Ten Kentucky Tourist Places: Mammoth Cave National Park (#1)

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For the final place that's on anyone's list of places to visit in Kentucky I'm going with the diamond. I've been counting down my favorite places in Kentucky to show what a great state we are. Truthfully, I haven't scratched the surface, either: there's a replica of Noah's Ark, fossil beds (Big Bone Lick State Park and the Falls of the Ohio), more miles of navigable water than any other state except Alaska, and oh, we're the "houseboat capital of the world." But the place that's on a lot of individuals' "bucket list" is the wonder that sits at the top of my list. Here it is. #1: Mammoth Cave National Park It's a big hole in the ground. Actually, it's a mammoth hole in the ground. With over 400 charted miles of passages, Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world. The uncharted portion? Who knows. You might be able to walk to Tennessee in the cave system. Tours of the cave range from relatively easy access tours to serious spelunking tours, where you'd better be Twiggy to get through the passages. You can purchase tickets at the welcome center or in advance online. If going down into the earth and seeing bats (you have to have your feet "sterilized" when you leave the cave because of the white nose fungus that's affecting bats) isn't your speed, there's plenty to do above ground. One of the best things that I love about Mammoth Cave is the handicapped-accessible trail behind the welcome center. I took my dear mother of blessed memory on that a number of times, including a few times in a wheelchair. There's Sunset Point, where you can admire the stunning beauty of the area. More adventurous hikes will take you to various places in the park. Kayaking and canoeing is available on the Green River. There's also a hotel and camping. Admission to the park itself is free. Tours of the cave do cost, but there's plenty to do and admire without that. Either way, though, it's an amazing place to see. Come see us! Thanks for reading. Mammoth Cave National Park Located near Cave City An overview of the underground portion of the park: