Lost River Cave

4.6 (2833)

2818 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101
(270) 393-0077
lostrivercave.org

Claimed
Tourist attraction
Education center
Event venue
Gift shop
Hiking area
Nature preserve
Non-profit organization
Park
Wedding venue
Subterranean boat tours offered in a limestone cave complex with a visitor center & gift shop.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance

Reviews

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Ann W

2024-04

We've been through numerous caves, and although this one does not have the massive stalactites and stalagmites (which they explain about during the tour), it was a very interesting cave and I loved hearing about all of the history surrounding the cave and the area. Our guide, Jayden, was both personable and knew what he was talking about. I wish I had known ahead of time about all of the trails in the area as well because I would have planned to have more time before or after our tour to explore the area some more. I am very glad that we decided to do this.The walk down to the cave was intermixed with things to see and stories to hear, so it wasn't too fast for anyone in the group and our overall group ranged from somewhere 6 months to somewhere upward of 60. You walked back on your own and at your own pace for the uphill part, and it really wasn't bad. There is a gravel parking lot at the very back of the property that will knock about 10 minutes off of the return walk if you are worried about the total distance. One woman had her son go and get their car for her. Nice short distance, so very easy to drop one person at the front desk to check-in, then drive those worried about the walk to the back of the parking lot and park there.The only warning I would have for people with balance or knee type problems is that the two steps down into the boat can be a bit hard to manage since there isn't anywhere really good to hold onto. The guide was holding the boat steady, so he wasn't able to help much. Even though I was headed to the left side of the boat to be seated, I walked in on the right side and used the rail on shore to hold onto, then moved over to my side.

Marissa Widdison

2024-04

Just got done with the boat tour and loved it. What a unique experience! Our group had a toddler and it was great—they had kid-sized life vests (required for those under 13). This seems pretty doable for different activity levels, with these two things in mind: 1) there is a bit of a walk to get to the start, so give yourself extra time, 2) at one point on the boat you have to duck pretty far down so as not to hit your head. Staff was really knowledgeable and friendly. Nice visitor center and bathrooms. Other activities available and spaces for picnics—could spend several hours here. This is run by a nonprofit. Would totally recommend to others and go again!

Stacy McAuliffe

2024-04

We came for spring break, and the boat ride through a cave is one of the things our kids were the most excited about. It was their favorite cave tour. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about our experience here. The hiking trails were perfect for our youngest child’s little legs, and well maintained. The boat tour was a lot of fun, and a different experience than the other caves we toured. Something I saw earlier in the week at their gift shop was gone, and they were able to go into their storage area and get exactly what I wanted. It made my day because I came back to the gift shop a few days later specifically hoping that item was still there. Would recommend to anyone!

Sara Twogood

2024-04

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Jason Bushmire

2024-04

What a neat experience! It was quite unique.We had an entertaining tour guide who shared a lot of stories about the cave and area.The actual time on the boat in the cave was shorter than I was hoping, and you don’t travel very far. Other than that it was fun. I wouldn’t go a second time but I’m glad I did it once.

Matt DeVries

2024-04

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Greg L

2024-04

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Steph Gore

2024-03

I’m so glad we decided to come here! Everyone in the gift shop was super friendly. Brad was our tour guide and he was very knowledgeable and he was kind to all the kids with questions on our tour.

Anthony Anderson

2024-04

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Donna Smith

2023-10

This was a different cave experience than what we are used to since this one is in a boat. It isn't a long boat tour but it is interesting. The grounds are very nice and the staff is nice and friendly. Our tour guide was fun. They also have ziplines, a butterfly sanctuary, and nature trails. There is also a very nice gift shop. This is one tour that you probably wouldn't repeat, but it is definitely worth visiting.

Paciance Greenlee

2024-02

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T

2023-11

Definitely book this tour! We were searching for a cave tour that is easily accessible as we had two with us that had small mobility issues that could not do much of the hiking which would be involved with the other cave tours around. They both made it up and down to the entrance with ease. Our tour guide was fantastic, knowledgeable and made the adventure enjoyable! The boat tour itself is gorgeous.

Tami Nitsche

2024-04

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Dawn Davis

2023-10

Lost River Cave is phenomenal! I had my wedding here over the weekend and I got so many compliments! The staff were so helpful and professional. Their get ready building was so helpful! I got to hang out with my girls and hook my phone up for music! I strongly recommend this venue for weddings! 10/10!We also did the tour and that was so much fun! We encouraged everyone from our guests list to go before the wedding as well!

Carla Stapleton

2023-09

This place is really relaxing and calming. I love coming here when I am in Kentucky. They have a great gift shop and very friendly staff. The grounds are beautiful, there is hiking trails and a butterfly garden that is fun to see. It is a good place to get out in nature. I love seeing the creeks and hearing the water.The tour is short but I enjoyed the boat ride. You don't go that deep into the cavern but I would definitely recommend coming here. It is beautiful.

Rebecca D

2023-08

This tour was good, not great, but a nice stop if you have extra time near Mammoth Cave.This was the only truly wet cave we ventured to. It was a nice albeit short boat ride through the cave. Our tour guide Emma-Claire was so passionate and informative. You could tell she was interested in what she was talking about, and did a great job of inserting humor in with the history.The cave is very pretty and the gift shop has a good selection of trinkets and handmade goods from local artisans.This wouldn’t be a tour I would repeat, and think the price doesn’t necessarily match the length and overall experience, but still glad we experienced it.

Stevie Hardyman

2024-04

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Laura LeSueur

2023-08

If you love being surrounded by the wonders of God's creation then I highly recommend the nature trail here. With beautiful scenery and interesting facts about the Lost River along the way it is sure to please any nature lover. I have yet to take the underground boat tour but I'm sure I won't be disappointed when I finally do. The gift shop has unique and beautiful items for sale and the employees are very friendly. My grandchildren enjoyed the rock mining and the Lost River spring more than anything. I could go here every day and discover something new.

Michael Firman

2023-12

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Lori H

2024-01

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Brandi Browning

2024-04

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Edward Lee

2023-07

Tour guide is very passionate and knowledgeable about the cave and knows how to deliver information to audiences with different ages. It was fun listening to all the information he gave to the tour group.Lots of interaction between the tourist and the guide, pointing out formations of the rock, and ducking our heads down to squeeze in through the cave made up the entire experienceThe whole tour was very exciting, and memorable experience. I did not know that Kentucky was full of cave until I got here and learned about it.Highly recommend to come check this place out! Family-friendly!I don’t know how often the tickets sell out, but you can book it online or in person!

Taylor Geaney

2023-10

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Monsop Collado

2023-12

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No Mercy

2024-04

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Kim Godwin

2023-05

This cave was beautiful! I enjoyed learning facts about the place from our tour guide. You can also rent the area for a wedding! It was really pretty and very neat to ride the boat through the cave, my son loved it. Also I think its less than a 20 minute walk to the cave or for the start of the cave tour. They are kid/baby friendly as we took a 9 year old and a 9 month old on the tour. The gift shop had lots of cute knickknacks too! We didnt have a wait to buy the tickets but we had about a 20 minute wait from time we purchased tickets until our tour actually began, which was totally fine with us as there was plenty to see to occupy our time.

Rachel Foote

2023-09

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Cyndee Adkins

2023-10

We went during the fall once and once in winter, so the butterfly museum and the zip lines were not in service at the time. Otherwise, we had a great experience. We went with a homeschool group. The water guide was very informative, and we all had a great time! I do think the pricing is a little steep for such a short tour, though. If you are looking for something quick to do while in the area, this would be it! They also have a fun geocaching experience you can do with the kids (or adults) as well. It's not something I think a lot of people know about. Great trails with a beautiful light waterfall at the end. You'll see some historical spots along the trails like the old outposts. Super neat!

Kristen Baker

2023-09

This was a very pretty place. Small gift shop with an outside area for kids to run around and explore. A few painted murals for pictures. There is a small walk down into the lost cave, very pretty walk along the river, everyone in our group enjoyed the boat ride into the cave. Was very short but enjoyable, nonetheless. One part of the boat ride you have to duck down under a very long rock just be aware if you have older people with you.

Pam J

2023-12

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Opening Hours

Monday 8:30 AM-6:30 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM-6:30 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM-6:30 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM-6:30 PM
Friday 8:30 AM-6:30 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM-6:30 PM
Sunday 8:30 AM-6:30 PM

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