An NPS ranger addresses a group of people seated in a cave passageway illuminated by lantern light.

Violet City Lantern Tour

Mammoth Cave National Park

  • Every day at 2:00 PM from June 01, 2025 to June 14, 2025
  • Fees apply

Register

Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredibly steep hills on historic dirt trails as you experience the cave in the light of the earliest explorers. This tour is ideal for visitors who like to hike and are wanting a unique way to experience the cave.  

Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Mammoth Passage Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. Be prepared for the rugged nature of this tour which includes steep hills, low lighting, and uneven terrain with no handrails or electric lighting infrastructure. To preserve the nostalgic nature of this tour, the use of flashlights is prohibited.

More information

Fees

Fees: $32 Adult, $27 Youth, $16 Senior Pass Holder, $16 Access Pass Holder

Location

This tour departs from the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

Latitude and Longitude 37.187022, -86.101071

Schedule

Days:

Every day

Dates:

June 01, 2025 to June 14, 2025

Time:

2:00 PM

Duration:

3 hours

Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your tour time.

Event Type

  • Guided Tour
Tags: mammoth cave, cave tours, tour, mammoth cave national park