"A little bit of Smithsonian in rural Kentucky."
The Nature Conservancy Magazine, May/June 1995.
 

A visit to Kentucky's Cave Country will not be complete without an in depth look at the fascinating world of caves. A journey through the museum is a step into an unknown terrain where nature sculpts enormous subterranean chambers out of limestone. Discover the history and science of caves and groundwater through a variety of educational and informative exhibits.
 
Museum Exhibits include:

  • Prehistoric Cave Explorers
  • Modern Cave Exploration
  • Cave Lighting
  • Ground Water in America
  • Living in Cave Country
  • History of Mammoth Cave
  • History of Horse Cave
  • Cave Wars
  • The Story of Floyd Collins
  • Saltpetre Mining in Kentucky Caves
  • Photo Gallery of American Caves
  • Bats; Fact & Fiction
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    Artificial spelothems welcome visitors from the lobby into the world of caves.
     

    Karst areas, which are underlain by soluble rock such as limestone or dolomite, are characterized by sinkholes, caves, underground streams and rapid groundwater movement.
     
    Can you identify these features?
     

    This display shows how early people used caves as a source of minerals such as flint and gypsum.

     
    What else might they have used caves for?
     

    This exhibit explores the evolution of cave lighting form cane torches to modern day.
     
    What do we use to light caves today?
     

    Newspapers from years past dictate many cave adventures, such as the story of Floyd Collins, numerous cave dives and the discovery of new caves.
     
    What cave or karst stories have you recently encountered in the news?
     

    This exhibit area relates to industrial chemicals, solid wastes and highway salts.
     
    How might these lead to groundwater problems?
     

    Interactive computer exhibits allow visitors to make decisions about land use and score points based on good decisions.

     
    What environmental concerns might you have when you live in cave country?
     

    The story of Floyd Collins, a pioneer in cave exploration, is depicted in this exhibit area.
     
    Why is he famous?

    There is much more to learn about caves, karst and groundwater at the American Cave Museum and there is more on its way....

    We're Growing!
    Over the next year, we will be working to renovate and expand the American Cave Museum and it's exhibits. Please watch this space for future updates!