Kentucky is world famous for its caves. Not only is the Bluegrass State home to the world’s largest underground cavern system, but it also lays claim to the world’s only fully underground zip line and adventure course. We also have entire state parks known for their epic caves – and even a secluded river cave that’s only accessible via boat! Situated near the town of Bowling Green, Lost River Cave in Kentucky is an immense cave river that’s full of intrigue and mystery and is one of the most unique and memorable underground adventures you can have in this little state of ours! Check it out, and plan your adventure ASAP:
The south-central region of Kentucky doesn’t get a ton of love, but within this distinctively flat and expansive region, untold wonder awaits.
Lost River Cave/Facebook Sure, things are visually stunning around here (like in most of the state), but it holds… secrets.
After all, there’s more to this region than meets the eye.
Sukanto Mondal/Google Local Much, much more. There’s an entire world you might have never even heard of before under your feet.
Here in Kentucky, we know better than to assume that things are as they appear to be; we know that beneath our shoes, entire underworlds exist.
Lost River Cave/Facebook These underworlds are equal parts fascinating and beautiful.
This is most certainly the case in southern Kentucky, which is harboring a secluded river cave beneath its forested land.
Lost River Cave/Facebook It’s one of those natural wonders in Kentucky that you’ve either heard of or you haven’t, and you’d be surprised by how many locals don’t even realize it’s there.
This is Lost River Cave, a little-known cave system in Kentucky that has some truly spectacular scenery… and a one-of-a-kind way to experience it.
Lost River Cave/Facebook You ready for this?
Only accessible via boat, the seven-mile Lost River Cave is one of the state’s greatest wonders.
Cory Blane/Google Local Lost River Cave is Kentucky’s only underground boat tour, and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not lists it as the shortest, deepest river in the world.
Superlatives aside, Lost River Cave is a completely captivating and marvelous place to explore.
Lost River Cave/Facebook The light reflecting off of this underground river bounces and flickers on the cavern walls, creating wholly wondrous mood lighting for explorers.
The history of this cave is mind incredible, too.
Lost River Cave/Facebook Studies show the Paleo Indians utilized these caves for water and shelter at the end of the ice age. Clovis spear points, common in the Paleo Indian culture, have been discovered in the area. Other spear points have been found dating as far back as 8,000 years, to the Archaic period.
The best part about Lost River Cave is that, unlike some of Kentucky’s other underground adventures, this experience requires little in the way of on-foot navigating, and it’s open to visitors of all ages, making it one of the most accessible cave tours in the state.
Lost River Cave/Google Local It’s an amazing adventure we cannot recommend highly enough!
And to think that all of this history and exists right beneath our feet!
Lost River Cave/Facebook Lost River Cave is wild and wonderful - and so totally Kentucky.
Have you ever explored Lost River Cave in Kentucky before? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience! Visit the Lost River Cave website to learn more and plan your next big Bluegrass adventure!
Lost River Cave/Facebook
Sure, things are visually stunning around here (like in most of the state), but it holds… secrets.
Sukanto Mondal/Google Local
Much, much more. There’s an entire world you might have never even heard of before under your feet.
These underworlds are equal parts fascinating and beautiful.
It’s one of those natural wonders in Kentucky that you’ve either heard of or you haven’t, and you’d be surprised by how many locals don’t even realize it’s there.
You ready for this?
Cory Blane/Google Local
Lost River Cave is Kentucky’s only underground boat tour, and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not lists it as the shortest, deepest river in the world.
The light reflecting off of this underground river bounces and flickers on the cavern walls, creating wholly wondrous mood lighting for explorers.
Studies show the Paleo Indians utilized these caves for water and shelter at the end of the ice age. Clovis spear points, common in the Paleo Indian culture, have been discovered in the area. Other spear points have been found dating as far back as 8,000 years, to the Archaic period.
Lost River Cave/Google Local
It’s an amazing adventure we cannot recommend highly enough!
Lost River Cave is wild and wonderful - and so totally Kentucky.
If you can’t get enough of the amazing things to do, see, and experience in Kentucky, we got you! You might be interested in some of the most amazing hiking trails in Kentucky, and you might also love some of the best things to do in Kentucky for free.
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Address: Lost River Cave, 2818 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Lost River Cave Kentucky December 09, 2022 Tori Jane
What is the Lost River Cave in Kentucky?
The Lost River Cave is located in Bowling Green, KY, and is a gorgeous, seven-mile cave system that never ceases to amaze. It is named for the nearby and adjacent Lost River, which originates from outside the cave but flows right into it (hence the “Lost” part of the name, as it appears to disappear from above). 2. What are some fun things to do at Lost River Cave KY? There are lots of fun things to do at Lost River Cave KY, including activities like:
Hiking any of the handful of trails on site
Enjoying an underground boat tour of the cave system Geocaching Gem mining A butterfly habitat … and more!
3. What are some other caves near Mammoth Cave in Kentucky? There are several other caves near Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, including beautiful wonders like:
Diamond Caverns Crystal Onyx Cave Hidden River Cave
The OIYS Visitor Center
Lost River Cave Kentucky
December 09, 2022
Tori Jane
What is the Lost River Cave in Kentucky?
The Lost River Cave is located in Bowling Green, KY, and is a gorgeous, seven-mile cave system that never ceases to amaze. It is named for the nearby and adjacent Lost River, which originates from outside the cave but flows right into it (hence the “Lost” part of the name, as it appears to disappear from above). 2. What are some fun things to do at Lost River Cave KY? There are lots of fun things to do at Lost River Cave KY, including activities like:
Hiking any of the handful of trails on site
Enjoying an underground boat tour of the cave system Geocaching Gem mining A butterfly habitat … and more!
3. What are some other caves near Mammoth Cave in Kentucky? There are several other caves near Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, including beautiful wonders like:
Diamond Caverns Crystal Onyx Cave Hidden River Cave
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Lost River Cave is located in Bowling Green, KY, and is a gorgeous, seven-mile cave system that never ceases to amaze. It is named for the nearby and adjacent Lost River, which originates from outside the cave but flows right into it (hence the “Lost” part of the name, as it appears to disappear from above).
- What are some fun things to do at Lost River Cave KY?
There are lots of fun things to do at Lost River Cave KY, including activities like:
Hiking any of the handful of trails on site
Enjoying an underground boat tour of the cave system
Geocaching
Gem mining
A butterfly habitat
… and more!
- What are some other caves near Mammoth Cave in Kentucky?
There are several other caves near Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, including beautiful wonders like:
- Diamond Caverns
- Crystal Onyx Cave
- Hidden River Cave