On our last trip through Kentucky, we had the pleasure of stopping off near Mammoth Cave National Park for a quick underground tour of Diamond Caverns, one of many show caves in that area.

We had wanted to see Mammoth Cave itself, but didn't have the two-to-three hours that it required for it's multiple tours. Diamond Caverns sits right outside the bounderies and provided a smaller tour and just as beautiful as bigger caves, if you ask me.

Currently privately-owned by a group of enthusiastic cavers and their wives, Diamond Caverns remains the second-oldest show cave in the Central Kentucky area, being discovered and opened for tours in 1859.

Today, guided tours operate every 20-30 minutes, according to the website. My husband kept telling me to wear a jacket since the cave temperature is 58-degrees year-round, but I said no, being more knowledgable about caves than he ;). Sure enough, after walking and climbing hundreds of steps, I was sweating and it was down-right humid in the cave. (For those surfing in through Blogazoo, here's a GaZ oo!) He himself had to remove his sweatshirt half way into the tour. Maybe he should have listened to me in the first place. Of course, that doesn't go for everyone. It is chilly down there.


The tour goes for 1/2 a mile or so and they are very strict about not touching the various formations. The cave is not handicapped accesible and strollers are not permitted. See the official website for more information.

There is plenty to do in central Kentucky, especially in that area. Places such as Hidden River Cave, Dinosaur World (which my kids loved!), Barren River Lake, Mammoth Cave, and Lost River Cave are in the near vicinity of each other and can fill your weekends with fun.

Don't forget Diamond Caverns though. It was a gem!



Diamond Caverns, LLC.
P.O. Box 2501900 Mammoth Cave Parkway
Park City, KY 42160
270-749-2233
fax: 270-749-3423