Hidden River Cave and American Cave Museum
Explore a breathtaking underground river and walk the world's longest suspension bridge, then delve into cave history at the onsite museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Hidden River Cave and American Cave Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a breathtaking underground river and walk the world's longest suspension bridge, then delve into cave history at the onsite museum.
"The cave was very interesting with lots of history and interesting features. "
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs and uneven terrain inside the cave. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Listen to Your Guide!
Guides are super knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions! :bulb:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Hidden River
Inside the cave
Hear and see the powerful river flowing beneath the earth, a truly unique subterranean experience.
Underground Suspension Bridge
Inside the cave
Walk across the world's longest underground suspension bridge for breathtaking cave views.
American Cave Museum
Onsite
Explore fascinating exhibits on cave history, science, and culture, including a glass fossil floor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Stairs!
Support a Conservation Effort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs and uneven terrain inside the cave. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Listen to Your Guide!
Guides are super knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions! :bulb:
Dog-Friendly Cave
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on tours! :dog:
Museum First or Last
The museum is a great intro or recap for the cave tour. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs and uneven terrain inside the cave. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Listen to Your Guide!
Guides are super knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions! :bulb:
Dog-Friendly Cave
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on tours! :dog:
Museum First or Last
The museum is a great intro or recap for the cave tour. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hidden River Cave and the American Cave Museum for their unique underground river, impressive suspension bridge, and the engaging, informative tours. The dog-friendly policy and the educational museum are also highly appreciated. However, the significant number of stairs on the return journey is a notable challenge for some.
"We visited Hidden River Cave & American Cave Museum in Kentucky, and it was such an amazing experience! The tour guide was fantastic ,she gave us so many interesting details about the history of the cave, the old filtration system they used for water, and how the cave once played an important role for the local community. You could tell she really loved what she does! The cave itself is breathtaking, especially with the lighting that highlights the rock formations and makes the whole place feel magical. Walking down into the cave and hearing the river flow beneath was such a unique experience. The museum upstairs was also very informative and worth visiting before or after the tour. We absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kentucky!"
Samuel-Varvara Harrison
"Everyone was so friendly and super helpful! The cave was very interesting with lots of history and interesting features. The pathways had lights along them and most had railings. They were accommodating to my use of a cane for balance and were even dog friendly, on couple brought in their very well trained Jack Russell. Partway through our tour an employee named Cole that was inspecting the lighting joined us and helpfully lighted some of the paths and provided information that we couldn't here from guide since we were at the back of the group. I would recommend anyone interested in caves visit as it is a wonderful place!"
Kara Ericson
"Searching for something to do going north on I-65 we discovered this cave in KY. So glad we did. Dylan gave us the tour. He was very knowledgeable. We would recommend you visit this cave. It doesn’t take long and good leg exercise. I’m sure this place is very busy in the summertime. We visited off season right before Thanksgiving."
julie schmitt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hidden River Cave and American Cave Museum is located in downtown Horse Cave, Kentucky. It's easily accessible from I-65. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when traveling north or south through Kentucky. Parking is available nearby.
Yes, Hidden River Cave is located in Horse Cave, KY, which is a short drive from Mammoth Cave National Park. Many travelers visit both on the same trip.
From I-65, take exit 58 for KY-218 toward Horse Cave. Turn right onto US-31W S/Dixie Hwy, and the museum will be on your right. The exact address is 115 W Main St, Horse Cave, KY 42749.
Public transportation options directly to the cave are limited. It's best to travel by car. Many visitors use it as a stop along a road trip.
Yes, RV parking is generally available in the downtown area. The location is convenient for RV travelers exploring Kentucky.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but tours typically range from $20-$30 per adult. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing and to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends, to secure your preferred tour time. Some tours may sell out.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. Generally, the cave and museum are open daily, but it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
Yes, discounts may be available for seniors, children, military personnel, and sometimes for local teachers or residents. Keep an eye out for special promotions like 'Teacher Day' offers.
Typically, your tour ticket includes access to both the Hidden River Cave tour and the American Cave Museum. It's always good to confirm this when purchasing your tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour involves walking through a cave system, including a significant number of stairs (over 600). You'll see the underground river, unique rock formations, and the world's longest underground suspension bridge. Guides are very informative. +1
Yes, the tour requires navigating many stairs and uneven surfaces. While guides are accommodating, it's not recommended for those with severe mobility issues. Good leg strength is beneficial. +1
The museum offers exhibits on cave history, science, and culture. Highlights include a glass fossil floor, information on the cave's role in the community, and even temporary exhibits like cat and dog displays. 
Yes, Hidden River Cave is dog-friendly! Well-trained dogs are welcome to join you on the cave tours, which is a big plus for pet owners.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with good grip, as the cave floor can be damp and uneven. Layers are also a good idea, as cave temperatures are consistently cool.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the cave and museum. The lighting is often set up to highlight formations, making for great photo opportunities.
The suspension bridge offers a dramatic perspective. The areas with unique rock formations and the underground river are also popular for photos.
While it's a cave, there is intentional lighting to illuminate the pathways and formations, which helps with photography. However, it's still a cave environment, so be mindful of low-light conditions.
Tripod policies can vary. It's best to check with the attraction directly or observe if other visitors are using them. Be mindful of tour group flow if you do.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the cave and the suspension bridge.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The cave tour, while involving stairs, is manageable for most families, and the unique underground environment is sure to capture children's imaginations. The dog-friendly policy is also a bonus for families traveling with pets. Tips for families: Consider the stair count for very young children or those who tire easily. The guides are generally good at keeping the pace suitable for groups. The museum provides a great way to break up the physical activity of the cave tour and offers educational content in an accessible format.
🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Fitness Enthusiasts
Recommendations: Wear your most comfortable athletic shoes with excellent grip. Bring water, though it's not typically allowed inside the cave itself, you can have it before or after. The unique environment and the thrill of crossing the suspension bridge make the physical exertion feel rewarding.
🐶 Pet Owners
Key advice: Ensure your dog is comfortable in enclosed spaces and around other people and dogs, as tours can have multiple groups. Keep them on a leash at all times and be mindful of the cave floor's terrain. This policy significantly enhances the travel experience for many visitors who don't want to leave their pets behind.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cave Experience: More Than Just a Tour
Be prepared for a physical challenge, as the tour involves navigating over 600 steps on the return journey. This is a recurring theme in visitor feedback, with many noting it as a significant workout. However, the effort is widely considered worth it for the unique experience. The pathways are generally well-lit with railings for safety, and the staff is known for being accommodating, even to those using canes. The cave is also dog-friendly, allowing well-behaved pets to join the adventure, which is a significant plus for many travelers.
Beyond the cave itself, the American Cave Museum offers a comprehensive educational component. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history and science of caves, walk across a glass fossil floor, and learn about the cave's importance to the local community. It serves as an excellent introduction or conclusion to the cave tour, enriching the overall understanding and appreciation of this natural wonder.
+1Conservation and Community Impact
The cave has a deep historical connection to the local community. It was once used as a natural water filtration system for the town of Horse Cave, highlighting its practical importance throughout history. Understanding this context adds another layer of appreciation to the tour, as you learn how the cave has intertwined with the lives of the people in the region.
Recent events, such as severe flooding impacting visitation, underscore the importance of community support. Initiatives like 'Kentucky Gives Day' aim to raise funds for organizations like the ACCA, demonstrating the collective effort to maintain these natural and historical sites. Visitors are encouraged to support these conservation efforts through their patronage and donations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit