Experience Kentucky's Only Underground Boat Tour!
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Designed for Adults and Families, this tour includes a 20 Minute Guided History Walking Tour and a 25 Minute Cave Boat Tour. Your purchase price also includes a self-guided tour of our Butterfly Habitat (seasonal) and Blue Hole Trails.
The tour at Lost River Cave is not accessible to individuals experiencing mobility difficulties. In the interest of visitor safety, those using a wheelchair (manual or power), power scooter, walker, broad based cane, or crutches are not permitted to take the tour. Both the gift shop and sluice are great options for individuals who are unable to take the tour.
Enjoy this unique blend of education and entertainment.
Lost River Cave’s Underground Boat Tour is the only of its kind in Kentucky and well-worth a trip to the Bowling Green area! The guided tour includes a beautiful, historic river walk which leads you to one of the largest cave entrances east of the Mississippi River. Upon arriving at the cave, visitors embark on their journey into the unique world that exists beneath the city of Bowling Green. Daylight disappears as you board the boat on the river that Ripley’s Believe It or Not claims is the shortest, deepest in the world.
Prehistoric Native Americans, thousands of Civil War troops, Col. John Hunt Morgan and even the notorious Jesse James are said to be among the cave’s legendary visitors. Stroll along the historic river walk and visit the site of the famous 1930s underground Nite Club. Rediscover the child inside when you cross the threshold into the captivating seasonal Butterfly Habitat. Enjoy the Treetop Bridge, Blue Hole Trails, picnic area, gemstone sluice and Old Mill Gifts. Boat tours are subject to weather conditions during the winter months, so call ahead!
Take a Pleasant Stroll!
The woodland trail leads visitors to the enchanting Butterfly Habitat. When you enter the enclosed garden, you'll be surrounded by Kentucky's native butterflies. Visit with the curator to learn all about these delicate creatures, or just sit and enjoy the scenery for a while.
- The butterfly habitat is seasonal, open from late-May to mid-September.
- Located in the Valley, one-half mile from Tree-Top Bridge.
- Children must be chaperoned inside the habitat.
- No pets are allowed in the butterfly habitat.
Don't let the Fool's Gold fool you!
The rock and mineral sluice is fun for kids from ages 1 to 100. You can purchase a sluice bag and pan for gemstones. To help you identify your treasures, you will receive a postcard with an identification key. You keep everything you find in your bag including crystals, rose quartz, amethyst, even emeralds and rubies.
The rock and mineral sluice is closed from mid- November to early March (the water gets too cold!).
Gem Mining Sluice
Small Treasure Bag $5.00
Large Treasure Bag $7.00
Fossil Treasure Bag $9.00
Come see what is Flying Wild!
The valley is a perfect place to bird watch with over 130 different species sighted!
Binoculars are available for use on the property at no cost. A $90 security deposit is required.
Help us keep inventory. Ask for a free birding list.
Observe….Gather data…..Keep a journal!
If a breath of fresh air and a chance to stretch your legs are what you need, be sure to take advantage of the Blue Hole Trails. One of the largest Karst valleys in the United States, the Valley offers nearly three miles of hiking trails. The trails meander through a variety of scenic wildlife habitat including: three blue holes, limestone bluffs, wetlands and the Lost River Spring. The valley is a perfect place to bird watch with over 130 different species sighted!
- Free trail guides, birding lists, and tree identification information are available in the gift shop.
- Sturdy walking shoes are recommended on trails.
- Pets on leashes are welcome, please leave only paw prints.
