Ranger-led Programs

PLEASE NOTE

In response to COVID-19 and following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Mammoth Cave National Park is offering a reduced schedule of ranger-led programs. Due to COVID-19, services inside and around the visitor center will be limited.  

 

Learn More About Each Ranger-led Program Navigation

 

Attending a ranger-led program in the park is a great way to discover new things and learn more about the Mammoth Cave National Park. The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs such as cave tours and programs on the surface like talks, walks, and junior ranger activities. All surface programs are offered free of charge, however, there is a fee for cave tours. Be sure to check the current program and event schedule for the dates of your visit to the park to see what programs are available.

 

Current Ranger-led Program Schedule

March 6 - March 19, 2021

Activity	Program Time
Transportation Talk	9:00 am, Daily
Stephen Bishop Talk	10:00 am, Daily
Ranger Talk	4:00 pm, Daily
Floyd Collins Talk	3:00 pm, Daily

March 20 - April 29, 2021

Activity	Program Time
Let's Go Birding!	8:30 am, Tuesday and Thursday
Spring Nature Hike	11:00 am,Tuesdays and Thursday
Transportation Talk	9:00 am, Daily 3:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday
Stephen Bishop Talk	10:00 am, Daily 2:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday
Ranger Talk	12:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 4:00 pm, Daily
Floyd Collins Talk	1:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 3:00 pm, Daily
Evening Program	7:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday

April 30 - May 31, 2021

Activity	Program Time
Transportation Talk	9:00 am, Daily 3:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday
Stephen Bishop Talk	10:00 am, Daily 2:30 pm, Saurday and Sunday
Ranger Talk	12:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 4:00 pm, Daily
Floyd Collins Talk	1:30 pm, Satuday and Sunday 3:00 pm, Daily
Evening Program	7:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday

 

Walks and Hikes

Let's Go Birding!

Join local volunteer naturalist and birding expert, Steve Kistler, in search of the sights and sounds of a diverse variety of bird species around the visitor center area. In addition to resident birds, you'll have the opportunity to look and listen for spring migrants as they pass through the park. Bring binoculars, if available. Meets on the back porch of the visitor center.

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) Duration: 1-2 hours Accessible: Varies

Spring Nature Hike

Join local volunteer naturalist, Steve Kistler, and discover spring wildflowers, ferns, and critters while hiking the trails at Mammoth Cave National Park. Destinations to be determined by the size of the groups and the weather conditions. Meets on the back porch of the visitor center.

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) Duration: 1-2 hours

 

Sit beneath the stars while you learn about the park at an evening program.

Talks

Floyd Collins Talk

Discover the story that captivated the nation, of a determined cave explorer and a daring rescue mission. Meets at the Mammoth Cave Baptist Church and Cemetery located along the Flint Ridge Road.

Difficulty: Easy Duration: 10 minutes Accessible: With assistance

Stephen Bishop Talk

Learn about one of the most famed cave explorers and guides, Stephen Bishop, and the contributions he and other African Americans made to Mammoth Cave. Meets at the Old Guides Cemetery located along the Heritage Trail.

Difficulty: Easy Duration: 10 minutes Accessible: Wheelchair accessible

Transportation Talk

Join a park ranger to learn about the history of transportation to Mammoth Cave. Program topics may vary and could include stories and history about the Mammoth Cave Railroad, stagecoaches, steamboats and more. Meets at the historic steam engine located next to the camp store.

Difficulty: Easy Duration: 10 minutes Accessible: Wheelchair accessible

Ranger Talk

Join a park ranger at Shelter-B behind the visitor center for a 10-minute presentation on a variety of topics inspired by Mammoth Cave. Program topics may include plants, animals, history, scientific research and more. Meets at Shelter-B behind the visitor center.

Difficulty: Easy Duration: 10 minutes Accessible: Wheelchair accessible

Evening Programs

Spend an evening beneath the stars and join a park ranger to learn about a variety of topics inspired by Mammoth Cave National Park. Program topics are ranger’s choice and could include local stories, history, plants, animals, geology and more! Meets at the amphitheater between the lodge and camp store.

Difficulty: Easy Duration: 30 minutes Accessible: Wheelchair accessible

 

Junior Ranger Activities

There are no ranger-led junior ranger activities scheduled at this time. A self-paced junior ranger activity book is avalible at the visitor center for those wishing to earn their Mammoth Cave junior ranger badge.

 

Cave Tours

Cave tours are offered thorough the year and follow a variety of tour routes inside Mammoth Cave and other caves in the park. For more information about cave tours, ticket reservations and tour schedules visit our cave tour page.