TRAILS & ACTIVITIES
Trails
Stretch your legs on nearly two miles of easy walking trails. Explore blue holes, limestone bluffs and a natural spring. Along the Blue Hole Trail, you can visit the remains of stone buildings that once stored dynamite used in quarrying limestone.
The greenway is located above the valley and is perfect for walkers, runners, and strollers. Pets on leashes are welcome, please leave only paw prints.
Trails open 7 days each week from 8:00 am – 7:30 pm.
Gem Mining
Inspire your budding geologists as they pan for gemstone or fossil treasures! They’ll find Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Pyrite, Amber or even Horn Coral! Along with the bag of treasure filled sluice material, children receive a key card which will help them identify their new treasures.
Cave Boat Tour and Yellow Bag of Gems!
- Adults package price 13 and up $28.90 ($3 savings)
- Kids package price 4-12 $25.90 ($3 savings)
Take advantage of this special offer in the Gift Shop!
Buy a Big Bonus Bag for $24.95 and receive a Red Bag of Gems for FREE! ($6.95 in Savings)
Take advantage of this special offer in the Gift Shop! No coupon necessary.
Gift Shop
Stop in at the Lost River Cave Gift Shop and check out an array of unique items for every occasion! You’ll find nature-inspired, modern vintage and shabby chic gifts. We cater to the shopper who craves a cozy, down-home atmosphere as well as a great selection of merchandise.
Since opening its doors in mid-2011, the Gift Shop has set its sights on providing financial support for this region’s only Nature Center. You’ll find that the store offers a unique shopping experience with a down-to-earth local feel.
All proceeds from the Lost River Cave Gift Shop provides funding for the Woodlands, Wetlands, and Wildlife at Lost River Cave! Thanks for your support!
| Visitors Center & Gift Shop | Monday – Friday Saturday - Sunday | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm 8:30 am - 6:00 pm |
Gift Certificates make great gifts for friends, family, and employees! They can be purchased at any denomination and be redeemed for Gift Shop Merchandise, Memberships, Facility Rentals, Cave Boat Tours, the Jr. Naturalist Program, etc!
All WKU Students will receive $10 off $30 in the Gift Shop! (Must show Student ID)
Nature Explore Playscape
The Monticello Banking Company Nature Explore Playscape is the playground for your imaginative, curious kids! With all-natural elements, kids can use their imaginations to create a world of their own in nature. Whether their exploring the “cave”, building a fort, or staging a performance on the Thistle Theatre stage, a good time is sure to be had by children ages 6-12.
Butterfly Habitat
The Charlie Miller Butterfly Habitat is open* Memorial Day through Labor Day. This seasonal attraction is cherished by locals and visitors alike! Step through the entrance and observe the beauty and wonder that surrounds you. Our screened-in garden supports native Kentucky butterfly species and offers access to nature at no cost.
* The Charlie Miller Butterfly Habitat will be closed in 2020 for habitat restoration. This year we are very excited to be amending the soil and improving plant life within the Habitat. We’ll be establishing hardy, native, and nutritious plant species during our butterfly hiatus. These native perennials will provide the best nectar and pollen supplies to sustain healthy populations in seasons to come. We can’t wait to see you in 2021 for the reopening of the Habitat.
Local artists Hadleigh Chapman and Novelty V. Habit donated their time and talent to create an amazing mural on the side of the Gift Shop to raise awareness of the need for the ongoing support of the Butterfly Habitat.
Come spread your wings and tag #lostrivercave as you take flight for an awesome cause!