Audubon and Little Bat Avenue - Beneath Your Feet

Several artifacts from early prehistoric people are on display at this junction in the cave.

NPS Photo/ David Kem

Quick Facts

Location:

Mammoth Cave, KY 42259

Significance:

Large trunk passageway and early tourism

Designation:

World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

On the Historic Tour route about a quarter mile from the Historic Entrance is the intersection of Audubon and Little Bat Avenues.  This is a large trunk canyon passage that is about 60 feet wide and about 30 feet high. It was set up as a banquet hall with electrical lights in the early 1900’s. There was a gas generator that charged a bank of batteries to power the lights.  In the mid-1800’s cave owner Dr. John Croghan named Audubon Avenue after his friend, the famous ornithologist and artist John James Audubon. In 1838 a visitor reported seeing “tens of thousands” of bats in Little Bat Avenue. Few bats remain, but visitors still see stain on the ceiling from the bat’s feet where they roosted.

NPS Mobile App Users: Click here to watch a video on a ranger in Audubon and Little Bat Avenue. 

Duration:

33.233 seconds

Join Ranger Ashley as she shows you Audubon and Little Bat Avenue, 149 feet beneath the surface.