BOAT TOURS
Lost River Cave is a non-profit organization funded by ticket sales and donations.
Cave Boat Tours
Step aboard the boat and embark on a journey through history, where folklore and facts blend to tell unforgettable stories. Experience captivating tales of Lost River Cave, from its origins as an ancient Native American hunting ground to its role as a Civil War campground for both Union and Confederate forces. Hear about the notorious Jesse James hiding out here and the swinging underground nightclub that thrived in the 1930s. It’s a journey where folklore and history collide for an experience like no other!
Cave Boat Tour
Reservations are highly recommended.
| Admission Ticket | Adult (13+) | Youth (4-12) | Child (3 and Under) |
| Tour Pricing | $23.95 | $16.95 | $5.95 |
Reserve Your Tour In Advance
- Guarantees your spots are secured for the tour of your choosing!
- Recommended for large groups.
- A good option for avoiding lines and potential wait times during peak visitation periods.
| Schedule | Days | Times (CST) |
|---|---|---|
| Cave Boat Tour Times | Monday - Sunday | Click here to find available tour times. |
| Visitor Center & Gift Shop | Monday - Sunday | 9:30am - 5:30pm CT |
| Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year's Day | Closed early New Year's Eve | ||
For travel agencies, tour groups and parties of 25 or more, please submit the form below. Note: Reply emails can sometimes land in one’s spam folder or junk email.
For educators (including homeschoolers) and scout groups interested in booking field trips, please click here.
Explore Underground
- 45 minute tour: The tour begins with a 20-minute guided walk along the river’s edge. When you arrive at the massive cave entrance, board the boat for a 25-minute ride through the cave.
- The boat tour is appropriate for all ages.
- Please dress for your comfort and for outdoor weather conditions.
- Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended.
- Personal flotation devices (PFD’s) are provided for infant to adult.
- No pets allowed on boat tour.
- Tour is not handicap accessible.
Have more questions?
Feel free to call 270.393.0077 or click here to visit our FAQ webpage.
Walk-ins welcomed, but reservations are highly recommended.
- Simply check-in at the front desk located in our Visitor Center during business hours.
- Tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis unless advance reservations are made.
Due to the natural, unalterable features of the cave, The Lost River Cave Boat Tour is not accessible for individuals using wheelchairs or scooters. Guests with walkers or canes must be able to navigate stairs, ramps, and the boarding process independently. Park staff cannot assist with mobility aids.
Key Information:
- The 45-minute tour includes a 20-minute guided walk to the cave entrance and a 25-minute boat ride.
- The path to the cave features a 30-degree slope, with 15 steps along the walk, that guests must descend and later ascend at the end of the tour.
- At the entrance, guests will navigate 6 steps before receiving instructions and flotation devices.
- Boarding the boat involves stepping down into the boat, which may sway with movement.
- Water depth along the tour is 4 to 5 feet.
- In one section of the cave, the ceiling is very low, and guests will need to bend forward (chin to knee) as the boat moves through this area.
- In the rare event of falling in the water, passengers must maneuver to the exit.
- On request, vehicles may access the cave entrance at designated times.
- A free video of the tour is available at the Visitors Center for those who prefer an above-ground experience.
We aim to ensure that all guests have an enjoyable visit, and we encourage you to consider these factors before planning your tour.