created by the dam is filled with ice-cold water and is a beacon for boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. The 3,000 acres of parkland are dotted with biking and hiking trails.

In addition, there are two camping areas. Lake Shore Bay Campground has 37 sites, an active day-use area and a boat ramp. North Fork Campground has 62 campsites, a playground and shower facility with flush toilets.

And it’s all surrounded by the stunning views of the Absaroka Range, especially Rattlesnake Mountain and Sheep Mountain.

SheBuysTravel Tip:  If you want to fish, everyone over the age of 14 needs a license. 

21. See the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum

This is just what its name implies: a museum full of guns that have been found or dug up. The proprietor, Hans Kurth, is a carpenter who started the whole thing 40 years ago after finding guns when, for example, he would take down a wall. Now he adds to his fascinating collection when people give or sell him rusted carcasses of guns they find or dig up.

The museum is another of the free things to do in Cody, although he does accept donations.

SheBuysTravel Tip: No photos are allowed here. Hans wants people who are curious to have to come into the museum to see his collection, not be able to see them online.

22. Make a Stop at the Pahaska Tepee

When driving between Cody and Yellowstone’s East Entrance, you can’t help but notice the sign for the  Pahaska Tepee , Bill Cody’s original lodge. You still can stay at Pahaska in one of the modern cabins. Or you can just stop in at the Lodgepole Dining Room for a buffalo burger and some Rocky Mountain oysters (chopped, breaded and fried bull testicles) on your way into the park.

Either way, don’t miss a visit to Buffalo Bill’s original 1904 hunting lodge. It’s open for free and is filled with artifacts including a soda machine from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

When’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Cody?

Consider giving Cody at least two days before heading into Yellowstone. The town that Buffalo Bill built is an authentic Western destination, not someone’s kitschy representation of the Old West. But when’s the best time to go? Each season has its pros and cons. Here’s a rundown.

Summer’s Busy in Cody

Summer is the prime season for family travel to Cody and Yellowstone. You’ll need to make your plans well in advance to secure lodging. And be prepared for the crowds.

But 2023 is an exception. Following last year’s historic Yellowstone floods, there are vacancies to be found and a last-minute trip’s a definite possibility. Cody was not impacted by the flooding and most of the damage in the park has been fixed, a truly remarkable feat by the National Park Service.

The Joys of Cody in the Fall

Consider pulling the kids out of school for this once-in-a-lifetime trip and visiting in the fall. With smaller crowds, you can explore Cody’s attractions at a more leisurely pace. Accommodations that book up quickly for the summer are available in the fall, at lower prices. The Wyoming weather in the fall is ideal for touring. You’ll enjoy warm days and cool nights.

The area wildlife makes winter preparations in the fall, increasing your viewing opportunities. While the bears are busy prepping for their winter hibernation, male elk are looking to get busy with the ladies. Listen for their bugle mating call.

And you’ll want to be outdoors in fall’s glory to try the region’s famous fly fishing or take a scenic horseback ride.

Just be sure to pack plenty of layers — the weather in and near Yellowstone can be unpredictable in the fall.

Prepare for the Unexpected in Spring

Spring is unpredictable. Winter’s snows may or may not have melted even by the end of May. But the wildlife is abundant and active. If seeing a baby bison is on your bucket list, spring’s the time to go.

Be prepared, though. If you’re renting a vehicle, consider one with 4-wheel drive. And, pack a cooler. You can buy one and fill it at the Cody Walmart before heading into the park. During my late May visit, very few of Yellowstone’s food concessions were open. And those that were had limited menu choices.

Cody’s Gorgeous in Winter

More than one person I spoke with during my trip raved about winter travel to Cody Yellowstone. Although both Yellowstone entrances accessible from Cody are closed to winter motor vehicle traffic, you can access the park by oversnow transport. Oversnow transport means snowmobiles or snow coaches, which are buses mounted on huge treads.

I’m not the rugged outdoors type of person, but I’ve put a return visit to Yellowstone on my bucket list. The steaming, percolating landscape is gorgeous. To see it covered in snow must be magnificent.

SheBuysTravel Tip:  Most visitors stay just one night in Cody . They use the town as a launching point for their real destination: the wonders of Yellowstone National Park . But Cody really is worth a visit all on its own. At the very least, carve out time to see the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

Cody Fast Facts

• The town’s founder, Buffalo Bill Cody, had the town’s architect lay out extra-wide streets in town because he wanted it to be easy to turn around the wagons of his famous wild west show.
• 10,000 people live in Cody, but the population swells by more than a half million during the summer season
• Actor John Wayne was once the Grand Marshall of Cody’s Fourth of July parade.
• Buffalo Bill got his nickname because he killed 4,000 buffalo.
• William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill’s real name) situated the town so visitors would have to go through Cody to use the East entrance to Yellowstone National Park. He even spent his own money to build the road.
• Although most visitors to Cody arrive by car, there’s a regional airport with daily service to and from Denver on United Express. The airport’s a 5-minute drive from town. Literally.

Find Places to Stay Cody, WY

There are lots of options for  hotel stays near Cody, including vacation rentals . Use this interactive map to help you find a place to stay in the area.

Booking.com

The post 22 Best Things to Do in Cody WY: Capture the True Spirit of the Wild West appeared first on She Buys Travel .

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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.

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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.

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 Tour -  Not Currently Offered

Introduction to caving - not currently offered, trog tour - not currently offered, 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

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

270 758-2180

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Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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Zvenigorod Museum of History, Architecture and Art

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Balloon Story: An immersive experience where Art Meets Air at the Park Ave Armory

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Park Avenue Armory

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Top Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia - Elektrostal Must-See Attractions

Things to do in elektrostal.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

2. Statue of Lenin

3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

5. Museum of Labor Glory

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

Discover the Natural World

Open seven days a week, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., except Dec. 25 We're on the National Mall 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20560 Free Admission

Cicada Double-Emergence

Featured exhibitions.

Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky

Cellphone: Unseen Connections

David H. Koch Hall of Fossils - Deep Time

Programs for Visiting Youth Groups

Today's Events

Black Birders Week at Smithsonian

Understanding the natural world and our place in it.

Delve into the fascinating story of our planet, from its fiery beginnings through billions of years of transformation, and explore life on Earth through exhibitions and activities, collection objects and research that happens in the lab and in the field.

Butterfly Pavilion

During this time when educational resources are more important than ever, we are expanding our digital content and programming to provide them to you. Please help support our efforts to keep curious minds engaged and educated about the wonders of the natural world.

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