Lost River Cave
Experience Kentucky's only underground boat tour through a historic cave, once a hideout for Jesse James.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Lost River Cave
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Kentucky's only underground boat tour through a historic cave, once a hideout for Jesse James.
"Where else are you going to get to go underground and float down a river in a boat!"
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Tickets can sell out; book online to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
🧥 Dress for 52°F
The cave is always cool, so bring a light jacket or sweater for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underground Boat Tour
Inside the cave
Float down a subterranean river on a boat, exploring the cave's natural beauty and rich history.
Historic Significance
Cave and surrounding grounds
Discover tales of Jesse James, Civil War soldiers, and a Prohibition-era nightclub within the cave.
Nature Trails & Butterfly Garden
Above ground
Explore scenic walking paths, discover natural blue holes, and visit a vibrant butterfly garden.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Cave Adventure in Advance
Embrace the Cave's Cool Climate
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Tickets can sell out; book online to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
🧥 Dress for 52°F
The cave is always cool, so bring a light jacket or sweater for comfort.
🚶♀️ Arrive Early for Walk
Allow 30 minutes for the scenic walk to the cave entrance after checking in.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera for stunning cave formations and the unique boat tour experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Tickets can sell out; book online to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
🧥 Dress for 52°F
The cave is always cool, so bring a light jacket or sweater for comfort.
🚶♀️ Arrive Early for Walk
Allow 30 minutes for the scenic walk to the cave entrance after checking in.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera for stunning cave formations and the unique boat tour experience.
🦋 Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the butterfly garden and walking trails after your cave tour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lost River Cave for its unique underground boat tour and the knowledgeable, engaging guides. The cave's natural beauty, historical significance, and the surrounding scenic trails are also frequently highlighted as positives. While some find it a one-time experience, most agree it's a worthwhile and memorable stop in the Bowling Green area.
"First of all, and I cannot emphasize this enough, this is a non-profit cave! I was very worried that this was going to end up being one of those overhyped and under delivered commercial kind of caves because I've been to a lot of them. But that fear was completely unfounded! This cave is the opposite, it is completely under hyped!
The entire tour is conducted from the boat. And I'm sure there's probably some variability based on your tour guide, our tour guide was Sophie and she was awesome, but regardless anyone would have a good time here. Where else are you going to get to go underground and float down a river in a boat!
On top of that it was just naturally very beautiful. And I've been to a lot of caves but this was totally unique. I would definitely highly recommend everyone to visit."
John Pozadzides (John P.)
"We had a great time at Lost River Cave and definitely give it 5 stars! The price was very reasonable — just $24.99 for an adult ticket — and well worth it for the experience.
The tour starts with a 15–20 minute walk to the cave entrance, guided by someone who shared interesting local history and fun facts along the way. Then we boarded a boat and went into the cave itself, which was such a cool and unique experience! The guide continued sharing stories and history during the ride, making it both fun and educational.
After the cave tour, we explored the trails, visited the butterfly garden, and saw three of the natural blue holes on the property — all beautiful and peaceful spots. We ended our visit at the gift shop, which had a great selection and surprisingly reasonable prices.
This was such a fun and different stop — perfect for all ages. Highly recommend if you’re in the Bowling Green area!
Thankfully, we had purchased our tickets in advance. There was a man at the counter asking for same day, walk-up tickets and they were out, so I do highly recommend purchasing your tickets before arriving and arriving at least 30 minutes before so that you can check in and walk down to the area for the tour to begin."
Randi Poole
"The Lost River Cave tour was a fun and interesting stop on our trip. It’s definitely geared toward tourists, and while we enjoyed it, it’s more of a one-time experience—I likely wouldn’t return if we visited the area again.
Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and shared great insights about the cave’s history and unique features. The surrounding nature area was also enjoyable to explore, and we especially loved the children’s nature scape—it was a hit!
Overall, it’s a fun stop if you're nearby, but not necessarily a must-see attraction in the area."
Emily Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lost River Cave is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It's easily accessible by car and is about an hour's drive from Nashville.
Yes, Lost River Cave is very family-friendly. The cave tour is about 30-40 minutes, which is great for short attention spans, and the surrounding grounds offer a children's nature scape.
Lost River Cave is approximately a 45-minute drive from Mammoth Cave National Park, making it a convenient addition to a Kentucky cave exploration trip.
Yes, military discounts are available for Lost River Cave tours.
No, access to the cave itself is only available through guided tours. The visitor center and grounds can be explored freely, but the unique underground boat tour requires a ticket.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult tickets are around $24.99, and children's tickets are approximately $12-$15. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website for the most current pricing.
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular times or if you are visiting on a weekend, as same-day tickets can sell out.
Lost River Cave is generally open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their official website for current operating hours before your visit.
A ticket typically includes the guided underground boat tour, access to the nature trails, and the butterfly garden.
No, Lost River Cave is a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation and education, making it a unique and less commercialized cave experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tour, including the boat ride and walk to the cave entrance, typically lasts about 30-40 minutes.
The temperature inside the cave remains a constant 52°F (11°C) year-round, making it a comfortable visit regardless of the weather outside.
Photography is generally allowed inside the cave, but be mindful of your surroundings and other guests. The unique lighting can create stunning photo opportunities.
Yes, visitors can explore the surrounding nature trails, visit the butterfly garden, and sometimes enjoy special events like outdoor movie nights or scarecrow trails. +1
The walk to the cave entrance is described as scenic and guided, taking about 15-20 minutes. It's generally manageable for most visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Lost River Cave has a gift shop that may offer some snacks or drinks. For full meals, visitors typically dine in Bowling Green before or after their visit.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or before entering the cave tour path to maintain the cave's natural environment.
📸 📸 Photography
The underground boat tour offers unique perspectives of the cave formations. The surrounding nature trails and butterfly garden also provide beautiful photo opportunities.
While flash photography is often permitted, it's courteous to check with your guide and be mindful of other visitors. Excessive flash can sometimes detract from the natural ambiance.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial for capturing the cave's atmosphere. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the boat tour to capture the scale of the caverns.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Above ground, the nature trails and the butterfly garden provide space for kids to explore and burn off energy. 💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1 The magical ambiance of the cave, especially during events like private tours or themed movie nights, can create a memorable experience for couples. The natural beauty of the grounds also provides a serene backdrop for a romantic stroll. 🚗 Day-Trippers from Nashville
You can easily combine the cave tour with exploring other attractions in Bowling Green or make it a stop on a longer road trip through Kentucky. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to maximize your time. 💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Underground Boat Tour
+1Guides share stories about the cave's past, including its use as a refuge by Jesse James and its transformation into a Prohibition-era nightclub. The gentle ride allows for appreciation of the natural beauty and the cool, constant temperature of the cave, making it an engaging experience for all ages.
This tour is the primary reason many visitors choose Lost River Cave, distinguishing it from other cave attractions. The intimate setting and the novelty of a boat ride underground create memorable moments for travelers.
A Rich Tapestry of History
+1More famously, the outlaw Jesse James is said to have used the cave as a hideout in 1869. The cave has also seen less glamorous uses, including being a dumping ground where an old VW Bug was once recovered. Today, the non-profit organization works to preserve its natural and historical significance.
These historical layers add a compelling dimension to the cave visit, allowing guests to connect with the past while experiencing the natural wonder. The guides often weave these narratives into the tour, bringing the cave's storied past to life.
Beyond the Cave: Nature and Events
The venue also hosts various events throughout the year. These can include unique movie nights held inside the cave, offering a spooky or festive atmosphere for films like 'Friday the 13th' or 'Ernest Scared Stupid.'
Seasonal events like the Scarecrow Trail in the fall add a festive touch to the grounds. These additional offerings make Lost River Cave a versatile destination, suitable for a quick tour or a longer visit filled with exploration and seasonal activities. The non-profit status also means that visiting supports these ongoing conservation and community efforts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit