Lost River Cave

Tucked away in the city of Bowling Green lies a natural wonder, a river that gets lost as it flows underground surrounded by over 60 acres of wooded trails and activities just waiting to be explored. Kentucky's only Cave Boat Tour, the Flying Squirrel Zipline (closed for the season, reopens spring 2022), a Nature Explore Playscape, and the seasonal Butterfly Habitat await you at Lost River Cave!

 

Daylight disappears from view as you board the boat on the river that Ripley's Believe It or Not claims is the shortest and deepest in the world. A comfortable 57 degrees year round, the boat tour offers a visit into the timeless world of a Kentucky natural wonder. The guided walking tour along the river's edge will bring alive stories of Native Americans, Early European settlers, Civil War troops and the notorious Jesse James. 

Throughout the valley, enjoy Treetop Bridge, nature trails, bird watching stations, picnic areas, and a favorite children's activity, the gemstone sluice. Additionally, visitors can enjoy zipping across the valley and over one of the valley's blue holes on the Flying Squirrel Zipline. Younger visitors can get in on the action, too, with the Lightning Bug Zipline geared for ages 3 to 10.

 

Back at the entrance near the Visitor Center, families love the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom featuring multiple nature stations, and the Wetlands educational area behind. Inside, Wildflower Gifts offers apparel, home decor, collectibles, jewelry, Kentucky food products, fossils, and more. 

Just looking to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air? Enjoy the valley's blue hole trails at no charge by simply checking in at the Visitor Center to let them know you're there. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the valley. Special tours including the Discovery Cave Crawl are available on a limited basis during the fall, winter and early spring when the river level is safe. All equipment including personal floatation device, helmets and headlamps is included. Additional children's activities and special events take place regularly throughout the summer. Contact the cave for more details. 

Lost River Cave is available for corporate, civic, or social events after 6:30 pm each day. Walk along the river's edge, hold a ceremony or cocktail party on the bridge or at the Butterfly Habitat. The cave's ballroom (once the site of an underground nightclub!) is under roof, has a crystal chandelier and holds 300 seated guests with room for dancing. The new River Birch Meeting Room will hold approximately 50 people and is perfect for an annual meeting, social gathering or birthday party.